While he may deserve it, I don't think he has a chance even if UND wins the NC. When a school like UND finishes in 5th place in the WCHA, no matter how tough the WCHA is, the coach will never win an award. Perhaps if he was coaching at UAA or Mankato and did the same thing, he'd have a chance. But when you are at UND, I think you almost have to win the WCHA and the NC, or at least be close to both, to win the Penrose. It's expected of UND to contend for both.
I think it's between Owens and Gwoz.