GRAND FORKS — When Red Berenson retired at Michigan in 2017, Mercyhurst's Rick Gotkin became the longest-tenured coach in college hockey.

Since then, there have been 50 coaching changes.

But Gotkin is still going.

In an era of rapid coaching movement, Gotkin has been one of college hockey's fixtures. He is entering his 38th season as Mercyhurst's coach this fall.

It will be a season of firsts and lasts for Gotkin.

A first: Mercyhurst will play UND on Jan. 2-3 in Ralph Engelstad Arena. Mercyhurst is one of eight college hockey programs UND has never played.

The lasts: virtually everything else. This will be Gotkin's final season at the helm. In April, Mercyhurst announced Gotkin will retire after this season and Tom Peffall will take over as head coach in 2026.

"My retirement date wa

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