Kalin notches 200th career coaching win

Jason Kalin won his 200th game as head coach of the Superior High School boys hockey team when the Spartans defeated the Menomonie Mustangs 6-2 Tuesday night at Dunn County Arena.

Kalin, who became head coach of the Spartans in 2001-02, has an overall record of 200-83-5, including 212-26-2 vs. Wisconsin opponents.

Under Kalin, Superior has advanced to the state tournament in 10 of his 11 years, winning state titles in 2003 and 2005 and finishing second three times.

The Spartans also won the Lake Superior Conference championship in 2004 and finished second in 2003 and 2008.

Kalin was surprised when informed of his milestone Wednesday morning.

“To be honest, I had forgotten that I was that close to reaching the 200th win milestone,” Kalin said. “My seniors last year had mentioned it and wanted to be the team to get it done, but we came up just short.

“I think it’s a great accomplishment for me, our staff and the teams that I have coached over the past 11 seasons. Although, I have to say I am more proud of our winning percentage over those seasons than I am about the number 200.”

Gary Harker had a 109-38-4 record with the Spartans from 1970-77 and won three state championships and three conference titles.

Dave Kukowski was 95-48-5 from 1992-98 and won three straight state championships and Mas Fukishima and Richard Torrence won two state championships apiece.

The Spartans have an all-time record of 707-356-24.

Kalin credits the success of Spartan hockey to his feeder program, the Superior Amateur Hockey Association.

“What our amateur program has done for Spartan hockey should be commended,” said Kalin, whose son, Carter, is currently skating at the squirt level. “Our amateur and high school programs continue to produce outstanding teams while also producing quality student-athletes. It’s because of the dedication and hard work of the volunteer coaches and parents that our young kids continue to develop into excellent hockey players and well-rounded individuals.

“Another important aspect of our player development has to do with kids getting on our outdoor rinks in the winter months or putting in the extra time shooting pucks, stickhandling, or strength training in the offseason.”

The Spartans (6-1) will attempt to win game No. 201 for Kalin when they play at Wisconsin Rapids at 4 p.m. Saturday.

The Red Raiders (5-1) suffered their first defeat of the season with a 4-3 loss to D.C. Everest Tuesday night.

“I feel fortunate and very lucky to be the head coach of the Spartan hockey team and hope that the next 100 wins come even quicker,” Kalin said.

Jason Kalin’s Career Record

W L T

2001-02 20 4 1

2002-03 23 3 0

2003-04 24 2 0

2004-05 18 7 1

2005-06 13 11 0

2006-07 16 10 0

2007-08 18 7 0

2008-09 17 8 0

2009-10 16 8 1

2010-11 14 12 1

2011-12 15 10 1

2012-13 6 1 0

Totals 200 83 5

Superior All-Time Coaching

Bob Gernander, 1965-66 8-6-0

Tom Saterdalen, 1966-70 46-22-6

Gary Harker, 1970-77 109-38-4

Mas Fukishima, 1977-84 100-49-2

Mel Mattson, 1984-86 27-21-1

Richard Torrence, 1986-92 90-54-1

David Kukowski, 1992-98 95-49-5

Tim Curtis, 1998-99 5-17-0

Erik Raygor, 1999-2001 27-19-0

Jason Kalin, 2001-?? 200-81-5

Totals 707-356-24

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