Dmytruk and the Express
He has played the game at the junior A, major junior, Canadian university, minor pro and European pro levels and also has ample coaching experience. And now, Rob Dmytruk is offering his considerable knowledge to the Espanola Express of the Northern Ontario Jr. Hockey League.
The 39-year old Dmytruk, who resides in Sudbury, has offered his skill development services to Espanola, which will be looking to return to the NOJHL West Division playoffs in 2022-2023 after missing out in 2021-2022.
Espanola president and head coach Jason Rapcewicz is thrilled to have Dmytruk willing to provide his independent contractor service to players on the Express.
“We are super excited to have Rob’s services available to our players,” Rapcewicz told Hockey News North. “We are always looking for ways to help our players improve and we feel his sessions will greatly benefit our players.”
Dmytruk, who played in the NOJHL as a member of the erstwhile champion Rayside Balfour Sabrecats, also suited up for parts of three Ontario Hockey League seasons totalling 95 games with the Soo Greyhounds, Sudbury Wolves and the old Belleville Bulls. An undersized defenseman with a big motor, Dmytruk then went on to play five full seasons of Canadian university hockey with the Wilfrid Laurier Golden Hawks where he totalled 81 points in 131 games. He then played in the minor pro ranks before moving over to Europe and starring for teams in The Netherlands and France.
Following his playing career, Dmytruk got into coaching and individual skill development. He has coached at many levels, including AAA in Sudbury, junior C in Southwestern Ontario and as an assistant with the University of Windsor Lancers.
Since moving to Sudbury a few years ago, he has owned and operated his own skill development company called Chiseled Hockey. At Chiseled Hockey, Dmytruk teaches skills to players of all ages and levels from minor hockey to junior and university.
To be sure, Dmytruk looms as a valuable resource to the staff in Espanola where Rapcewicz, as owner and head coach, has a good history of working with and developing many of the younger players in the NOJHL.