MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) — The University of Minnesota has agreed to extend the contract of Don Lucia, the Gopher’s head hockey coach, through the 2014-2015 season.

The University’s director of athletics, Joel Maturi made the announcement on Wednesday.

Lucia, in his 13th season, has won back-to-back national championships with Minnesota in 2002 and 2003 and has a 294-159-53 record at Minnesota.

“Don is a championship caliber coach and is deserving of this extension,” said Maturi in a press release. “He has led the University of Minnesota to two national titles and recently battled through a significant illness. He is now totally healthy and fully committed to Minnesota. I believe Gopher Hockey to be the premier program in the country and Don is the right man to continue to lead our student athletes.”

This season, the Gophers are off to a 4-0-0 start, which is Minnesota’s best start since their 2001-02 campaign.

“I want to thank president Eric Kaler and director of athletics Joel Maturi for having confidence in me to lead the Gophers for many years to come,” said Lucia. “Our goal every year is for Minnesota to be a championship team, and we have been able to achieve the ultimate success twice since I have been here. Some years we come closer to reaching our goals than others, but I am confident that we are headed in the right direction.”