MSU Extends Jutting Contract

by Dan Myers
Issue date: 3/20/07
Section: Mens Sports

Less than a week after his team was swept out of the Western Collegiate Hockey Association playoffs, Minnesota State officials announced a contract extension for men's hockey coach Troy Jutting.

The deal, which takes effect after Jutting's current contract runs out June 30, is for two seasons. Financial terms were not initially disclosed.

"I am excited to announce that Troy will continue to provide leadership for the Maverick hockey program and I look forward to finalizing these arrangements with him," said MSU athletic director Kevin Buisman in a statement last week. "Troy has been very loyal to MSU. His commitment to the growth and success of Maverick hockey and his service to the university and community are all well-documented."

In seven seasons as the Mavericks' bench boss, Jutting has compiled a 108-129-34 record and was named the WCHA's Coach of the Year following the 2002-03 season, in which the Mavericks reached the WCHA Final Five for the second time and the NCAA tournament for the first and only time.

"I have a lot invested in the program and can honestly say that there is no place I would rather be than working, than with the outstanding group of young men that we have here on our campus," Jutting said. "We will work very hard to represent the university in a positive fashion both on and off the ice and I look forward to the future improvement of our program."

The Mavericks finished this season with a final record of 13-19-6 overall, 10-13-5 in the WCHA, but entered the playoffs as one of the hottest teams in the conference. MSU fell, however, in consecutive nights to the University of North Dakota in the opening round of the WCHA playoffs at Ralph Engelstad Arena - the second consecutive year the Mavs saw their season end in Grand Forks.

Jutting, a 1987 graduate of Mankato State, played four years for the Mavericks before becoming an assistant coach under former head coach Don Brose. Jutting took over head coaching duties following Brose's retirement in 2000.

Morin Signs NHL Contract

Jutting wasn't the only member of the Maverick hockey community to sign his name on a brand new contract.

Senior forward Travis Morin - the team's leading scorer this season - agreed to terms on a two-year, entry level contract with the Washington Capitals, the National Hockey League franchise that drafted him in the ninth round of the 2004 NHL Entry Draft.

The team also announced Morin signed a tryout contract and was assigned to the team's ECHL minor-league affiliate, the South Carolina Stingrays.

The Brooklyn Park, Minn. native finished his Maverick career with 133 points, including a team-leading 17 goals and 39 points this season en route to being named to the 2006-07 WCHA Second Team. He was also a three-time WCHA All-Academic team member.

Dan Myers is the Reporter Sports Editor