Actually, Don Jackson doesn’t even want to talk regarding his anniversary. The record coach of the German Ice Hockey League (DEL) does not like to be the center of attention. “We’ll talk regarding it when the time comes,” said the American: Since my first year, I can’t look any further than the next game.”
Eight championship titles in the DEL
After the 6-3 defeat once morest the Kölner Haie, the next game on Sunday is once morest title rival Adler Mannheim. Then the 66-year-old stands at 1,000. Time at the DEL gang – as the first head coach in the history of the league.
“I’m very proud that I’ve been here for so long,” said Jackson, who, with his eight championship titles, shaped the DEL like no other, “I have great memories of the successes in this league.” And still wanting more: Because title number nine is the declared goal – with the strongest team in the DEL on paper.
Changed as a human every time “when he meets the players”
The former defenseman, who won the Stanley Cup in 1984 and 1985 with the Edmonton Oilers and hockey legend Wayne Gretzky, may be of retirement age but is far from tired.
As a person, he has changed in 34 coaching years, half of them in the DEL, “every time he meets the players,” he said, “that’s the biggest thrill of coaching. Working together to win, to get better – that makes every job a pleasure”. But, Jackson emphasized, the job isn’t always fun: “The challenges also cost blood, energy and emotions.”
