Kord Cernich ‘9o
Kord Cernich ’90 was a cornerstone of Lake Superior State University hockey from 1986 to 1990, helping define one of the most successful eras in program history with his grit, consistency, and high-level performance on both ends of the ice.
Cernich’s impact was immediate and long-lasting. In the 1987–88 season, he earned Second Team All-CCHA honors and was named to the NCAA Final Four All-Tournament Team after a standout postseason. He scored the game-winning goal in the semifinal and added two goals during the Final Four, playing a crucial role in LSSU’s historic first NCAA national championship — an especially meaningful moment for Cernich, as the title was won in Lake Placid, home of the 1980 “Miracle on Ice.”
His strong play continued into the next two seasons. In 1988–89, he was named both a First Team All-CCHA and a First Team All-American, followed by First Team All-CCHA and Second Team All-American selections again in 1989–90. He was also named to the CCHA Championship All-Tournament Team that year. He also served as assistant captain during his senior season.
Over his four years as a Laker, Cernich set an NCAA record with 175 consecutive games played, underscoring his durability and commitment to the team. After graduating with a bachelor’s degree in marketing, he signed a professional contract with the New York Rangers in 1990.
Cernich spent several years playing professionally in North America and briefly in Europe, competing across multiple levels of the minor leagues. In 1994, he returned to his home state of Alaska and joined the Anchorage Aces. He became a fixture on the blueline for the Aces, playing more than 300 games with the team over the next seven seasons. He retired following the 2001 season.
After hanging up his skates, Cernich remained in Anchorage where he ran his dad’s electrical contracting company until his father’s passing in 2017. He then went on to work for another electrical contractor as a project manager until he retired in 2023.
Reflecting on his four years as a Laker, Cernich said, “My time at LSSU was the most fun four years of my life and I enjoyed every minute of it.” He went on to comment, “I’m thankful for the many lifelong friendships that I developed during those years. I would like to thank everyone who helped me achieve my goal of winning a national championship, and to do it at Lake Placid where 1980 happened made it extra special for an American kid.”
Cernich now lives in Anchor Point, Alaska with his wife Angela from May through October each year, and travels during the winters. He is the proud father of two sons, Max and Garin.