Wade Klippenstein returns for his third season beside head coach Tavis MacMillan and the rest of the Alaska Nanooks hockey coaching staff.

Prior to rejoining his alma mater's program, Klippenstein served as head coach of the Yorkton Terriers, as assistant coach with the Saskatoon Blades, and as both assistant coach and head coach of the Prince Albert Raiders. He also spent two seasons scouting Western Canada and the United States for the Moose Jaw Warriors.

A graduate of UAF and the hockey program, Klipppenstein starred for the Nanooks between 1989 and 1993. As a sophomore, he led the Nanooks in goals (22) and in power play goals (13). As a junior, he led UAF with eight power play tallies, and in his final year, as a senior, he led UAF in goals (29) and was second with nine power play goals. He continued to be a part of the program, joining the coaching staff for one season after finishing his career. He graduated with a bachelor's degree in Justice from UAF.

Drafted as a freshman by the NHL's Quebec Nordiques, Klippenstein sits fifth among UAF's all-time goal scoring leaders. Klippenstein's college career was capped off with a trip to the NCAA College All-Star Shrine Game. He then signed a professional contract with Quebec Nordiques.

Klippenstein grew up in Dauphin, Manitoba and last lived in Lethbridge, Alberta before returning to Fairbanks.

He and his wife Ashley live in Fairbanks.