The Minnesota Hockey Coaches
Association annually recognizes outstanding member
coaches through the awarding of the Cliff Thompson,
Dave Peterson and John Mariucci Awards.
Cliff Thompson
Award
Given for "long term outstanding
contributions to the sport of hockey in Minnesota,"
this award is given in memory of Cliff Thompson. As
the coach in Eveleth, Thompson was the only man ever
to coach teams to four consecutive state
championships (1948-51) and the list of his former
players reads like a "who's who" in Minnesota
hockey. Winners of this award are listed in the
Hockey Hall of Fame.
View Past Winners
Dave Peterson
Award
The Dave Peterson Award is given
annually to a high school coach who has shown great
leadership in developing youth hockey either locally
or statewide. Dave was a great Minnesota high school
coach at Minneapolis Southwest High School and a
National coach at many levels as well. He was a
leader in the development of youth hockey not only
in Minnesota but across the United States.
View Past Winners
John Mariucci Award
Since 1983 this award has been given
to the high school coach of the year as selected by
the state's hockey coaches. The award is given in
memory of the great John Mariucci, who was a legend
in Minnesota hockey and one of Minnesota's greatest
sports figures.
A native of Eveleth, John played for the Chicago
Blackhawks at a time when very few Americans were
able to play in the National Hockey League. He later
coached the University of Minnesota hockey team for
many years, and the hockey arena on the university
campus bears his name. John was a lifelong promoter
and supporter of the Minnesota hockey player and
remained so until his death in 1987. Winners of this
award are listed in the Hockey Hall of Fame.
View Past Winners