Friday, 30 April 2021, marks the final day of Huskie men’s hockey head coach Dave Adolph’s tenure with the team for which he himself first played in 1977.  Named head coach in 1993, the Saskatoon-born Adolph had previously served as assistant coach with the Dogs under Brent McEwen in 1984-89 and head man at University of Lethbridge from 1989-93.

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His career as bench boss within Canadian university men’s hockey is beyond equal, as he has guided his charges to more regular season victories and coached more games than any other coach in U SPORTS history. 

BY THE NUMBERS: Dave Adolph's Peerless Coaching Career

U SPORTS and Canada West, most regular season games coached: 868

U SPORTS and Canada West, most regular season wins: 488

Huskies, most regular season games coached: 756

Huskies, most regular season wins: 456

Huskies, consecutive seasons in playoffs: 25

Huskies, seasons in University Cup Championships: 16

Canada West titles: 7

Canada West Coach of the Year: 1998, 2000, 2017, 2019

Kehoe Memorial Award (U SPORTS Coach of the Year): 2017

Dave Adolph has been an outstanding leader for Huskie men’s hockey. His scouting, recruiting, planning, instruction, and game-day coaching have paid big dividends for the Huskie program.  Yet beyond the wins, beyond the 98 players under his tutelage who were Canada West All-Stars, the 30 U SPORTS All-Canadians, and the 60 athletes he coached who captured Canada West Awards and 18 who won national awards, Dave Adolph was an exceptional leader off the ice as well. 

He has worked tirelessly for the success of his student-athletes as he has fostered a culture that resulted in many academic all-Canadians and countless alumni completing their degrees successfully and then finding fulfilment in various professions upon graduation. The recognition of what Coach Adolph has done to encourage his players to reach personal and professional success after the conclusion of their hockey careers is attested to by the numerous alumni who year after year participate in alumni activities, support the team by attendance at games, and make financial contributions to the program.

Of all the players who know and appreciate the contributions made by their coach, the Huskie captains are perhaps the most knowledgeable. This diverse group of team leaders from various years, who studied a variety of majors at a number of different colleges within University of Saskatchewan have taken time to pay tribute to the man who has had such a positive influence on their personal and professional lives. Seventeen Huskie captains from 1993 to 2021 were approached to recognize in their own words what Dave has meant to them and the program.  Although each had his own way of presenting his thoughts and feelings, certain words and phrases seemed to reappear when describing Dave “Schultzy” Adolph. Words like “passionate,” “competitive,” “committed,” “supportive,” “hard-working,” “humble,” “caring,” emerged frequently from nearly three decades of Huskie captains.  What follows is a chronological litany of accolades in their own words by those seventeen Huskie captains. 

The first captain named by the rookie Huskie coach in 1993-94 was Glen Gulutzan, who himself has gone on to a productive coaching career. “Gully” recalls his year under Dave’s tutelage and the legacy Coach Adolph has left for the team:

“It has been a long time since my Huskie days, but I clearly remember when Dave first took the job. The memory that sticks out most is his passion for ‘Dog Hockey.’ This passion has transformed Huskie hockey into one of the top programs in Canada. He made players and alumni proud to have worn the Dog jersey and created a Huskie culture that is of great pride to Saskatoon.” (Glen Gulutzan, current Edmonton Oilers assistant coach, former NHL head coach).

Dave Adolph’s second captain was Mervin Mann (1994-95), who in recalling his time as a Huskie was eager to speak about his former coach:

“It is truly an honour and a pleasure to share a few thoughts about coach Dave Adolph.” “The captaincy was an honour that I am still very proud of today. For me personally Huskie Hockey and Dave’s guidance were instrumental in making me into the person I have become today. Most importantly, I learned the value and importance of hard work, to really take pride in the effort you put forward. Secondly, we learned to put the team ahead of ourselves.”

"Despite a weak record the first three years Dave coached at U. of S., “…it was the turning point. It was the beginning of a return to prominence in university sport for the Dogs.” “Dave was beginning to establish the roster and culture that he wanted.” He recruited players who “…would put the program first.  In my mind they played the ‘right way’” “That was the beginning of establishing the culture that lasted more than twenty-five years.”

 “I have been fortunate to be associated with a couple other elite coaches other than Dave.  J.P. Kelly and Willie Desjardins have also had a huge impact in my life. All three of these coaches have one trait in common; they are fiercely competitive. The effort they put into preparation and the passion they coach with is incredible.” 

“Personally, I would like to thank Dave for giving me an opportunity to play Huskie Hockey. It was the highlight of my life. ‘I loved every minute of it.’  Dave had a tremendous career and even more important, a positive impact on hundreds of young men.” (Merv Mann, rancher, Lloydminster).

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Brian Purdy who holds the Huskie all-time record for points and assists, was captain for two years, from 1995-97. In his final year, the Huskies captured first place in the East Division of Canada West and Purdy played on Team Canada at University Games in Japan under Coach Adolph:

“My favourite saying of Dave’s remains ‘it is ok to care.’ The context for us at the time was that it was acceptable to go really hard at each other in battle drills (that Dave annoyingly loved so much!) for guys to earn a spot on the Thursday line-up announcement and to prepare the team for how we had to play on the upcoming weekend.  But we now know that ‘it is ok to care’ from Dave meant so much more than cross-checking each other in battle drills. He was teaching us that it is ok to step up, speak up, challenge one another, to be vulnerable in life, to fight for what matters to you.”

"The hockey program has had the mantra: ‘Nobody Outworks the Dogs.’ It was on the wall in the old Rutherford dressing room. Now when I think of the amazing experience of being part of Dog Hockey, I can honestly say: ‘Nobody Outcares Dave Adolph.’”

“We were very fortunate to play for Dave. He had been a five-year guy himself, won a national championship, worked as an assistant coach…before returning to the program as head coach, probably in his early thirties.” “With his experience as a Dog combined with his caring personality, he was almost like an older brother on top of being our coach. That dynamic has continued with alumni of the program. He has been like the tolerant and steady older brother who had stayed home to keep things running smoothly and who we know we could always come home to.”

“I have always admired Dave’s quiet and understated approach. Even with all the consistent success of the program, he has remained the same humble guy. There is a real tendency for coaches to want to make it about themselves…, to find ways to insert themselves. Dave is far too humble to fall into that. His primary purpose was the overall experience of student athletes and developing young men through the traditions of Dog Hockey.”

“You come across some people in life that just seem to ‘get it’—Dave ‘gets it.’” (Brian Purdy, Calgary, oil and gas industry).

Jeff Helperl was captain for two seasons (1997-99) during which time the Dogs won two Canada West championships. His statements about Coach Adolph are clear and concise:

“Dave was a great mentor of mine, he got the best out of us every day. The hockey world has lost a great coach and person when Dave Adolph retired.” (Jeff Helperl, Saskatoon player agent, Thunder Creek Professional Player Management).

Captain during the 1999-2000 season, Shannon Briske has become one of the most active alumni through his participation in “Old Dog” activities and generous support for the team. Much of his enthusiasm for the teams that followed his tenure comes from the influence Dave Adolph had on him:

“Dave Adolph played an instrumental role in my growth in becoming a better hockey player, but more importantly in my growing into becoming a better man. Dave pushed us to be the best we could be in the classroom and in the community. I was afforded the opportunity to take a major role in leadership and success of our back-to-back-to-back three Canada West championships from 1997-98 through 1999-2000.  Dave believed in me, when I needed someone to do so.”

“Dave has always been as much about helping his players achieve success off the ice and after their time with the program as with success on the ice.  This is undeniable when one looks at the strong, close-knit Huskie Alumni group and the success professionally and personally seen in graduating players over the past three decades.”

“I wish Dave and Bev a wonderful retirement and there is no question of the positive impact Dave has had on me and literally hundreds of players who wore the Dog on their chest.” (Shannon Briske, Saskatoon, senior wealth advisor, Assante Wealth Management).   

Jeremy Stasiuk led the Huskies in goals with 23 and points with 41 during the 2000-01 season in which he was captain. He recalls his first contact with Dave: 

“Dave called me in 1995 while I was with Spokane Chiefs. He called to inquire about my interest in coming back to Saskatoon, to which I replied I was not interested in university at that time. Time is a funny thing. I started university in 1997 with Dave being a major contributing factor in that decision. From that first conversation, he had my respect. “

“Dave has always led with class and polish. He is a student of the game of hockey and a true gentleman in all aspects of his life.”

“I have plenty of stories I could tell about Dave, and I am glad I have a chance to tell everyone this one: We unfortunately didn’t win a national championship from 1997-2001, but I truly believe that Dave was the driving factor in guiding me to being the best I could be; he made us all champions as people.”

“Thank you for being such a wonderful role model and for caring for your players like they were your own children. All the best in retirement and beyond.” (Jeremy Stasiuk, Calgary, manager, business development, Strike Group).

Captain Jeff Henkelman served as captain and was a Canada West all-star during the 2001-02 season. He speaks highly of Dave’s strong support for the academic success of his players:

“What sticks out for me about Dave more than anything else is his passion for creating student-athletes.   He said it all the time. It was almost annoying how many times he repeated it, but it was true.  Dave cared not only about how well we performed on the ice, but also he wanted to see us succeed in the classroom and in our careers after school. Throughout my years at university, there were times I needed to miss or be late for practice and Dave was always supportive. He never made me feel badly for setting school as a priority.” 

“Dave must be proud to look around and see the successes that his alumni have had, even though he did have to deal with answering the call from the ‘red phone’ from time to time when the alumni didn’t agree with his in-game coaching decisions!” “I look forward to being able to watch games at MBP with Dave in the future and to ‘chirp’ him and to be ‘chirped’ at by him! Go Dogs!” (Jeff Henkelman, Saskatoon, tax partner MNP).

Jeremy Rondeau captained the Dogs to back-to-back Great Plains Division first place finishes during the 2002-03 and 2003-04 seasons. He shares the effect Dave had on him as a player, especially making the adjustment from junior to university:

“I want to start by saying I wasn’t the best student in high school, playing in the WHL with the Swift Current Broncos. School was not a high priority for me. Dave helped me find a way to work my way into university when it seemed an impossible undertaking. I owe Dave so much for helping me through the process and for being willing to spend the time to help me with my eligibility. I am sure I am not the only one Dave helped through the registration process.”

“Dave’s leadership style was different than what I was used to. Playing junior we were managed tightly whereas in the CIS under Dave he let the players lead. He got out of the way and let the immature boys work through the process of becoming men and leaders.”

“I had no money and needed a job to make a go of it through university.  Dave helped line me up with a position at Olympian Sports where I was able to work alongside Paul Cyr, arguably one of the most dedicated and supportive Huskie Hockey people I’ve ever met.”

“When Dave appointed me captain I was beside myself. I had exceptional leaders to look up to and learn from. I am not sure I thanked him to this day for that opportunity, but it seems fitting to do so now. I mean, he did ‘healthy scratch’ me in my fifth year, but given we are celebrating his retirement, I’ll let it go! All kidding aside, Dave was a huge role model for me and I owe him a lot of thanks and gratitude for helping me become the man I am today.” 

“Where would the program be without Dave’s commitment to the alumni, the players, the trainers, etc.?  I don’t think he realizes how much he’s meant to the players. I am sure he would just humbly say: ‘I was just doing my job.’ For those who have gone through the program, it’s really been life-changing. We grew up and got an education and started our careers.”

“Dave seemed to always look for good people to wear the Huskie jersey. It wasn’t always about the best players, it was about good people.” 

“Thank you Dave, for everything you did not only for me, but for all the other players that had the privilege of putting on the Huskie jersey. You have left big shoes to fill. All of us Huskies are proud to say we played for you and for the organization that you have made so successful. All the best in retirement, you deserve it!”  (Jeremy Rondeau, Swift Current, partner,  MNP LLP).

Scott McQueen was made captain for the 2004-05 season which saw the Huskies secure the Great Plains Division title and a place at University Cup where they captured silver.  Coach Adolph has had a lasting impression on him which carries on to the present day:

“I was so proud to have my son wear the Huskie Hockey jersey as a member of Dave Adolph’s Huskie Prospect Program that it made me tear up the first time he stepped on the ice. Huskie Hockey means so much to my family and me.  My teammates from years ago remain my best friends today. We drink together, we laugh together, our kids play together, and many of us still play rec. hockey together. I believe this is what Dave Adolph instilled in us all. He wanted his players to be Dogs for life, go to war together, and become friends for life.” 

“Dave helped all his players become men by preparing us for the real world. To me, Dave Adolph will always be the face of Huskie Hockey. We were so close to the national championship in 2005, it pains me that we didn’t win for Dave. Dave put everything he had into Huskie Hockey year after year, more than what people know and he would do it over again in a second.” 

“Dave is a true Hockey Warrior and I’m so proud to call him my coach and a friend. Thank you Coach Dave!” (Scott  McQueen, Saskatoon, Palliser Insurance).

Brent Twordik was captain of the Dogs for three years, 2005-2008. He was part of the 2005 team that came within 23 seconds of capturing the national championship in Edmonton:

“When I heard Dave Adolph was retiring I messaged him to congratulate him on his accomplishments and wished him well on his future endeavours. I also mentioned that his résumé would look better with a national championship on it and that my heart was still lying in the corner of Northlands Coliseum. His reply was that it wasn’t about wins and losses, it was about the players’ futures. At the end of the day, his wins and losses speak for themselves. His longevity as a coach demonstrates that he has affected so many players’ lives!” (Brent Twordik, grain farmer in Milden residing in Saskatoon).

Trent Adamus was captain of the Green and White in 2008-09 when he captured University of Saskatchewan’s Rusty McDonald Cup as best All-Round Male Athlete. The leadership shown by Dave Adolph and his concern for his players is attested to concisely as follows:

“Dave was an excellent coach to play for. His commitment to the Huskies’ program and its athletes was incredible. He provided his players with every opportunity to be successful on the ice as well as in the classroom. I am grateful for all that Dave has done for me and wish him all the best in the future.” (Trent Adamus, Saskatoon lawyer, Leland Kimpinski, LLP).

Kyle Ross transferred from University of Regina to study law at University of Saskatchewan and was captain of the Green and White from 2010 to 2012.  The Academic All-Canadian, winner of the Canada West Dr. Randy Gregg Award, and one of only two Canadians to receive Capital One All-America Award, speaks with warmth and respect for Dave Adolph:

“When I think of Dave Adolph and Huskie Hockey, two words that come to mind are passion and pride. Dave had coached for many years by the time I played for the team, but clearly had not lost his passion for the game. Whether he was yelling at us during intermission for being behind to a ‘blue team,’ vibrating around the room after a big win on the road against U. of A., or trying to change the lines with a bloody towel on his head because he accidentally banged it on the sprinkler above our bench at the Rutherford  while contesting a bad call, Dave was always putting his passion and energy for the game of hockey on display.”

“Probably more than his passion for the game, the other thing that sticks out is that Dave was incredibly proud of the University of Saskatchewan Huskie Hockey Program and all those who contributed to its status as an elite program nationwide. He sincerely believed it was a privilege to put on the jersey (as it was), and that you owed a duty not only to your teammates, but also to the alumni, the school, the training staff, and to the many others in the Huskie Hockey Family to uphold the reputation of success. That pride came through authentically in his recruiting and in his coaching and I think was a big factor in the program’s success during his tenure.” (Kyle “Rossco” Ross, Calgary tax barrister and solicitor, Felesky Flynn, LLP).

Brennan Bosch who was a CIS Academic All-Canadian three times and was named winner of  the Rusty McDonald Trophy in his final year, captained the Huskies during the period 2012-2014. He notes Dave’s effect on the team’s success and on Dave’s commitment to his student-athletes:

“Dave has been a huge reason that the Huskie Hockey program has been, and continues to be one of the elite programs in the country. Aside from his impressive winning record on the ice and the CIS [U SPORTS] records that speak for themselves, it is his passion for ‘Dog Hockey’ and his genuine care for his players and staff that in my mind define him as a coach. He was willing to do whatever he could to help his players succeed on the ice and in the classroom. He has not just been a hockey coach, but a life coach to so many over the years.”

“For me personally, Dave always treated me with the utmost respect. He helped me navigate getting into pharmacy school and was always supportive as I tried to balance hockey and my studies. Dave has helped so many of us over the years come in as twenty-year-old junior hockey players and leave the program successful young adults ready to take on life after hockey.”

“When you think of Huskie Hockey, you think of Dave Adolph. ‘Congrats’ Dave! You should be very proud of the mark you left and the impact you have had on so many people over the years. All the best in retirement!” (Brennan Bosch, Saskatoon pharmacist).

READ BRENNAN'S FULL CONTRIBUTION HERE

Defenceman Matt Delahey served as captain of the Dogs during 2014-15, a season that saw him named a Canada West All-Star and a member of Team Canada at the Universiade in Spain . He volunteered some of his personal feelings about playing for Coach Adolph:

“I have a lot of good memories playing for Dave. I enjoyed coming to the rink every day for practices. His Thursday practices are the most memorable; right from two pucks at the start of the session to him reading the lineup for Friday’s game. I have a lot of game-day memories of Dave as well, especially Saturdays at home. From breakfast at Sardinia’s, to letting us know we could ‘have ourselves a Saturday night’ after a big win, they were great days.”

“I always felt that Dave wanted what was best for me on and off the ice. I was honoured when he named me captain in my fifth year. There was a lot of pride that went along with being a Huskie and Dave had a large part in cultivating that over his years as coach. Not every organization had that.”

“I loved my time as a Huskie, and I loved all the great teammates and staff I was around every day. I found Dave to be very loyal. You know that the Huskie Hockey program meant everything to him, and that is a big reason why it has been so successful for so long.” (Matt Delahey, farming north of Moose Jaw).

Kendall McFaull, a perennial Canada West All-Star and winner of the U SPORTS Dr. Randy Gregg Award for academics and community service, took his place as captain for three years (2015-18) and was generous in his praise of Dave’s effect on him as a student-athlete as well as on the overall program:

“Dave has meant a lot to me as an individual. I remember going to Dave after my first engineering math midterm (which did not go well) worried that I wasn’t going to be able to handle engineering and that it was going to be too much for me. He talked me down and said that it didn’t matter if I missed a practice or two because of a lab or something else school-related if that was what I felt was needed. He reiterated that I was a student first, an athlete second. The fact that I could concentrate on school and not be worried about it affecting my ice time meant a lot to me as a rookie who was trying to prove myself and earn playing time. I think this is exactly the type of person Dave is. Hockey was important, but he wanted his players to be good students and good people first.”

“I’m guessing he has just as much pride in watching his former players be successful in work and life as he does in team wins. When his retirement was announced, social media was flooded with comments from players (especially from my era) who all commented on how great a person Dave is. Dave would do anything for his players and even if there were disagreements, the players knew he always had their backs.”

“It’s hard to think of the Huskie program without thinking of Dave. The culture of the program is built around the Skating Dog with hard work, dedication, winning tradition and being a good person at the core. Dave has always said that he preferred to recruit good people and not just good hockey players. Due to this, many of us have created lifelong friends from our time with the Huskies. The program has a track record of success both on and off the ice. It’s a nationally recognized program for its on-ice product and had developed many quality individuals for the work force, which is something Dave helped drive.”

“Dave is known for his extreme passion for the game and the program as well as his ‘one liners’ in the media. Those ‘one liners’ were also prevalent in the dressing room during intermissions or during pre- or post-game sessions often causing snickers and laughs from the players.”

“Mike Babcock, and any other successors to Dave have huge shoes to fill with the hockey program as it is so much more than coaching an on-ice product. What makes the program special is everything else outside that. The family atmosphere, caring about people as individuals, the pride in the logo, the drive to be successful in school and on the ice, the camaraderie, treating the players in a first class manner…and the list goes on.” (Kendall McFaull, Saskatoon production system specialist with John Deere Canada).

READ KENDALL'S FULL CONTRIBUTION HERE

Jesse Forsberg was a defenceman who was named captain in his fifth year (2018-19). He was the Canada West top defenceman in 2016-17 and also an all-star in 2018-19. He felt that Dave developed an excellent Saskatchewan-based hockey program and with him at the helm, Jesse grew as an individual during his tenure with Huskies:

“It’s hard to picture the Huskie Hockey program without Dave Adolph. I think he embodies the program and all that makes it what it is.  Dave is a very passionate guy and that passion has always been brought into the program by him. The thing that makes our program so great is the pride and passion for our community and our province; a bunch of local guys from the city, the farm, or small towns scattered throughout Saskatchewan coming together and playing with pride of where we come from. It’s the University of Saskatchewan and we all felt honoured to represent our home. So much of that came from Dave. Dave is a Saskatchewan guy through and through and he’s built a program built on the people of this amazing province.”

“My time with Dave was very interesting. My first few years, it felt like I was always the focus for negative attention and that I couldn’t get anywhere with him. But he forced me to grow up, stop looking around for reasons why I wasn’t having success and to believe in myself and my teammates. Dave allowed me to be the player I had  been in the past but had lost over the years. He believed in me but saw the flaw in my character that was limiting me. I give him so much credit for my success and that of my teammates.” 

“Not an Xs and Os coach, but a guy you knew would be in the mud with you if he needed to be. Dave also kept things light and fun which reminded all of us why we played the game. His loyalty as a coach was second to none throughout my travels playing at various levels of hockey.”

“By year five, I considered Dave a friend, someone for whom I have a large amount of respect. I couldn’t have been happier to play for Dave and with this great program.” (Jesse Forsberg, Rosetown agronomist with G-Mac’s AgTeam).

Tanner Lishchynsky has the distinction of being the last captain during Dave Adolph’s final season in 2019-20 in which the team was Canada West champion. He served that season and was also the nominal captain in the COVID-19 “non-season” of 2020-21 when practices were held off-campus but no actual games were played:

“What I liked most about having Dave as our coach was that he made sure we were always taken care of and he set us up for life after hockey. He always made sure that when players came into the league they had every resource necessary to excel as students and as hockey players.  We knew that our NHL dreams may be over, but he made sure that we learned how to be successful away from the rink. Dave would also make sure that we would get to know our amazing alumni who would help us get jobs and be great references for us as we moved on.”

“Dave had an enormous passion for the game and the culture of Huskie men’s hockey. He would always try to recruit the best players and the best people for the team. He would make sure that all the players played as one and did everything together on and off the ice—which is one of the many reasons Huskie Hockey has been so good for so many years.”

“He was a competitive and hard-working coach who wanted to win as badly as his players did. I was honoured that Dave named me captain and was privileged to be able to lead the Huskies to a Canada West championship in what ended up being Dave’s final year coaching. I owe a lot of my success, friendships, and fun experiences at university to playing for the Huskies and being coached by Dave.” (Tanner Lishchynsky, University of Saskatchewan student).

What started out as an attempt to collect some former captains’ views on the personal impact Coach Dave Adolph has had on them and on the Huskie Men’s Hockey Program, ended up in effect a small book or festschrift of amazing tributes to their former coach. 

Dave Adolph was an excellent hockey coach, but just as impressive, he was a man who inspired and supported hundreds of young men to be successful in university and in life as represented so well by the words of these seventeen former captains.