In most cases, the most successful coaches are those that learn the game by playing it and passing along that knowledge to others. Such is the case with this outstanding coach who learned the game of hockey as a player during the 1960s and 70s with the Fort William Junior Canadiens and with Lakehead University, where he received MVP honours, was a 3 time International Collegiate Hockey Association All-Star, two time NAIA All American and League Scoring Champion in 1966-67. Combining his talents as a player and coach, he earned a bronze medal with the IFK in Helsinki, Finland in 1971 and Allan Cup honours with the Thunder Bay Twins in 1974-75.

Dedicating himself to providing instruction to young athletes, Dave coached bantam, midget and university teams, winning bronze and silver medals in provincial competitions. Recognizing the importance of developing good skills through education, Dave began conducting power skating and hockey schools in Thunder Bay. Attaining his Level V National Coaches Certification he conducted seminars and contributed to instructional materials to benefit others.

In the 1986-87 season Dave received the CAHA Hockey Development Council National Award and was named Assistant Coach of the Canadian National Under 18 Team. This was also the season that he began his 9 year affiliation with the Thunder Bay Junior "A" Flyers, leading the team to two Centennial Cup Championship titles (1989 & 1992), 4 USHL League titles, was named USHL Coach of the Year three times and saw 11 of his players drafted to the NHL. Always instilling in his players the value of education, 50 of them went on to receive university athletic scholarships.

In 1991 he served as Head Coach for Canada's National Under 18 Junior Team, silver medallists at the Phoenix Cup in Japan. In 1993 he served as Assistant Coach of the Canadian Junior Team who claimed a World Junior Hockey gold medal.

Inducted into the Northwestern Ontario Sports Hall of Fame, September 30, 1995