Dan Fritsche Joins 200×85 to Lead CCM Next Level Showcase

We are excited to welcome Dan Fritsche to the 200×85 team as a Program Development Coordinator! With an impressive career that includes 13 years of professional hockey and six seasons in the NHL, Dan brings a wealth of experience and leadership to his new role. Dan will be spearheading the CCM Next Level Showcase, providing players a premier platform to showcase their skills and gain valuable exposure. In addition, he will coach the 2014 CCM Selects team, leading them to the Czech Lions Cup in the summer of 2025.

Dan’s hockey journey began in Cleveland, Ohio, where he honed his skills before being drafted 46th overall by the Columbus Blue Jackets in the 2003 NHL Draft. His career highlights include playing 256 NHL games for the Blue Jackets, New York Rangers, and Minnesota Wild, accumulating 34 goals and 76 points. A key moment in Dan’s career was leading Team USA to their first-ever gold medal at the 2004 World Junior Championship. He also captured the prestigious Memorial Cup with the London Knights in 2004, earning a spot on the tournament’s first all-star team.

After a successful stint in the NHL, Dan continued his career overseas in Switzerland’s top hockey league. He won a championship with the Zurich Lions in 2014 under Stanley Cup-winning coach Marc Crawford, capping off his professional playing career on a high note.

Since retiring, Dan has remained deeply involved in youth hockey, coaching his children’s teams, running camps and clinics across Ohio and Pennsylvania, and contributing to the development of the Mercyhurst Jr. Lakers program in Erie, PA. His commitment to nurturing young talent extends to his involvement with FHA in Cleveland, where he focuses on helping athletes and coaches reach their full potential.

Dan lives in Cleveland with his wife, Melissa, and their three boys—Brady, Mason, and Danny Jr. His passion for the game and dedication to youth development will make a lasting impact at 200×85, and we are thrilled to have him join our team!