UMD men's hockey coach Scott Sandelin has to be a happy man today.
Sandelin, 46. has signed a five-year contract extension though 2016-17 paying him a base salary of $235,000 -- $65,000 more than he received this past season.
The Bulldogs, of course, beat Michigan 3-2 in OT in the title game of the Frozen Four last month.
Sandy, his nickname, had one year left on his contract. His overall record at UMD is not impressive, 192-200-46, but the Bulldogs have been 71-40-15 the past three seasons with forwards Jack and Mike Connolly and Justin Fontaine.
Only Jack Connolly returns for the 2011-12 season.
"We are very pleased with the leadership Scott has provided to our men's hockey program and are encouraged about what lies ahead for the Bulldogs," said Bob Nielson, UMD's athletic director. "He's continually demonstrated the ability to bring in top quality student-athletes -- young men who excel both on the ice and in the classroom. The extension represents a commitment to him and to UMD hockey."
The 2011-12 Bullogs will have 16 returning lettermen, including three of the top five scorers and both goalies from a team which finished 26-10-6 overall, 15-8-5 in the WCHA.
"I'm excited about the future of this hockey program and on building on what we've done," Sandelin said. "It's a great time to be here."
