BREEZY POINT — One of the winningest hockey coaches in the state is coming to the Northern Lakes program.
Mike Randolph, who tied for the most wins in Minnesota history with 707 games, will become the head coach of the Northern Lakes Lightning, pending approval by the school board on Monday, May 20th.
“What intrigued me the most was the fact that they contacted me first,” Randolph said in an interview with The Dispatch on Wednesday, May 15. “I did some homework, and based on the other teams that contacted me, this was the most appealing job.” He brought in longtime assistant coach Tom Klein. We both went for an interview. It felt like a perfect fit. We are excited about this opportunity and are really looking forward to the season. ”
Randolph spent 32 seasons at Duluth East High School, coaching the Greyhounds to 18 state tournament appearances and two state titles. He resigned from Duluth East in 2021, citing pressure from his parents and a lack of support from the administration.
“Everyone knows what happened to me,” Randolph said. “These guys know my coaching history. I was at Duluth East for 32 years. That's a lot of superintendents, ADs, principals, school boards. I got to know almost everyone.”
Shortly after Randolph's resignation, an investigation into Duluth East's hockey booster program followed, with Duluth East parents claiming they were defrauded out of $6,000.
“It's a dead issue,” Randolph said. “I had a parent who wanted to know where his money went after his son quit. I had no connection with the booster club. No coach has. Why did my name go? I don't even know if it's always connected. This person decided to go after the parents who were running it, but they didn't find any wrongdoing.”
For the past three seasons, Randolph coached at St. Thomas Academy in Mendota Heights. Randolph had a record of 49-30-3 with the Cadets. His contract was not renewed in April.
“They decided to go in a different direction by hiring a college coach,” Randolph said. “He had three great years there, two of them as head coach.”
Contribution / St. Thomas Academy
Northern Lakes finished 18-10 last year and advanced to the Section 6 1A final, losing 6-1 to Alexandria. The Lightning made their first state tournament appearance in 2021.
“Their recent success was an attraction for this job,” Randolph said. “They've got a lot of pieces back and if you look at the Bantam A team, they had a great season. There are rumors going around that they've got some good athletes here that have been here for three or four years. It's the most fascinating job I've ever had.”
Outside of coaching, Randolph was a fourth grade teacher for 32 years.
“The rink becomes our classroom,” he said. “Given the number of cards, texts, emails and phone calls we receive from players and parents, it's refreshing to know you're making an impact.”
The Pequot Lakes administration said in a statement that it fully supports Randolph moving forward.
“Pending Board of Education approval, the Pequot Lakes School District is excited to announce the hiring of Mike Randolph as the next Northern Lakes boys hockey head coach,” the press release stated. ing. “The selection process consisted of interviews with administration and current district coaches, as well as references and background checks. Coach Randolph has an extensive hockey coaching background that also includes a focus on player development. Pequot Lakes School District coaches and advisors have a rich history of developing student leadership and competing at a high level, which is consistent with Coach Randolph's experience.”
Contact CONRAD ENGSTROM at 218-855-5861 or conrad.engstrom@brainerddispatch.com. Follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/the_rad34.
