Since 2005, and the start of the St Croix Valley Fusion, Matt Cranston has been the head coach and leader of the program.  On Tuesday, Dec 20 vs ECA at Hobbs Ice Arena, Coach Cranston achieved another milestone – he reached 300 wins!

Coaching means much more than just hockey to Coach Cranston.  He truly tries to impact the lives of each player, both on the ice and off.  He explains how each player has a role on every team – not just scoring goals or making saves, but being a great teammate or mentoring a younger player.   Knowing your role and accepting it is also a big piece of that. 

Coach Cranston has led his team to 4 state tournaments – with 3 championships, and equally as important – 4 Sportsmanship awards.  A very proud part of his program. 

Matt is a true lover of hockey.  He is heavily involved in the Black Cat girl's youth hockey program, that is the feeder to the St Croix Valley Fusion, and can be found many weekends attending the girls youth games – meeting the girls, the families and supporting the coaches throughout the season.   He also hardly ever misses a UW River Falls Falcons women’s hockey game, a team that is coached by his little brother Joe Cranston.  To top it off, Matt will tape any MN Wild hockey game he can't watch live – not wanting to miss any great local NHL action.

We all want to thank and congratulate Coach Cranston on his accomplishment. 

Thanks for being awesome!