Bruce Plante, who coached Hermantown to three boys Class 1A state titles, announced Thursday he is retiring after 28 seasons as the Hawks coach, according to reports from two Duluth TV stations.
Plante had a 547-197-23 record as the Hawks' coach. The Hawks, who won their second consecutive state title last month, made 14 appearances in the state tournament under Plante.
This season Hermantown went 29-1-1 and extended its regular-season unbeaten streak against Class 1A competition to 56 games and reached the state tournament for an unprecedented (in Class 1A) eighth consecutive year. The Hawks were the Class 1A runnerup from 2010-2015.
Plante spoke with Dan Williamson of WDIO-TV Eyewitness Sports in Duluth and said that 'It is just time' and said he plans to spend more time with his wife and fishing.
Zach Schneider of KBJR-TV tweeted that when Plante informed the team Thursday afternoon calling the decision "very tough, bittersweet."
Besides his 28 years with the Hawks, Plante has coached hockey for 42 years.
