Five Things to Know About Coach Alec Dunn
Building confident athletes, strong leaders, and a lasting love for the game at the Northshore Warhawks.
1. Hockey Has Shaped His Life, On and Off the Ice
Born and raised in Los Angeles, Alec first laced up skates at age four and never looked back. Hockey didn’t just become a sport; it became the foundation for his work ethic, discipline, and team-first mindset.
After moving to Wisconsin two years ago with his wife, Nan, and their daughter, Lincoln, Alec brought with him nearly two decades of coaching experience and a passion for player development.
For him, coaching is about more than systems and scores. It’s about building confidence, accountability, and leadership in young athletes by creating environments where players feel supported, challenged, and motivated every day they step on the ice.
2. Ice Sports Are a Family Affair
The Dunn household runs on rink time.
Alec’s wife, Nan, was a professional figure skater who trained and competed in the Chicago area. Together, they share a deep understanding of athlete training and development from both hockey and figure skating perspectives.
Their five-year-old daughter, Lincoln, plays 8U with the Warhawks, and the family recently welcomed baby TJ at the end of last year. Whether it’s early morning practice or weekend games, the Dunn family believes sports teach invaluable life lessons: teamwork, resilience, discipline, and commitment that extend far beyond the rink.
3. He’s a Builder of Programs, Not Just Practices
With 20 years of coaching experience, including 15 years as a hockey director in California, Alec has worked across all age levels and competitive tiers. His expertise goes far beyond running drills. He specializes in curriculum design, coach mentorship, and building long-term development pathways. He spends countless hours behind the scenes mapping out season structures and training progressions to ensure players grow steadily from 8U through 19U.
He believes true coaching means teaching habits and character, instilling a love for the game that lasts long after youth hockey ends.
4. He Leads an All-Girls Program Focused on Growth
As Hockey Director of the Northshore Warhawks, Alec oversees an all-girls program serving athletes from 8U through 19U.
The Warhawks are development-focused, emphasizing fundamentals at younger ages and advanced systems, hockey IQ, and leadership at older levels. The ultimate goal? Preparing players for high school, AAA, and collegiate opportunities, all while ensuring they grow in confidence and character along the way.
It’s about building athletes who compete fiercely and lead proudly. And in March 2026, that hard work paid off when Alec’s Tier 2 16U team won the AHAI State Championship!
5. He’s Proud to Call Rosemont Ice Arena Home
Alec values environment, and he believes facilities play a key role in program culture.
He describes Rosemont Ice Arena as a welcoming, professional space that enhances both player development and family experience. The ice quality, layout, and supportive staff make day-to-day operations seamless, helping create a place where families genuinely enjoy spending time.
That sense of community strengthens the Warhawks’ culture and makes the rink feel like home.
The Quote He Lives By
“Success is no accident. It is hard work, perseverance, learning, studying, sacrifice, and most of all, love of what you are doing.” — Pelé
For Coach Alec Dunn, that quote isn’t just inspiration, it’s a blueprint. Hard work, accountability, and passion drive everything he does. And at the Northshore Warhawks, those values are shaping the next generation of players, on the ice and beyond.
