Legendary UMD Hockey Coach Mike Sertich Dies at 77 After Battle with Cancer

Mike Sertich, the revered coach of Minnesota Duluth’s men’s hockey team from 1982 to 2000, passed away on August 8, 2024, at the age of 77 after a two-year struggle with pancreatic cancer.

Sertich spent his final days in hospice care in Duluth.

Originally from Virginia, Minnesota, Sertich began his connection with the Bulldogs as a defenseman in the late 1960s before moving into coaching and teaching roles in Grand Rapids.

He assisted Gus Hendrickson in leading the Grand Rapids team to the Minnesota state high school hockey title in 1975. When Hendrickson became UMD’s head coach in 1975, Sertich joined him as an assistant.

Sertich became the head coach of UMD in the 1982-83 season, leading the team to new heights, including three consecutive NCAA tournaments.

The Bulldogs reached the national championship game in 1984 but lost to Bowling Green in a grueling four-overtime match. The team only won their first national title in 2011.

During his tenure, Sertich coached notable players such as Hobey Baker Award winners Tom Kurvers, Bill Watson, and Chris Marinucci, as well as 11 All-Americans, including Brett Hull.

Despite receiving an offer from the Minnesota Gophers in 1985, Sertich declined, preferring the smaller, more personal environment of Duluth.

Sertich’s career record at UMD was 350-328-44. He received the Spencer Penrose Award as NCAA Coach of the Year in 1984 and was honored as WCHA Coach of the Year four times.

After leaving UMD, he coached Michigan Tech for three seasons.

Sertich is survived by three children and five grandchildren.