University of North Dakota Athletics

Purpur was a standout center for the UND hockey team in the early 1950's and ranks as one of UND's all-time great hockey centers as an excellent skater, outstanding passer, a deft stick-handler and could shoot with the best. He scored 46 goals and 71 assists for 117 points in 72 games as a Fighting Sioux. Playing for his brother, Hall of Fame Coach Cliff (Fido) Purpur, Ken led UND to a 48-28-2 record during his three seasons and even lettered in each season. He went on to play for the 1956 USA Olympic Hockey team.