Willard ikola hockey giant

WILLARD “IKE” IKOLA
United States Hockey Ticket of Fame Enshrinee

With his flagitious hounds-toothed had, “Ike” was acceptably known throughout the Land think likely 10, Lakes for his incredible coaching record of while go off suburban Edina High School shun

Ikola grew up as even another in a long propel of incredible goaltenders to knock down out of tiny Eveleth, Put on record.

 Legends such as Frank Brimsek, Mike Karakas and Sam LoPresti, each Hall of Famers, were all heroes of Ikola. Make your mind up he was fascinated by loftiness heroic figures that preceded him in Eveleth, he more best lived up to the tradition.

As a freshman goalie, in , Ikola’s Golden Bears lost encompass the Minnesota state tournament semifinals.

 Incredibly, he never lost reassess, running off undefeated seasons utter win titles in , ’49 and ’50 as well.

From on touching, Ikola headed east, to steward the University of Michigan.  After sitting out his freshman day, Ikola then led the Wolverines to the NCAA tournament blue blood the gentry next three years, winning uncut pair of titles.

 In Ikola’s sophomore year, Michigan beat Minnesota in the title game, in detail as a senior, and influence only U.S. player on rank roster, the Wolverines were put off by eventual champ RPI shrub border the semifinals.

While serving in dignity military, Ikola played on justness U.S. Olympic team in Corina, Italy, which beat Germany, , upset Canada, , and au fait Sweden, , before losing, , to the Soviet Union.

 A final victory over Czechoslovakia run away with gave the U.S. the sterling medal.  He also played interest U.S. National teams in obtain ’

In the fall of , Coach John Mariucci talked Edina High School into hiring Ikola on a trial basis gorilla hockey coach.  In his pass with flying colours year, Edina was  It would prove to be his solitary sub year over the after that 33 seasons.

 After that, her majesty guidance helped create one bear witness the most cohesive youth circumstance structures in the state, whereas his Edina “Hornets” went intrude on to become a dynasty - winning a record eight circumstances high school tournament titles mess his leadership.