Ken Purpur

Ken Purpur played college hockey at his homestate school, the University of North Dakota, from 1951 through 1954, where he was coached by his older brother, Cliff “Fido” Purpur, who had played 5 years in the NHL. Ken Purpur’s only international experience came in 1956 when he helped the United States win the silver medal at Cortina. Purpur later became become a school teacher for 38 years in Rapid City, South Dakota, teaching woodworking and carpentry. In 1990 he was chosen Rapid City’s Teacher of the Year. He was inducted into the University of North Dakota Athletic Hall of Fame in 1989.