UMD Hockey's Dale "Hoagie" Haagenson, who held the distinction of being the longest-serving volunteer in UMD Athletics history, passed away Tuesday, February 17. He was 65 years old.

Haagenson joined the UMD men's hockey staff as a volunteer in 1981 for the 1981-82 season after his school counselor talked to then Bulldog head coach Gus Hendrickson about Haagenson joining the staff. Hendrickson, who knew Haagenson from hockey camps in Babbitt, invited him to UMD – an invite that would make Haagenson the face of the program 44 years later.

Born on Nov. 30, 1960 and raised in Babbit, Minn., Haagenson was a fixture on the Bulldog men's hockey bench for more than four decades, proudly handling the role as the team's assistant equipment manager and their inspirational leader. 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.  

The namesake of the "UMD Hoagie Men's Hockey Scholarship", Haagenson dutifully also served as a dedicated volunteer with the Bulldog women's hockey, football, and baseball programs over the years. In celebration of his 25th anniversary with the Bulldogs, UMD men's hockey held a star-studded "Hoagie Appreciation Night" at the DECC on Feb. 24, 2005, and then-Duluth Mayor Herb Bergson officially proclaimed it "Hoagie Day" in the city. 

A beloved member of Bulldog men's and women's hockey programs, Haagenson was also on the sideline of every home UMD football game, basketball, baseball and soccer games as his schedule allowed him to attend.

Outside of all of his Bulldog commitments, in the summer, Haagenson served as an Assistant Clubhouse Manager for the Duluth Huskies baseball team of the Northwoods League. A fixture in the dugout, Dale Haagenson joined the Huskies staff during the inaugural season in 2003. He served as the assistant clubhouse manager ever since, and had recently been added as an assistant coach and "hype" man for the team in a more official capacity.

A Statement on Dale "Hoagie" Haagenson from UMD Men's Hockey

UMD Men's Hockey and UMD Athletics are deeply saddened by the passing of longtime staff member Dale "Hoagie" Haagenson.

For 44 years, Hoagie was a constant presence in the UMD men's hockey program and a beloved member of the Bulldog family. He was absolutely adored by our players, coaches, and staff, and his impact on UMD Men's Hockey is immeasurable. Hoagie was far more than a staff member, he was a teammate, a teacher, and a source of joy and perspective for everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.

Hoagie taught us invaluable lessons about kindness, humility, loyalty, and what it truly means to be a good teammate and an even better person. He had an extraordinary ability to connect with people, making everyone feel seen, valued, and welcome. His love for others was unconditional, and he left a lasting impression wherever he went.

What defined Hoagie was his heart, his spirit, and the way he enriched the lives of those around him. Our program is better because of him, and generations of Bulldogs carry pieces of his influence with them.

We are devastated by this loss and extend our deepest condolences to Hoagie's family and loved ones. He will forever hold a special place in the history and heart of UMD Hockey.

A Statement on Dale "Hoagie" Haagenson from UMD Women's Hockey

We are heartbroken by the passing of Hoagie, a beloved and irreplaceable member of the UMD Hockey family.

Hoagie served as an assistant equipment manager for our program, but his impact went far beyond his role. He was a constant source of joy, energy, and pride within our program and across our department. Hoagie had a genuine love for UMD Athletics and an unwavering passion for Bulldog Hockey, supporting both our men's and women's programs with his whole heart.

Our student-athletes shared a special bond with Hoagie. He knew them, believed in them, and brought positivity into their lives every single day.

Hoagie embodied what it means to be a Bulldog: loyalty, enthusiasm, and a deep sense of community. He will always be part of our program, and his spirit will live on in the countless memories he helped create.

We extend our deepest condolences to Hoagie's family, friends, and all who were fortunate enough to know and love him. He will be deeply missed.

A Statement on Dale "Hoagie" Haagenson from UMD Football

It is a very sad day for the UMD community and our football program. We lost a guy that was proud to be a Bulldog everyday and did it with a smile, pride and energy that nobody could ever match. Since Hoagie has been involved in Athletics he has impacted many lives and the event itself. We have been fortunate to have known a person like him.

A Statement on Dale "Hoagie" Haagenson from UMD Baseball

We are saddened to learn of the passing of Dale 'Hoagie' Haagenson. His infectious energy impacted decades of UMD Sports and beyond.
He was our rally starter, an awesome reminder to keep life simple and to be excited for what's next. Simply the ultimate Servant Leader.

Our thoughts and prayers are with all those whose lives have been impacted by Hoagie. 

A Statement on Dale "Hoagie" Haagenson from UMD Soccer

There is great reason to be saddened by the passing of Dale 'Hoagie' Haaganson.  Only a few in Duluth sports lore have had an impact for decades and generations as he has.  His loss is felt far beyond Bulldog Country.   

Few local sports  personalities in my lifetime have achieved  the notoriety that he did, all without ever being on a scoresheet.  Even opponents of UMD and local sport teams knew of Hoagie's legend.  A true character that any team would want in their locker room.  It's often said that to play or coach, you need to "love the game."  Hoagie didn't do either, yet so many learned why and how to love the game because of him.   

He taught many about humility, loyalty, compassion, and commitment.  His communities at Babbit, UMD Athletics, Duluth Huskies and his home, Downtown Duluth all gained greatly from having Hoagie on board.  They will miss him dearly.  I'll miss his larger-than-sport influence he had on so many athletes and teams, his proud smile, and his deep love of "his" teams and friends. 


There has been a GoFundMe set up to support Hoagie's family during this incredibly difficult time. Proceeds will be used for Hoagie's funeral and Celebration of Life, with any remaining funds going directly to the UMD Hoagie Men's Hockey Scholarship, established in 2006 in his honor. To donate, click here.


A public Celebration of Life will be held on Tuesday, February 24th at AMSOIL Arena, beginning at 12:00 p.m. A private funeral will be held for family and close friends will be held Monday night. Details will follow.