Dean Evason's journey in the world of hockey is marked by his transition from a player to a coach, reflecting a deep understanding of the game. Born on August 22, 1964, in Flin Flon, Manitoba, Evason began his professional playing career in the National Hockey League (NHL) after being drafted by the Washington Capitals in the 1982 NHL Entry Draft. He was selected in the fifth round as the 89th overall pick, which set the stage for his entry into the league.
Evason's playing career in the NHL spanned over a decade, during which he played as a center for several teams. After making his debut with the Washington Capitals, he went on to play for the Hartford Whalers, San Jose Sharks, Dallas Stars, and Calgary Flames. Known for his tenacity on the ice, Evason was a reliable player who contributed both offensively and defensively. Over his NHL career, he played in 803 games, scoring 139 goals and providing 233 assists, which totaled 372 points. His playing style was characterized by a strong work ethic and a keen sense of the game, attributes that would later serve him well in his coaching career.
Following his retirement as a player, Evason transitioned into coaching, where he continued to influence the sport. He began his coaching career in the Western Hockey League (WHL) with the Kamloops Blazers, serving as an assistant coach. His coaching abilities were soon recognized, and he moved on to the American Hockey League (AHL), where he took on the role of head coach for the Milwaukee Admirals, the AHL affiliate of the Nashville Predators. Under his guidance, the Admirals consistently performed well, and Evason's leadership skills were evident.
In 2018, Evason joined the Minnesota Wild as an assistant coach. His tenure with the Wild marked a new chapter in his coaching career. In February 2020, he was named the interim head coach of the team following the departure of Bruce Boudreau. Later that year, in July, the interim tag was removed, and Evason was officially appointed as the head coach of the Minnesota Wild. His approach to coaching emphasized teamwork and discipline, and he quickly gained the respect of his players and peers.
Under Evason's leadership, the Minnesota Wild saw a resurgence, with the team making it to the playoffs in the 2020-2021 season. His ability to adapt and strategize was evident as he navigated the challenges of coaching in the NHL. Evason's coaching style was often described as player-friendly, fostering an environment where players could thrive and develop their skills.
Throughout his career, both as a player and a coach, Dean Evason demonstrated a profound understanding of hockey.
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