Lou Nanne is a former professional ice hockey player and executive who had a successful career in the sport. He was born on January 2, 1941, in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, Canada, and grew up playing hockey in his hometown. Nanne played college hockey at the University of Minnesota, where he was a standout defenseman and team captain.
After college, Nanne signed with the Minnesota North Stars of the National Hockey League (NHL) and played for the team for 10 seasons. He was known for his strong defensive play and leadership on the ice, and he was named an NHL All-Star in 1968 and 1969. Nanne also represented Canada in international competition, winning a silver medal at the 1968 Winter Olympics and a bronze medal at the 1969 World Championships.
In 1978, Nanne retired from playing and became the general manager of the North Stars. He quickly made a name for himself as a shrewd talent evaluator and negotiator, and he built a team that made it to the Stanley Cup Finals in 1981. Nanne also served as the president of the North Stars from 1980 to 1988, overseeing the team's move to Dallas in 1993.
After leaving the North Stars, Nanne worked as a television analyst for NHL games and served as the general manager of the United States men's national ice hockey team. He was inducted into the United States Hockey Hall of Fame in 1998 and the Minnesota Sports Hall of Fame in 2003.
Throughout his career, Nanne was known for his passion for the game of hockey and his dedication to promoting the sport at all levels. He was a respected leader both on and off the ice, and his contributions to the sport have had a lasting impact on the game.
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