Vic Heyliger, the coach known as “the father of Air Force hockey” and a U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame member, died Wednesday at his home in Colorado Springs. He was 87.
In 1968, Heyliger spearheaded the academy’s adoption of hockey as a varsity sport and became its first coach. In his six seasons at Air Force, the Falcons quickly became a competitive hockey program. He guided the Falcons to an 85-77-3 record, including a 25-6 mark in 1971-72, the program’s fourth season.
“Vic was an American hockey legend,” Air Force coach Frank Serratore said. “Above all else, Vic was a kind man and a gentleman.”
As coach of Michigan from 1944-57, Heyliger guided the Wolverines to six national championships, an NCAA coaching record. His record of 16 Frozen Four victories still stands.
Heyliger also coached the 1966 U.S. national team. He was inducted into the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame in 1974.
Funeral arrangements are pending. Heyliger is survived by four children.
