US Olympic team were college level players, while other teams like Canada and the Soviet union were composed of professional players. After playing a few more seasons with the US Olympic team, Ikola retired from playing hockey in 1958. However, he did not leave the sport completely. Ikola left his job as an Air Force instructor in California after University of Minnesota hockey coach John Mariucci recommended Ikola take up a P.E. teaching and coaching position for the Edina-Morningside High School boys' hockey team, where he became one of the most successful high school coaches in history. High school coaching career As head ice hockey coach at Edina High School and Edina East High School in Edina, Minnesota, Ikola compiled a 616-149-38 record, which is third-best in the nation and the 2nd most wins by any coach in the state of Minnesota. During his 33-year career (1958–91), Ikola's teams won 22 Lake Conference championships, 19 section titles and eight state championships. Fifteen of his teams won more than 20 games (out of approximately 25 to 30 games per season), and he had only one losing season; his first year as a coach. During his high school coaching career, Ikola was named Minnesota high school hockey coach of the year six times. Famous for his trademark houndstooth hat, Ikola was modest when speaking of his coaching record. "I never scored a goal or prevented one either," he said. "All the credit for our success belongs to the kids." Although he retired from coaching in 1991 he still stayed active in hockey by becoming a scout for the NHL's New York Islanders. Awards and honors Hall of fame inductions and honors 1990 - United States Hockey Hall of Fame 1990 - The John Mariucci Award, awarded by the American Hockey Coaches Association 1990 - The University of Michigan Hall of Honor 1992 - National High School Sports Hall of Fame 1997 - Edina Athletic Hall of Fame. 2019 - Minnesota Sports Hall of Fame See also University of Michigan Athletic Hall of Honor References 1932 births American men's ice hockey goaltenders American people of Finnish descent Ice hockey players from Minnesota Ice hockey players at the 1956 Winter Olympics Living people Medalists at the 1956 Winter Olympics Michigan Wolverines men's ice hockey players NCAA men's ice hockey national champions Olympic silver medalists for the United States in ice hockey People from Eveleth,