The DJR Hockey Story
Championships don’t happen at the end of the season; they’re a culmination of habits that begin in the summer and continue throughout the year. To become a champion, you need to build winning habits.
Growing up, I was never the biggest or the fastest player; there was always someone better than me on the ice. I was, however, one of the most determined. I learned one of my hardest lessons at 14 when I was the leading scorer of the Peewee AAA team in my first year. The second year, I was cut for not having a good attitude. This was my first wake-up call.
At 16, I lost my dad, an avid hockey fan and referee, to cancer. He had been given six months to live and managed to battle through for six years. Three days before he died, I saw him struggling to take one of his chemo pills. Knowing how sick they made him and how frail he was, I asked him, “Dad, why are you taking that?” and he replied, “You never know how close you are to making something work.” His response has stuck with me ever since.
My early lessons in failure, mindset, and never giving up have transcended throughout my hockey career and my life outside of hockey. Read more about my story in the Stanley Cup of Chowder here.
With over 18 years of experience playing junior & professional hockey in Canada, the USA and Europe, I bring a winning mindset both on and off the ice. I’m passionate about growing the game and developing champions of the future.
I have been fortunate to have been a part of championship-winning teams, including:
- Fred Page Cup (BCHL) - Surrey Eagles (2004/5)
- Ed Chynoweth Cup (WHL) - Vancouver Giants (2005/6)
- Ed Chynoweth Cup (WHL) - Spokane Chiefs (2007/8)
- Memorial Cup (WHL/CHL) - Spokane Chiefs (2007/8)
- President’s Cup (CHL) - Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs (2010/11)
- Kelly Cup (ECHL) - Florida Everblades (2011/12)
- Challenge Cup (EIHL) - Belfast Giants (2017/18)
- Challenge Cup (EIHL) - Belfast Giants (2018/19)
- League Champion (EIHL) - Belfast Giants (2018/19)
David Rutherford
Owner & Head Coach at DJR Hockey
Anthony Ast
Coach
DJR Hockey is proud to introduce Anthony Ast as a coach working alongside David.
Anthony is a recently retired professional player who was born & raised in Richmond.
Anthony was the 19th overall pick in the WHL Bantam draft. After playing with both the Vancouver Giants and Medicine Hat Tigers, Ast transitioned to professional hockey in Germany. His combined North American and European experience provides a unique perspective and he is passionate about elevating future players through developing their on and off ice hockey IQ.
