The Minnesota State Mavericks are a leading force in men’s college hockey. Based out of Mankato, Minnesota, Minnesota State is one of the five schools located in the state competing in Division I college hockey. Former Minnesota State player and current assistant coach, Darren Blue, has forged a winning culture at the program and helped young talent find success following their college years. 

He has been apart of Minnesota State’s coaching staff since the 2000-01 season, following a few years coaching at Chicago Lakes High School from 1996-99. 

“I was afforded the opportunity to come back and join the program, with Troy Jutting as head coach in his first year,” Blue said. “I was excited and jumped at the chance of coming back to Mankato, where I spent years as a player.” 

Now, he is working with head coach Mike Hastings and associate head coach Todd Knott. With five NCAA tournament appearances, five Western Collegiate Hockey Association (WCHA) regular-season titles and three WCHA postseason tournament championships, this trio has led the Mavericks to more wins than any other program in the country in the last nine years.

Blue Creates A Culture

Since Blue has been an assistant coach at Minnesota State for an extensive amount of time, he has been able to see various players go on to have careers playing hockey following their time at Minnesota State. 

“I think you go back and go through different eras,” Blue said. “In my first years we had Tim Jackman, who was an NHL-drafted player. He only spent a couple years with us, but helped us with legitimacy of a new program.” 

Jackman was the first player drafted to the NHL out of Minnesota State. He was selected in the second round by the Columbus Blue Jackets and spent time between the AHL and NHL. Jackman played for a number of NHL teams such as the Calgary Flames and the New York Islanders, as well. 

“That legitimacy was able to help us recruit some better players,” Blue said. “[Jackman] was one of them. You look back at those years and Grant Stevenson and Shane Joseph were in the program in the early ‘2000s.”

Stevenson and Joseph had formidable careers playing hockey with Minnesota State. Both had a short stint with the Cleveland Barons of the AHL, and Stevenson played a season with the San Jose Sharks. Eventually, Stevenson and Joseph finished their careers in Europe.

David Backes, Ryan Carter and Teddy Blueger

David Backes is one of the best players to come out of Minnesota State. The former captain of the St Louis Blues is still active in the NHL, currently playing for the Anaheim Ducks.

Ryan Carter, another Minnesota State alumnus, had a prosperous career of his own, playing 13 seasons in the NHL. 

“I’d hate to single one or two out, some players like David Backes have gone on to play in the Olympics, which never hurts when trying to recruit players,” Blue said.

Since Jackman’s success, Minnesota State has produced many more players who went on to play professional ice hockey.  

Most recently, Teddy Blueger came out of Minnesota State and plays for the Pittsburgh Penguins.

“[Blueger] had an unbelievable four-year career here,” Blue said. “He showed up every day at the rink, has a desire to be better everyday and a work ethic that is contagious. He makes everyone around him a better player.” 

This praise from coach Blue should excite Penguins fans about Blueger, as the promising youngster had a solid sophomore campaign following his rookie year during the 2018-19 season.

Some Iconic Rivalries

The talent brewing in Minnesota State’s program has created some rivalries. There are many college hockey teams in Minnesota and there are some iconic duels being created between these in-state schools.

“We’ve got a pretty good rivalry with Bemidji State,” Blue said. “Minnesota Duluth we’ve had some great battles with and St. Cloud, as well. Minnesota being right up the road that has created some fun games for us and our fans. It’s a lot of excitement when we get those teams from Minnesota into our rink.”

A Lasting Impact on Minnesota State

Blue and the impact his family have had on Minnesota State can not be understated. The years he has spent with the men’s hockey team has helped mold a culture all schools can admire. Blue’s wife, Jen Blue, is the women’s cross country/track and field head coach. 

“We are very appreciative of every opportunity this university has afforded us,” Blue said. “The people that are a part of our lives because of this program. People that I’ve worked with who are extremely supportive, and the people that me and my wife have been able to work with as athletes. It’s been a rewarding, challenging number of years, but at the same time I wouldn’t trade it for the world. Everyday I wake up and appreciate the opportunity I have being a part of Minnesota State and the hockey program.”

John Smark