Shawn Lundgren

Maybe more than any other sport, hockey hardware, the trophy a team earns for its effort is cherished more than can be explained.

In Shawn Lundgren’s nearly 30 seasons coaching in and around Fairbanks, he helped lead boys teams to four First National Cup state titles as well as two girls championships. The success cements his place in Alaska high school history.

“As storied as his coaching career has been, what truly elevates Coach Lundgren is his commitment to excellence off the ice,” said Christopher Dean, an Alaska licensed athletic trainer. “He quickly established a culture, empowering future leaders to hold each other accountable, push each other’s success, and win the ‘right way.’”

At the Division I level, Lundgren led Lathrop to the 2009 state title and his 2000 West Valley squad finished second at state. His Monroe Catholic teams won DII First National Cup crowns in 2016, 2017 and 2018. In 2013 and 2014, he coached Fairbanks Arctic Bears to back-to-back unsanctioned girls championships. He led teams to numerous conference titles along the way as well.

Lundgren retired from coaching in Alaska in 2018 and currently resides in Minnesota.

“More important than the three state championships he won, Coach Lundgren held our students to a very-high standard,” said Frank Ostanik, Monroe’s director of schools. “I would argue there are few hockey coaches around the state who’ve had a greater impact in their community. (While) an exceptional coach, he is a better human being.”