Leonard Paul Lilyholm (April 1, 1941 – December 28, 2024) was an American professional ice hockey player who played 77 regular season games in the World Hockey Association for the Minnesota Fighting Saints in 1972 and 1973.
Early life Lilyholm was born in Robbinsdale, Minnesota. Lilyholm graduated from the University of Minnesota in 1966 and played on the Minnesota Golden Gophers men's ice hockey team. As an amateur, he frequently played for the United States men's national ice hockey team.
Career Lilyholm was a member of Team USA at the 1968 Winter Olympics and the 1966, 1967, 1970, 1971, and 1974 Ice Hockey World Championships.
Outside hockey, Len Lilyholm was an architect and builder who participated in the design of the St. Paul Civic Center, the Saints' new home arena which was completed in January 1973. He appeared as a hockey coach in Ice Castles, a 1978 romantic drama film.
Death Lilyholm died at the age of 83 in a head-on traffic collision along with his wife, Carol, on Interstate 35 in Worth County, Iowa on December 28, 2024. Lilyholm, the driver, crossed over the median and drove southbound in the northbound lanes before hitting another car head-on. The driver of the other vehicle was also killed. Everyone involved in the crash, including Lilyholm and his wife, were wearing their seatbelts.
Career statistics Regular season and playoffs Regular seasonPlayoffs Season Team League GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM1960–61 University of Minnesota WCHA Statistics Unavailable1961–62 University of Minnesota WCHA Statistics Unavailable1962–63 University of Minnesota WCHA 30 3 26 29 8 — — — — —1965–66 Rochester Mustangs USHL 24 11 30 41 0 — — — — —1965–66 U.S. National Team Intl Statistics Unavailable1966–67 U.S. National Team IntlStatistics Unavailable1966–67 Rochester Mustangs USHL 20 5 18 23 8 — — — — —1967–68 U.S. Olympic Team Intl Statistics Unavailable1967–68 Rochester Mustangs USHL –– 5 4 9 6 — — — — —1969–70 Rochester Mustangs USHL –– 11 11 22 26 — — — — —1969–70 U.S. National Team Intl 13 11 16 27 4 — — — — —1970–71 U.S. National Team Intl 12 2 3 5 8 — — — — —1972–73 Minnesota Fighting Saints WHA 77 8 13 21 37 6 1 0 1 01973–74 Suncoast Suns SHL 7 0 1 1 9 — — — — — WHA totals 77 8 13 21 37 6 1 0 1 0
References
External links
The Complete Historical and Statistical Reference to the World Hockey Association by Scott Surgent, Xaler Press,