Ken Purpur

Biographical information

RolesCompeted in Olympic Games
SexMale
Full nameKenneth Richard "Ken"•Purpur
Used nameKen•Purpur
Born1 March 1932 in Grand Forks, North Dakota (USA)
Died5 June 2011 in Rapid City, South Dakota (USA)
Measurements170 cm / 73 kg
AffiliationsNorth Dakota Fighting Hawks, Grand Forks (USA)
NOC United States
Medals OG
Gold 0
Silver 1
Bronze 0
Total 1

Biography

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.

Results

Games Discipline (Sport) / Event NOC / Team Pos Medal As
1956 Winter Olympics Ice Hockey (Ice Hockey) USA Ken Purpur
Ice Hockey, Men (Olympic) United States 2 Silver

Special Notes