Lincoln Nguyen – Director of Hockey Operations
Lincoln brings a wealth of experience from all levels of junior hockey as well as NCAA Division-I and III levels. Nguyen’s hockey philosophy is built on development, education, and being a clear communicator so athletes understand the “why’s”; to empower the athlete to problem-solve and reflect so they can continue to develop and become a stronger, critical-thinker. Nguyen’s coaching resume also includes:
- Head Midwest Scout, Waterloo Blackhawks, USHL
- Assistant Coach, University of Alaska-Fairbanks Nanooks, WCHA, NCAA Division-I
- Head Coach, Marian University Sabres, NCHA, NCAA Division-III
- Associate Head Coach, Coulee Region Chill (now the Chippewa Steel), NAHL
- Associate Head Coach, Twin Cities Northern Lights, MnJHL
- Assistant Coach, El Paso Rhinos, WSHL
Ryan Theros – Lead On-Ice Instructor
Ryan Theros joined the Fairbanks Ice Dogs as head coach in April of 2023. Prior to the Ice Dogs, Theros led the Yellowstone Quake of the NA3HL, where he was named interim head coach and general manager in November of 2022. Theros served as head coach and GM for the Quake from 2015-2018, guiding the team to a 129-23-5 record in three seasons. Theros served as an assistant coach for the Waterloo Blackhawks of the USHL from 2018-2019 and as an associate head coach of the Lone Star Brahmas of the North American Hockey League (NAHL) from 2019-2020. A native of Two Harbors, Minnesota, Theros served as the director of on-ice operations and a hockey performance instructor for the Velocity Hockey Center in Eden Prairie beginning in 2010. He transitioned to seasonal work at the performance center in 2015 when he accepted the head coaching job with the Quake. Theros is a big believer in developing the player mentally and physically, not only on the ice as a hockey player in individual skills and team concepts but also as a person.
Eric Darwitz – On-Ice Development
Eric established Hawkeye Hockey Services to fulfill his vision of offering exceptional client service through lasting, genuine relationships with both players and their families. Based on the experiences he has gained as a player, coach, and scout, Eric strives to equip his clients with knowledge of all possible options so that, together with their families, his clients can make the best decisions for their amateur careers.
Eric has been the Head Scout for the Fairbanks Ice Dogs of the North American Hockey League since 2009. During that time, the Ice Dogs have won three Robertson Cup Championships and are consistently one of the top teams in the NAHL to move players on to the collegiate level. Prior to joining the Ice Dogs staff, Eric spent five years coaching high school hockey in his home state of Minnesota, followed by three years at the prestigious Shattuck-St. Mary’s Prep School in Faribault, MN. Eric played his collegiate hockey at the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, MN from 1997-2000 where he was a part of three MIAC Championship teams and two NCAA tournament appearances.
Drew Darwitz – On-Ice Development
Before taking his passion behind the bench and helping develop prospective hockey players, Darwitz put together a nice playing career at Cretin-Derham Hall and won the 2006 State “AA” Championship. Upon graduation, Darwitz moved to Fairbanks, AK to play for the NAHL’s Fairbanks Ice Dogs. Drew had a successful junior career, capturing the NAHL Defenseman Scoring title and NAHL Defenseman of the Year honors. Drew stayed in Alaska and earned an opportunity to play Division I hockey for the University of Alaska Anchorage in the WCHA. After his Sophomore year, Drew transferred to the University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire. In 2013 Darwitz claimed the NCAA D-III National Championship where he was awarded NCAA All-Tournament Team Honors.
Darwitz began his coaching career by serving two years as an Assistant Coach at the University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire. In 2016 he moved to the Tier 1 ranks where he was the Head Coach of the Des Moines Buccaneers U18 team in the Tier 1 Elite Hockey League compiling an 86-37-5 record. Darwitz also assists the NAHL as the Director of Scouting for the Corpus Christi Ice Rays. Drew is also currently the Development and Assistant Coach for the Cretin Derham Hall Raiders.
Darwitz’s emphasis on player development as a coach has been very significant to his players. Former Des Moines Buccaneers forward Tanner Edwards said, “Darwitz focuses on the development and every practice is competitive and high tempo”. This mentality has helped Darwitz move on numerous players to various Junior Leagues such as the USHL, NAHL, BCHL, and Division I hockey over his time in Iowa.
Drew is excited to be a part of Hawkeye Hockey Services and looks forward to helping young hockey players continue their development not only as hockey players but also as high-character individuals on and off the ice.
Carey Tinkelenberg – Skating Development Instructor
Carey Tinkelenberg is a triple master-rated skating coach with over 23 years of experience who has developed programs for youth, high school, college, and semi-pro players and teams. She is the Founding Owner and Director of the Northfield Skating School, presenter and leadership author for U.S. Figure Skating and the Professional Skaters Association, and was one of the inaugural business development specialists for Learn to Skate USA. Carey has trained skating coaches on six continents as a Coach Developer with the International Skating Union.
Driven by her philosophy of Building Skills and Confidence for Skating and for Life, she guides athletes to maximize their potential in both the physical and mental aspects of ice sports. Originally from Massachusetts, she holds a B.A. in Psychology from Carleton College and now calls Minnesota home. She is excited to team up with HHS to help make an impact on our players in the State of Hockey.