Mike Randolph Plans to Bring Culture of Winning to Northern Lakes Boys’ Hockey

Northern Lakes boys’ hockey will sport a new look this season with Mike Randolph now manning the ship.

Randolph is aiming to further establish a culture of winning for Lightning hockey, and he is one win away from becoming the winningest coach in Minnesota high school hockey history. With 18 state appearances, two state championships, over 40 years of coaching, and 707 wins, the resume speaks for itself, which works perfectly for him.

“I don’t really think about it. I’m just worried about the rest of this practice and tomorrow,” explained Randolph. “I’ve always stayed focused on the moment. It’s not done by me alone, so I’ll be happy to get it behind me, to be honest with you.”

But with his whole family and his lifelong counterparts at Duluth East (where he coached for 32 years) all planning to attend Northern Lakes’ season opener against Prairie Centre, Randolph understands the gravity of the moment.

“Don’t get me wrong – someday when I’m sitting in a rocking chair, I’ll think more about it and I’ll reflect back on how special this all ways, this journey,” he said. “And I’ve had a lot of highlights and had nothing but great support through it all.”

What Randolph is more interested in is Lightning boys’ hockey, which piqued his interest following a three-year-long stint at St. Thomas Academy.

“I just thought it was the right fit,” Randolph added. “I like the pace that we’re going to be able to play at. I like the skill we’re going to have. I like the compete, that’s the biggest thing for me.”

And the Northern Lakes boys can already see a stark change in the culture Randolph is instilling within them.

“He’s looking for nine guys who can play the game his way, and if he can’t find those nine guys, someone’s going to be behind you to step up,” said senior captain and forward Drew Paulbeck.

“He’s trying to turn us into a really respected team: well-behaved, well-disciplined team, just on the ice, off the ice, all around,” explained senior captain and center Wyatt Balmer. “I think that’s really nice for him to kind of bring that culture in here.”

Randolph certainly picked a desirable destination in Northern Lakes, as the team fell just one game shy of their second ever state appearance. But in order to take that next step, it will require an undeniable level of compete.

“Trust in each other, playing for each other and giving 100% when it comes down to it,” said Paulbeck.

“Just being a tight-knit group,” Balmer added. “I think if we’re able to just work hard all season and buy in, we should be at the state tournament.”

Northern Lakes boys’ hockey will kickoff the 2024-25 season on November 26th. Their opening night game will be at home versus Prairie Centre, which will give Randolph the opportunity to get win number 708.