DULUTH, MN. (THECOUNT) — The University of Minnesota Duluth community is mourning the loss of Dale “Hoagie” Haagenson, the longest-serving volunteer in UMD Athletics history. Haagenson passed away Tuesday, February 17, at the age of 65.
Haagenson devoted 44 years to UMD’s athletic programs, becoming a constant and beloved presence on the Bulldogs’ sidelines and benches. For generations of student-athletes, coaches and fans in northern Minnesota, he was synonymous with UMD hockey and a fixture in Duluth sports culture.
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Born Nov. 30, 1960, and raised in Babbitt, Minnesota, a small Iron Range community approximately 90 miles north of Duluth, Haagenson first joined the UMD men’s hockey program in 1981. He began volunteering for the 1981–82 season after his school counselor approached then-head coach Gus Hendrickson about bringing him onto the staff. Hendrickson, who had known Haagenson from hockey camps in Babbitt, extended the invitation that would begin a four-decade association with the program.
Over the years, Haagenson served as assistant equipment manager for the men’s hockey team while also taking on the role of motivational presence and unofficial ambassador. He later volunteered with UMD’s women’s hockey, football and baseball programs, and was frequently seen at home games across multiple sports when his schedule allowed.
His dedication was formally recognized on several occasions. Haagenson received the 2010 Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference Noel Olson Volunteer of the Year Award and was honored with the 2000 Bruce Bennett Service Award for exceptional service and commitment to UMD Athletics. He is also the namesake of the “UMD Hoagie Men’s Hockey Scholarship.”
In 2005, UMD men’s hockey celebrated his 25th anniversary with a “Hoagie Appreciation Night” at the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center (DECC), the primary home venue for Bulldogs hockey on the shores of Lake Superior. Then-Duluth Mayor Herb Bergson officially proclaimed Feb. 24, 2005, as “Hoagie Day” in the city.
Beyond UMD, Haagenson was a longtime fixture in Duluth’s summer collegiate baseball scene. He joined the Duluth Huskies of the Northwoods League during the team’s inaugural 2003 season as assistant clubhouse manager. He remained in that role for more than two decades and was recently given additional responsibilities as an assistant coach and team “hype” leader.
UMD Men’s Hockey released a statement following his passing:
“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.”
UMD Women’s Hockey also issued a statement:
“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.”
Statements were also released by UMD Football, Baseball and Soccer, each highlighting Haagenson’s decades-long presence and influence across Bulldog athletics and the wider Duluth sports community.
Haagenson’s involvement spanned multiple generations of athletes in a regional program that competes at the NCAA Division I level in men’s and women’s hockey and Division II in several other sports. His visibility and longevity made him one of the most recognizable non-coaching figures in Minnesota collegiate athletics.
Funeral arrangements were not immediately announced.