Wade Klippenstein is a native of Boissevain, Manatoba, and has been involved in hockey for nearly his entire life. In 1988 Wade played for Yorkton Terriers of the SJHL before moving to Fairbanks, Alaska to play for the University of Alaska Fairbanks.

From 1989-1993 Wade played for Nanooks of Fairbanks and put up 72 goals across his 4 years at the school. While at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, Wade was introduced to the Athletic Director, Dr. Lynn Lashbrook, who was a champion of the game of hockey at the school. 

After playing hockey through 1996 for the Alaska Gold Kings of the WCHL, Wade moved to the front office and coaching side of the game. Starting off as an Assistant Coach of the Saskatoon Blades in 1997, Wade quickly rose through the ranks of hockey organizations across leagues and playing levels. Wade saw his first GM/Head Coach role with his very own Yorkton Terriers, whom he has played for in 1988. As his career progressed, Wade went back to University of Alaska Fairbanks as an Assistant Coach before making a long run in the WHL with a variety of teams and roles.

Wade broke into the NHL with the Colorado Avalanche in 2016 and as an amauetur scout and has been with the organization since. In 2021, Wade was promoted to Director of Ameautur Scouting and helped lead the team that won the Stanley Cup in 2022.