COLERAINE — When Bob Gernander of Coleraine was recently named as the recipient of the American Hockey Coaches Association’s (AHCA) John Mariucci Award, it came as a surprise to him.

The Mariucci Award was created to honor a secondary school association coach who best exemplifies the spirit, dedication and enthusiasm of Eveleth native John Mariucci, otherwise known as the “Godfather of U.S. Hockey.” Gernander will receive the award in May during ceremonies in Naples, Fla.