Harold Paulsen

Who was Harold Paulsen?

Harold W. "Babe" Paulsen was a former collegiate ice hockey player and head coach.

Paulsen played hockey at the University of Minnesota from 1938–41 and was an All-American in 1940 at left wing alongside teammate John Mariucci. He was team captain as a senior in 1940-41 finishing his career as Gopher hockey's all-time leading scorer, a record that would hold for the next 25 years. He was selected for the 1940 U.S. Olympic Hockey team, but due to WWII those games were cancelled.

With boyish looks, and a small stature, Paulsen earned the nickname "Babe" during his playing days in high school and college.

Following college, Paulsen signed a professional contract with the Chicago Black Hawks, but never made it to Chicago. He coached the Roseau High School Rams varsity hockey team before joining the Navy during World War II. Paulsen returned to Minnesota after the war and completed a master's degree in education. He coached the varsity ice hockey program at Thief River Falls High School.

Paulsen was hired as the first varsity ice hockey coach at Michigan State University on August 1, 1948.