13 Facts About Mel Pearson

Melvin Kim Pearson was born on February 8,1959 and is a former college ice hockey player and the former head coach of the Michigan Wolverines men's ice hockey team.

Mel Pearson was born in Vancouver on February 8,1959, the son of Vancouver Canucks player George "Mel" Pearson.

Mel Pearson's father's playing career ended in 1973 as a member of the Minnesota Fighting Saints, and Mel, who had been playing since the age of six, played hockey in suburban Minneapolis at Edina East High School under coach Willard Ikola.

Mel Pearson was recruited to play college hockey by both Michigan and Michigan Tech, and he ultimately chose Michigan Tech after visiting the campus and "[falling] in love with the place".

Mel Pearson played forward for Michigan Tech from 1977 to 1981 and scored 21 goals among 56 points in 97 games.

Mel Pearson scored the tournament-winning goal in triple overtime against Michigan in 1979.

Mel Pearson graduated from Michigan Tech in 1981 with a degree in business administration.

Mel Pearson retained his assistant coach position when Boxer replaced Nahrgang, who resigned in February 1985, as head coach.

In 1996, Mel Pearson was a candidate for the head coaching position at Michigan Tech, but his former teammate Tim Watters was appointed instead.

Mel Pearson interviewed for and was offered the head coaching position at Miami University in 1999, but he turned down the job that later went to Enrico Blasi.

Mel Pearson spoke of changing the team's style of play to emphasize skill, speed and offensive creativity, and said his staff's efforts would be focused on recruiting for the next few months.

Under Mel Pearson's watch, the Wolverines reached the Frozen Four in 2018 and 2022.

Mel Pearson's contract expired on May 1,2022, but he remained the head coach without a new deal until being relieved of his duties on August 5.