Hastings was Blais’ associate head coach before taking the Mavericks job and earlier had spent 14 years in that city as the head coach of the Omaha Lancers junior team in the United States Hockey League.
Blais stepped down as Omaha’s coach on Tuesday, and Hastings’ name again has been floated by college hockey observers as a possible candidate.
Reached via phone while recruiting on Tuesday afternoon, Hastings said he believes he has it pretty good at Minnesota State.
“I’m concerned with what we’re putting together and dealing with our program,” he said, “what we still have in the locker room with the seniors that are leaving, that we have a very, very good recruiting class.
“I’m excited about the challenges ahead of us next year. I’m looking forward to that. That hasn’t changed.”
Hastings just completed his fifth season with the Mavericks, his second under an eight-year contract he signed in the summer of 2015 that replaced his original four-year deal and pays him an annual salary of $290,000.
The Mavericks are 122-62-18 under Hastings. Their season ended on Sunday in the third game of a WCHA playoff semifinal series at Michigan Tech.
Blais spent eight seasons at Omaha and had a record of 146-133-30 there with two NCAA appearance, including a Frozen Four spot in 2015. Omaha went 17-17-5 this season. Blais also coached North Dakota for 10 years where he led that program to two national championships.
Hastings said he considers Blais a mentor.
“I consider myself incredibly fortunate to say I worked with the man,” Hastings said, “and had the opportunity to learn from him because he’s one of the best in the country.”
Hastings said he considers Blais a mentor.
“I consider myself incredibly fortunate to say I worked with the man,” Hastings said, “and had the opportunity to learn from him because he’s one of the best in the country.”
1 comment:
Hastings won't go to Omaha. He already makes almost $300k, so odds are Omaha wouldn't give him a raise, and it would be a lateral move at best.
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