James Claypool

Jim Claypool grew up in Hibbing, Minnesota, playing hockey. After his sophomore year, he then moved on to attend prep school in Pennsylvania, where he continued to play the game he loved. From there, the winger went on to attend the University of Michigan, where, from 1941-42, he starred for the Wolverines. His college career was interrupted in 1943, when he was asked to serve his country in World War II as a member of the Navy.

Upon his return home, he moved back to his native Minnesota. There, he settled down in Duluth, where, in addition to beginning his career in the banking industry, his love of the game had him managing the local semi-pro Duluth Coolerator's as well. In 1947, he also became a U.S. Delegate for the Ice Hockey Federation, maintaining his involvement with the administrative level of the game. In addition, he later served as the President of the Duluth Amateur Hockey Association.

While raising a family, Claypool helped coordinate the building of neighborhood rinks and hockey programs, and became president of the Minnesota Amateur Hockey Association in 1957. He remained very active in the politics and in policy-making throughout that era, always bettering the game for kids across America.

True dedication as a hockey administrator was defined by Claypool when, after managing the 1960 U.S. Olympic hockey team that won the Gold Medal at Squaw Valley, California, he returned to his family in Duluth, Minnesota and renewed his involvement in youth hockey, managing the 1965 Peewee team that won the national championship.

After returning from the Olympics in Squaw Valley, Claypool went on to become the President of 1st Bank of Duluth. As a respected businessman and hockey administrator, he found a way to get things done.

In the 1970s, he coordinated the construction of indoor arenas in Duluth, where the strength of youth and high school hockey continues to reflect his efforts. Jim Claypool was a true friend to hockey, not only in Minnesota, but throughout the United States.