UMD Athletics' longest-serving volunteer Dale 'Hoagie' Haagenson dies at 65

Haagenson was a beloved member of the Bulldog men's and women's hockey programs for over four decades.

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

Dale 'Hoagie' Haagenson, the longest-serving volunteer in the history of the University of Minnesota Duluth (UMD) Athletics department, has passed away at the age of 65 after suffering a stroke on Christmas. Haagenson joined the UMD staff in 1981 and was inducted into the UMD Athletics Hall of Fame in 2018 for his decades of dedicated service to the Bulldog men's and women's hockey programs, as well as other UMD sports teams.

Why it matters

Haagenson's passing marks the end of an era for UMD Athletics, as he was a beloved and integral part of the department for over 40 years. His unwavering commitment and positive attitude made him a fixture at Bulldog sporting events and a source of joy and inspiration for players, coaches, and fans alike.

The details

In addition to his work with the UMD hockey teams, Haagenson also made an effort to be on the sideline of every home UMD football, basketball, baseball, and soccer game. Outside of his UMD duties, he served as an assistant clubhouse manager for the Duluth Huskies baseball team of the Northwoods League, a role he had held since the team's inaugural season in 2003.

  • Haagenson suffered a stroke on Christmas Day.
  • Haagenson joined the UMD staff in 1981.
  • Haagenson was inducted into the UMD Athletics Hall of Fame in 2018.

The players

Dale 'Hoagie' Haagenson

The longest-serving volunteer in UMD Athletics history, Haagenson was a beloved member of the Bulldog men's and women's hockey programs for over four decades.

UMD Men's Hockey

The UMD men's hockey program, which Haagenson was deeply involved with for 44 years.

Duluth Huskies

The Northwoods League baseball team that Haagenson served as an assistant clubhouse manager for since the team's inaugural season in 2003.

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The takeaway

Haagenson's decades-long dedication to UMD Athletics and the Duluth community made him an irreplaceable figure, and his passing is a profound loss for all who knew and were inspired by his unwavering spirit and commitment to supporting student-athletes.