Eric Darwitz – Senior Consultant | Co-Owner
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.
Lincoln Nguyen – Director of Hockey Operations | Co-Owner
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
Josh Petrich – Director of Consulting | Senior Consultant
Josh is excited to bring his experience from his 12-year coaching background to Hawkeye Hockey Services (HHS). Josh’s passion comes from helping players and their families navigate the murky waters that hockey and life can present to achieve their goals and dreams. 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 bring all possible development options to the player as they continue their amateur careers while also helping them grow with self-reflection and mentorship through the highs and lows of a hockey career. Josh will bring honesty and integrity to help the players and their families. Josh has created this philosophy through his years working for the following organizations:
- Program Director/18U Head Coach | Omaha AAA Hockey Club
- Assistant Coach | Omaha Lancers (USHL)
- Head Coach | Kenai River Brown Bears (NAHL)
- 18U Head Coach | Iowa Wild AAA
- Assistant Coach | Minnesota Wilderness (NAHL)
- 16U Head Coach | Russell Stover Hockey
- Assistant Coach | Alaska Avalanche (NAHL)
- Regional Scout | Alexandria Blizzard (NAHL)