PWHL Minnesota Frost

PWHL Minnesota Names Ken Klee Head Coach

Published on December 27, 2023 under Professional Women's Hockey League (PWHL)
Minnesota Frost News Release


ST. PAUL, Minn. - PWHL Minnesota today named Ken Klee its head coach. Klee, a former NHL defenseman who coached the U.S. Women's National Team to gold medals at the 2015 and 2016 IIHF Women's World Championships, replaces Charlie Burggraf, who has decided to step 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. "I wish both the PWHL, and especially Team Minnesota, great success."

"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. "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, 52, played 934 games across 14 NHL seasons -- nine of which were spent with the Washington Capitals. In addition to the two Women's World Championships titles, the native of Indianapolis, Indiana, guided the U.S. team to victory at the Four Nations Cup in 2015 and 2016, as well as first-place finishes at the Under-22 Selects series in 2014 and 2015. Klee also served as an assistant coach with the Syracuse Crunch of the American Hockey League.

"The hockey energy in Minnesota is just fantastic, and I'm delighted to be part of it," Klee said. "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."

PWHL Minnesota opens its inaugural season next Wednesday, Jan. 3, in Boston, and plays its home opener at Xcel Energy Center on Saturday, Jan. 6.

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