Mike Randolph Poised to Become Minnesota’s All-Time Winningest High School Hockey Coach
As the Northern Lakes Lightning prepare to face Prairie Centre tonight, all eyes are on head coach Mike Randolph, who stands on the brink of making Minnesota high school hockey history. With 707 career victories, Randolph is currently tied with Lorne Grosso for the most wins by a Minnesota boys’ hockey coach. A win tonight would elevate him to the top of the all-time list.
Randolph’s coaching career spans over four decades, marked by significant achievements and contributions to Minnesota high school hockey. He spent 32 years at Duluth East High School, leading the Greyhounds to 18 state tournament appearances and securing state championships in 1995 and 1998. After departing Duluth East in 2021, Randolph took the helm at St. Thomas Academy, where he amassed a 49-30-3 record over three seasons. His tenure there concluded with a loss in the Class 2A, Section 2 final to Cretin-Derham Hall, leaving him tied with Grosso at 707 wins.
In May 2024, Randolph accepted the head coaching position at Northern Lakes, a Class 1A cooperative program comprising athletes from Aitkin, Crosby-Ironton, Pequot Lakes, and Pine River-Backus. The Lightning finished the previous season with an 18-10 record, falling just one game short of their second state tournament appearance. Randolph’s extensive experience and focus on player development are expected to further enhance the program’s competitiveness.
Reflecting on his impending milestone, Randolph expressed a desire to focus on the present. “I don’t really think about it. I’m just worried about the rest of this practice and tomorrow,” he stated. “I’ve always stayed focused on the moment. It’s not done by me alone, so I’ll be happy to get it behind me, to be honest with you.”
Source: Star Tribune
The Northern Lakes community eagerly anticipates tonight’s game which will be held at the MAC Arena in St. Cloud Minnesota, recognizing the potential for a historic achievement under Randolph’s leadership. As the puck drops at 7:00, the focus will be on the team’s performance, with the possibility of celebrating a new chapter in Minnesota high school hockey history.
