Ken Klee is a former professional ice hockey player who played in the National Hockey League (NHL) for over a decade. He was born on April 24, 1971, in Indianapolis, Indiana, and began his hockey career playing for the University of Denver Pioneers.
Klee was drafted by the Washington Capitals in the ninth round of the 1990 NHL Entry Draft. He made his NHL debut with the Capitals in the 1994-95 season and played with the team for eight seasons. During his time with the Capitals, Klee was known for his physical play and his ability to block shots. He was also a reliable defenseman who could contribute offensively, scoring 30 goals and 110 assists in 573 games with the team.
In 2002, Klee was traded to the Toronto Maple Leafs, where he played for two seasons. He then played for the New Jersey Devils, the Atlanta Thrashers, and the Colorado Avalanche before retiring in 2009.
Throughout his career, Klee was known for his work ethic and his leadership skills. He was a respected teammate and was often called upon to mentor younger players. He was also known for his involvement in the community, participating in various charitable events and initiatives.
After retiring from hockey, Klee remained involved in the sport. He worked as an assistant coach for the U.S. National Under-18 team and later became an assistant coach for the AHL's Toronto Marlies. In 2014, he was named the head coach of the ECHL's Orlando Solar Bears, a position he held for two seasons.
Overall, Ken Klee had a successful career in the NHL, playing for five different teams and earning a reputation as a hard-working and reliable defenseman. He continues to be involved in the sport as a coach and mentor to young players.
🏒