ST PAUL, Minn. — *Editor's Note: The above video originally aired Dec. 1, 2023.
Just days before the start of the inaugural PWHL season, Minnesota announced a major change.
The team said Wednesday that Ken Klee, a former defenseman in the NHL and U.S. Women's National coach, will replace Charlie Burggraf behind the bench as the new head coach. Burggraf, a former Bethel University men’s coach and University of Minnesota women's assistant, was hired as the team's first coach months ago, but on Wednesday said he would be stepping away from the team.
“My family and I have decided that stepping away from the head coaching position at Team Minnesota is the right move for us at this time,” Burggraf said in a press release. “I wish both the PWHL, and especially Team Minnesota, great success.”
Minnesota will drop the puck on its season Wednesday, Jan. 3 on the road against Boston. Minnesota will host its first home game Saturday, Jan. 6 at the Xcel Energy Center, the venue for all of its home games this season.
“We thank Charlie Burggraf for all he did for our franchise, and we wish him only the best in the future,” said PWHL Minnesota general manager Natalie Darwitz, who played for Burggraf at the U of M. “Ken Klee brings a proven record of success to our coaching staff, and we are extremely pleased -- for our players, our fans and our organization -- that he has joined us.”
Klee played 14 seasons in the NHL before coaching the U.S. Women's National team to a pair of world championships. He also led the U.S. to back-to-back victories at the Four Nations Cup in 2015 and 2016 before serving as an assistant for the Syracuse Crunch of the AHL.
“The hockey energy in Minnesota is just fantastic, and I'm delighted to be part of it,” Klee said in a release. “This position provides a terrific opportunity to coach outstanding players who represent the top level of professionalism and to connect with a first-rate hockey community. I can't wait to get started.”
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