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.

John Mariucci Award Winners:

2007 - Wes Bolin, Woodbury (AA)
         Bruce Plante, Hermantown (A)

2006 - Bruce LaRoque, Grand Rapids (AA)
         Bruce Plante, Hermantown (A)

2005 - John Humphrey, Tartan (AA)
         Keith Hendrickson, Virginia (A)

2004 - (AA)
         Todd Weisjahn, Orono (A)

2003 - Steve Sertich, Roseville (AA)
         Chris Lonke, Simely (A)

2002 - Tom Saterdalen, Bloomington Jefferson (AA)
         George Nemanich, Red Wing (A)

2001 - Bruce Johnson, Robbinsdale Armstrong (AA)
         Jay Ness, Rochester Lourdes (A)

2000 - Steve Larson, Blaine (AA)
         Sheldon Weston, Sauk Rapids (A)

1999 - Bruce Olson, Roseau (AA)
         Mike Guzzo, Silver Bay (A)

1998 - Bruce Olson, Roseau (AA)
         Bruce Plante, Hermantown (A)

1997- Mark DeCenzo, Hibbing (AA)
         George Nemanich, Red Wing (A)

1996 - Bart Larson, Edina (AA)
         Cary Eades, Warroad (A)

1995 - Earnest "Bucky" Kendig, St. Paul Johnson (AA)
         Steve "Moose" Younghans, St. Paul Johnson (AA)
         Todd Grina, Hutchinson (A)

1994 - Russ Welch, South St. Paul (AA)
         Shawn Anderson, Farmington (A)

1993 - Tom Saterdalen, Bloomington Jefferson

1992 - Terry Cullen, Moorhead

1991 - Jeff Whisler, Hill-Murray

1990 - Lyn Ellingson, Grand Rapids

1989 - Bill Vukonich, Duluth Denfeld

1988 - Bill Olson, Hibbing

1987 - Bob Gernander, Greenway

1986 - Tom Osiecki, Burnsville

1985 - Larry Ross, International Falls

1984 - Jerry Peterson, Bloomington Kennedy

1983 - Larry Ross, International Falls