The Team Behind Champions
- About David Rutherford
Building Champions Through Winning Habits
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)
- My Journey
Lessons That Built A Champion
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.
Strength through adversity and belief
Failure built discipline and purpose
Eighteen years professional hockey excellence
Developing champions through passion
- Career Highlights
Championships And Professional Achievements
Recognized for excellence in hockey with multiple championships, elite performance, unmatched dedication, and a passion for developing the next generation of hockey players.
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Years Experiences
Winning Mindset
Team Leadership
Skill Mastery
- coaches
Meet our other coaches
Our experienced on-ice coaching staff brings elite playing and coaching backgrounds, delivering high-level skill development for every athlete.
ANTHONY AST
DJR Hockey Skills Development Coach
MATT BENSON
DJR Hockey Skills Development Coach
- Player Development
Unlock Your Full Potential On Ice
At DJR Hockey, we focus on developing every athlete’s skills, mindset, and confidence. Our programs combine on-ice training, off-ice conditioning, and personalized mentorship to create well-rounded players.
Through detailed coaching, feedback, and high-intensity sessions, we help players refine techniques, make smarter decisions during games, and cultivate the discipline and habits required to succeed at all levels.
- Player Feedback
What Athletes Are Saying
Exceptional training, improving performance, mindset, and on-ice abilities.
“David’s coaching transformed my game. Skills, confidence, and mindset improved drastically. Highly recommend DJR Hockey for serious players.”
Junior Player
“David’s guidance goes beyond hockey. He teaches mindset, discipline, and resilience. My performance and attitude changed completely.”
Junior Player
“Small group sessions allowed personalized coaching. My game awareness, positioning, and decision-making improved faster than ever.”
Rep Forward