Coaching Crossover Ep 6: Dave King and Clint Hurdle

In King of Russia Dave King recounts his experience coaching in Russia, exploring the cultural contrasts, hockey philosophies, and day-to-day realities of working overseas. He describes arriving as an outsider, adapting to different staff structures and medical personnel, and learning to accept local methods rather than constantly asking why. The book highlights how he merged Russian offensive creativity with defensive ideas from the NHL, while coaching notable young players. King reflects on the personal and professional growth that came from immersing himself in a foreign hockey culture. The narrative serves as both memoir and practical insight for coaches interested in international hockey and cross-cultural leadership.

Hertelisms collects Clint Hurdle’s memorable phrases, coaching philosophies, and personal stories into a season-structured book that blends practical advice with autobiography. Hurdle writes candidly about his struggles, including addiction and personal setbacks, and frames lessons learned for athletes, coaches, and general readers seeking resilience. The book was developed from notes and input from friends and colleagues, and Hurdle crafted each entry to be authentic and instructive. He intended it to provide experience, strength, and hope to readers while preserving the voice he used around teams and players. The result is part memoir, part coaching manual, emphasizing humility, lifelong learning, and personal accountability.

Loose Pucks and Icebags is Dave King’s practical guide for coaches, parents, and youth hockey stakeholders, distilling lessons from his extensive international coaching career. The book focuses on player development, team culture, and the human elements of coaching, offering advice to help practitioners avoid common mistakes. King uses anecdotes and reflective insights to illustrate how to foster better environments for young athletes and support coaches in the trenches. He emphasizes the importance of communication, common sense, and balancing tactical instruction with player autonomy. The book aims to give back to the game by helping the next generation of coaches and parents improve their approach.