The Minnesota State Mavericks’ historic season came to an end following a heartbreaking loss to St. Cloud State in the NCAA Frozen Four. Despite coming up short against St. Cloud, Minnesota State made history. The Mavericks became the first team to win four consecutive MacNaughton Cups as WCHA champions after defeating Bemidji State. 

Following this accomplishment, the Mavericks won their first NCAA game in school history, defeating Quinnipiac in overtime. They shut out Minnesota University in the NCAA West Final and reached the Frozen Four for the first time. 

Minnesota State eventually fell to St. Cloud, as a goal late in regulation would end the Mavericks hopes of advancing. This season, filled with quarantines, uncertainty, and unprecedented success, was one for the history books. Future Minnesota State University teams will be sure to try and model this one. 

The Players

The players for Minnesota State played some of the best hockey the school has ever seen. Goaltender Dryden McKay, a Hobey Baker Award finalist for college hockey MVP, backstopped the Mavericks to their historic season and set groundbreaking records in the process. McKay was named a First Team All-American this season. His accolades this season consist of being named WCHA Player of the Year, Goalie of the Year, and a member of the First Team All-Conference team. 

Sophomore forward Cade Borchardt was a top-50 Finalist for the Hobey Baker award. Throughout his time at Minnesota State, the dynamic offensive player has developed a great two-way game. This made him a dominant threat on both ends of the ice. Borchardt finished third in team scoring with 24 points (9-15–24) and received WCHA Player of the Week honors once during the season. 

Senior forward Walker Duehr recently signed a two-year entry-level NHL contract with the Calgary Flames. Duehr recorded 10 goals and seven assists for 17 points in 28 games this season. Duehr adds to the long list of names of Mavericks alumni who graduated to the NHL, including Teddy Blueger and David Backes. 

The Coaching Staff

The coaching staff for the Mavericks was one of the best in college hockey this season. Head coach Mike Hastings, who was named the WCHA Coach of the Decade, helped guide his players to four straight MacNaughton Cups including one this season. 

Along with Hastings, the coaching staff included fantastic people helping Hastings get the best out of the players. Associate head coach Todd Knott, assistant coach Darren Blue, and goaltending coach Brennan Poderzay round out the elite coaching staff that helped guide the Mavericks to the Frozen Four this season.

This season was exhausting, but through perseverance and determination, the Minnesota State Mavericks had their best season in school history. They had phenomenal performances from players and coaches alike and made a name for themselves on the biggest stage the NCAA has to offer.

John Smark