Skip To Main Content

Cornell University Athletics

ITHACA, N.Y. – It was a bit of an odd location to have a family reunion, but the Cornell men’s hockey team had one of sorts over the weekend in Potsdam and Canton.
Riley Joslin/Cornell Athletics

Athletics to "Celebrate Schafe" Following Feb. 22 Contest

2/5/2025 9:30:00 AM

ITHACA, N.Y. – Cornell University will celebrate the extraordinary career of Mike Schafer '86, The Jay R. Bloom '77 Head Coach of Men's Ice Hockey, on Saturday, Feb. 22, throughout the Big Red's matchup against St. Lawrence at Lynah Rink.

The 6 p.m. game will feature the program's annual Senior Night celebration, which recognizes the contributions of the Big Red's senior class. It will also feature the program's annual alumni celebration, which this year specifically honors the 2020, 2010, 2005, 1980, and 1970 championship teams. 

Immediately afterward, Schafer will be honored in front of the Lynah Faithful, paying tribute to his legendary tenure as both a player and coach.

The postgame ceremony will include remarks from Schafer, and fans can expect in-game tributes, commemorative giveaways, and interactive opportunities to share their appreciation.

This marks Schafer's final regular-season home game, making it a special chance for fans to "show up and show out" in support of one of the most influential figures in Cornell hockey history. Additional opportunities to celebrate his career will be announced at a later date.
 

A Storied Legacy

Over his 30 seasons behind the Big Red bench, Schafer has compiled an impressive 550-296-117 record, guiding Cornell to 14 NCAA Tournament appearances, including a trip to the 2003 Frozen Four—the program's first national semifinal appearance since 1980. His 550 wins rank among the top 20 in Division I college hockey history, and he is one of just 10 coaches to achieve that milestone at a single school.

Under his leadership, the Big Red has enjoyed:

  • 14 seasons with 20+ wins
  • 17 seasons with at least a .600 winning percentage
  • Six ECAC Hockey Tournament championships (Whitelaw Cups)—the most by a coach in Cornell history
  • Six ECAC Hockey regular-season titles (Cleary Cups), including three in the last seven years
  • 13 Ivy League championships

Schafer has been named ECAC Hockey Coach of the Year five times (2002, 2003, 2005, 2018, 2020) and Ivy League Coach of the Year four times (2018, 2019, 2020, 2024). In 2020, he was named co-recipient of the Spencer Penrose Award, recognizing the nation's top coach, after leading Cornell to a 23-2-4 record and a No. 1 national ranking before the pandemic-shortened season.
 

Join the Celebration

Fans are encouraged to pack Lynah Rink on Feb. 22 to honor Coach Schafer's lasting impact on Cornell hockey. Limited tickets remain and can be purchased online at BigRedTix.com. Stay tuned for details on future celebrations of his remarkable career.

Print Friendly Version