Get To Know The New Seattle Kraken Head Coach
Editor's note: Earlier coverage of the Kraken coaching hire here, here, and here.
Later Tuesday morning, the Seattle Kraken will officially announce Dan Byslma as the team's new head coach. Complete coverage later today; until then, in no particular order, enjoy these "Disco Dan" fun facts.
Linked-Out
When DB was coaching the Buffalo Sabres, his LinkedIn page still listed him as coach of the Pittsburgh Penguins.
That's A Wrap
DB has a "fondness for burritos."
March Of The Bylsma
A penguin at the Pittsburgh National Aviary was named "Disco Dan Bylsma." The bird was described as "a particularly mellow penguin, whose personality makes him suited to hands-on greetings."
No Ice In Sight
The Michigan neighborhood where DB grew up had "no hockey rink within 20 miles."
Multi-Sport Star
In high school, DB won a state golf championship, and played on a state champion baseball team.
Hall Of Famer
DB, who played four years of college hockey at Bowling Green, was inducted into the school's Hall of Fame in 2015.
Short Stories
From DB's induction page: "He is one of only two players in school history to score two short-handed goals in one game. He is also the only player in school history to score a short-handed goal when the team was two-men down."
By The Book, Part 1
He and his dad, Jay, have written four books: So You Want to Play in the NHL; So Your Son Wants to Play in the NHL; Pitcher’s Hands Is Out!; and Slam Dunks Not Allowed!
By The Book, Part 2
From the Firebirds website: "Outside his office, Bylsma has a curated bookshelf of about 100 books available for checkout for players and staff."
Fish Story
DB calls himself a "catch and release" fisherman. That's why there's no photo evidence from this fish story.
"I was by myself, caught the two biggest brown trout of my life, and I caught a salmon on the same day."
Next thing, he'll tell us he once got called up from the minor leagues and coached his team to the Stanley Cup in the same season. Suuuuure you did.