George Nemanich, the longtime Red Wing coach who led the Wingers to six state tournament appearances and the Class 1A championship in 1997 to complete an unbeaten season, has been named the winner of the Minnesota Hockey Coaches Association’s Cliff Thompson Award for long-term outstanding contributions to the sport of hockey in Minnesota.

Nemanich will be honored on Sept. 30 at the Grand Casino Arena in St. Paul between periods of a Minnesota Wild game.

The Cliff Thompson Award, named after the former Eveleth coach who guided his teams to five state championships — including four straight from 1948-51 — is the MHCA’s highest honor.

Nemanich compiled a 331-142-15 record in 18 seasons leading the Wingers. He retired after the 2009-10 season. He was named the state’s coach of the year twice, in 1997 and 2002.

The association’s three other award winners and four Hall of Fame inductees will also be honored during the Wild’s game against the Minnesota Jets on Sept. 30.

Members of the MHCA’s Hall of Fame Class of 2025 are Roger Johnson (Fergus Falls), Steve Brown (Delano), Tom King (Indus/Warroad) and Steve “Moose” Younghans (St. Paul Johnson).

Delano coach Gerrit van Bergen is the winner of the Dave Peterson Award, given annually to a high school coach who has shown outstanding leadership in developing youth hockey either locally or statewide.

Former Hallock, Warroad and Crookston head coach Jon Bittner is the winner of the Bruce Johnson Award. The award is given annually to the Minnesota Hockey Coaches Association board member — or individual who has served on the board — in recognition for outstanding contributions in promoting the association and sport of hockey.

Dave Margenau, who has served in various roles as a youth hockey volunteer for four decades, is the winner of the Oscar Almquist Award that goes to the non-coaching individual who has contributed to the success of high school hockey by advancing opportunities for players and coaches.