GRAND FORKS, N.D. -- The University of North Dakota Athletics Department and the UND men's hockey program mourn the passing of former letterwinner and Olympian John Noah, who died in Fargo today at the age of 87.

Noah, originally from Crookston, Minn., played at UND from 1947 through 1951 and earned All-America honors on defense as a senior in 1950-51. He finished his collegiate career with 29 goals and 44 assists for 73 points in 67 games.

Noah went on to become UND first men's hockey Olympian in 1952 when he represented the United States at the Winter Games in Oslo, Norway.

“He started the program in its infancy stages, built it from the ground up and paved the way for the program to build it what it is today," UND men's hockey coach Brad Berry told the Fargo Forum. "He always had a smile on his face. His fondest memories came from UND hockey and he told everyone that. He'll be sadly missed.”

Noah was inducted into the UND Athletics Hall of Fame in 1976.

There will be a prayer service at 7 p.m. Tuesday at Boulger Funeral Home in Fargo, with visitation starting at 5 p.m. The funeral will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in Fargo, with visitation starting at 10 a.m.

UND Athletics would like to extend its deepest sympathies to John Noah's family and friends.