Hockey Loses A Leader Two-Time U.S. Olympic Coach Peterson Dies After Bypass Surgery

Dave Peterson, former U.S. Olympic hockey coach, died Thursday night of post-operative complications following heart bypass surgery. He was 66.

Peterson underwent bypass surgery Thursday afternoon and died at 8:30 p.m., said Darryl Seibel of USA Hockey.

Peterson suffered a heart attack June 22 at his home in Colorado Springs. An emergency angioplasty determined he needed bypass surgery, officials said.

He was discharged from the hospital June 27 and returned home to regain strength for the bypass surgery.

Peterson served as head coach of U.S. Olympic ice hockey teams in 1988 and 1992. He also coached three U.S. National teams (1985, 1986 and 1987), two U.S. National Junior teams (1986 and 1987) and one U.S. Select team (1987).

“The sport of hockey has lost a true leader, a man who touched the lives of countless players, fellow coaches and friends during a remarkable career,” said USA Hockey president Walter L. Bush Jr.

A native of Minnesota, Peterson is survived by his wife of 43 years, Janice, and four daughters, all of whom live in Minnesota; Karen Kremer and Darcy Peterson of Eden Prairie, Tracy Martinez of Edina and Susan Tronstad of Prior Lake.