MANKATO, Minn. - Minnesota State's men's hockey head coach Luke Strand was named a finalist for Central Collegiate Hockey Association Coach of the Year on Monday (Mar. 25).

Strand guided the team to an 18-15-4 overall record (12-10-2 CCHA) in his first season. Other finalists included Tom Serratore (Bemidji State) and Joe Shawhan (Michigan Tech).

The winner will be announced on Wednesday, March 27 at 10 a.m. CT. Under Strand's leadership, the Mavericks hosted and won their CCHA quarterfinal over Northern Michigan with 2-1 and 6-1 victories at Mayo Clinic Health System Event Center. The team fell 4-3 to the league's eventual Mason Cup champion Michigan Tech on March 16 at the John MacInnes Student Ice Arena.

Strand coached Sam Morton (Hobey Baker Top-10 Finalist, CCHA Player of the Year, CCHA Forward of the Year, All-CCHA First Team) and Evan Murr (Tim Taylor Rookie of the Year Watch List, CCHA All-Rookie Team, All-CCHA Second Team).

Morton recently signed a professional contract with the Calgary Flames organization. Defenseman Tony Malinowski also signed with the Reading Royals (ECHL) this week.

Serratore helped Bemidji State to its first MacNaughton Cup championship since 2017-18 and is in his 23rd season with the Beavers. Shawhan guided Michigan Tech to the Mason Cup championship and third straight NCAA appearance. He is in his seventh season as head coach of the Huskies.