In this episode we explore the path of Dan Jablonic, father of twins and ADM Regional Manager for USA Hockey. Dan grew up playing in Minnesota where he played for Blaine High School. He then moved to play in the USHL before moving to play at the University of Minnesota Duluth from 1993-97. While at Duluth, Dan received a bachelors in sports psychology. After college he played in the ECHL and spent time playing in Sweden. Dan started his coaching journey in college working at camps and hockey schools in Minnesota. He began coaching officially in Skelleftea (Sweden) in 2005 as an Assistant coach for th U18 team. He moved to U20 and then as an Assistant Coach for the Men's SHL team. He then moved to coach at Timra IK as the head coach of the U20 team. Before moving back to the US, Dan made a final stop in Sweden at Frölunda Gothenburg where he served as an Assistant Coach. Dan returned Stateside and became the Hockey Director for the Washington Little Caps where he spent almost 7 years. He then became a Regional Manager for the state of Illinois in 2018 where he is working currently.
With Dan we talk about his favorite hockey memory, why he started coaching and what helped him get started, his motivation, his philosophy and values, and what he brings back to the US with him from his time in Sweden. We then explore the responsibility of his current role and the advice he would give himself if he was starting his path again.
Dan recommends a couple of books including, "The Language of Coaching" by Nick Winkelman and "InSideOut Coaching" by Joe Ehrmann.
Check out Dan on twitter (@coachjablonic). Don't forget to connect with the hosts Derek (@DerekERead) and Rick (@RickSchreiber68) on twitter as well as the show (@thecoachsroad). We would love to hear from you, please send us an email to thecoachsroad@gmail.com.
Thanks for listening!
