Sharks Ice has hired Derek Donald as the new Hockey Manager to develop and direct the youth and adult hockey programs at the Oakland Ice Center.  Donald relocated from the Seattle area where he was most recently the Hockey Director at the largest hockey association in Washington, Seattle Junior Hockey Association.  In addition to his duties at the youth level he also currently serves on the USA Hockey Junior Council and President of the Northern Pacific Junior Hockey League. 

"Derek brings a wealth of hockey knowledge and professionalism to our organization.  I am expecting him to make and immediate impact both on and off the ice," stated Jon Gustafson, Vice President, Sharks Ice Sports and Entertainment. 

Melissa Fitzgerald, General Manager, Sharks Ice Oakland commented, "Derek's rich and diverse background as a player, coach and administrator offers exciting opportunities for the growth and development of our programs, players and coaches.  He will be a strong contributor not only within Sharks Ice, but also in supporting the efforts of USA Hockey, the Positive Coaching Alliance, the NHL's Hockey Is For Everyone program and other initiatives that promote hockey in our area."

Hockey Management Experience - 17 Years

• Hockey Director Positions with Seattle Junior Hockey Association, Team Seattle, Kitsap County Hockey Association, Alaska Junior Aces, Alaska Allstars
• USA Hockey Junior Council
• USA Hockey Pacific District and Western Regional Camp Coach and Evaluator
• President & Comissioner, Northern Pacific Hockey League
• WCHL & ECHL General Manager & Board of Governors
• Professional Hockey General Manager at 27 years old
• University of Alaska, Anchorage Athletic Department Consultant
• Professional and Amatuer Scout

Coaching Experience - 19 years

• Youth Hockey Coach with Alaska Allstars, Alaska Junior Aces, Seattle Junior Hockey Association, Team Seattle & Kitsap County Hockey Association
• 4 Youth Hockey National Championship Appearances
• Operated and Instructed private Skills Camps and Clinics, Powerskating and Private Instruction
• Coached and trained former and current players in the NHL, Division I & III College Hockey and Junior Hockey across North America.
• Level 4 USA Hockey Coach and Hockey Canada Certified

Playing Experience

• USA National Midget Team 1986
• Dubuque Fighting Saints - USHL
• University of Alaska Anchorage - Division I College Hockey
• Professional Hockey in the AHL, IHL, ECHL & WCHL
• Inducted into the UAA Seawolf Hall of Fame 2006

Hockey has been his occupation since graduating from UAA in 1992 and a life long passion of coaching and growing the game at all levels of hockey.  His committment as a player and to the community of Anchorage landed him in the UAA Seawolf Hall of Fame in 2006.  

He brings that same level of enthusiasm to the Oakland Ice Center and Sharks Ice.  "I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to come in and work for a first class organization that is committed to its players and families within the community.  There is tremendous development and potential for players of all ages and skills level at the Oakland Ice Center and my responsibility to provide programs that fit the needs of all the players in our area.  I have been to arenas just about everywhere in North America and Oakland Ice Center is a premier facility that players from all over the Bay Area will be proud to play in and call home."

David Hicks, seven year Skating Manager for Sharks Ice Oakland, "I am very pleased to welcome Derek Donald to our team. His experience, enthusiasm and vision will be a great asset to our management group and to the Oakland Ice Center Hockey Department. I know that the skaters, coaches, parents and staff are all looking forward to working with him.”