In an unexpected turn of events, PWHL Minnesota franchise head coach Charlie Burggraf has resigned, just a week shy of the team's inaugural game, and the start of the PWHL season on Jan. 1. The team announced that former NHL defenseman Ken Klee will take over the reins as the new head coach.

Burggraf's departure comes as a surprise, given his deep connections to Minnesota hockey. He played youth hockey in Roseau and has a significant coaching history in the state, including a stint at Bethel University and as an assistant coach at the University of Minnesota's women's program. The coach, 66, cited personal reasons for his decision to step down.

“My family and I have decided that stepping away from the head-coaching position at Team Minnesota is the right move for us at this time,” he said, via Greg Wyshynski of ESPN. “I wish both the PWHL, and especially Team Minnesota, great success.”

General Manager Natalie Darwitz expressed gratitude for Burggraf's contributions to prepare the team prior to its first season.

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“We thank Charlie Burggraf for all he did for our franchise, and we wish him only the best in the future,” Darwitz said.

Ken Klee, 52, brings a wealth of experience to the position. A veteran of 934 NHL games, Klee's coaching portfolio is impressive, including leading the U.S. Women's National Team to gold medals at the 2015 and 2016 IIHF Women's World Championships and victories in the Four Nations Cup. His familiarity with Minnesota players Kendall Coyne and Lee Stecklein, who he coached on the national team, is expected to be advantageous.

“Ken Klee brings a proven record of success to our coaching staff, and we are extremely pleased — for our players, our fans and our organization — that he has joined us,” Darwitz said.

The PWHL is set to begin its first season next week with a game between Toronto and new York. The league features six inaugural franchises, and boasts a mix of current and former national team players from the U.S. and Canada, along with alumni from the now-defunct Premier Hockey Federation. Minnesota is scheduled to open its season in Boston on Jan. 3, marking a new chapter in women's professional hockey under the guidance of Klee.