Dack Petersen

Dack Petersen is the founder and Program Director of Fairmont Hockey, a program he built with a clear mission: to give players on the West Coast the opportunity to compete at the highest level without leaving home. After retiring from his playing career and transitioning into a corporate Learning & Development consulting role, Dack felt a strong pull to give back to the hockey community, which led him to coaching. Having trained under some of the most respected coaches in Southern California and Canada, he developed a deep and well-rounded foundation for his coaching philosophy and player development approach, drawing on experience across multiple levels of the game.

What sets Dack apart as a coach and leader is his belief that true player development extends far beyond the ice. His philosophy centers on shaping young athletes into respectful, socially responsible individuals with a strong work ethic, emphasizing accountability and embracing mistakes as opportunities for growth. As Program Director, he fosters a culture built on integrity, excellence, and what he calls “positive failure” — the idea that learning from mistakes is one of the most powerful tools a young athlete can have. Through Fairmont Hockey, Dack brings his passion for teaching and leadership to every facet of the program, creating an environment where players develop not just as hockey players, but as people.