Dan De Palma: The Heart Beat Behind the Blazers’ Goaltenders
By Colton Davies – Follow Colton on X
When you ask Dan De Palma what drew him to coaching, the answer is simple, a lifelong passion for goaltending. “I grew up watching hockey, and Gerry Cheevers was really where it started for me,” he recalls. “The passion for the position has been there since I was a little boy, and it’s never really gone away.” Though he took breaks from the game, coaching evolved naturally, starting with helping young players and gradually expanding into the goaltending world of the Kamloops Blazers.
De Palma’s approach to a game day is methodical. “Morning skate is really just to fine-tune a couple of habits, run a few drills with the starter,” he explains. “Most of the work is done beforehand with scouting, preparation, and being available for the goalies and coaching staff throughout the game.” He emphasizes understanding each goalie’s needs, noting that some want space while others thrive on constant feedback. “Every goalie’s different. You try to understand what works best so they can be the best version of themselves.”
Routines are central to De Palma’s philosophy, though he dismisses the notion of superstition. “I’m a big habits guy. On game day, routines from morning skate to post-game debriefs are just details and discipline. You close the book on the day, whether it went well or not, and get ready for the next.”
Reflecting on his tenure with the Blazers, De Palma can’t pinpoint a favourite moment but has plenty of great memories. “Honestly, it’s been a long journey with a lot of great moments. Playoff runs in the early 2010s, BC Championships, Conference Finals, hosting a Memorial Cup, those experiences are priceless. The drive to win keeps you addicted. Until we win, there’s always more work to do, more to strive for.”
This commitment extends beyond on-ice success. His relationships with goalies, past and present, are rooted in mutual respect and trust. New York Rangers goaltender Dylan Garand, one of the young goalies he’s mentored, describes De Palma and his family as “like best friends.” De Palma’s response is heartfelt, “The feeling’s mutual. He’s honest, dedicated, trustworthy, all the qualities you want in a person. We’ve gone through ups and downs together, and those experiences just brought us closer. Dylan’s one of my closest friends.”
De Palma’s eye for talent and development extends to international hockey as well. He’s represented Canada at the World Under-18 Championship, Hlinka Gretzky Cup, and other U18 tournaments, winning multiple gold medals. “It’s incredible and humbling. As a little boy, you dream about playing in the NHL or for Team Canada. To experience that as a coach and win — it fuels your passion to win more.”
Looking ahead, De Palma is optimistic about the Blazers’ goaltending depth. “We’ve got Logan Edmonstone, Ivans Kaufterins from Latvia, Madex Karbud, Braxton Gibson, Kaden Tate, and younger prospects like Bulle and Dirksen. Our cupboards are in good shape.” He’s seen firsthand the potential in these goalies. “Logan made big steps after Christmas last year and even earned Player of the Month in February. Ivans is raw but competitive, with high energy and strong English, so the North American adjustment shouldn’t be tough. Maddox got a taste last year and understands what it takes to compete.”
De Palma’s philosophy is clear, “They all have the talent to do the job. Our responsibility is to give them everything they need to succeed, guidance, preparation, support, so they can be their best.”
Through years of coaching, De Palma has built more than skills; he’s built a culture. From nurturing young goalies to representing Canada on the world stage, he’s defined his career with a mix of passion, discipline, and heart. “I get out on the ice with these young guys, and they reignite that passion for me. It’s an honour to be part of their journey, and it’s a privilege to coach this position that I’ve loved since I was a boy.”
