Former Michigan State hockey coach Ron Mason dead at 76

Mason’s 635-270-69 record during his tenure is unmatched by any MSU hockey coach.

The hockey world lost another great this past week, as the NCAA released the news on Monday morning that Ron Mason had passed away at the age of 76.

Named the AHCA national coach of the year in 1992, Mason was also tabbed CCHA coach of the year on seven different occasions. Marie in 1973, accepting the coaching position at NCAA Division I Bowling Green, where he led the Falcons to three Central Collegiate Hockey Association regular season titles (1976, 1978, 1979) and a trio of CCHA Playoff championships (1977-79) over six seasons.

His 924 total wins was once a college hockey record before he was surpassed by Boston College head coach Jerry York in 2012. He was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2013 and the Michigan Sports Hall of Fame in 1994.

Following his illustrious coaching career, Mason took on a different role, serving as MSU’s Athletics Director from 2002-07.

Mason also served as Michigan State’s athletic director following his retirement from coaching from 2002-2007, where he oversaw the building of the Spartan Stadium Tower, the Berkowitz Basketball Complex and Skandalaris Football Center.

Mason coached MSU’s only two Hobey Baker Award winners – Kip Miller in 1990 and Ryan Miller in 2001.

Mason played for St. Lawrence during the early 1960s and was captain of the team his senior year.

Mason was born January 14, 1940, in Seaforth, Ontario.