Few coaches have reshaped player development like Daniel Bochner. With an innovative approach and a passion for the game, he has helped some of hockey’s top players reach their full potential.
His’s hockey career began in 1998 with Israel’s U18 national team. Over the next decade, he played in multiple IIHF World Championships and junior leagues across Canada, including the Niagara Falls Canucks and Thornhill Thunderbirds. His journey took him to Europe, where he won a championship with Nice Hockey Côte d’Azur in 2008. In 2011, he closed his playing career with Israel’s national team, adding to an international resume that included two gold, two silver, and two bronze medals.
After retiring, Bochner founded Universal Hockey, an elite training academy focused on customized player development. His approach was different—meticulous, analytical, and tailored to each athlete’s needs. As demand for his coaching grew, he transitioned to team coaching, leading the Don Mills Flyers AAA program and working as a high-performance skills coach for Hockey Canada.
In 2018, he took on a prestigious role as Director of Player Development for the Russian Ice Hockey Federation, working with the men’s and women’s national teams. He also joined SKA Saint Petersburg as a Development Skills Coach and served as an Assistant Coach for Russia at the 2021 IIHF World Championship.
Bochner’s reputation drew interest from NHL stars like Artemi Panarin and Vince Dunn, as well as front offices. In 2023, the Carolina Hurricanes hired him as their Development Coach, entrusting him with shaping their future talent.
But his training philosophy goes beyond skill work—it’s about processing the game at an elite level. He starts with an in-depth evaluation, then builds a personalized plan blending technical development with high-speed decision-making. Above all, he emphasizes enjoying the process, believing a strong mindset is the key to long-term success.
This won’t be the first time Bochner takes centre stage at a TCS event. For a sample of what’s to come at TCS Live, check out Bochner’s presentation on Developing Elite Defencemen on the Offensive Blueline from our Virtual Hockey Summit in 2021.
Learn from one of hockey’s top development minds at TCS Live this June, where Bochner will share the cutting-edge techniques that have propelled elite players forward.
