1958–59 NCAA men's ice hockey season

1958–59 NCAA men's ice hockey season was the 12th season of NCAA-sanctioned college ice hockey competition. The season culminated with the 1959 NCAA tournament, where the North Dakota Fighting Sioux captured their first national championship. This season was notable for the continued dominance of WCHA teams and the final tournament appearance under the original four-team format before expansion.

Season overview

The 1958–59 season was marked by significant competitive balance across the major conferences, with the Western Collegiate Hockey Association (WCHA) emerging as the nation's premier league. The North Dakota Fighting Sioux, led by coach Bob May, built a formidable squad that would peak at the perfect time. Meanwhile, eastern powers like Boston College and St. Lawrence maintained strong programs, setting the stage for a dramatic NCAA tournament. The season also saw the continued development of future NHL talent across numerous campuses.

Regular season

The regular season featured intense conference rivalries and key non-conference matchups that shaped the national picture. In the WCHA, the battle for supremacy was fierce between North Dakota, Michigan, and Michigan State. Out east, the Tri-State League and ECAC schedules provided rigorous tests for contenders like Boston College, Harvard, and Dartmouth. Notable non-conference series, such as those involving Minnesota and Boston University, offered early indicators of national strength.

Conference standings

The WCHA standings were tightly contested, with North Dakota ultimately claiming the regular-season title ahead of Michigan State and the Michigan Wolverines. In the east, the Tri-State League was won by St. Lawrence, while Boston College finished atop the ECAC standings. Other conferences, including the MCHA and independent schedules, saw strong showings from teams like Colorado College and Denver.

NCAA Tournament

The 1959 NCAA Men's Ice Hockey Tournament was held at the Broadmoor World Arena in Colorado Springs, Colorado. In the national semifinals, North Dakota defeated Boston College, and Michigan State triumphed over St. Lawrence. The championship game saw North Dakota edge Michigan State 4–3 in overtime, with Reg Morelli scoring the historic winning goal to secure the national title for the Fighting Sioux.

Statistical leaders

Offensive leaders for the season included Bill Masterton of Denver, who was among the national points leaders, and John Mayasich of Minnesota, a perennial scoring threat. Bob McCusker of St. Lawrence also posted impressive numbers. In goal, Jack McCartan of Minnesota and Lorne Howes of Michigan State were standout netminders, with Howes backstopping his team's run to the championship game.

Awards and honors

The season's top individual honor, the Hobey Baker Award, did not yet exist. However, Bill Masterton of the Denver Pioneers was recognized as a First Team All-American selection. The NCAA All-Tournament Team featured stars from North Dakota like Reg Morelli and Bob Murray, as well as Michigan State's Lorne Howes. Numerous players earned all-conference honors in the WCHA, ECAC, and other leagues.