ANAHEIM, CA - APRIL 1: Michigan State University Spartans head coach Ron Mason speaks to his team during a break in the action in a NCAA Frozen Four game against the University of New Hampshire Wildcats at the Arrowhead Pond on April 1, 1999 in Anaheim, California. The Wildcats won 5-3. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
Legendary former Michigan State hockey coach and athletic director Ron Mason died early Monday morning at the age of 76, a university spokesman confirmed.
The website mihockeynow.com was the first to report the news. His death follows that of NHL legend Gordie Howe last Friday.
Mason led the Spartans, whom he coached since 1980, to the 1986 NCAA national championship and held the record for the most wins by a college hockey coach when he retired in 2002 with 924 wins over 36 seasons between Lake Superior State, Bowling Green and MSU. He was 635-270-69 in 23 seasons with the Spartans, and led MSU to the NCAA tournament 19 times. Before that, he played at St. Lawrence University in the early 1960s.
Mason was inducted into the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame in 2013. He also served as MSU’s athletic director from 2002 to 2007, and was named the AHCA national coach of the year in 1992.
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“College hockey lost a legend last night,” tweeted Lake Superior State coach Damon Whitten, who played for Mason at MSU from 1997 to 2001. “Coach Mason was (the) most prepared and detailed coach I had privilege of playing 4. Huge impact on many.”
Mason still sits at No. 2 on the all-time victories list, behind Boston College’s Jerry York (1,012). Michigan’s Red Berenson is No. 4, with 835.
“Lost another legend today,” tweeted former MSU and NHL player Kevin Miller, whose family produced a number of players who played for Mason. “Coach was a great teacher and friend! RIP Coach Mason!! #verysad #GoGreen.”
Mason, who was born in Blyth, Ontario, is survived by his wife, Marion, daughters, Tracey and Cindy, and grandsons, Tyler and Travis Walsh. Travis Walsh finished playing at MSU in March.
PHOTO: ANAHEIM, CA – APRIL 1: Michigan State University Spartans head coach Ron Mason speaks to his team during a break in the action in a NCAA Frozen Four game against the University of New Hampshire Wildcats at the Arrowhead Pond on April 1, 1999 in Anaheim, California. The Wildcats won 5-3. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
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