Alaska Nanooks head coach Erik Largen was named a finalist for the 2025-26 Spencer Penrose Award, which recognizes the Division I Men’s Hockey Coach of the Year, according to an April 3 announcement.
The award highlights coaching excellence in college hockey and is given annually to coaches recognized by their leagues or whose teams reached the Frozen Four. This recognition marks Largen’s second time as a finalist; he was previously nominated in 2022–23 after leading Alaska to a strong season record.
During the 2024–25 season, Alaska finished with a balanced record of 15-15-3. The team achieved notable victories, including an upset over No. 8/9 Quinnipiac at the Icebreaker Tournament and a significant win against Michigan Tech at home. Alaska also performed well at tournaments such as the Adirondack Winter Invitational and secured another key victory against No. 16 Providence on Jan. 3 in Rhode Island. The Nanooks closed out their regular season by winning nine of their last twelve games and swept Alaska Anchorage to secure their fifteenth consecutive Governor’s Cup title.
In postseason play, Alaska participated in the inaugural United Collegiate Hockey Cup in St. Louis, advancing past Stonehill College before defeating Lindenwood University in overtime to claim the championship title.
The Spencer Penrose Award is named after Colorado Springs benefactor Spencer Penrose and will be presented on April 29 at the AHCA Convention in Bonita Springs, Florida. The winner will be selected by NCAA Division I head coaches and announced on April 7.
