Legendary Minnesota HS Hockey Coach Mike Randolph Retires
Randolph became the state’s all-time wins leader back in November.
PORTIONS OF A PRESS CONFERENCE ON MARCH 5, 2025:
BREEZY POINT, Minn. (KVRR) –Former Duluth East head coach Mike Randolph has resigned as head coach of the Northern Lakes boys hockey team. He announced the news at the team banquet Monday, according to David La Vaque of the Star Tribune.
David La Vaque of the Star Tribune was the first to report the news.
Randolph became the all-time leader for wins in Minnesota High School hockey in the 2024-25 season. Following the State Tournament, his win total sits at 727.
Randolph’s run with Northern Lakes ends after one season. The school is a co-op among several school districts including Pequot Lakes, Aitkin, Crosby-Ironton and Pine River-Backus.
Randolph coached Duluth East for 32-years. He led the program to the state tournament 18 times and won Class AA State Titles in 1995 & 1998. He then coached at St. Thomas Academy for a short stint.
After the quarterfinal loss to East Grand Forks in the 2025 MSHSL Class A Quarterfinals, Randolph was asked how many years he intends to continue coaching. His response was immediate. “Fifty,” he joked.
“No, really, for as long as my wife allows me to, and I can bend over and tighten my skates,” he said. “I’m going to do it as long as I can, because I can’t imagine not doing it. I just love being around the kids.”
He also shared a story on why Northern Lakes was perfect for him this past season:
“When I asked what time the team practiced, they told me 4:45 [p.m.],” Randolph said. “I asked what time the kids get out of school. I was told 2:15. I asked ‘Then why do you practice at 4:45?’ They said because the kids have to travel from all over to get there. Right there, I said ‘I’m in the right place.’ Because I love this game and I’ll be surrounded by guys that love this game and will do anything to play this game.”
The lightning ended their 2024-25 season 20-10-1 following a 4-0 loss to Northfield in the Class A Consolation Final.
The State tournament was just the second Class A appearance for the Northern Lakes program.
