Dave Craft

Originally from Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada, Dave Craft's hockey journey began on frozen ponds, igniting his passion for the game. Progressing through competitive youth hockey in Fredericton, he reached Midget AAA, coached by NHL legend Danny Grant. Highlights included participating in the Air Canada Cup and the MAC’s Midget AAA world invitational tournament.

Despite some teammates pursuing professional hockey careers, Dave took a different path, earning a PhD in Chemistry at the University of Alberta. His dedication to hockey extended to refereeing for ten years across various levels, from Mites to AAA Midget, in both the Alberta and Nova Scotia Associations.

Five years ago, Dave moved to San Diego with his wife and two sons, all actively involved in SDIA programs. His wife, Janelle, is a Senior professional skating coach, and both his sons play SCAHA travel hockey. Transitioning from player and referee, Dave delved into coaching, starting with his older sons' team. Currently, he serves as the head coach for 8UA, 10UBB, and the San Diego Oilers 10UA. His coaching philosophy, encapsulated in the acronym BEST – Better Every Single Time, emphasizes growth, teamwork, and striving for excellence.