PWHL Minnesota is once again making headlines, but this time for all the wrong reasons. Following the dismissal of their General Manager, head coach Ken Klee now finds himself under scrutiny as allegations arise of a “toxic and unprofessional work environment” within the club.
Ken Kleeās journey to PWHL Minnesota is an interesting one. A former NHL defenceman who played for various teams, including a notable stint with the Washington Capitals, Klee transitioned to coaching after retiring. He even coached the U.S. Womenās team at the Four Nations Cup in 2015 and 2016. Klee joined Minnesota as head coach just before the season began, stepping in after Charlie Burggraf unexpectedly resigned a week prior to the first game.
Initially, Klee had his sights set on being both head coach and general manager. When Natalie Darwitz held the GM position, they worked together. However, tensions arose between Klee and Darwitz, culminating in Darwitz’s firing in June. According to a former staff member who spoke to The Hockey News, the dynamic between Klee and Darwitz was fraught with conflict, creating a divide among the staff and players. The source mentioned, “When Charlie was let go and Ken came in, it couldnāt have been more opposite. Arrogant, smug… from that day forward there started to be a divide in my opinion; divide in the staff, divide in the players, it became a very toxic environment.”
The current wave of allegations against Klee is troubling. Former staff members who had positive things to say about Darwitz now have a different perspective. Anonymous sources within the club claim that Klee used offensive language, including the use of the r-word, inappropriate nicknames for players, and racially insensitive remarks during film sessions.
As the controversy surrounding Ken Klee and PWHL Minnesota continues to unfold, it raises questions about the culture within the organization and the need for accountability and change in the world of women’s hockey.
