What Dan Snyder’s Career Can Teach Us About Hockey

Hockey is a sport built on hard work, resilience, and character. While skill and talent play significant roles in success, the game often rewards those who embody dedication, leadership, and an unrelenting drive to improve. Few stories in hockey history illustrate these values better than the career and life of Dan Snyder.

Snyder was not a household name in the NHL, but his impact on the game and the people around him was profound. His career teaches invaluable lessons for coaches, players, and parents, not only about what it takes to succeed in hockey but also about the type of person the sport should aspire to develop.

The Dan Snyder Story

Dan Snyder was an undrafted player who made his way into the NHL through sheer determination. Born in Elmira, Ontario, he played junior hockey with the Owen Sound Platers in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL), where he displayed the leadership and perseverance that would define his career. Despite going undrafted, Snyder refused to let that setback define his future.

He earned a spot with the Chicago Wolves in the AHL, the affiliate team of the Atlanta Thrashers (now Winnipeg Jets). His relentless work ethic and team-first mentality made him a valuable asset. He was known for his energy, fearless play, and ability to inspire teammates. Eventually, Snyder earned his chance with the Atlanta Thrashers and played 49 games over two NHL seasons.

Tragically, his life was cut short in 2003 after a car accident involving teammate Dany Heatley. The hockey world mourned the loss of a player whose heart and character far outweighed his stat line. His legacy, however, continues to influence the game.

The OHL Humanitarian of the Year Award was renamed in honor of former Owen Sound Platers captain. Now known as the Dan Snyder Memorial Trophy, it is awarded annually to an Ontario Hockey League player who exemplifies leadership, serves as a positive role model, and makes a significant humanitarian contribution within his community. Each recipient of the trophy is also nominated for the CHL Humanitarian of the Year Award.

In addition to this honor, the Chicago Wolves paid tribute to Snyder by renaming their community service award the Dan Snyder Man of the Year Award.

Lessons Coaches Can Learn from Dan Snyder

1. Work Ethic Trumps Talent

Many young players dream of getting drafted, but Snyder's career proves that being overlooked doesn't mean a player can't make it to the NHL. His path was built on work ethic, perseverance, and constant improvement—qualities that every coach should emphasize.

• Coaches should stress effort over raw skill. Some of the best players are those who never take a shift off and do the little things right.

• Foster a development mindset. Players should be taught that setbacks (like being undrafted) are just detours, not dead ends.

• Create a culture of hard work. Reward effort in practices and games just as much as production.

2. Character and Leadership Matter

Snyder was a player everyone wanted as a teammate. He wasn’t the most skilled guy on the ice, but his leadership, work ethic, and positive attitude made him indispensable.

• Coaches must cultivate leadership in their players. Assigning letters on jerseys isn’t enough—leadership should be about accountability, work ethic, and respect.

• Build a team-first mentality. Snyder exemplified a selfless approach to hockey, doing what was needed to help his team. Make sure players understand that individual success comes through team success.

3. Resilience and Mental Toughness Are Key

Snyder faced multiple setbacks in his career, including being undrafted and working his way through the minors. He never gave up, proving that resilience is just as important as skill.

• Coaches should teach players how to handle adversity. Losing a game, getting cut from a team, or sitting out due to injury are all opportunities for growth.

• Mental toughness training should be part of development. Hockey is a fast, physical, and emotional game, and players must learn how to stay focused through challenges.

Lessons Players Can Learn from Dan Snyder

1. The Path to Success Isn’t Always Linear

Snyder’s story proves that there’s no single path to making it in hockey. Players often get discouraged when they aren’t the most skilled at a young age or when they don’t make a top team.

• Players should focus on their own journey. Comparing themselves to others will only lead to frustration. Hard work and persistence will create opportunities.

• Take every opportunity seriously. Snyder wasn’t a superstar, but he made the most of every shift, practice, and game—eventually earning his NHL spot.

2. Hockey Is About More Than Just Points

Many young players focus only on goals and assists, but Snyder’s career reminds us that intangibles—work ethic, leadership, attitude—can set players apart.

• Coaches and scouts value more than stats. Players should focus on what they can control: effort, positioning, communication, and team play.

• Roles matter. Not everyone will be a top-line player, but every player has a way to contribute. Finding and embracing that role is key to long-term success.

3. How You Treat People Matters

One of the most lasting parts of Snyder’s legacy is how deeply he impacted his teammates and community. His kindness, leadership, and respect for others made him an unforgettable presence.

• Players should respect coaches, teammates, officials, and opponents. Hockey careers end, but reputations last forever.

• Be a great teammate. Support others, work hard, and always put the team first. Those qualities will earn respect in the hockey world.

Lessons Parents Can Learn from Dan Snyder’s Career

1. Support the Process, Not Just the Outcome

Snyder’s parents supported him through every stage of his career. They didn’t push him based on results; they encouraged his work ethic, love for the game, and determination.

• Parents should focus on effort and improvement. Not every player will be a star, but every player can grow and contribute in different ways.

• Encourage resilience. Setbacks are part of hockey. Supporting players through challenges helps them develop life skills.

2. Character is Just as Important as Skill

Snyder wasn’t the most talented player, but his character made him an NHL player. Parents should prioritize attitude, teamwork, and respect over just performance.

• Teach players how to be good teammates. Hockey is a team sport, and being a positive influence on others is just as important as scoring goals.

• Help players develop leadership skills. Encourage responsibility, communication, and accountability in hockey and everyday life.

3. Hockey is Temporary, but Character is Forever

Snyder’s impact extended far beyond the ice. He was a leader, a great teammate, and someone who brought people together. Parents should remember that only a small percentage of players make it to the NHL, but the lessons learned in hockey last a lifetime.

• Hockey should develop good people, not just good players. The values learned in the game—hard work, discipline, teamwork—should carry into life beyond hockey.

Conclusion

Dan Snyder’s career and life are reminders of what truly matters in hockey. He wasn’t a superstar, but his impact on teammates, coaches, and the hockey community was greater than most.

For coaches, his story is a lesson in fostering work ethic, leadership, and mental toughness. For players, he proves that resilience and character can take you further than raw skill. For parents, his legacy is a reminder that the journey matters more than the destination.

Dan Snyder’s name may not be in the Hockey Hall of Fame, but his legacy is cemented in the hearts of those who knew him. His story teaches us that hockey is about more than just winning—it’s about the type of person you become along the way.

Ed Garinger is a seasoned hockey coach, mentor, and educator with over two decades of experience. A native of the Bruce Peninsula, he played minor and junior hockey before earning his BA and BEd from Nipissing University, where he also competed in varsity volleyball and extramural hockey.

Coaching since age 14, Ed has balanced his teaching career with an extensive coaching and development portfolio, working with players at all levels. He has coached in the Provincial Junior Hockey League, led youth and high school teams, and served as a learning facilitator for the OMHA. His experience includes elite programs like the OHL/OHF U15 and U16 camps, U17 Regional Camps, and Hockey Canada’s Skills Academy.

A Hockey Canada HP1-certified coach, USA Hockey-certified coach, and Chartered Professional Coach (ChPC), Ed is committed to ongoing professional development and continually seeks to expand his knowledge to better serve players and coaches. Now based in Orillia, he enjoys passing on his passion for hockey to the next generation.