Dennis Soetaert – Head Equipment Manager, Dallas Stars

SPHEM: What made you want a career in the equipment management profession and how did you get your start?

DS:  I always enjoyed being at the rink growing up, whether it was playing, helping with the Kansas City Blades filling water bottles, and even working at a community rink.  I enjoy being around a locker room and the fun atmosphere that comes along with it. 

SPHEM: You have been with the Dallas Stars organization since 2006.  For those just starting out, what characteristic would you say has contributed most to the longevity of your career?

DS: I think just being as prepared as you can be for each day.  You have to be organized, be able to adapt to changes on the fly, and most importantly be available to the players and their needs.  Come in with a good positive attitude every day!

SPHEM: Do you have a pre-game ritual?

DS: I do not have a pre-game ritual, I usually will just have a coffee or energy drink and make sure we are set to go.

SPHEM: What is something you experience that most fans watching the game wouldn’t know?

DS: I believe most fans know a lot of what we experience from social media these days, but maybe the fans don’t know about all the late nights and early mornings we have throughout the season.

SPHEM: What moment would you say was the highlight of your career so far?

DS: I have a two moments that have been pretty special to me.  Winning the Calder Cup my first pro year with the Houston Aeros.  Winning anything is always special.  The other would be getting through 65 days in the bubble.  Making the Stanley Cup finals was special even though we lost, just looking back and what we went through is hopefully a once in a lifetime thing.

SPHEM: Are there any advancements you are seeing in the Equipment field that you are really excited about?

DS: The biggest advancement right now is the automated sharpening.  We do not have it yet but we have been doing our research and close to deciding on which one we are going to go with.

SPHEM: What advancements would you still like to see?

DS: I think just seeing the advancements in the automated sharpening has been interesting.  I’m looking forward to see what is coming out next in our business.

SPHEM: What is your favorite NHL city to visit on the road and why?

DS: There are a lot of good cities in the NHL. I think I work in one of the favorites, but for me Nashville and Montreal are two of mine.  Nashville is just a fun city to enjoy at night, and Montreal is a special place for my family as my father won a Stanley Cup while with the Canadians.  I like to walk around that building to take in the history.

SPHEM: Who have been your mentors over the years and what is the best professional advice they have given you?

DS: There are a few people who have helped me get to where I am today.  Rick Bronwell gave me my first pro job in Houston and taught me a lot while with the Kansas City Blades.  Mike Aldrich was in Kansas City as well at the time and helped me out.  I owe a lot to Steve “Sudsy” Sumner.  We spent 17 years working together and I’m lucky enough to still have him around the rink and I lean on him for advice still.

SPHEM: What are you most excited for as the 2024-2025 Season begins?

DS: I am just excited to get everything going.  All the prep work that we put in the summertime to be ready, the anticipation of a new season and the possibilities of what we can accomplish is exciting.

Tell us a little about yourself:

I was born in White Plains NY, but grew up in Kansas City, MO. My dad played in the NHL and after his playing career he was a coach/GM/scout while my mom had the most important job of taking care of myself and sister Cheryl and brother Brian. 

In the summer I enjoy getting out and playing some golf, fine tuning my Pittmaster skills, and catching up with family.

All photos courtesy of Dennis Soetaert.