The all time wins leader in boys high school hockey history and legendary head coach Mike Randolph is resigning from his position as head coach of Northern Lakes boys hockey.

“The decision was purely based on location. Location of Pequot Lakes and location of family. It was a great place to coach. Kids were great, parents were great, administration great. It had nothing to do about that,” Randolph explained.

Randolph became the head coach of Northern Lakes in May of 2024. Northern Lakes is a co-op between several school districts including Aitkin, Crosby-Ironton, Pequot Lakes and Pine River-Backus. The Lightning went 20-8-1 this season, which ended in the state tournament consolation semifinals. They lost to eventual state champion East Grand Forks in the state quarterfinals.

In November, Randolph became the winningest coach in Minnesota boys hockey history, tallying his 708th career win.

The former Duluth East head coach spent 32 years with the Greyhounds. He led the Greyhounds to the state tournament 18 times and won Class 2A state championships in 1995 and 1998. 

Afterwards, he spent three seasons at St. Thomas Academy. In his time with St. Thomas Academy, he recorded a 49-30-3 overall record, reaching his 707th career win.

“If something, an opportunity that fit for both the school and myself, I would look at it. I feel great, I think I have another four or five years in me if the opportunity came about. If this is the end of coaching, I can’t tell you how much fun I’ve had. And just meeting so many people and meeting so many players, it’s just been a great ride,” Randolph shared.

Randolph, who resides in Duluth, said the Duluth or Twin Cities areas are where he’d consider a potential next step.