UND's Jackson Named Finalist for Spencer Penrose Award

University of North Dakota men's hockey coach recognized for outstanding season.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 6:04pm

A fragmented, geometric painting in shades of blue, green, and white, depicting the dynamic movements and overlapping perspectives of a college hockey game, conveying the conceptual recognition of a coach's strategic leadership.A cubist interpretation of the intensity and strategy of a college hockey match, reflecting the coaching acumen that has earned Dane Jackson a prestigious award nomination.Grand Forks Today

Dane Jackson, the head coach of the University of North Dakota men's hockey team, has been named one of 10 finalists for the prestigious Spencer Penrose Award, which is given annually to the CCM/AHCA Division I Men's Ice Hockey Coach of the Year.

Why it matters

The Spencer Penrose Award is one of the highest honors in college hockey, recognizing the top head coach in Division I men's ice hockey. Jackson's nomination is a testament to the success and growth of the UND hockey program under his leadership.

The details

Jackson is in his fifth season as the head coach of the University of North Dakota men's hockey team. During his tenure, he has led the team to multiple conference tournament appearances and NCAA tournament berths, establishing UND as one of the top programs in the country.

  • Dane Jackson was named a finalist for the Spencer Penrose Award on March 31, 2026.

The players

Dane Jackson

The head coach of the University of North Dakota men's hockey team, who has been nominated as a finalist for the prestigious Spencer Penrose Award.

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What’s next

The winner of the Spencer Penrose Award will be announced at the American Hockey Coaches Association Convention in April 2026.

The takeaway

Dane Jackson's nomination as a finalist for the Spencer Penrose Award is a testament to his exceptional coaching abilities and the continued success of the University of North Dakota men's hockey program under his leadership.