Blake Zabinski was announced as the third head coach of the Marian University men's ACHA D2 hockey program in July of 2025.
Zabinski becomes a Sabre after spending time as the Head ACHA D2 Coach and Assistant ACHA D1 coach for the men's and women's programs at the University of Jamestown. He had assumed all of these roles for the Jimmies since 2021. Last season the ACHA D2 program went 25-3-2 earning the Jimmies a WCCHA NW Division Championship and a third-place finish at the WCCHA Conference Tournament. Jamestown also was able to earn a spot in the ACHA D2 Central Regional Tournament as the No. 9 seed. The Jimmies were able to defeat NCHL foe DePaul 5-3 in the opening round before falling to No. 6 Michigan State 4-3 in double overtime in the semifinals.
The Jamestown ACHA D1 program was just as successful earning back-to-back MCH regular season and tournament championships. The Jimmies were able to qualify for the ACHA D1 National Tournament in both of those seasons. The 2023 National Tournament saw Jamestown qualify as the No. 7 seed and reach the national quarterfinals after defeating No. 10 Niagra 2-1 in overtime.
Prior to his time at Jamestown, Zabinski served as an assistant coach at ACHA D2 Williston State for one season. The Tetons qualified for the ACHA D2 National Tournament in that season and narrowly missed a spot in the Final Four after going 2-1 in pool play.
"I am excited to take over the ACHA D2 program at Marian University," said Zabinski. "The program has had a lot of success in the past, and I'm excited to continue that this coming season and many seasons after. Thank you to Director of Athletics Tony Draves and the Sabre athletic department for giving me this opportunity. I am looking forward to being a Sabre!"
Zabinski earned an Associates of Arts and an Associates in Business Management at Williston State in 2020 before earning a Bachelor of Arts in University Studies with an emphasis in business and exercise science in 2022 from Dickinson State University. He then went on to earn a master's degree in leadership from the University of Jamestown in 2024.
| Year |
Record |
Win% |
NCHL Record |
NCHL Win% |
Postseason |
Awards |
| 2024-25 |
20-4-0 |
.833 |
10-0-0 |
1.000 |
NCHL Hap Cup Championship
ACHA Regionals |
6 NCHL All-Conference
NCHL Rookie of the Year
NCHL Coach of the Year |
| Totals |
20-4-0 |
.833 |
10-0-0 |
1.000 |
|
|
