PWHL Minnesota names Klee head coach after Burggraf steps down

PWHL Minnesota named Ken Klee its head coach after Charlie Burggraf stepped down on Wednesday.

Klee coached the U.S. women's team to gold medals at the World Championships in 2015 and 2016. He also guided the American women to wins at the 2015 and 2016 Four Nations Cup, as well as at the Under-22 Selects series in 2014 and 2015.

He left the U.S. squad to join the AHL's Syracuse Crunch as an assistant coach in 2017, where he coached for two seasons.

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

As a player, Klee played 934 NHL games with the Washington Capitals, Toronto Maple Leafs, New Jersey Devils, Colorado Avalanche, Atlanta Thrashers, Anaheim Ducks, and Arizona Coyotes.

Burggraf - who was hired on Sept. 15 and coached during the preseason earlier in December - cited family as a factor in his choice to step down.

"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," he said in a press release. "I wish both the PWHL, and especially Team Minnesota, great success."

Burggraf was hired by PWHL Minnesota after last coaching in 2018 at Bethel University. Previously an assistant at the University of Minnesota, Burggraf coached Minnesota's general manager Natalie Darwitz during her playing days.

"We thank Charlie Burggraf for all he did for our franchise, and we wish him only the best in the future," Darwitz said. "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 coached Minnesota stars Kendall Coyne Schofield, Lee Stecklein, and Nicole Hensley during his time with the American national team.

PWHL Minnesota opens its season on Jan. 3 against Boston and plays host at Xcel Energy Center for the first time on Jan. 6 versus Montreal.