Issue link: https://read.uberflip.com/i/1290632
rom International Falls, Minn., to Watertown, Mass., Edina, Minn., to Downers Grove, Ill., those who make up the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame's Class of 2020 come from diverse backgrounds. One thing all four have in common is a passion for the game and a desire to move the game forward for the next generation of American players. This year's class includes two of the game's most decorated coaches, Dean Blais and Jerry York, along with two players who made their mark on the international arena in Jenny Potter and long-time NHL player and U.S. Olympian turned coach Tony Granato. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the official induction celebration has been pushed back until December 2021 at which time USA Hockey plans to celebrate the induction of two classes at one time. Dean Blais As one of America's most accomplished coaches, Dean Blais has piloted championship teams at the high school, junior and collegiate levels as well as on the international stage. The International Falls, Minn., native is perhaps best known as a coach for the University of North Dakota, where he spent 19 seasons. During his tenure in Grand Forks, Blais amassed a 262-115-33 record and led the program to two NCAA titles (1997, 2000), and seven NCAA tournament appearances, including three Frozen Fours. He was twice named the recipient of the Spencer Penrose Award as the top men's collegiate coach (1997, 2001), and has received numerous coaching honors. During the course of his collegiate career, Blais produced 17 All-Americans and eight Hobey Baker finalists and amassed 408 NCAA coaching wins, ranking him in the top 20 all-time. Off the ice, Blais played a major r o l e i n t h e d e v e l o p m e n t o f t h e R a l p h E n g e l s t a d A r e n a , w h i c h opened in 2001 and is still regarded as one of the best hockey arenas in the world. B l a i s r e p r e s e n t e d t h e U. S. a s a player at the 1973 IIHF World C h a m p i o n s h i p s, b u t i t w a s a s a head coach at the World Junior Championship level that he enjoyed his greatest international success. At the 2010 event in Saskatchewan, Blais and his team became the first U.S. men's team to win gold at any level on Canadian soil. CLASS ACTS While The Pandemic Puts Ceremony On Hold, U.S. Hockey Hall Of Fame Class Of 2020 Is Worth The Wait By Harry Thompson 20 // OCTOBER 2020 USAHOCKEYMAGAZINE.COM DEAN BLAIS LED THE 2010 U.S. NATIONAL JUNIOR TEAM TO BECOME THE U.S. SQUAD TO WIN GOLD ON CANADIAN SOIL. F PHOTOS BY USA Hockey Magazine Archives