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Keith Hendrickson was named Coach of the Year for single A schools this afternoon at the Mister Hockey Banquet.<br><br>A fine tribute to a guy who has done some tremendous things for the Virginia Youth and HS hockey programs. Apparently there are some knowledgeable hockey people in the state who recognize his dedication to his players and the game. <p></p><i></i>

congratulations to mr hendrickson and the blue devils on a fine season. i am very happy for mr hendrickson to have finally reached the state tournament, it means a lot to me as a past player and a true fan of virginia hockey. anyone who has followed virginia hockey over the years knows the rumors about coach hendrickson and his style of coaching, and all of his critics can see how far he has come from his earlier days as a coach. so i would like to commend him on this season and look forward to next season, hopefully bringing virginia to their second ever state tournament appearance (with a better outcome of course). <br><br>GO DEVILS!! <p></p><i></i>

Congratulations, Keith! I honestly think this was his best year of coaching of the 19 years he's been behind the bench. He's definitely deserving of it. <!--EZCODE EMOTICON START :D --><img src=http://www.ezboard.com/intl/aenglish/im ... /happy.gif ALT=":D"><!--EZCODE EMOTICON END--> <p></p><i></i>

Great job Keith and keep up the good work and hope to see you and the range going to state again....Nisko got ripped off from Mr. Hockey and should have won the honors instead of overrated Lee. <p></p><i></i>

Overrated Lee? Who's that? <p></p><i></i>

yes great year of coaching, and i agree about nisko being ripped off, he IS better than lee, but i guess many of the people who voted never came and watched him during the season since were not a big city, single a, and up north. <p></p><i></i>

oh god spare me. <p></p><i></i>

Not too bad for a person who was one vote (4-3) short of getting fired a few years ago. <br><br>It's kind of nice to coach hockey in a small town with two potential DI players on your team and very good leadership from Niskanen. Makes life just a bit easier. Too bad his good coaching did not continue into the state tourney. Interesting to see how he does next year with Niskanen gone. That leaves a huge hole that will not be filled with anyone they have coming back. Not just ability but leadership. Leadership from a very good player is priceless. No matter what the coach is doing (or not) the leaders lead the team. <br><br>I sense maybe a .500 season next year from the Devils. Hopefully the players enjoyed their first and last trip to the Exel for a long time. <p></p><i></i>

your sense,(you must be a hibbing fan)<!--EZCODE EMOTICON START >D --><img src=http://www.ezboard.com/intl/aenglish/im ... s/grin.gif ALT=" >D"><!--EZCODE EMOTICON END--> makes no sense to me, the seniors on the team will be missed but a nice core of players will be back with experience from playing with the leadership of nisky and the rest of the seniors on the team .these kids accomplished what they did this year on hard work and team work, not on the play of one player alone , if you know anything about this group of kids you would know they did very well at the bantam level and have finally experienced what it is like to play at the state tournament. the huge hole you talk about will be filled from the rest of the returning players on this TEAM<br><br>congratulations coach Hendrickson on a great year its been a long time coming and also to all the youth coaches <!--EZCODE EMOTICON START ;) --><img src=http://www.ezboard.com/intl/aenglish/im ... s/wink.gif ALT=";)"><!--EZCODE EMOTICON END--> <p></p><i></i>

He did a very good job with that team this season. Yeah the flying Finn had alot to do with it too but coaching is so very important and keeping the same style of play for kids to grow up in. <p></p><i></i>

Congrats Hendrickson. I was rooting for your team all the way. Glad to see you guys break that curse of yours and make it to the big show for the first time! <p></p><i></i>

Anyone know how Loahr (Totino) did in the voting for this. I was happy for Hendrickson, but I tip my hat to Loahr for what he did with a team that no one gave a chance <p></p><i></i>

Congrats to him. You cant argue with the award, he brought Virginia to their first state tourney ever. Who were others getting consideration?? I would assume Vanelli from STA along with the coaches from Albert Lea and Little Falls got some consideration. <p></p><i></i>

Hey Royal12.<br><br>I suppose you were one on the people bashing him last year when they lost to Hibbing.... Puck4 I know you were. At least Puck4 is starting to come to his senses. <br><br>They win and it's the players...they lose and it's the coach????? Get real.<br><br>The players will tell you it's all a team effort...coaches and players.<br><br> <p></p><i></i>

Lee deserved Mr. Hockey. Nisky deserved to be in contention. If it makes you feel any better Niskanen and Lee were the two first Team All-state defensemen. That tells you how Niskanen was regarded statewide. <p></p><i></i>

Keith calls it like it is, cuts through the BS and doesn't pull any punches. For the kids who are dedicated and work hard he's a great coach to play for. For the kids who have a chip on their shoulder and want to slack off.....you may want to try another program. <p></p><i></i>

Royal 12 the 12 must indicate your age and mental capability . Mr . Hendrickson has forgot more about hockey than you will ever know. If you think the outcome at the State was a coaching issue you must be 12 years old. One need only look at the depth of the city teams to see why the outcome was as it was . <p></p><i></i>