The Central Collegiate Hockey Association (CCHA) has announced the Finalists for Coach of the Year and Rico Blasi (St. Thomas), Bob Daniels (Ferris State) and Luke Strand (Minnesota State) have been recognized. The winner will be announced on Wednesday.

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Blasi led the Tommies to a 13-9-4 record in CCHA play, closing out their conference schedule with five straight victories. St. Thomas netted a league-best five shorthanded goals and 25 power-play goals, boasting a 32.5% power play, which led the league. The Tommies were also second in total goals (76) and shooting percentage (5.7%), while finishing fourth in goals-against average (2.54). 

St. Thomas climbed to third in the standings by season's end, before sweeping Ferris State and topping Bowling Green in the Mason Cup Playoffs. The Tommies fell to Minnesota State, 4-2, in the Mason Cup Championship Game.

In his final season at the helm of the Bulldogs, Daniels posted a 12-13-1 record in CCHA play, including the third-most regulation wins (11) in the league. Ferris State produced the second-most points (203) and assists (129) during conference play, while finishing third in face-off wins (825). Closing out the regular season on a three-game unbeaten streak (2-0-1), the Bulldogs were second in shorthanded goals (2) and fourth in fewest penalty minutes (222).

Strand brought Minnesota State back to the NCAA Tournament in 2024-25, winning the MacNaughton Cup and Mason Cup after an 18-5-3 record in conference play. The Mavericks led the CCHA in goals (77), goals against (37), penalty kill (85.3%) and save percentage (.947). Second in shots (759) and shorthanded goals (2), they were third in shutouts (3), points (202) and assists (125). 

The Mavericks jumped out to a substantial lead in the CCHA standings by the midway point and were able to hold off Augustana, Michigan Tech and Bowling Green to claim their ninth MacNaughton Cup title and third since 2021-22. Minnesota State swept Lake Superior State in the Mason Cup Quarterfinals, before defeating Bemidji State and St. Thomas to win the Mason Cup. 

Earning the CCHA's automatic bid into the NCAA Tournament, the Mavericks face Western Michigan in the opening round of the Fargo Regional on Thursday (4pm CT).

Voting for the 2024-25 All-CCHA Teams and year-end awards was conducted by the nine head coaches at each CCHA member institution, based on CCHA conference games only. Coaches were not permitted to vote for their own players or themselves.

The league's year-end award announcements conclude on Wednesday (11am ET) with the Coach of the Year.

For more information, contact: 
 
Perry Laskaris 
Director of Strategic Communications & Brand Advancement 
Central Collegiate Hockey Association (CCHA) 
Laskaris@ccha.com 
(651) 308-1065