The Hobey Baker Memorial Award Foundation is proud to announce Glen Sonmor as the 1999 recipient of the Hobey Baker Legends of Hockey award. Sonmor, a fixture in the Minnesota hockey community for over four decades, is being honored for his extensive contributions to the sport as a player, coach, and scout.

Sonmor’s journey began in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, before he played professionally, including a brief stint with the New York Rangers in the NHL from 1953-1955. His playing career was cut short in 1955 due to a career-ending eye injury. After his playing days, Sonmor turned to coaching, where he truly left his mark. He began at the University of Minnesota, first as the freshman coach before taking over the varsity program from 1966 to 1971. During his tenure, he led the Golden Gophers to a WCHA regular season championship in 1970 and a WCHA playoff championship in 1971. He was also named the WCHA Coach of the Year in 1970 and gave future “Miracle on Ice” coach Herb Brooks his first coaching role as an assistant.

Sonmor went on to coach in the World Hockey Association (WHA) with the Minnesota Fighting Saints and Birmingham Bulls before a successful return to Minnesota to coach the NHL’s North Stars in three separate stints between 1978 and 1987. He led the team to four playoff appearances and their first Stanley Cup Final in 1981. After his coaching career, Sonmor continued his dedication to the game, serving as a radio analyst for Gophers hockey games for 15 years and as an amateur scout for the Minnesota Wild. In 2006, he was also honored with the prestigious Lester Patrick Trophy for outstanding service to hockey in the United States.

Throughout his career, Sonmor was known for his tenacity and a love for the physical aspects of the game. He was a charismatic and energetic personality who made a lasting impact on the hockey scene. As a coach, he was admired by his players and respected by his peers for his motivational style and tactical knowledge. He was an “old-time hockey” man whose influence helped build the sport’s legacy in the State of Hockey.