Don Lucia

Played Defense at Notre Dame[1]

He is one of 10 coaches to record more than 600 NCAA men's ice hockey wins, and one of four to win national titles in consecutive years.[1]

During the 2008-2009 season, Lucia was diagnosed with sarcoidosis, but only missed four games while battling the autoimmune disease. This illness, combined with a growing number of college hockey players taking their talents to the NHL, led to a 17-18-2 record during the 2009-2010 season. This season was Lucia's only year with a losing record with the Gophers, and his first since coaching Alaska-Fairbanks in the 1991-1992 season.[1]

He is married to his wife Joyce, with whom he shares 4 kids: Allison, Jessica, Tony, and Mario.[2]

Aaron Ness

In an effort to be able to play collegiate hockey one year earlier than projected, Ness accelerated his course load during his junior year of high school in order to graduate early. A combination of 8 classes at school as well as 3.5 credits online, however, did not stop him from leading his team to a fourth-place finish at the 2008 2A State Tournament.[3]

Aaron's father, Jay, also grew up in Roseau and played collegiate hockey for the University of North Dakota. Jay was drafted in the 7th round of the 1982 draft by the Chicago Blackhawks.[4]

References

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  1. ^ a b c Borzi, Pat. "Once-Embattled Coach Has Gophers Golden Again." New York Times 8 Feb. 2013: B11(L). Academic OneFile. Web. 10 Oct. 2015.
  2. ^ "SURVIVING STORMY DAYS; Don Lucia's charmed life hit a rough spell over the past couple of years, particularly when the Gophers hockey coach was hit with a rare disease that affected his even-keeled personality." Star Tribune [Minneapolis, MN] 19 Dec. 2010: 1C. Business Insights: Essentials. Web. 10 Oct. 2015.
  3. ^ Rand, Michael. "BOYS' HOCKEY NOTES; Aaron Ness of Roseau wins Mr. Hockey award." Star Tribune [Minneapolis, MN] 10 Mar. 2008: 10C.Business Insights: Essentials. Web. 11 Oct. 2015.
  4. ^ Spiros, Dean. "Taking the fast track to stardom; Acceleration is at the forefront for Roseau's Aaron Ness, be it on the ice or in the classroom."Star Tribune [Minneapolis, MN] 8 Feb. 2008: 01C. Business Insights: Essentials. Web. 11 Oct. 2015.