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Testimonials2023-06-29T09:27:12-05:00

Here is a list of schools our client was solicited by.  From Midget major to his current point of commitment.

  • Holy Cross – Offer
  • Sacred Heart – Offer
  • Rit – Offer
  • Alaska Fairbanks – Offer
  • Bentley – Offer
  • Air Force – Offer
  • AIC – Offer
  • Lake State – Offer
  • Ferris State – Offer
  • Caniscus – Offer
  • Brown – Offer
  • RPI – Offer
  • Uconn – Offer
  • Colorado College – Offer
  • St Lawrence – Offer
  • Princeton – Offer
  • Colgate – Offer
  • Cornell – Offer
  • Michigan State – Visit
  • Harvard – Visit
  • Penn State – Visit
  • Norte Dame
  • Wisconsin

As a parent new to the sport of hockey, things seemed to get more complicated as my son progressed.  I read an article about family advisors where they interviewed and mentioned David Maciuk.  My son was 14 at the time.  I found his contact information and called him up and we talked about my son.  David asked questions to find out if my son would be the kind of kid he could help.  Questions like where he was playing? What are his goals?  What kind of student is he?  What is his compete level?  What preparations was he making outside of the rink to ensure he met his goals, his playing style etc.  David was big on putting lots of responsibility onto the player.  After all, if they were not putting their all into the sport and highly competitive, there was very little any advisor could do.   

A few weeks after the phone conversation, David showed up to meet us and watch my son at the USHL combine.  He gave some direction on playing style (if you know Dave, you know what style he prefers!) and an overall impression.  I hired him after that.  Who shows up to watch your son when they aren’t getting paid yet?!!!   One thing I can tell you, Dave is very responsive; he will watch when he can and always answers phone calls and texts.

Dave has a passion for the sport, is very knowledgeable and knows junior hockey and the people involved better than almost anyone.  This was very helpful for our family navigating three drafts (OHL, USHL Phase 1, USHL Phase II), a tender (NAHL) and several trades for my son from the ages 16-20.  His junior career took him to teams in Pennsylvania, Nebraska, Minnesota, Alaska, Michigan, Maryland and North Dakota.  All were good experiences for a young man with plenty of challenges.  Dave was helpful talking through various situations and probably talked us off a cliff one time.  

I can say it has been a pleasure working with Dave over the years.  He, along with some very good coaches helped my son reach his goal of playing Division 1 hockey on a full scholarship.   

– Curt Huggins

 

If you want a trusted advisor who can give your player strategic guidance in a highly responsive manner then Dave Maciuk is perfect for you.  Dave guided my son since midget level, helping him break into junior hockey and supporting him all four years he played juniors (including facilitating a cross-country trade).  Dave then advised my son through the college commitment process, always providing sound guidance and counsel.
 
– Mark Smith

 

Best money I ever spent for my sons hockey journey was to hire Dave. Each step, the advice was spot on.  From leaving midget to play in the USHL to the best fit for D1.  Solid hockey guy with the experience to back it up !

Sam Saliba 1995 captain Michigan State

– Joe Saliba

I met Dave Maciuk over the phone after he had approached me through Justin by email regarding my 19 year old son at the time Luke Grainger who was just finishing his first year of junior playing in the CCHL for the Hawkesbury Hawks.Dave had seen Luke play and also seen  his highlight reel and wanted to know why he had not yet been committed to a college team in the NCAA Div 1 league.I responded that I didn’t know why he hadn’t either.Dave explained process and the need to properly expose Luke and that NCAA Div 1 placement was his business niche that JDS Sports had been in for over 35 years.After a few  very positive conversations Dave had laid out a good strategy and action plan for Luke.I felt very confident that Dave and his team had the knowledge ,experience, contacts and work ethic to deliver the goods for Luke ,obviously based on Luke continuing to “ light it up “ on the ice.  Most importantly the way Dave and his team treated us made me trust him! I hired Dave!!
The story ends well! Six months after joining forces with Dave and his team we were in serious dialogue with more than 12 Colleges in the NCAA div 1 league and ended up committing to Western Michigan University in the NCHC division for four years with an excellent scholarship where Luke loves it and is thriving.
I have recommended Dave to four other families whom I believe all hired him and his team.
Funny enough while this was all happening Dave became aware of Luke’s younger brother Jake ( 8) at the time and already wanted to sign him based on his skills.
I consider Dave a friend and a valuable sounding board for me when chartering the paths of my sons going forward!”
Happy to answer any questions ( ask Dave for my number)
Regards,
– Tom A. Grainger

I enjoy working with Dave Maciuk and his staff at JDM because they give their clients honest advice.  They don’t tell the player or the family what they want to hear, they tell them what they need to hear to continue their development and advancement to the next level.  As a team owner, I truly appreciate their candor with their clients and my coaches.  JDM has a proven track record of success.”

-Bill McCoshen, owner Janesville Jets. 

 I would see Dave at a showcase or tournament standing on the glass all day long watching all of his players. He is also a guy that would also answer/return a call or text immediately or in a very timely manor.  The most hardworking advisor in hockey.
 
Dave has helped my son tremendously- being drafted in the USHL, JR’s in the NAHL, BCHL and now D1 college hockey. 
 
Thanks for all your help along the way JDM!

– Craig Itagaki 

I was at my son Chase Blackmun’s October U18 Tier 1 hockey game during his senior year of high school, and I was asked by one of my friends who had a son on the team if Chase was being recruited yet by any Division 1 college hockey programs, my answer was no.  My friend (who was a former college hockey player himself) highly recommended David Maciuk with JDM Sports.  I called David and he did his own research on Chase, and he said he would like to work with him.  By November Chase was filling in on an in-state NAHL team for the weekend and after that weekend, everything changed.  By May, Chase was drafted in the 2nd round of the USHL draft and by the end of that summer he was committed to a successful Division 1 college hockey program.  Chase is now completing his final year of college hockey at Notre Dame.  I hate to oversimplify it, but the world is full of extremely talented hockey players and there is a limited amount of Division 1 college hockey programs and roster spots available.  All Chase needed was an opportunity to prove himself and David created that opportunity that otherwise may not have come.

– Mike Hills

I really appreciate the advice you gave me when I was younger. I think it was the catalyst to me getting a D1 scholarship. You probably do not remember, but at a steel tryout, you told me that the coaches liked me, but I needed to differentiate myself from the pack meaning a fight or going end to end. It was a brutal truth that I needed to make a statement or I would be stuck. I did the later. went end to end and went from the NAHL barely playing to D1 at ASU. I truly appreciate your honesty with players at a young age and treating younger players as adults, without sugar coating it. If you ever need me to talk to a player about how you helped me, let me know.

– Liam McGing

Dave,

Thanks for your guidance. This really helped Edwin.  He played more confidently last weekend. He has one assist and one goal in two games. This is his first goal in this season and it gave his team a 1:1 tie.

– Liam McGing

I first met Dave Maciuk when I overheard a parent talking about their son, a U16 ice hockey player who had just tendered with a Midwest USHL Junior Men’s hockey team.  I asked the parent to describe his son’s pathway to success, and he, without hesitation said, “My advisor, Dave Maciuk made the important initial contacts and gave my boy the opportunity to show the coaches what he could do.”

I called Dave Maciuk the next day and asked if he would watch my two AAA U16 boys skate. Dave drove from Antioch to Glenview that weekend and put the boys through the one of the toughest workouts of their hockey life. We were hooked.

Dave knows hockey. That means he not only has been around the game his entire life, but he has personally experienced nearly every role in the hockey world.  Dave is completely honest. That’s a good thing, and hard to find. Hearing the truth is difficult because it forces difficult choices and increasing levels of personal responsibility for the young player. Without Dave’s advice regarding the necessary work required, and his invaluable contacts, we would have been unable to navigate the complex world of elite hockey.

Also, I highly recommend the Team JDM summer hockey tournaments. We skated the Madison Meltdown and Chowder Cup last summer. Both provide high level hockey in a low-key summer-hockey environment. Dave and his son Justin coach the teams and there are plenty of scouts watching the games.  If you have never seen Dave Maciuk coaching hockey, then you are in for a treat. The boys learn a ton and Dave makes it fun!  Hard fast hockey and belly laughs all around. In summary, I give Dave and Justin my highest recommendation! We look forward to our hockey journey continuing with JDM Hockey.

Sincerely,

Matthew Jimenez, MD

Dave Maciuk at JDM consulting has done an excellent job helping our family navigate the complexities of junior hockey.

It’s clear Dave has spent a lifetime in rinks learning insightful details of North American junior leagues and what it takes for a player to succeed in each of them.  With his advice and insight ,  a player can identify the best path to reach their personal goals .  When it came time for our son to make his decisions, Dave laid out the options clearly and remained involved.

Finally , Dave makes himself available to his players , follows their games closely , and provides direct and honest feedback.

-Eric Molas

If you have a daughter or son in youth hockey, you may want to discuss the ins & outs of the real game of hockey with Dave Maciuk, who in our family’s opinion is one of the best advisors of real hockey decisions to be made on the fly.

Our son, Zach Solow has traveled an unbelievable path to his dreams from a tiny little youth hockey program in Florida to great life experiences in the NAHL & USHL to A 4 year degree @Northeastern University & now a pro hockey career.

With sound advice along the way from Dave, he continues to get better & better.  Dave grounded Zach & his family through the highs & lows during his career.  If you as a parent want down to earth solid advice get in touch with Dave.  It might not be what you want to hear as a parent, however the old saying,” The Truth Hurts”.

-Ken Solow

Dave and JDM Sports successfully connected my boys to Junior, NCAA and Pro Hockey opportunities. Dave’s knowledge is invaluable because of his resources and determination to find a place that is a good fit for players. Good things started to happen after we joined JDM, after years of dedication and hard work, my guys were finally getting somewhere. Over the years I have watched Dave help many Midwest players navigate their way to pro hockey. Excellent people!

Aj Kapchuck 94 def

Brennan Kapchuck 96 def u16/18/Nahl /Aic d 1 /Toronto Marlies present

Jim Kapcheck

MY SON STARTED USING DAVE MACIUK AND JDM ADVISORS THREE YEARS AGO. THE LEVEL OF INSIGHT AND CONTACTS THAT DAVE HAS IN THE VAST WORLD OF HOCKEY IN THE UNITED STATES AND CANADA HAS BEEN INSTRUMENTAL IN MY SON PROGRESSING UP THRU THE JUNIOR HOCKEY RANKS. DAVES HARD WORK HAS RESULTED IN A TENDER OFFER IN THE NCDC, BEING DRAFTED IN THE NAHL, BEING PLACED ON A JUNIOR A TEAM IN CANADA, AND BEING TENDERED AGAIN IN THE NAHL. EACH OF THESE OPPORTUNITIES WERE A RESULT OF PERSONAL CONTACTS AND RELATIONSHIPS THAT DAVE HAS WITH THOSE ORGANIZATIONS. HE IS NOW HAVING CONVERSATIONS WITH BOTH DIVISION 1 AND DIVISION 3 COLLEGES TO EXPLORE POTENTIAL MATCHES GOING FORWARD. GIVEN THE COMPLEXITY OF THE HOCKEY WORLD AT ALL LEVELS THE MONEY SPENT FOR THE ADVISORY SERVICES PROVIDED HAS BEEN WELL WORTH IT.

Preston Brighton 02 def Amirillo NAHL

TODD A BRIGHTON

I have three sons in hockey, 2 playing pro and one in college.  Dave has both coached and helped promote my sons since they were very young.  They still to this day stay in touch with Dave for advice or just to chat over hockey in general.  I would highly recommend Dave to help promote and give great family advice to your sons or daughters throughout their hockey career.  It is very difficult to make it through the ranks of competitive hockey, and having someone like Dave is invaluable.

Sam Dodero

Charlie 92 Ohl Kitchener
Chris 96 Ushl nahl Aic d1
Chad 99 ncaa club

We worked with Dave as our advisor for my son Robby.  We started working with Dave his u-16 year.  Dave helped guide us through the process of transitioning to U-18 and then to Juniors in the BCHL.  While playing in the BCHL Dave provided great advice on how to navigate the ups and downs of playing Junior hockey along with preparing us for the recruiting process.

With colleges reaching out to us , Dave was always available and gave us excellent advice.  He is very knowledgeable and knows many college coaches .  With Dave’s guidance and advice ,  my son Robby was able to make the best decision on what school to commit to.  Dave was an integral part of the the team advising us and helping us work through the process.

I would highly recommend his services.

 
– Todd Drazner

In what is an increasingly noisy space, Dave Maciuk has consistently distinguished himself as the “genuine article” through a rare combination of honesty, unvarnished communication skills and a vast unparallel network built upon roughly a half century of work and exposure in North American and Europe.  

First, Dave’s ability to communicate plainly and candidly to the players looking to improve their games and progress in their journey is key.  Dave translates rapidly and clearly to the players exactly what is needed within the tactical elements of player development to allow each player the best opportunity and time frame to develop. Moreover, the respect Dave commands within the hockey community throughout his extensive network, allows him to consistently have the ear and respect of the coaches and GMs with whom he works. Finally, and perhaps Dave’s most important attribute within his profession his deep personal involvement with and specific development plan for each player and family with whom he partners. Dave recognizes both the unique attributes and point in their individual journey and acts with great diligence and urgency for each player.

Finally, Dave understands that from a player standpoint as well as coach’s standpoint the importance of not wasting time: Dave puts his players in the best situations to succeed and provides his coaches with the best talent in which to do so rapidly.  

– Robert Stinza 

“I was introduced to Dave when I was 17 years old. I was bouncing around JR. A tryouts in the USHL and NE U.S. and was not getting any firm offers. Soon after I signed on with him to be my advisor, I was in a tryout for the Kitchener Rangers and was offered a contract as a walk on. He has given me so much direction, and my coaches have all told me he is the hardest working agent they have ever met. If your willing to put everything you have into hockey, he is willing to match that and get what you deserve.” Alex Dzielski

I was a walk on with the Kitchener Rangers when they hosted the memorial cup in 2007-2008 where we became OHL Champions. I went on to play for the Alaska Aces in the ECHL in 2010-2011 where we won the Kelly Cup. In 2013 I went to the University of Calgary Dino’s in Canada West CIS making 2 final appearances and 1 national appearance. I am a defensive defenseman, 6’2” 220lbs.

If we had only known about Dave Maciuk sooner . . .  Like many parents, we were inexperienced in navigating the hockey world.  We really needed an experienced, honest advocate to assess our son’s potential and help guide him in his hockey journey.  Dave helped us match him to appropriate junior programs as well as identifying and creating interest in him at the college level.  Through Dave’s advocacy our son will be starting in a great NCAA college program this fall.  We would encourage any family to work with Dave as early in their child’s hockey career as possible.  In hindsight, Dave could have really made a difference with our son’s AAA experience.

The Gunnery in last year we moved to Junior

Hi David —

I hope all is well with you and your family. We are all good and empty nesters again.
 
We dropped Connor off at Western New England College last Friday and he began the next chapter of his life on Monday. He is studying business and absolutely loves the school.
 
His hockey class is young…the team returned 9 and brought in 16 freshman. He’s excited and really prepared. He spent the summer working out extremely hard and has bulked up considerably. He also a great opportunity play and practice every week with many AHL and NHL players in Pittsburgh including Matt Barkowski, Tyler Kennedy, Eric Tangredy and few more. And he skated several times with the Pittsburgh Penguins skills coaches.
 
We’ll keep you post as the season approaches. Connor wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for your help. Thanks again
 
Take care,
Leroy & Susan Eckenrod

I am writing you today to thank you for your tremendous services to my son. As our “Family Hockey Advisor” you clearly made an impact on the way John prepared himself for this year’s USHL draft season. John was able to take your advice and put it to good use therefore gaining him the opportunity to be drafted.

What was amazing to us is that you and Justin were at every showcase and meaningful event to watch and help John progress and develop as a young man and player. Your enthusiasm and straight forward discussions with us along the way is the essence of the relationship.

We are excited to move forward with you and your staff. We have no doubt you have John’s best interest at hand and we trust your recommendations. I am glad we have someone we can trust going into these critical years of development.George Pesek

Best thing I could have done for my son. Dave is the hardest working man in youth hockey. Constantly in a rink, very well connected and always talking to someone. He has helped immensely in my son getting to the USHL.  If a player is good enough to move to the next level he will move him.  Best $$$ spent on my son’s hockey. Joseph Saliba

“We were introduced to Dave Maciuk late this past year after my son de-committed from his original college scholarship he accepted when he was a 16 year old. This was a unsettling, nervous time for our family. We were so impressed with Dave’s honesty and straight forward approach. He advised my son he had to perform regardless the situation and he would start the recruiting process and make some initial contacts. Within 2-3 weeks of meeting Dave we had numerous Division 1 schools contact us. He set up official visits and eventually my son decided on a full scholarship to Colorado College.

We could not be more impressed to work with a person that simplifies the situation and can navigate the complex world of hockey recruiting and advise on the difficult decisions.

We would we highly recommend Dave Maciuk to represent your player. It is so refreshing to hear the truth and not all the hype that usually goes on in the recruiting business and also someone that gets results.” – Bernie & Kathy Marble

“Thanks for all your help over the past few years. The process for goalies sure does suck!” – Jeff Baldwin

“I have known David Maciuk since grade school in our hometown of Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, Canada. Years passed and David and I went our separate ways, although we both got involved in the hockey business — he as a player, coach and player consultant and me as a sportswriter.

I still live in Sault Ste. Marie while David has made Chicago his home for years now. I do not make it a habit of recommending advisors/consultants/agents to players and their families. But David is an exception to the rule. David Maciuk is the only representative who I recommend to players and their parents. Period.” – Randy Russon

“Dave I would like to thank you along with Betty and Matthew for your services rendered. You have worked tirelessly in your quest to find Matthew a team to play for that meets our families needs and expectations. From the other people that I know that you represent, they are also pleased with your professionalism as well. We would also like the fact that you are always available to discuss certain issues or concerns that we may have. In the future should you have a client with any concerns, please feel free to use our family as a reference. You have helped us immensely over the years. Thanks again!” – James Pinder

“I met David Maciuk through Fred Perlini (Toronto Maple Leafs) in 2010 at the Monster Showcase in St. Louis co hosted by Rick Zombo. It was a great tournament. Through it I met Bruno Bragagnolo Chicago Young Americans who became Coach of the Soo Eagles now in the North American Hockey League. Dave and Bruno were able to get my son an opportunity with the Soo Indians AAA at the age of 15. In August 2010 Dave become our family adviser. Since then he has been a great help in gaining releases, given us great advise on various camps available. Best of all even as an undrafted player he arranged an opportunity for my son at the Sudbury Wolves rookie camp. Dave also introduced me to his Canadian Counter part that again has helped us with Teams like the Toronto Arsenal etc. Overall a very positive experience.” – Frank Latam

“I have known Dave for almost all of my hockey life growing up and playing my youth hockey in Chicago in the 90s and early 2000s, and then helping advise my career moving on into the OHL with the Plymouth Whalers from 2002-2006 and then into minor pro with the Rockford Icehogs.

While Dave never actually coached me personally on one of my teams, he was constantly coaching me in other ways. Whether it was individual skill clinics and instruction, or just great suggestions from watching my game. I was then fortunate enough to have Dave help guide my path for me into the higher levels of hockey. The passion and drive he has for what he does is unmatched. He is so dedicated to putting the work in to not only helping you find your way, but helping you become a better player and person. He constantly works and works until things get done, and as someone who is trying to move up the ladder, that is the most that you can ask for. One of the best qualities that he has is the fact that he is an honest person. Too many people just want to tell you what you want to hear, and that is not always a good thing. He is straightforward and honest, and no matter what level of player you are, or what your ceiling may be, Dave will put in his very best to make sure you attain your goal of where you want to go.

If a player puts in as much honest effort, passion, and pride into their hockey game as Dave does to advise and direct you, then a player will reap the benefits greatly.”– Mike Letizia

“Dave gave me an opportunity to play for his midget major team after taking a couple years off playing AAA. He saw potential in my game in each level and step I took in my hockey career. He has never stopped working/coaching/advising/guiding me through the hockey world and the process majority of players go through. When I did not receive a D1 scholarship, Dave helped position myself to still be successful at the D3 level. My goal was to play pro hockey from the beginning, and Dave assured that it was still possible. During my last season we spoke often dissecting my game while giving me coaching advice, which eventually helped me reach my goal that year of becoming an All-American. Dave’s knowledge of the game along with the several scouts and coaches he knows in the hockey world made that transition smooth. He helped me sign a contract at the AA professional level. Dave is continuing to guide me this off-season trying to take that next step and transition to a higher level of hockey. There are not many people like Dave, who have the passion and drive for the game of hockey.” – Ryan Barlock

“Dave has been a very important part in my success as a hockey player and has the ability to help any hockey player, younger or older, reach their goals.  His knowledge of the game on and off the ice is crucial in the pursuit of any players success.” – Joe Loprieno

“I started working with Dave at the end of my senior year in a tough situation. I didn’t have a lot on the table, but within a week of working with him he had already talked to a handful of teams, and was getting interest. His connections and experience helped me make the jump. Without his help it might not have been possible.” – Garrett Bartus

“I worked with Dave early in my hockey career and I can honestly say that he is one of the hardest working advisors in the business. He will work tirelessly to find his players the best fit for their needs and goals. He has been all around the hockey world for a long time and has numerous contacts at every level..” – Derek Edwardson

“I’ve known Dave Maciuk for 15 years of my hockey career. All the way from Squirt hockey in Chicago to now; playing professionally over in Europe. I can’t think of anyone more influential in my development throughout those years. Dave is extremely well educated in all facets of the game and someone you can count on that will fight for you. While at the University of Notre Dame, Dave consistently kept in contact and as soon as I graduated he produced.” – Dan Kissel

Next Level Player Development“We know at JDMC players will be evaluated honestly and placed on a team or school that matches the players skill set and ability. The integrity and character of the group is second to none in the industry.”Cary Krug, Next Level Player Development

“You never know what could come from a chance encounter. Almost four years ago, John Mueller watched my son’s team play at the Bauer Invitational. That chance meeting changed our son’s hockey career. Through John, we were introduced to Dave Maciuk, and under the advisement of Dave and John, our son, Anthony Stolarz, has had tremendous opportunities for advancement during our relationship, where Anthony should play and should not play and what level of competition would be suitable for his continued development based on his current skill and ability level. It was truly one of the hardest decisions, and one that comes with a lot of information and other outside opinions, for a parent to make in terms of their son’s level of play. Dave and John put forth a great effort to sort that all out, assess, review and construct a plan to get our son on the right path and in front of the right hockey people. Because of their networking ability, Anthony was drafted in 2012 by the Philadelphia Flyers 45th overall and is currently playing with the London Knights for the 2013-2014 season.

Through Dave and John’s hard work, constant communication and effort, along with their honest assessment of the player’s ability, they will speak to organizations and colleges, and of course, the parents, fielding questions or phone calls.

Lastly, it is not the same for every player, but Dave and John’s knowledge is only overshadowed by their passion. Any opportunity to be advised by them is an opportunity you cannot afford to pass up. The growing resources of Dave and John will give players the opportunity to reach the highest level of play they strive for.” – John and Karol Stolarz

Dave, I want to take the time to thank you for your assistance you have provided with respect to my son, Sean’s, hockey career.  As you are aware, Sean committed to play hockey at the University of Arizona next season.  Sean and I both owe you a debt of gratitude for all of your hard work towards Sean’s hockey career.  The advice and guidance you provided to Sean has proven to be of great value and assistance.  Due to your help, Sean was able to play Junior A hockey in Canada which opened up several doors for my son.  I would be happy to recommend your services to all hockey families.  I believe that continued updates and guidance both to the player as well as family members was of great value.  I am certain any young hockey player would benefit greatly from a relationship with JD Maciuk Consulting.

Once again, I just wanted to thank you for your professional efforts, and more importantly to the personalized services you provided to my son.  Look forward to working with you in future.Mark Gruenhagen

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