Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts
In episode #262, we welcome Dan Watson, Head Coach of the Grand Rapids Griffins.
Watson is coming off his first season with the Detroit Red Wings' AHL affiliate. Previous to that, he spent 14 consecutive seasons with the ECHL's Toledo Walleyes.
During his time in Toldeo, Watson was awarded the Jack Brophy Trophy as the ECHL’s Coach of the Year, he guide the Walleye to two regular season Championships and two Kelly Cup Finals appearances.
Listen as he shares why sleeping in the arena is a right of passage for coaches, his three keys to building a strong team culture, and why it's quality over quantity when it comes to drills.
VIDEO TIMESTAMPS:
- 0:00 Living in Cleveland
- 3:20 Reflecting on first season with Griffins
- 6:50 Workflow changes/keys for culture
- 10:35 Successful practice habits
- 13:35 Starting with the details
- 16:05 Communicating efficiently
- 19:25 Coaching long distance in Toledo
- 24:45 The grind of coaching
- 26:50 Learning from other sports
- 30:15 Adding layers to a coaching toolbox
- 32:30 Challenges of coaching in the AHL
- 35:35 Building relationships with every player
- 37:50 Balancing team needs and player development
- 42:15 Measuring player improvement
- 45:40 Coaching 14 years in Toledo
- 50:45 Relationship with Derek Lalonde
- 52:05 Coach collaboration
- 55:45 Influence from family
- 1:00:50 Ways to improve in the summer
