UMD legend and hockey volunteer Dale “Hoagie” Haagenson passes away

Dale “Hoagie” Haagenson (Credit UMD)

DULUTH, Minn.– Dale “Hoagie” Haagenson, the longest serving volunteer in UMD athletic history, passed away Tuesday, February 17th. He was 65 years old.

Haagenson got his start with UMD men’s hockey in 1981 as a volunteer.

The head coach of the Bulldogs, Gus Hendrickson, encouraged Haagenson to join the staff. This decision alone would pioneer his impact on the team.

For more than 4 decades, he served as the team’s assistant equipment manager.

The recipient of the 2010 Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference Noel Olson Volunteer of the Year Award.

Haagenson was also named the 2000 Bruce Bennett Service Award for exceptional service and commitment to UMD Athletics, in addition to the UMD Hoagie Men’s Hockey Scholarship.

He also served as a dedicated volunteer with the Bulldog women’s hockey, football, and baseball programs over the years.

In honor of the 25th anniversary with the Bulldogs, UMD men’s hockey held “Hoagie Appreciation Night” at the DECC on Feb. 24, 2005, and then-Duluth Mayor Herb Bergson officially proclaimed it “Hoagie Day” in the city.

On top of his accomplishments, he was also spotted at the sidelines of as many UMD home football, basketball, baseball, and soccer games as he could attend.