DJ was raised in Eagle River, Wisconsin where he started skating at age 3 and was able to spend his youth hockey and high school years skating in the historic Eagle River Sports Arena “The Dome”.   As a 4-year letter winner at Northland Pines High School, he helped guide his teams to several conference championships and 2 separate appearances at the Wisconsin High School State Tournament. 

Following high school DJ played in the United States Hockey League (USHL) for the North Iowa Huskies for 2 years. Upon completion of his junior career, DJ went on to play for the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point (UWSP) and was a 4-year letter winner.  During his time at UWSP, DJ was part of the 1997-1998 National Championship runner-up team.

DJ began his coaching career in 2010 with the youngest hockey players in the Waukesha County Youth Hockey Association (WCYHA). In 2013, DJ moved on to coach the Jr Admirals 2005 team for 6 years (2 as an Assistant and 4 as Head Coach)through their 15O season. DJ has also coached various spring AAA teams as well as held summer on-ice camps for several years.

DJ is married to Sarah and has 1 son, Austin who played for the Jr Admirals from Squirt Major through U18’s. When not coaching hockey, he continues to play in an area adult hockey league and enjoys various outdoor sports.