Minnesota Hockey (formerly known as the Minnesota Amateur Hockey Association) has provided volunteer services for the development and promotion of hockey in Minnesota since 1947.  During that time, there have been numerous individual who have dedicated their lives to this game and our organization.  Their service to hockey and Minnesota's youth has truly made a difference, and we will be forever grateful to their families for sharing them with us.

1924-2018

Wally was born January 9, 1924, in Chaska to William and Ida (Blair) Odell. Odell proudly served in the 884th Field Artillery of the 70th Infantry Division, the Trailblazers, for 2 1/2 years during World War II seeing combat in Europe in 1945. After the war, Odell returned home and graduated from the University of Minnesota with a law degree in 1950. He practiced law for over twenty years before changing his career to commercial real estate.

His other passion was youth and amateur hockey. He began volunteering his time in the early 1960s with the Minnetonka and Wayzata Youth Hockey Associations. Odell went on to served on the Minnesota Hockey (formerly MAHA) Board of Directors in several positions. He was recognized with the Presidents' Award in 1996 and the Don Clark Award in 2005 for his outstanding commitment to the development of youth hockey players. Odell was a Director Emeritus from 2005 until he passed in 2018.

Odell also served at the National level as a member of the USA Hockey/AHAUS Youth Council and was a key figure in organizing Olympic Development Camps between 1978-1995.  Through Wally's efforts hundreds of high school players furthered their development at an elite national level of play.  He also worked to expose numerous high school coaches to the national level of development as well.

1940-2016

Bruce Kruger grew up in Faribault, MN where he met his life-long sweetheart, Patricia Kruger. He attended Harvard University and the University of Minnesota Law School. He worked as an attorney in private practice for many years in both Duluth and Minneapolis, MN, and then went on to work as a Probate Referee for Hennepin County for nearly two decades.

Known for his fair yet firm and kind demeanor, Bruce had a vibrant passion for hockey and connecting with people that fueled over 45 years of service as a youth hockey volunteer.

Bruce’s first involvement with ice hockey came as a youth coach while he lived in Duluth. Upon moving to the Minnetonka area, Bruce continued coaching for six more seasons before moving into administrative roles as a team manager and then as the association’s travel team coordinator.

As his own kids graduated the youth and high school levels, Bruce also moved on, agreeing to serve as the Assistant Director for District 6 in the early 1990’s. Shortly thereafter, Bruce became involved in forming the Metro Hockey League for Junior Gold (formerly Juvenile) players.  

From the moment he got involved with Junior Gold hockey, Bruce was enthralled with the idea of providing that age group of young men had a viable and well-respected league to play in. Bruce played an instrumental role initially launching the league, as well as developing the Metro League All-Star Game and the Wes Barrett and 19U scholarship programs. Although his official title was Treasurer, Bruce provided leadership and guidance in numerous areas, including serving on the Minnesota Hockey Board of Directors.

Only a couple of years after joining the Metro Hockey League, Bruce also agreed to serve as the Minnesota District Risk Manager for USA Hockey, which he would serve as for over 20 years. Shortly thereafter, he also got involved when Minnesota Hockey’s Screening Committee.  Bruce was adamant that youth players in Minnesota have a safe environment to enjoy this great game in.   

Even though his responsibilities over time, Bruce never lost his passion for the Metro Hockey League.  Bruce believed this level of hockey was more about learning life skills rather than gaining hockey skills and providing the right environment for these players would make our community better off down the road. 

It would be hard to find someone more passionate about the game of ice hockey than Bruce.  His unwavering integrity, unique sense of humor and his relentless pursuit of providing a safe and fun hockey experience left a positive impact on everyone he interacted with.

1929-2016

Walter Bush was a player, coach, manager, administrator, team owner, USA Hockey President and was one of the founding members of Minnesota Hockey (formerly known as Minnesota Amateur Hockey Association).

Bush was an integral member of USA Hockey since 1959 when he first served as a member of the Board of Directors. In 1986 he was named USA Hockey’s President, a role he served for 17 years, before becoming Chairman of the Board in 2003, a position he fills to this day.

His influence has continuously been far-reaching. Before retiring in 2008, he served as a member of the International Ice Hockey Federation Council for 23 years. Though he served on many committees, one of his most notable contributions to the sport was organizing the first IIHF Women’s World Championship, as well as successfully leading the charge to make the women’s game a medal sport in the Olympic Winter Games.

Locally, Bush secured Minnesota as a National Hockey League destination, helping land a franchise in the Twin Cities – the Minnesota North Stars. Bush spent 17 years in the NHL, serving on a variety of committees, including North Stars President from 1987-76, and later Chairman of the Board. He also served as President of the Minnesota Amateur Hockey Association for three years prior to his NHL involvement, and owned a minor league team, the Minneapolis Bruins from 1963-65.

Bush’s resume is teeming with honors, including the Olympic Order from the International Olympic Committee, the NHL’s 1973 Lester Patrick Award, enshrinement in the United State Hockey Hall of Fame in 1980, election to the Minnesota Sports Hall of Fame in 1989 and USA Hockey’s National Headquarters were named after him in 1999.

1944-2016

Glenn Edward Young, the son of Phil and Audrey (Bacon) Young, was born on December 17, 1944 in St. Cloud, MN.  He grew up in Paynesville, MN, where he graduated from Paynesville High School in 1962.  

Glenn soloed on his fifteenth birthday and got his flying license the day after his sixteenth birthday. He used his flying background to become a flight instructor and charter pilot for Willmar Air Service from 1967-1969.  Glenn then became Johnson Bros. first pilot in 1969.  After being diagnosed with MS in 1971, he continued to work for Johnson Bros. in a management capacity including truck dispatcher, flight department manager, and weather forecaster for all the job sites. He retired from Johnson Bros. in 1995. He managed the Litchfield Airport for many years and was the flight coordinator for Wings of Mercy.  

After offering Ethel Sorensen free flying lessons, he was united in marriage five months later at Walworth Baptist Church in Ulen, MN on September 23, 1967.  Glenn and Ethel were blessed with three children, Matthew, Evonne, and Peter.  

Glenn had a quick wit and was known for his dry sense of humor.  In his younger years, he was a member of the talented and humorous Black Straps marching drum group.  He enjoyed fishing, bowling, playing adult hockey, and was a skillful woodworker.

Glenn spent a lot of his life volunteering for areas in his life that he was passionate about.  He enjoyed being active in church where he taught Sunday school, worked with the boys groups, and the youth groups,  He also ran the sound board.  He was a member of Harvest Community Church.

He also supported and was very active in establishing hockey in Litchfield-Dassel-Cokato, where he was a past president, treasurer, coach and team manager.  He ran the clock for youth and high school games, made wooden plaques for each child, scheduled referees and sharpened skates for many years. He was also on the District 5 hockey board. 

Young was honored several times by Minnesota Hockey for his dedication to youth hockey. He received the President Award in 2000 and 2003, as well as the prestigious Don Clark Award in 2007 (pictured). 

1935 - 2015

Originally from Rhode Island, O’Connor was a standout player in high school and played collegiately at Providence. After college, he moved to Edina, MN where he first started coaching under the watchful eyes of fellow Edina coaching legends Willard Ikola and Bart Larson. O’Connor fell in love with coaching during his time at Edina, coaching at nearly every age level from youth through high school over a period of more than 25 years.

O’Connor served Minnesota Hockey and USA Hockey for several decades, including 14 years as Coach-in-Chief of Minnesota Hockey, formerly Minnesota Amateur Hockey Association (1980-94); as director of USA Hockey’s Coaches Section for 10 years (1994-2004) and as USA Hockey’s National Coach-in-Chief for two campaigns (2004-06). He also was a member of USA Hockey’s Youth Council for eight years (1996-2004) and was voted director emeritus in 2004.

O’Connor received the USA Hockey Builders Award in December of 2014, significant of an individual who has made lasting contributions to the long-term growth and success of USA Hockey. He was just the seventh person to be recognized with that honor and is the only individual to be recognized with three of USA Hockey’s major awards (Wm. Thayer Tutt, Walter Yaciuk).

O’Connor also helped guide many U.S. national teams during his coaching career. He served as an assistant coach for the U.S. Olympic Men’s Ice Hockey Team at the 1984 Olympic Winter Games in Sarajevo, Yugoslavia, as well as the U.S. National Junior Teams in 1991 and 1992.

In addition to his vast coaching achievements, O’Connor was known throughout the hockey world for his desire to learn from others and his habit of stockpiling hockey resources.  He amassed an astounding collection of coaching materials throughout his career, including tips and drills from nearly every country.

O’Connor assisted USA Hockey in created the most renowned hockey coaching library in the world, and in his honor, they named it the USA Hockey Bob O’Connor International Resource Center. Braemar Arena in Edina is also home to a coaching resource center, which was expanded and named after O’Connor this past season.

1932 - 2014
 

Ralph F. Jasinski was born in Minneapolis, MN on May 20, 1932. Ralph earned a BS in mechanical engineering from the University of Minnesota in1954 and began a long career in aerospace engineering with a focus on avionics first with Honeywell in Minneapolis and then with Northrup in Norwood, MA.

Ralph was a lifelong, passionate supporter of amateur athletics and made significant contributions to US amateur hockey. He started getting involved when a rink near his old neighborhood needed lights and helped bring high school hockey to one of the few area schools without a team. 

It was in the mid-1960's when Ralph's involvement in youth hockey really took off. He began coaching in the Mounds View Youth Hockey Association  and worked his way up until he was eventually elected director of Minnesota Amateur Hockey Association in 1971. Then, he served as president from 1978 to 1980.

In 1979, Ralph made his first step up to the national level with AHAUS and was appointed General Manager of the 1980 Olympic Team.  While generally remembered as the “Miracle on Ice”, Ralph was fond of referring to the 1980 Olympic Team as “the last of the true amateurs”. He noted wistfully that his total operating budget for that year wouldn’t pay for two rookies earning the minimum salary in today’s NHL.  But even finding that paltry sum of money for amateur hockey was a challenge in those days, so Ralph got creative and came up with a novel-for-its-time development campaign he dubbed “80 for 80”. The campaign successfully raised $80,000 from a new group of corporate supporters and increased the team’s visibility with major exhibition matches.

Following the Olympics, Ralph stayed active at the national level as the MAHA representative to the AHA: he was a co-developer of the US Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs and the US Select Olympic ID Camps, as well as working with the 1981 World Junior Tournament team.  

Career moves would take Ralph from his native Minnesota to the Boston area, where he would finish his active hockey career pretty much like he began – as just another doting dad in the stands, following his youngest who captained the Williams College Ephs in the late 90’s.

Family members include his wife of fifty-nine years and high school sweetheart, Ruth (Johnson) Jasinski of Manchester; three sons, Thomas Jasinski and his wife, Susan, John Jasinski, and James Jasinski and his wife, Mary Anne; his daughter, Nancy Lotane and her husband Philip; and five grandchildren.

1941 - 2014

Jim was born September 27, 1941 to Julius and Alma (Beauchamp) Brekke in Crookston, MN. Jim attended school in Hibbing, MN, before moving to Buffalo, SD, where he graduated from high school. While in Buffalo, Jim worked on a ranch and became very active with the rodeos where he rode bucking broncos and bulls. He later worked in Minneapolis before he went into the service where he was stationed in Hawaii, Japan and Viet Nam. When he returned to the States he went to work on the Iron Range before moving to Minneapolis, where he graduated from Brown Institute. He started working for Northwestern Bell. Jim worked his way into management and became a lead auditor for 14 states. He continued that until he retired after 26 years.

Jim was a life member of Dilworth VFW Post 1223 where he was also the Head of the House Committee for quite some time. One of his favorite jobs was calling bingo at the VFW with his "girls." He was also a member of the American Legion, Viet Nam Veterans, International Jaycees Senator, International Clown Club and a Jr. Vice Commander for District 9 before stepping down due to illness. He was a Boy Scout Leader, attended the Dale Carnegie classes and a member of Pioneers of America. Jim also participated in the Wounded Warriors Project and was a member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Moorhead.

Although he couldn't skate, Jim was very passionate about the game of hockey, selflessly volunteering his time in a variety of roles at the local and state level for over 15 years. He served as the President of Moorhead Youth Hockey (1982 – 1984), District 15 Director (1986 - 1996), VP of Promotion and Publicity for Minnesota Amateur Hockey Association (1996-1998). Jim was also credited with playing a key role in helping Moorhead secure artificial ice during the 1980's.

Jim was a devoted husband, father and grandfather and will be truly missed. During his illness he never complained and worried about everyone else instead of himself.

Jim is survived by his wife, Gail; sons, Scott, Tim, Troy and Joey (Regan); daughters, Janelle (Brian) and Heidi; grandchildren, McKenzie, Jessie, Sumer, Kyle, Cole, Hannah, Devan, Boden, Marley and Brittany; sister, Sharon (Darryl); brother, Mike (Carolyn), sister-in-law, Tammy (Al); brothers-in-law, Tim (Heidi) and Steve; father-in-law, Warren; uncle Fred and aunt Gloria; nieces, nephews and many cousins and friends.

1924 – 2013

“Mac” was born on April 22, 1924 to Mary and Sam McDonald in Eveleth, Minnesota. He enlisted in the US Navy at the age of 17 and fought in the South Pacific during World War II. When the war ended, Mac returned to Minnesota and married Margaret K. Hernesman. They made their home in Grand Rapids where they raised seven children: Kathryn Savaloja, Patrick, Michael, Brian, Timothy, Rick, and Mary Jo Swanson.

Mac worked for over 40 years for the Herald Review. He was instrumental to youth hockey and Grand Rapids Amateur Hockey Association by helping to raise funds to build the IRA Arena and coordinating the concession stand at the arena with the proceeds benefiting youth hockey in the area. He was Secretary/Treasurer of Minnesota Hockey for 21 years. In 1992, USA Hockey awarded Mac with the William Thayer Tutt award for his involvement in grass roots hockey.

Mac loved being involved with hockey on many levels; as a goalie for the Senior League (where he was affectionately known as “Swiss Cheese”), helping flood the outdoor rinks, donating countless hours to GRAHA and MAHA and, most importantly, watching his five sons and many grandsons play.

Mac’s greatest joys in life were his wife, Marge, seven children, 17 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren.

Mac was famous for saying “keep smiling”…and he did.

1937 - 2012

John, the oldest child of Frank and Pearl (Childs) Ericson, was born in Minneapolis, MN.  At the age of four, his family moved to a home on the shores of Crystal Bay, Lake Minnetonka.  He would spend the rest of his life living on the Lake.  He graduated from Mound High School in 1955. He met Barbara, his loving wife of 53 years, while attending the University of Minnesota. John and Barbara were married on May 2, 1959 and were blessed with five children.  Throughout John's life, he was active in a number of organizations including the Westonka Jaycees, the Knights of Columbus, the Minnesota Amateur Hockey Association, the Concrete Paving Association of Minnesota and the City of Spring Park Planning Commission. John will be remembered for his gregarious laugh, his love for his family, friends and community, his passion for boats and being on the water, and his colorful stories.

1938 - 2011

One of our foremost leadership volunteers, Gerry Brown, passed away on Dec. 28, 2011. His forty-plus year legacy of involvement with Minnesota Hockey was staggering in its depth.

Gerry started his youth hockey participation in St. Louis Park in 1969 as an assistant Peewee B coach. He became the Peewee A Head Coach, retaining that position from '71-'76, and then served as Bantam A Head Coach from '76-'84. His teams were excellent, frequently competing at the Regional level. He also got involved administratively with SLP youth hockey, and became MH District 3 Director in '77, replacing Nils "Sonny" Sundquist.

He quickly ascended to Rules Committee Chairman in '78, and gave up his District 3 Director's position to Ralph Goldhirsch in 1980 to become a Minnesota Hockey Vice President (South Coordinator). Gerry's interest in coaching drew him into the Coaching Education Program, and from 1980-1988 he was a Clinic Director and served on the Coaching Committee. He also got involved with the Handbook, Long-Range Planning and Nominating Committees, and chaired the Age-Change Committee.

He was instrumental in USAH adopting the CyberSport registration system, and performed annual beta-testing of each upcoming season's system. His leadership and contributions will be greatly missed by USA Hockey.

Tim Donahue, Head Coach of the St. Louis Park Boys HS Varsity team, was coached by Gerry in '82 and considers him one of his biggest influences in hockey and one of the reasons he went into coaching. Tim related that Gerry would bring two cut-off hockey sticks to every practice and would load up everyone's skates that needed to be sharpened. He had his own skate sharpener (which you rarely heard of back in those days) and despite his busy professional life and family obligations would spend hours sharpening everyone's skates free of charge. When Tim moved on to high school he still brought his skates to Brown for sharpening. Gerry would invite him downstairs to watch and would often ask Tim how he liked them, even going so far as to ask what rink his next game was on (if it was a cold rink with hard ice he'd put more of an edge on it - if it was softer ice he'd go with a little less edge).

Tim took his first coaching job years later, and stopped to see Gerry for some advice. "He told me that I probably knew more about the game than he ever did, mentioning how things had evolved and that there were now better drills and better systems. I sensed that he wished he could go back and coach me again knowing what he learned over the years and maybe he could have been a better coach. He was so humble - he never thought of himself as a good coach. I really wanted him to know how I felt, and told him that if I could treat kids half as well as he treated us that I would be a great coach. That comment brought a tear to his eye - I remember understanding at that moment why my father always made sure I went up to my coaches in any sport that I played and thanked them at the end of the season."

Minnesota Hockey officially recognized Gerry several times for his many contributions. He received the Leadership Award in1983, the President's Award in 1986, 1995 and 2006, and the prestigious Don Clark Award in 2009.

Gerry was a wonderful man, touching the lives of many in the hockey community. He was the complete hockey person – he played, he coached, he managed and he inspired. His amazing efficiency, low-profile approach and versatility will be sorely missed.

1953 - 2011

Phil Graber, born in 1953, managed and partly-owned a machine shop in Fridley. He began his hockey service with Coon Rapids Youth Hockey, and went on to become District 10 Director (1995-2005), MH Secretary/Treasurer (2006-2008), USA Hockey Director (2003-2009), and MH Director Emeritus (2008-2011). Phil believed that if you want to make a difference then get involved – and THAT HE DID – he lived it every day of his adult life! In addition to his hockey volunteering he participated in the Coon Rapids Police Reserve, Minnesota Precision Manufacturers Association, Fridley Rotary Club, Gopher State Timing Association, Minnesota Street Rod Association and the Minnesota Beater Boys Car Club. He also enjoyed spending time at his cabin and riding his motorcycle. Phil passed away suddenly on February 4, 2011 after 30 years of service to Minnesota Hockey. Even after Phil’s death, he continued his giving ways. He was an organ donor and someone today is able to enjoy the sense of sight through his eyes, literally seeing life as Phil once saw it.

1945 - 2010

Bill Gable, born in 1945, was a classic example of dedication to youth hockey in Minnesota. He started his involvement by coaching in the Centennial Program in the 1980’s and joined the District 10 Board in the 1990's, progressing from League Coordinator to Tournaments VP and then District President / Assistant District Director. Bill became Minnesota Hockey's Tournaments Vice President in 1998, and handled that difficult job meticulously – his training as a machinist probably helped him to cope with all the details. He attended countless meetings and took thousands of phone calls to make tournaments easer for the volunteers and safer for the kids. Bill learned he had cancer in 2008, but continued on as VP until 2009 when the work load became too much for him. He returned to District 10 as their Tournaments VP, never giving up his love of the game or any chance to help the kids. Even after he stepped down from the District board he stayed on in an advisory position and helped as long as he could. Bill passed on September 8, 2010.

1940 - 2010

Jerry Chernivec, born in Ely in 1940, was a chemical engineer and patent attorney for 3M. His 20 years of volunteer service started with White Bear Lake Youth Hockey. Jerry took on increasing responsibilities until he became MAHA President in 1985, serving in that capacity until 1994 when 3M transferred him to Austin, TX. His 10 years of service stands today as the longest by any MAHA President. During that same period, he also represented the Minnkota District as a director for USA Hockey (AHAUS at the time). Jerry made several significant contributions during his tenure, particularly his two-year chairmanship of a special committee formed in 1983 to deal with the age change issue. Within MAHA circles, Jerry was affectionately known as the “Big Kahuna”, a title of respect he earned for his low-key yet precise management style, with frequent injections of humor. He had a knack for getting people involved and continually challenged us to work together so that every youngster in the state could experience what the sport has to offer. Jerry passed away on November 23, 2010.

1924-2004

Kenneth L. Austin was born on June 25, 1924, to Oscar and Jessie (Lee) Austin. He attended Malung School, Roseau High School and the University of Minnesota. He would serve three and a half years in the U.S. Navy Aviation during WWII before marrying his wife, Bonnie Stoneberg, on July 12, 1946.

Ken began his career with the Minnesota Implement Dealers Association in 1949, was elected Assistant General Manager in 1953, and General Manager in 1958. Ken served two terms as mayor (1962-1966) of Owatonna. He retired as President of the parent Farm Equipment Association on June 30, 1987. Active in Rotary, Elks, and Eagles; Trinity Lutheran Church, 4-H and United Fund; Past President of Sons of Norway; director of the Owatonna Foundation and regional director of the "M" Club. Ken was inducted into the Minnesota State Fair Hall of Fame in 1993 and the FFA Hall of Fame in 2004.

Ken Austin will always be remembered for his enthusiasm for amateur hockey. He played goalie for Roseau High and the University of Minnesota in 1946–47 and is credited with bringing hockey to southern Minnesota by forming Owatonna's first team in 1952. He was past president of Minnesota Amateur Hockey Association and helped form the Midwest Junior Hockey League. Ken spent 10 years as a scout for the NHL's California Seals; he received the President's Award for outstanding leadership in Hockey in 1974 and, in 2001, the Don Clark Award, the highest honor for service to amateur hockey in Minnesota. Ken was preceded in death by his wife, Bonnie; son, Jim; and is survived by his son, Doug and Mary Austin of Steven's Point; daughter, Nancy and Chuck Pence of Owatonna; eight grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

1937 - 2003

Minnesota Hockey lost another of their key leaders in 2003, Ted Brill.

Ted grew up on the east side of St Paul developing a love of the game, especially “pond hockey”, at an early age. His passion for the sport carried him through over 40 years of involvement as a coach, administrator and booster.

A graduate of Moorhead (MN) State College, Ted’s involvement with amateur hockey began in 1962, when he organized the youth hockey program in Moorhead. For the next 22 years, Ted coached youth hockey in St. Paul and Grand Rapids, MN. Since 1974 he has been a member of the board of directors of the Minnesota Amateur Hockey Association (MAHA).

While serving MAHA (today known as Minnesota Hockey), he served as President from 1980 to 1983, and organized and implemented various coaching-related programs. As the Minnesota Director of USA Hockey's Coaching Education Program from 1974 to 1982, Brill established and administered the program and its clinics throughout the state, and later led the drive to implement an Initiation Program in Minnesota.

Ted’s other accomplishments include:

• USA Hockey Board of Directors
• USA Hockey High School Section Director for eight years
• USA Hockey Walter Yaciuk Award winner
• USA Hockey William Thayer Tutt Award winner
• US Hockey Hall of Fame Executive Director for four years

As Minnesota Hockey Vice President for Player Development, Ted crafted and put in place many programs that flourish today: The Satellite Training Program (STP), High School Maroon and Gold and Great Eight All-Star Series and Minnesota’s effective advanced programs and tryout processes. His major effort prior to his passing was player/parent education. To him, much of the fun of the game had become overshadowed by competitive influences and unrealistic expectations. He yearned to make the game as enjoyable for today’s players as it was for him when he was playing at the local rink.

1937 - 2003

Herb Brooks will forever be remembered as “America’s Hockey Coach” for his role in coaching the 1980 U.S. Olympic “miracle on ice” gold medal hockey team. Although he gained prominence on the national and international stage, his most enduring influence will be in his native state of Minnesota.

Herb was a product of the East Side of St. Paul graduating from St Paul Johnson High School in 1955. He grew up an all-around athlete particularly excelling at baseball and hockey. His high school hockey career was highlighted by successive trips to the Minnesota State High School Hockey Tournament in 1954 and 1955. His 1954 St Paul Johnson team won third place. In the 1955 championship game, he scored two goals in Johnson’s 3-1 victory over Minneapolis Southwest. The 1955 championship by Johnson was the first ever by a metro-area team. Herb often described his playing days at Johnson as the “best memories” of his storied hockey career.

After graduating from high school, he attended the University of Minnesota playing hockey between 1955 and 1959. From 1961 to 1970, he was selected to play on six U.S. National teams and was chosen as a member of the 1964 and 1968 U.S. Olympic teams. He served as captain of the 1968 team. Herb coached the University of Minnesota hockey team from 1973 through 1979 winning three NCAA national championships. During his tenure as coach of the Gophers, he showed his support for Minnesota hockey by recruiting and playing an almost exclusive Minnesota line-up. He was also a frequent clinician for Minnesota high school coaches meetings. His emphasis to coaches was always to teach a clean, fast passing, skating and skill game.

Through the 1980’s and 1990’s Herb turned his attention to professional hockey, serving successfully as a coach and scout for several NHL teams including the New York Rangers, the Minnesota North Stars and the Pittsburgh Penguins. Throughout this time, even though his livelihood was derived through the professional game, he always looked for ways to give back to and develop hockey in his native state. He was a strong supporter of growing youth hockey in Minnesota, while at the same time limiting the number of games and travel by youth teams, and increasing skills by more practice time. He was also a proponent of the fall high school Elite program, which allowed Minnesota high school players to stay at home and be multi-sport student athletes while still improving their hockey skills. His last coaching duty came at the 2002 Salt Lake City Olympics as he coached the U.S. team to a silver medal.

Throughout his career Herb Brooks was recognized with many honors and awards. Included among his honors were being named “Sportsman of the Year” by Sports Illustrated Magazine (1980), National Hockey League “Coach of the Year” (1982), enshrinement in the United States Hockey Hall of Fame (1990), enshrinement in the International Ice Hockey Hall of Fame (1999) and twice receiving the National Hockey League’s “Lester Patrick” award of outstanding service to hockey in the United States (1980 and 2002). Also, Sports Illustrated named the 1980 U.S. Olympic team’s performance as the “Greatest Sports Moment of the Century”.

The Minnesota Hockey family thanks Herb and his family for sharing his passion for our great game and his many contributions over the years. His leadership and vision will be sorely missed at the state, national and international levels for years to come.

1937 - 2002

Elmer grew up in International Falls, MN and played amateur hockey there. He played for Larry Ross on the International Falls Broncos High School team for three years. In his senior year, they lost in the finals of the MN State High School Championship to St Paul Johnson. After high school, Elmer went to Harvard University on a hockey scholarship. He missed Minnesota and after a year at Harvard, he came back to Minnesota and received a scholarship to play hockey for the University of Minnesota under John Mariucci. He quit college hockey after two years at the U of M to concentrate on his studies and raise his family.

After college, Elmer went to work for Potlach in Cloquet, MN. There he coached bantam hockey for five years until his sons were old enough to be in amateur hockey. He then coached squirt and peewee hockey in Cloquet. He was also active in fund raising for Cloquet’s first indoor arena. Elmer then transferred to Brainerd and coached bantam hockey for three years. After his sons went on to high school hockey, Elmer took up refereeing amateur hockey. He did that for 15 years and enjoyed it very much. He was also very active in Brainerd’s youth hockey association and was instrumental in the fund raising efforts for Brainerd’s first indoor arena.

Elmer’s love and concern for youth hockey led him to the administration side of the Minnesota Amateur Hockey Association (MAHA) - now Minnesota Hockey. In 1979, Elmer was elected MAHA District 15 Director and held that position until 1984. In 1985 he was elected MAHA Director at Large which he held through 1987. In 1987 Elmer was awarded the MAHA Presidents Award. In 1988, Elmer became the MAHA Gold Division Vice-President and held that position for six years.

Elmer was elected President of MAHA in 1994, an office which he held until his untimely death on June 24, 2002. He was also elected a USA Hockey Director representing the Minnkota District in 1994. As a USA Hockey Director, Elmer served on several councils/committees including the very important USA Hockey Youth Council.

Throughout these many years of service, Elmer’s focus was to give opportunity to boys and girls throughout the entire state of Minnesota and all other USA Hockey affiliates. He was always an advocate of, if there was a problem “don’t add to the problem, find a solution.”

1915 - 1999

Born in Kensal, ND on May 25, 1915, Don grew up in Faribault, MN. Outgoing from early on, Don recalled that he probably knew more adults than any other kid in town. Don developed a passion for hockey and baseball, both as a player and as an observer. In one of the thrills of his life, Don played against Ted Williams, a rising star of the American Association’s Minneapolis Millers.

By day, Don was a dairy chemist, but for 60 years his real job was organizing amateur hockey and gathering its history. He gained national stature for both.

With Bob Ridder and Buck Riley, Don founded the Minnesota Amateur Hockey Association, serving as an officer from 1947 until 1988. He was Vice President of the Amateur Hockey Association of the United States (now USA Hockey) from 1958 until 1978. He was a member of the United States Olympic Hockey Committee for many years.

Don managed the 1958 United States National Hockey Team, the first US sports team to visit the Soviet Union. With his vast collection of memorabilia and knowledge of hockey history, Don helped found the United States Hockey Hall of Fame, serving as its first President. He contributed to the Encyclopedia Britannica and many other publications.

A recipient of many honors including enshrinement in the United States Hockey Hall of Fame and the NHL’s prestigious Lester Patrick Award, Don did it for the kids. In every town he lived, “Mr. Clark” coached youth hockey and baseball.

Don kept hockey in perspective. He recalled with quiet indignity, a coach of kid hockey who bragged that “he” won 99 games in one season. “What about the kids?”, Don asked. “What was he doing scheduling that many games for kids?”

There was more to Don than hockey. He was a warm and generous man of great curiosity, about history, small towns, antique cars, forestry and, most of all, people. He would walk up to almost anyone and find an excuse to chat with them.

Above all, Don was devoted to his family. Through his generosity and actions, he remained to the end extraordinarily committed to the welfare and happiness of Harriet, his wife of fifty-five years and their sons, Mark, Tom and John.

Don died peacefully on the morning of May 17, 1999, one week before his 84th birthday. Don will be deeply missed.