Longtime Minnesota State hockey assistant Darren Blue resigned Monday after 21 years.

A CCHA release said Blue accepted a job “in the private sector” but offered no other details. The Mankato Free Press reported Monday that Blue accepted a job as a business strategist in the Sports and Recreation department at ISG, an engineering firm in Mankato.

“It’s hard to believe 21 years in this position has gone by so fast,” said Blue in a press release. “I think that’s a testament to the quality of people and players I have had the opportunity to work with during this time.”

Blue, who played for the Mavericks from 1991-95, was a two-time captain and became a Minnesota State assistant in 2000. He also played on the Mavericks golf team in 1996.

Before coaching at MSU, Blue became a coach for three seasons at Chisago Lakes, northeast of Minneapolis. Blue helped the Mavericks to their first NCAA Frozen Four in program history last season.

The Mavericks have the best record of any Division I team in the last nine seasons, with a record of 236-89-24.

“I have appreciated every day that I have been able to wear the Purple and Gold and represent Minnesota State University and the hockey program,” Blue said in the statement. “I look forward to watching from a different seat as this program continues to build on past success.”