DAN McCONNELL – COACH WOMEN’S HOCKEY
Dan started coaching “The Huntsville Honey’s” almost by accident in 1972
There was a small group of 9 girls wanting to play, but needed a coach, and some structure and regular ice time. Dan and his wife bought the first uniforms for the kids, who were roughly 11-14 years of age. Ice time was very limited back then, for any teams that were not organized or in a league. As the years progressed, more and more girls signed up, better ice times were given and a sponsor was found “Brandt’s Flowers”. Tournaments were their main source of competition, so travel and related costs were high for those involved. He was very fortunate to have the almost the same nucleus of players over a 22 year span. Dan lead the team to many tournament wins, and in 1982 they won OWHA provincial championships. That same year Dan and the team took part in numerous games in Denmark. This trip was prompted by an earlier exchange with the Danish team coming to Canada to play. Also under his watchful eye the team continued to win numerous Most Sportsmanlike Team awards.
He considered it an a real privilege and honour, to coach these women and has made life long friendships with the “kids” he mentored along the way.
Dan McConnell – Coach
Huntsville Sport Hall of Fame Class of 2022