Notre Dame Hires New Director of Hockey Development

It is with a great deal of excitement and enthusiasm that we announce that Wade Klippenstein is joining the Hounds as our new Director of Hockey Development. The position drew a talented and deep pool of candidates. Wade has an exceptional hockey background, knowledge of Hounds hockey as a parent and professional, and a vision for the future of Notre Dame Hockey that made him the right person for this important role at this point in the history of our storied hockey program.
Wade Klippenstein is a native of Boissevain, Manitoba, and has been involved in hockey for nearly his entire life. In 1988, Wade played for the Yorkton Terriers of the SJHL before moving to Fairbanks, Alaska to play for the University of Alaska Fairbanks. From 1989-1993, he played for the Nanooks of Fairbanks and put up 72 goals across his 4 years at the school. Wade currently sits 5th all-time for goals scored in Nanook team history. He was an NCAA All-Star and was chosen to play in the NCAA East / West Shrine Game.  
After being drafted by the Quebec Nordiques, Wade split his playing time in the AHL, ECHL and WCHL. Wade then moved to the front office and coaching side of the game. He began as an Assistant Coach of the Saskatoon Blades in 1997. Wade quickly rose through the ranks of hockey organizations across leagues and playing levels. His first GM/Head Coach role was with the Yorkton Terriers, the team he played for in 1988. Wade returned to the University of Alaska Fairbanks as an Assistant Coach before making a long run in the WHL with a variety of teams and roles. During the 2015-16 season Wade was a member of the WHL Champion Brandon Wheat Kings.
 
Wade broke into the NHL with the Colorado Avalanche in 2016 as an amateur scout and has been with the organization since. In 2021, Wade was promoted to Director of Amateur Scouting and helped lead the team that won the Stanley Cup in 2022. During his time in Colorado, he played a major role in the drafting of such players as Cale Makar, Bowen Byram, Alex Newhook and many others. 
 
Wade and his wife Ashley have three sons, Bowman ’24, Easton, and Dresden.
 
Wade officially joins the Athol Murray College of Notre Dame on July 1, 202­­4.
 
"I am excited for the future of Hounds Hockey!" says Charles Skipper, Ph.D., President of Athol Murray College of Notre Dame
Back

Athol Murray College of Notre Dame ·

P.O. Box 100 Wilcox · SK, Canada S0G 5E0
Phone: 306-732-2080 · Fax: 306-732-4408 (Confidential) · Email: info@notredame.ca