Coach Dennis Rolle

It took a tough and caring coach to turn this group of young men into a championship hockey team.

A man in a suit and hat holding a trophy.

Mr. Rolle coached Thief River Falls from 1948 through 1956. His teams went to the state tournament five out of the seven years he coached. His teams won that tournament in 1954 and 1956.

Known as a player’s coach, he inspired his teams to reach deep and succeed. His system was based on fundamentals, and he was known to drill relentlessly. Mr. Rolle understood the game and expected great things out of those he coached.

Above all, he was known for one simple trait—kindness. After the 1956 Championship, he retired from coaching hockey with a.852 winning percentage.

I think the chemistry started when we finally realized that Dennis Rolle knew more than we did.

—Jack Poole

He was very disciplined, but never outrageous or violent. It was Coach Rolle who made it all work.

—Fred Dablow

He befriended us and you developed an immediate trust in the man because he was friendly, open and honest.

—Glen Carlson

He was the type of guy you wanted to play for. He was a heck of a coach and a heck of a man.

—Duane Glass