John P. Matchefts, age 82 and a resident of Colorado Springs since the 1960s, passed away peacefully on November 10, 2013 at his home. John was an instructor and hockey coach (32 years); high school for 10 years in Minnesota (Thief River Falls and Eveleth), then began his college coaching career at Colorado College, followed by the United States Air Force Academy for many years. After retiring from coaching hockey, John continued to coach AFA Women's golf and remained an instructor at the Academy until his retirement.

John Peter Matchefts was born on June 18, 1931 in Eveleth, Minnesota to Joe and Lena (Brascugli) Matchefts who preceded him in death. He was a 1949 graduate of Eveleth High School and a 1953 graduate of the University of Michigan. He played hockey for Michigan, receiving 3 consecutive national titles ('51-'53) and awarded Tournament Most Outstanding Player at the conclusion of the NCAA Men's Ice Hockey Championship in 1953. John was also awarded All American Hockey Player in all 3 NCAA championships. He received a silver medal in the 1956 Olympic Games, and was inducted into the US Hockey Hall of Fame in 1991. He has had many other awards recognizing his abilities as a player and a coach. He served his country in the United States Marine Corps after college before beginning his career as a coach.

John Married Carolyn Hattaway, of Macon, Georgia in 1953 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. They had their only daughter, Antonia "Toni" in 1974.

He is survived by his daughter, Toni and husband, Rick Freehling of Colorado Springs; his grandchildren: Ceresa, Alena and Cael Freehling; his brother, Dr. James N. Matchefts, DDS of Eveleth, Minnesota. Coach Matchefts has 8 nieces and nephews, 9 godchildren, and many beloved cousins.

He was preceded in death by his sister, Josephine Ann "JoAnn" (Matchefts) Hill, John Hill, and close cousins and friends.

Coach Matchefts will be best remembered as an outstanding hockey player, a respected coach, for his strength, perseverance, passion for skilled hockey, the love he had for the game, his amazing leadership abilities, for the personal investment he made in all of his players and family, for his love of Siberian Huskies, and his 1930 Ford Model A, which he restored. Beloved father, husband, grandpa, brother, friend, player, and coach.

A Memorial Mass will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 20, 2013 at the United States Air Force Academy Catholic Cadet Chapel, 2306 Sijan Drive, Air Force Academy, CO 80840. A reception will follow at Eisenhower Golf Club at the Air Force Academy. Private interment will be in Eveleth, Minnesota.

A tribute to John celebrating his life of hockey will be held at the beginning of January 2014 (date and location to be announced).

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Coach Matchefts' name may be made to the Mile High Husky Rescue at www.mhhr.org/donate or to Colorado Springs Amateur Hockey at http://csaha.com/page.php?page_id=26672.

Online Condolences: ShrineOfRemembrance.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Gazette on Nov. 17, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for John Matchefts

Sponsored by Shrine of Remembrance Mausoleum/Funeral Home.

9 Entries

October 17, 2015

Mr. Matchefts was my gym teacher and golf coach at Eveleth High School (MN). One of my proudest moments in school was having him watch me miss a hole-in-one by 16 inches at the Virginia, MN golf course. He was a good and positive influence on his students.

Jim Juola
Eveleth High class of 1964

Patrick Carmichael

April 24, 2014

I played for John only one season at the Air Force Academy in 1971-72, but remember him as an outstanding coach who was dedicated to making all his players better players and better people. Although I only knew Coach Matchefts for a short time , I've never forgotten his passion for the game of hockey-Pat Carmichael, Winnipeg Jets Scout

March 5, 2014

John was a great coach and I learned a lot from him. In 1969 we upset North Dakota in the playoffs. Denver beat us the next night ending our season 1 game short of the frozen four. John was recognized as WCHA coach of the year,an honor richly deserved. Our thoughts are with you Carolyn. Peter and Paula Ryan

Ron and Dolores Martinson

November 26, 2013

We would like to extend our condolences to Carolyn and family. We have such good memories of John and Ronnie playing Michigan hockey in Ann Arbor when they won the NCAA championships with coach Vic Heyliger.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

November 22, 2013

http://gazette.com/colorado-college-air-force-unveil-hockey-series-trophy/article/1509416

November 20, 2013

I am honored and privileged to have met him several times over the years. He was a legend that preceded me, but inspired and encouraged us to continue as Michigan Oldtimers in the game we all love. It's interesting to hear he was selected for the US team while still in high school. As a fellow veteran (US Army), I am also proud of his service as a US Marine. Semper Fi.

My condolences to his family and friends.

Dean Lucier
UM '67

November 19, 2013

John was a respected friend of all at USA Hockey, a true champion in every way.He will be missed.

Susan Heyliger Handy

November 17, 2013

John was a loyal friend of the Heyliger family and great
mentor to the world of ice hockey. His imprint on the young lives he touched throughout his coaching career will be a lasting legacy. He was one of few able to turn a passion for the sport he loved to play into a successful life long endeavor. Skate on, John!!

November 17, 2013

Johnny played hockey in Eveleth with my husband, John Nelson who passed away on 11/12/13. They will enjoy sharing their life's stories when they meet again in Heaven.

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