The Minnesota native passed away on August 6 after injuries suffered in a car accident on May 29.

He was travelling with other war veterans to perform honour-guard ceremonies for those lost in conflict.

McKinnon was hurt the most in the accident, suffering a fractured sternum and vetebra following a collision with a van.

He won silver at the 1956 Cortina d'Ampezzo Olympics in Italy when the US finished second behind the Soviet Union in the final stage round-robin.

The Americans won four matches against Canada, Sweden, Czechoslovakia and Germany to earn second place on the podium.

McKinnon, a defenceman, scored once during the Olympic campaign and also represented the US at the 1955 and 1958 World Championships.

He was instrumental in the establishment of ice hockey at the University of North Dakota (UND), driving there especially to ask athletic director Red Jarrett about setting up a team.

The Fighting Sioux were created who McKinnon represented, and he was inducted into the university's Hall of Fame in 1982.

The team, now known as the Fighting Hawks, have grown into a major National Collegiate Athletic Association side which has won the National Championship eight times.

McKinnon's career came to an end in 1958 when he accidentally blew off part of his hand with a rifle while out hunting deer. 

"Our thoughts and prayers go out to the McKinnon family at this time," said UND head coach Brad Berry. 

"Dan was an instrumental part of our hockey program and in what we represent today. 

"His legacy will always be remembered as hard-working, honest, and being a great team-mate."