South Metro Coaching Legend Kenny Walstad Looks Back on 48 Years of Coaching Youth Hockey

For nearly 50 years, youth hockey players in the south metro knew they could count on Kenny Walstad to be behind the bench. The longtime coach spent 22 years coaching in the Eagan youth program, three years with Eastview and 23 years in Burnsville. The number of hockey players he's influenced and shared his passion for hockey are too numerous to count as are the thousands of hours spent at the rink. But now, after 48 years behind the bench, Kenny is turning his sights to the warm winter sun of Texas.

"I loved every minute of coaching and working with kids," Kenny reflected recently. "I have been blessed over the years with such great kids and great assistant coaches. I've made great friends along the way, not just among my fellow coaches but with parents too."

Kenny coached at many age levels but spent most of his coaching career working with Bantams, spending his last few years working with the Junior Gold program at Burnsville.

"Anyone getting into coaching has to have a passion for the game because it is a great game," Kenny said. "I always tell coaches that their boys and girls can only give you 100 percent of their ability, but hustle will make up for what abilities they make lack."

Kenny was a known as a keen scout of opposing teams at the rink, and would spend countless hours game planning during tournaments, preparing for the teams his teams might face.

"Kenny was always the first one to the rink and he was very dedicated," said long-time Burnsville coach Chuck Hadley. "He was well-known at all the rinks around town and it wasn't uncommon for parents and players to call out 'Hey Kenny' and another friendship was formed or rekindled. Best of all, he knew every referee on a first-name basis and showed great sportsmanship at the rink and in everything he did."

A lifelong sports enthusiast, Kenny was also well known as a youth soccer coach and for coaching a state championship soccer team in 1980. He was the flagman at Elko Speedway for 45 years, becoming as well-known at the track as he was at the rink.

A party celebrating Kenny's hockey coaching career we be held at Hurricanes in Burnsville on October 19th from 4-6pm.  All are invited!