About Dan

Who is Coach Dan?

In his nearly 10 years with youth hockey in San Diego, Coach Dan Arel has held the head coaching title at various levels.

Dan has also held titles as Director of Player & Coaching Development, ensuring coaches have the tools and resources needed to help their players and teams succeed. Prior to that, Dan was a Director of Youth Hockey Development, and the 8U coordinator.

In 2020, Coach Dan was named Coach of the Year by the San Diego Gulls Foundation and joined the NHL Coaches Association’s Mentorship Program. Dan is also a regular contributor to The Coaches Site, a site focused on the education and development of hockey players from youth hockey to the NHL. Dan has also had the pleasure of speaking at The 2023 Coaches Site Live Conference in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

Outside of the rink, Dan is a husband, father, and works in communications/marketing for a large labor union in California. Want to learn more about Dan and his philosophies? Watch or listen to the podcasts below.