Dave Bleyhl Death, Obituary – Dave Bleyhl of Elk, River Minnesota, Elk River Youth Hockey Association has sadly passed away unexpectedly with loved ones, family and the entire community left heartbroken and in grievance, according to online publication. ‘It is with deep regret that I must inform you of the demise of another member of the ERYHA “Old Guard,” Dave Bleyhl. He spent his childhood in the south side of Minneapolis. He attended Southwest High School, where he was a member of the storied hockey team coached by Dave Peterson.
After graduating from high school, Dave got a job for a year before enrolling in the University of Minnesota and the University of Minnesota Duluth. After completing his time in the United States Marine Corps, Dave received his degree from St. Cloud State University. He received his education from the University of Minnesota Duluth and from St. Cloud State, both of which are ice hockey powerhouses. In 1970, Dave made the move to Elk River to begin a new career teaching social studies and coaching hockey.
the 1970–1971 season, he became the head coach of the varsity hockey team at ELK, and he remained in that role until the 1984–1985 season. In 1970, he started with a program that had previously failed for a number of years running in a row. It is now a program that is capable of competing with the top hockey powers thanks to his efforts. He has been the head coach of the ELKS for the past 15 years and has compiled a career record of 157-150-16 with 8 winning seasons. It was under his direction that the ELKS started down the path toward becoming a formidable opponent in the competitive scene of high school hockey.
When the MSHSL first started offering girls’ hockey, he was the coach of the LADY ELKS Hockey Team for its first two seasons in the league. In addition, he coached the young women’s golf team at Elk River High School for close to 35 years, beginning when the team was first formed and continuing up until the present day. The majority of the time, his golf teams were given invitations to compete at the state level. Additionally, many of his players qualified for the state tournament on their own as individuals.
Both the Elk River High School Hall of Fame and the Minnesota High School Golf Coaches Hall of Fame have inducted Dave into their respective halls of fame. His wife Nancy, son John (who played hockey and golf for ERHS), and daughter Laura are the ones who will live on after him. Nancy worked at ERHS for a long period as an office administrator (ERHS golf and MSHSL Individual State Golf Champion).