BIRTHPLACE: Eveleth, Minn.

BORN: July 28, 1932

TEAMS/ASSOCIATIONS:  Eveleth High School, University of Michigan, United States Olympic Team, United States National Team, Edina High School 

With his now infamous hounds-toothed hat, "Ike" is best known throughout the Land of 10,000 Lakes for his amazing coaching record of 600-140-38 while at suburban Edina High School from 1958-1991.

Ikola grew up yet another in a long line of incredible goaltenders to come out of tiny Eveleth, Minnesota.  Legends such as Frank Brimsek, Mike Karakas and Sam LoPresti, each Hall of Famers, were all heroes of Ikola.  While he was fascinated by the heroic figures who preceded him in Eveleth, he more than lived up to the tradition. 

As a freshman goalie, in 1947, Ikola's Golden Bears lost in the Minnesota state tournament semifinals.  Incredibly, he never lost again, running off undefeated seasons to win titles in 1948, '49 and '50 as well. 

From there, Ikola headed east, to attend the University of Michigan, After sitting out his freshman year, Ikola then led the Wolverines to the NCAA tournament the next three years, winning the title twice.  In Ikola's sophomore year, Michigan beat Minnesota in the title game, while as a senior, and the only U.S. player on the roster, the Wolverines were upset by eventual champ RPI in the semifinals. 

While serving in the military, Ikola played on the 1956 U.S. Olympic team in Cortina, Italy, which beat Germany, 7-2, upset Canada 4-1, and beat Sweden 6-1 before losing, 4-0 to the Soviet Union.  A final 9-4 victory over Czechoslovakia then gave the U.S. the silver medal. He also played on U.S. National teams in 1957 and '58. 

In the fall of 1958, John Mariucci talked Edina into hiring Ikola on a trial basis as hockey coach.  In his first year, Edina was 4-9-5.  It would prove to be his only sub-.500 year over the next 33 seasons.  After that, his guidance helped create the most cohesive youth development structure in the state, as his Edina "Hornets" went on to become a dynasty - winning a record eight state high school tournament titles.