UND announces five-year contract for men's head hockey coach What many consider the best coaching staff in Division I men's hockey should stay together at their Alma Mater at least until 2012, thanks to a new five-year contract for UND's men's head hockey coach Dave Hakstol. The contact also provides compensation for associate head coach Cary Eades, and assistant coach Dane Jackson. "This is an important step for UND as we enter the official exploratory year of taking all of our athletic teams to the Division I level, where they'll join our men's and women's hockey teams. This action solidifies the nationally recognized Division I program we've had in place for several decades and provides a solid foundation for the future," said Phil Harmeson, vice president for general administration. UND Athletics reports to Harmeson. "The contract also recognizes the great job Coach Hakstol and his team has done and are doing," said Harmeson. "Few other coaches in collegiate hockey have achieved what Coach Hakstol has achieved in just three years: three consecutive trips to the Frozen Four, three times named a finalist for the Spencer Penrose Award, given annually to the NCAA Division I Men's Hockey Coach of the Year, just to name a few." Harmeson said the contract, which makes the coaching staff's salaries competitive with the leading collegiate hockey programs in the nation, was made possible in large part due to hockey supporters who were willing to help finance part of the salaries. The five-year contract puts Hakstol's base salary at $210,000 a year, with incentives of up to 25 percent of that base if he and the team reach certain goals, such as playing in the Frozen Four. The contract also includes $50,000 annually in deferred compensation, and a total of $190,000 that he can split between his coaching staff; they can earn up to 25 percent of that figure in incentives if they and the team meet certain goals. There is no deferred compensation for the other coaches. "This is an excellent package for UND athletics and the hockey program," said Tom Buning, UND athletic director. "We've been working on this package for a while, the administration put on the finishing touches." Hakstol praised the administration for establishing the multi-year contracts: "I am happy that this package recognizes our entire coaching staff. It provides stability for our coaching team and allows us the opportunity to continue to work together in what we consider the best place in hockey. We can continue to concentrate on what is important; developing young men and winning hockey games." The contract will also give top young recruits confidence to sign on with the program knowing that the staff will be here when they begin their careers at UND. Several future committed players for the Sioux are already considered to be among the elite players in North America. Hakstol also praised the administration for moving the entire UND athletics program into Division I. "President [Charles] Kupchella has set the tone for the future by moving all of our sports to the DI level. By putting Phil Harmeson in a vice president position overseeing athletics, he has made clear the importance of this successful transition for all of us, including the hockey program. We are on solid ground, and every one is working in the same direction." Dave Hakstol has been the head coach of the men’s hockey team since July 2004, when he became just the 15th head men’s hockey coach in school history and only the fourth Fighting Sioux head coach in the past 36 years. A key in Hakstol’s success has been surrounding himself with an outstanding coaching staff. Cary Eades, former Sioux standout, was promoted to associate head coach, and Hakstol later hired former Sioux and NHL player Dane Jackson as an assistant coach. Jackson brought 11 years of experience as a professional hockey player along with an outstanding coaching resume to the UND staff. -- Athletics.