Lucia inks contract extension with Minnesota

Oct 20, 2011 - 1:59 AM Minneapolis, MN (Sports Network) - The University of Minnesota signed men's ice hockey coach Don Lucia to a contract extension through the 2014-15 season Wednesday.

Lucia is currently in his 13th season at the helm of the powerful Golden Gopher program and has the team off to a 4-0-0 start to the campaign, its best start since the 2001-02 season.

"I want to thank president Eric Kaler and director of athletics Joel Maturi for having confidence in me to lead the Gophers for many years to come," Lucia said. "Our goal every year is for Minnesota to be a championship team, and we have been able to achieve the ultimate success twice since I have been here. Some years we come closer to reaching our goals than others, but I am confident that we are headed in the right direction."

Minnesota has a 294-159-53 record under Lucia, including NCAA titles in 2002 and 2003.