STAFF

After retiring from his playing career and transitioning into a corporate Learning & Development consulting role, Dack felt a strong desire to give back to the hockey community, which led him to coaching. Having trained under some of the most respected coaches in Southern California & Canada, Dack developed a solid foundation for his coaching philosophy and player development approach.

Dack’s coaching philosophy centers on the belief that true player development extends beyond the ice. His mission is to help shape young athletes into respectful, socially responsible individuals with a strong work ethic. By emphasizing accountability and embracing mistakes as opportunities for "positive failure," Dack creates an environment where players learn and grow both as athletes and as people.

As Program Director, Dack brings his passion for teaching and leadership to every facet of player development, fostering a culture of growth, integrity, and excellence.

A hockey personality with recognition all over North America, Kevin played professional hockey for 15 years, 13 of which were in the NHL. Kevin played for the Vancouver Canucks for 10 years before joining Orange County’s own Anaheim Ducks, where he played for 3 years. In addition, Kevin is proud to have represented Canada several times internationally, including being selected team Captain at the 2014 IIHF World Championships in Minsk, Belarus.

 Currently, Kevin is Director of Elite Defensemen Mentorship for KO sports, Inc., a boutique hockey agency that assists the world’s best hockey players excel in their careers. During his time in the NHL, Kevin mentored younger players in order to strengthen his teams. Additionally, he’s been a broadcaster and analyst for both Sportsnet and Hockey Night in Canada. With a passion for mentorship and seeing the next generation of talent thrive, Kevin has built a personal brand that exhibits both unequaled mastery of the game, and a dedication to helping others excel. 

Dean has been coaching for over 18 years. Dean has worked with players from around the world, including North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia. Many of the players Dean has worked with have gone on to have professional careers in hockey. Dean is an expert in skating, and has spent countless hours analyzing skating technique, which has helped him quickly hone in on the specific skills players need to skate their best. He also has expertise in both offensive and defensive skills that include puck skills, shooting, deception, and more, which helps him provide effective training to hockey players regardless of their needs. An expert in the field of youth coaching, Dean is world-renowned for using his expertise to help young hockey players reach their fullest potential

Dane Erickson, a native of Woodbury, MN, has an extensive coaching and training background, including serving as Director for the California Goldrush Hockey Club and St. Paul Capitals Hockey Association and as a performance coach at youth, high school, and junior levels. 

A Gustavus Adolphus College graduate and former team captain, he is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist who has trained athletes since 2015. Most recently, Dane helped lead Fairmont D1 to a 2023 league title, a 2024 state championship, and a berth at the 2024 High School Prep National Championships.

A detail-oriented coach, Dane focuses on empowering athletes through mindset, nutrition, high-performance habits and process-driven development. By fostering autonomy and emphasizing personal and team growth, he has consistently delivered winning results, advancing players to higher levels of hockey.

Raised in Rancho Cucamonga, California, Derek Rodgers discovered his passion for hockey while playing in Southern California. His early experiences on the ice sparked a lifelong love for the game and set him on a path to become both a player and a coach. As a graduate of Finlandia University and a former NCAA Division III student-athlete, Derek combines academic and athletic excellence in his approach to coaching.

With nine years of coaching experience, Derek has a proven track record of success. Most notably, he helped lead Fairmont D2 to the 2022 High School State Championship. His coaching philosophy emphasizes effort, work ethic, and a positive attitude, creating an environment where players can grow both on and off the ice.

Dedicated to the growth of hockey in Southern California, Derek works tirelessly to mentor the next generation of athletes. He believes in developing not just skilled players but also well-rounded individuals who embody teamwork, character, and a love for the game. Through his leadership, Derek is helping to elevate the future of hockey in the region.

Born and raised in Southern California, Chris developed a deep passion for hockey at an early age. At 17, he was offered the opportunity to play Junior A hockey in Canada, where he competed for four years. This experience led to a partial scholarship to play NCAA Division III hockey at Curry College, just outside of Boston.

During his time at Curry College, Chris excelled both on and off the ice as a scholar-athlete, earning a degree in Business Management with a minor in Communications. After graduation, he stepped away from hockey to focus on building a professional career.

Chris's passion for the sport was reignited through the opportunity to coach at Fairmont, he has been dedicated to developing players and fostering a love for the game, helping athletes grow both on and off the ice.

Chris is a Strength and Conditioning Professional with 18 years of experience across professional and private sectors. His approach emphasizes character development and personal growth alongside performance enhancement.

Previously, Chris served as a Senior Performance and Strength Coach at Sanford Sports, working closely with REP1 (a sports management agency for NFL, NBA, and MLB athletes). He played a key role in transitioning athletes from physical therapy back to performance training. He was also responsible for their middle school and high school athletes.

Before Sanford, Chris spent five years as a Strength and Conditioning Coach with the Anaheim Ducks organization, overseeing performance for NHL and AHL teams, with daily collaboration across medical, coaching, and management teams. Chris also operated his own private strength and conditioning business for over a decade, serving youth, professional, Olympic, and general fitness athletes.

He holds a BS in Kinesiology from Arizona State (2005) and is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) through the NSCA.

With over a decade of coaching experience, Hugh is a crucial figure in player development. His expertise in video analysis and deep understanding of player performance make him an invaluable asset in the hockey world. Hugh’s ability to break down skating techniques and game strategies is second to none, helping players make significant, tangible improvements on the ice.

Prior to joining Fairmont, Hugh served as the Video Coach for the West Kelowna Warriors in the BCHL, where his keen eye for detail played a vital role in the team’s success. His video expertise was further honed during his four years at the Ontario Hockey Academy, a prestigious private prep school in Cornwall, Ontario. There, he managed video operations and broadcasting for all eight teams, providing critical insights that helped players elevate their performance on the ice.

Kevin has been coaching hockey at the youth level for the last 8 years. He went to school at the University Wisconsin-Madison and then pursued a career in finance. He also has an extensive background in child development and psychology, and obtained a Teaching Credential from California State University-Fullerton.

My love for hockey began early, inspired by watching my uncle play and fueled by my passion for the game. Initially captivated by skating and scoring, I soon realized the goalie was the key to winning, and I embraced the challenge of becoming one. Through intense training and handling pressure, I developed the skills and mindset needed to succeed, driving me to continually reach new heights. Playing competitively, I experienced unforgettable moments, from winning a State Championship to competing at the National level and earning prestigious honors. Despite my height limiting my playing career, I transitioned to coaching, combining my experience as a player, referee, and mentor. Today, my passion is to inspire and train the next generation, passing on the lessons I've learned.