OPERATIONS & MANAGEMENT

Eric Darwitz co-founded Hawkeye Hockey Services with a commitment to providing honest guidance, exceptional service, and long-term relationships with the players and families he serves. His philosophy is centered on educating athletes throughout the development process, ensuring they understand every available opportunity so they can make informed decisions about their hockey careers.

With decades of experience as a player, coach, scout, and advisor, Eric has built an extensive network throughout junior and collegiate hockey. His player-first approach focuses on finding the best developmental fit for each athlete while helping families confidently navigate the ever-changing hockey landscape.

Since 2009, Eric has served as the Head Scout for the Fairbanks Ice Dogs (NAHL), helping build one of junior hockey’s most successful organizations. During his tenure, the Ice Dogs have captured three Robertson Cup Championships and have consistently been among the NAHL’s leaders in advancing players to NCAA hockey.

Before joining Fairbanks, Eric spent five seasons coaching high school hockey in Minnesota before moving to Shattuck-St. Mary’s, one of the nation’s premier hockey development programs, where he coached for three years. As a player, Eric competed at the University of St. Thomas, where he helped lead the Tommies to three MIAC Championships and two NCAA Tournament appearances.

Today, Eric continues to combine his extensive scouting experience, coaching background, and industry relationships to help Hawkeye Hockey Services provide athletes with trusted guidance, meaningful opportunities, and a clear path toward achieving their hockey goals.

Lincoln Nguyen is the Co-Founder and Director of Hockey Operations for Hawkeye Hockey Services, bringing more than two decades of experience coaching, developing, and evaluating players at the youth, junior, collegiate, and professional scouting levels.

Throughout his career, Lincoln has worked with athletes at every stage of the development pathway, giving him a unique perspective on what it takes to maximize long-term success. His approach emphasizes building complete hockey players through skill development, hockey IQ, accountability, and character. Rather than simply teaching drills, Lincoln focuses on helping athletes understand the purpose behind every concept, empowering them to think critically, solve problems, and become confident decision-makers on the ice.

As the Head Coach of the Eden Prairie High School Boys Hockey program, Lincoln continues to lead one of Minnesota’s premier hockey programs while also overseeing player development initiatives at Hawkeye Hockey Services. His background spans NCAA Division I and III coaching, junior hockey leadership, and professional scouting, allowing him to bring a comprehensive, player-first approach to every athlete he works with.

Lincoln’s passion is creating an environment where players are challenged, supported, and equipped with the habits and mindset necessary to reach their full potential — both on and off the ice.

Josh is excited to enter his fifth year with Hawkeye Hockey Services after spending ten years coaching and scouting junior hockey. Josh’s passion is helping players and their families navigate the complex challenges of hockey and life to achieve their goals and dreams — from youth hockey through the professional ranks.

He helped build HHS into one of the premier advising and consulting services in North America and became an NHLPA Certified Agent in October 2024. During his coaching career, Josh has had the privilege of coaching 4 NHL players and over 50 NCAA Division I players. During the 2014–2015 season with the Minnesota Wilderness, Josh worked with one NHL draft pick and 14 Division I players, while helping build and develop the 2015 NAHL Robertson Cup Championship team in the organization’s second season of existence.

He believes his role is to present all possible development options to the player as they continue their careers while also fostering growth through self-reflection and mentorship through the highs and lows of a hockey career. Josh brings honesty and integrity to the players and families he serves — a philosophy developed through years of working with athletes at every career stage at Hawkeye and with organizations across junior hockey.