About Coach Dan

"I have a great respect for our young players. I always listen to what they have to say and have a great ability to empathize and build rapport with each of the players I coach."

I've been playing Hockey for over 40 years. I started my minor hockey career learning to play the game in London, ON at the age of 5. After that, I was able to play AAA for both Kitchener and Burlington.

I'm truly a student of the game, especially since I first had the opportunity to coach my own son and his teams from Tyke to Pee Wee. Since then, my son along with a few of my former players, now enjoy playing at the AAA level. I still coach many of those players today through my Elite Hockey Skills business.

In my many years in Hockey, I have continued to study and learn from as many great players and coaches as I can, both locally and around the globe, who share the same passion for Hockey that I do. I especially seek out those people that are thrilled to share how they're re-shaping the game of hockey, through the innovative ways they Teach and Coach Core Hockey Skills in a Fun, Unique, and Crazy Clever way.

My passion for this game has only expanded where I am now part of this evolution, teaching and coaching young players in the very same manner and adding my own twists and branding along the way.

I am a detail and goal-oriented person who takes great pride in everything I do, especially when it comes to teaching and coaching.

I strive to provide a Safe and Fun learning environment where my players know that I expect them to make tons of mistakes. I will push them outside their comfort zone, even to the point of falling, so that I can show them where the edge of their own abilities are. At the same time, I ensure they know they can rely on me to provide them with proper and immediate feedback to quickly learn from their mistakes.

My Ultimate Aim

To help Any Young Hockey Player Properly Develop their Core Hockey Skills, and then take those Core Skills to an Elite Level.

My main Focus is Developing a Solid Foundation of Player Balance, Agility, Power, Speed, Puck Handling, Endurance while increasing Hockey IQ.

Credentials & Track Record▾

•Founded Elite Hockey Skills: 2015. 10+ years operating summer camps and skills clinics.
•1,000+ players coached: Both boys and girls, all ages across LL to Rep, A, AA, AAA, and Junior levels.
•Collingwood Minor Hockey Association — Skills Coach: 2022, 2023, and 2024 seasons. Pivotal contributor to the organization's move from Rep to A and AA classification across most teams.
•Wasaga Beach Minor Hockey — Skills Coach: 2024 season; multiple years of tryout-prep skills sessions over the past decade, most recently 2025.
•Personal hockey background: 40+ years in the game. Began minor hockey at age 5 in London, ON. Played AAA for Kitchener and Burlington.

Who I Have Developed▾

Players who have come up through EHS — many returning as Junior Instructors and Leaders to coach the next generation:

•Avery McNamara (2007) — AAA Graduate and played in the PJHL and GOHL over the last 2 seasons. Currently a top Jr. Instructor for EHS.
•Kieran Potts (2006) — AAA Graduate, currently a top Jr. Instructor for EHS, played the last 2 seasons of PJHL.
•Ryo Han (2011) — Currently plays AAA, been his skills coach since age 7, is a U16 OHL top-pick prospect and Jr. Instructor at EHS.
•Drew Reed (2012) — Currently plays AAA, been his skills coach since age 6, is an upcoming top prospect and Jr. Instructor at EHS.
•Ethan Procyszyn (2006) — AAA Graduate, 1st Round OHL Draft Pick, Former Captain of North Bay Battalion and OHL Graduate, NHL 3rd Round Draft Pick, Signed NHL Entry Level Contract with the Anaheim Ducks. Attended numerous skills sessions over the years, former Jr. Instructor for PA Day and summer camps. Currently a top Guest Instructor for EHS.
•Cruz Doner (2008) — Coached since age 6, OHL draft pick, played in the OJHL this past season.

Currently the skills coach for numerous dedicated hockey athletes (boys and girls), from U8–U18, Rep to top-AAA athletes.