End of an Era – Farewell to Dan Auchenberg
In August, for the first time in 23 years, Donnan and Vimy Hockey will start the school year without a familiar and friendly face.
Dan Auchenberg, or Coach Dan, or Reg (a hat tip to Reg Dunlop from Slap Shot) has accepted a position as the Head Coach for the Lloydminster Steelers Women’s 18AAA. Unfortunately, this is a bit too far of a commute for Dan to continue coaching at Vimy Hockey, so Dan’s storied career at Donnan and Vimy Hockey will come to an end.
Dan started as a Hockey Instructor with Donnan Hockey in 2000, after transitioning from his role with the City of Edmonton to pursue his passion for coaching hockey. In 2002, Dan became the Director of Donnan Hockey. After several years as Donnan’s Hockey Director, Dan came over to work with Vimy Hockey’s junior high and high school student-athletes.
Outside of the halls of Donnan and Vimy Hockey, Dan has had a very successful coaching career. Dan has 10 years of AJHL coaching experience and was named the AJHL coach of the year in 2002 and in 2003 he guided his team to a first overall finish in the regular season. After returning to minor hockey, Dan coached U18AAA for the Maple Leaf Athletic club, Sherwood Park Women’s Fury, the Edmonton Thunder with his last stop being a hugely successful term with the St. Albert Slash. While the coach of the Slash, Dan led his team to back-to-back-to-back National Championships, a completely unheard run of dominance.
Whether it be at Donnan, Vimy, or with one of his teams. Whether it be on the ice or in the dressing room or in the lobby after the game. Dan has always looked to help minor hockey players and student-athletes grow as athletes and as people. Those who were lucky enough to be coached by Dan or know him personally or professionally are better for the experience.
Donnan Hockey, Vimy Hockey and our parent society Academic and Athletic Development would like to thank Coach Auchenberg for his 23 years of service and wish him nothing but the best of luck with his new role in Lloydminster.