His numbers remained consistent as an upperclassman, however, the team declined and ended with losing records in his final two years.
After graduating with a degree in Kinesiology, Strand continued his playing career with the Madison Monsters, a UHL team.
Strand stayed in the area and joined the replacement Madison Kodiaks for their inaugural season in 1999, however, he retired as a player after the year.
He helped the Green Knights take the next step in their ascent, finishing the regular season as the #1 team in the country while losing just 1 game.
St. Norbert ended up losing in the National Semifinal to the eventual champion, however, they also lost Strand after the year when he accepted a similar position with the Green Bay Gamblers.
[3] The swift turnaround garnered Strand his first coaching job in the pro ranks and he joined the Houston Aeros as an assistant.
Shortly after the end of the season, the head coaching job at Minnesota State opened up and Strand accepted the position.