As Lake Region State College pursues filling its men’s hockey coaching position, Head Women’s Hockey Coach Logan Kraft has stepped up to fill the role on an interim basis.
LRSC Athletic Director Jared Marshall said Kraft has been naturally filling the men’s team void since May.
“Logan immediately stepped in and completed the men’s team roster this spring, so we are thrilled that he agreed to lead both programs as LRSC continues its search for a permanent men’s coach,” Marshall said.
Kraft has been communicating with players throughout the summer, rounding out the teams and game schedules for the Royals’ inaugural season.
“The athletic department and I have been working hand in hand to make sure that everything continues to move forward smoothly. I am excited that we’ve built two hockey programs in such a unique way in a short amount of time,” Kraft said.
Games have been adjusted so Kraft can lead both teams. The first home game Oct. 13 in the Burdick Arena.
"We are thrilled with what Logan has contributed to both teams this summer and excited to kick off our first hockey season,” Marshall said.
Kraft was an assistant men’s ice hockey coach at the University of Mary in 2021 and helped lead the Marauders to their first national title. He’s been involved in the Devils Lake hockey community working with squirt hockey teams and as a coach for the Devils Lake Firebirds boys’ hockey program. A native of Devils Lake, Kraft split the 2016-2017 season between Williston State College and Glacier Nationals and then continued at WSC for the 2017-2018 season. He then transferred to the University of Mary and played hockey from 2018 to 2020.
“There are big things ahead for these programs and I am proud to be the leader for both. Both programs will be hard working in the classroom, on and off the ice, and in our community. I feel I can speak for both programs when I say thank you to our college and our community for the outstanding support,” Kraft said.
Both hockey programs will compete in the ACHA (American Collegiate Hockey Association) Division II. The ACHA men’s side is comprised of 190 schools in four regions. On the ACHA women’s side, 58 teams make up three regions. LRSC will not be able to participate in post-season play for the first two seasons. Lake Region State College now offers five NJCAA sports & four club sports.
GO ROYALS!