HEAD COACH – Ryan Theros
ryan@fairbanksicedogs.com
(218) 390-1621
Ryan Theros joined the Ice Dogs as head coach in April of 2023.
Prior to the Ice Dogs, Theros led the Yellowstone Quake of the NA3HL, where he was named interim head coach and general manager in November of 2022. Theros served as head coach and GM for the Quake from 2015-2018, guiding the team to a 129-23-5 record in three seasons.
Theros served as an assistant coach for the Waterloo Blackhawks of the USHL from 2018-2019, and as an associate head coach of the Lone Star Brahmas of the North American Hockey League (NAHL) from 2019-2020.
A native of Two Harbors, Minnesota, Theros served as the director of on-ice operations and a hockey performance instructor for the Velocity Hockey Center in Eden Prairie beginning in 2010. He transitioned to seasonal work at the performance center in 2015 when he accepted the head coaching job with the Quake. Theros is a big believer in developing the player mentally and physically, not only on the ice as a hockey player in individual skills and team concepts, but also as a person.
ASSOCIATE HEAD COACH – Dakota Bell
dakota@fairbanksicedogs.com
(419) 308-9122
Dakota Bell joined the Ice Dogs as an assistant coach in July 2022.
He most recently spent two seasons as a graduate assistant coach for New England College. Prior to his time there, Bell was a volunteer assistant coach for the Bowling Green Falcons. Bell was the Head Coach of the Sylvania Northstars U15 AAA from 2018-2020. Bell also worked as either the head or assistant coach of the Bowling Green Ice Cats (USA Hockey Tier 1 AAA, USA Hockey Tier 2 AA) from 2013-2018.
Bell earned an MBA in Strategic Leadership from New England College in 2022 and a Bachelor of Science in Education From Bowling Green University in 2019.
GOALIE COACH – Adam Carlson
Goalie Coach/Goalie Mentor
Adam Carlson is a seasoned hockey coach. With over a decade of coaching experience, he brings a wealth of knowledge and a deep passion for goaltending development to his players. His journey in the world of hockey, from his own playing career to his transition into coaching, is a testament to his dedication and expertise.
A graduate of Edina High School (Edina, Minnesota), Adam’s pursuit of excellence in hockey took him to the junior ranks, where he played for three years. Notably, he spent two of those years competing in the North American Hockey League (NAHL) with the Coulee Region Chill.
Adam’s path continued to evolve as he earned the opportunity to play Division 1 college hockey at Mercyhurst University. His time at the college level refined his abilities, and his impressive performance there led to the fulfillment of a lifelong dream – signing an NHL contract with the Washington Capitals.
Although he never made it to The Show, his dedication and perseverance allowed him to make a meaningful impact in the minor leagues for over 7 years.
Recently retired from his professional playing career, Adam Carlson has transitioned into coaching full time, bringing his extensive knowledge and on-ice experience to the next generation of goaltenders. With 12 years of coaching experience, and 2 of those years behind the bench professionally. Adam is committed to helping young players and goalies develop their skills and reach their full potential.
Adam’s coaching journey is expanding as he joins the coaching staff at Fairbanks Ice Dogs of the NAHL. His expertise and dedication to the sport continue to shape the future of hockey, both at the grassroots level and in the competitive ranks. Adam Carlson’s remarkable background, which includes a successful playing career and extensive coaching experience, along with his extensive relationships at the next level D1 to the pro level makes him a valuable asset to any team or player looking to excel in the world of hockey.
SENIOR CONSULTANT – Trevor Stewart
Stewart brings 16 years of coaching experience back to the Ice Dogs. He most recently served as the Associate head coach for the Division 1 hockey team at the University Of Alaska Seawolves. Previous to the UAA job Stewart was with the Fairbanks Ice Dogs (NAHL) for the past decade. Stewart led the Ice Dogs to Robertson Cup Championships in 2013-14 and 2015-16 and a runner-up finish in 2018-19. He was named the NAHL Coach of the Year twice, 2013-14 and 2017-18.
Stewart spent one year as an assistant coach with the St. Louis Bandits (NAHL) before taking over as head coach of the Fairbanks Ice Dogs. He started his coaching career in his hometown of Elk River, Minnesota coaching youth ice hockey for one season before serving as head coach of the Missoula Maulers (NORPAC) for two seasons.
Stewart was a four-year letterwinner for the University of Connecticut graduating in 2007 with a degree in history. He served as an assistant captain his senior season, was named UConn’s Outstanding Senior Student-Athlete and was a member of the Atlantic Hockey All-Academic Team.
Stewart will will wear many hats working with the Coaching staff on the ice, as well as being a big part of the process of player procurement, advancing players to the next level, and helping in the college process for our players going forward.
