Dan Bylsma family

Dan Bylsma is an American ice hockey coach and former player. Born on September 19, 1970, in Grand Haven, Michigan, Bylsma enjoyed a diverse athletic background in high school before focusing on hockey. He played college hockey at Bowling Green State University and was drafted by the Winnipeg Jets in 1989, though he never played for them. His NHL career included stints with the Los Angeles Kings and Anaheim Ducks.

After retiring from playing, Bylsma transitioned to coaching, where he reached the pinnacle of success for leading the Pittsburgh Penguins to a Stanley Cup in 2009, just months after taking over as head coach. Bylsma later coached the Buffalo Sabres and held various assistant coaching roles, including with the Detroit Red Wings. In 2024, he became the head coach of the Seattle Kraken.

Dan Bylsma parents

Dan Bylsma’s parents are Jay M Bylsma and Nancy Bylsma. They played a significant role in his journey as a player and a coach. Jay Bylsma was especially influential, co-authoring four books with Dan, including So Your Son Wants to Play in the NHL.

Jay Bylsma is a former English major who transitioned to a CPA, and always had a passion for writing, which he eventually fulfilled by co-authoring four books with Dan. Dan and his wife Mar Beth experienced the loss of their stillbirth daughter in 1998. They were devastated to learn that their baby had passed away. Dan shared his grief with his parents, who were there for him during this heartbreaking time.

After their loss, Dan included an epilogue in the book where he shared his experience of grief. Dan wrote: "Dealing with the trials and tribulations of the NHL or getting sent down to Long Beach are not life or death struggles," reminding readers that hockey is just one part of life. Jay also agreed with this, saying that even though reaching the NHL is hard, it doesn't mean life will always be easy: "Even if you’re successful, it doesn’t mean your life is going to be a bed of roses" he shared with the NHL.com

Dan Bylsma siblings

Dan Bylsma was the fourth of five children in his family. He has three brothers and one sister named Scott, Greg, John, and Laurie Bylsma. Growing up in western Michigan, his family was very active in sports. They played almost every sport, including hockey, which Dan eventually pursued professionally. His siblings played a big role in shaping his love for sports. Dan was particularly influenced by one of his brothers, who went to Bowling Green State University in Ohio to play hockey. Dan shared: "I wanted to follow one of my brothers to Bowling Green State University." Influenced by him, Dan decided to leave home and play junior hockey in Ontario, and later he would also attend Bowling Green to play hockey, as per the Seattle Times.

Dan Bylsma wife

Dan Bylsma is married to Mary Beth, a former college gymnast inducted into the Bowling Green Hall of Fame. She has a strong athletic background and understands the mindset of athletes. Dan describes her as an "encourager" for the players, saying via Seattle Times: "She has the athlete mindset as well. The guys don’t know it, but she’s their encourager."

Dan Bylsma and his wife Mary Beth are very involved in charity causes. They donated $19,900 to the Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh Foundation, using the proceeds from the Pittsburgh Penguins Training Camp featuring Dan Bylsma, held at the CONSOL Energy Center. In addition to the donation, the Bylsmas also took the time to visit with patients at the Dick’s Sporting Goods Teen Lounge at the hospital.

Dan Bylsma kids

Dan and Mary Beth have a son named Bryan. Bryan is now 25 years old and works as a software engineer. He was born after the Bylsmas experienced profound grief from the stillbirth of their first child, a daughter named Angel, in 1998. This loss deeply impacted Dan and his wife Mary Beth.