Minnesota Scene: Hermantown hockey coach Bruce Plante retires

Bruce Plante, who coached Hermantown to three Class 1A state titles in boys' hockey, announced Thursday he is retiring after 28 seasons as the Hawks coach.

Plante had a 547-197-23 career record. The Hawks, who won their second consecutive state title last month, made 14 appearances in the state tournament under Plante.

"It is just the right time," the 68-year-old Plante said. "I can hardly even skate anymore. I am a hazard out there."

This season Hermantown went 29-1-1 and reached the state tournament for an unprecedented (in Class 1A) eighth consecutive year. The Hawks were the Class 1A runners-up from 2010-2015.

"I love the kids, and I love the practices and the games," Plante said. "But all the other stuff, the budget, the scheduling, questions about playing in Class AA or A, all this other stuff you have to deal with all the time wore on me.

"I wanted to leave happy and having fun and enjoying the kids and not being pushed out."

LOREN NELSON

Thompson's record at John Marshall was 113-29; his teams made five consecutive appearances in the Class 4A, Section 1 championship game.

Before taking over the program at John Marshall, Thompson led Plainview-Elgin-Millville to the Class 2A state title in 2012 and had a 159-30 record in six seasons.

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