Willard Ikola, a Finnish-American ice hockey player and former Edina High School boys hockey coach, recently passed away on January 20, 2025, at the age of 92, leaving his wife and kids devastated.
Willard Ikola, an Eveleth, Minnesota native, was popular for his exceptional hockey skills.
He won three straight state championships, including the first Minnesota state hockey tournament in 1945, and pursued his coaching career for over 30 years.
We lost a legend last night, Willard Ikola passed at 92yrs old. I was lucky enough to play for “Ike” @ Edina HS. Many great years spent w Ike including annual Ikola Cup golf fundraiser organized by bro Casey. Thank you Ike from all your former players/students, you are a Legend! pic.twitter.com/b3o5bAUoUw
— Ben Hankinson (@BenHankinson) January 21, 2025
Ikola also helped his United States Ice Hockey team win second place in the 1956 Olympics.
The Edina community mourns the loss of the Legendary Edina HS hockey coach.
Willard served as Edina High School’s hockey coach for over three decades before retiring in 1991.
Regarded as one of the most successful ice hockey coaches of all time, during his 33-year tenure with Edina High, he led Edina to 616 wins, eight state titles, 22 Lake Conference titles, and 19 state tournament appearances.
In a statement, Edina High School wrote,
“Ike will be remembered for many things, but probably his most notable trademark is his houndstooth hat and his modest attitude towards all his coaching accolades stating, ‘I never scored a goal or prevented one either, all the credits for our success belongs to the kids.”
Many of Willard’s fans and followers have sent their deepest condolences to his wife, kids, and loved ones in response to his demise.
Regarding his family, Willard Ikola had four kids: two sons named Matt Ikola and Steve Ikola, and two daughters named Deb Ikola Becker and Sarah Ikola Carter, with his longtime wife Laurie.
His family has organized a memorial service for Late Willard Ikola on Friday, January 31st, with visitation beginning at 10 AM at the Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd, 4801 France Ave. S., Mpls.
Willard Ikola’s Kids Followed In His Footsteps in Sports
Matt Ikola and Steve Ikola, kids of legendary hockey coach Willard Ikola, followed in his footsteps in hockey from a very young age.
Matt and Steve Ikola played hockey at Edina East High School, where Willard served as the head coach and played in the USHS-MN league.
(L-R) Matt Ikola, Willard Ikola, Steve Ikola from 1975-1976 @edinahornets @edinahistory pic.twitter.com/S9TkQnodpz
— Vintage MN Hockey (@VintageMNHockey) March 18, 2015
Matt played for one season, while Steve showcased his exceptional hockey skills for two seasons, leading his team to several victories.
Although Steve and Matt initially followed in their father’s footsteps in sports, they decided to pursue their careers in different fields.
According to reports, Steve owns a house-painting business, while Matt works in the Edina school district.
All of Willard Ikola’s kids prefer to maintain a private life away from the public eye and are not active on social media.
In addition to his sons, Willard’s grandchildren also followed in his footsteps in hockey.
Willard’s grandsons Joe, Bryan, and Matt, sons of his daughter Deb Ikola Becker, are all exceptional hockey players.
Willard Ikola on TV! #Coaxh MT @EHAHornets: pic.twitter.com/rAznsQAFZs”
— Edina Hornets (@edinahornets) March 8, 2014
Joe Becker, born on January 19, 1990, in Moorhead, Minnesota, to mother Deb Ikola Becker and father Brad Becker, began his hockey career while attending Moorhead High School competing in the USHS-MN league.
Joe also played for the Prince George Spruce Kings in the BCHL and with the Winkler Flyers in the MJHL.
From 2010 to 2014, Joe competed in NCAA Division III hockey at Concordia College (MN).
Similarly, Willard’s eldest grandson Bryan Becker, born on May 7, 1984, also excelled in his high school hockey career playing for Moorhead High.
During his career, Bryan competed in several leagues, including NAHL, NCAA for Billings Bulls, and Air Force Academy.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- The legendary Hockey player and coach, Willard Ikola, had seven grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
- Despite his retirement from coaching, Willard stayed active in hockey by becoming a scout for the NHL’s New York Islanders.
- He won several honorable titles, including the 1990 United States Hockey Hall of Fame, The John Mariucci Award, The University of Michigan Hall of Honor, the Edina Athletic Hall of Fame, and many more.
