David Struch

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David Struch (born February 11, 1971) is a Canadian former professional hockey center and the head coach of the Red Deer Rebels in the Western Hockey League. As a player, he appeared in the NHL with the Calgary Flames and spent many years in the minor leagues and in Europe.

Struch grew up in Flin Flon, Manitoba, and began his major junior career with the Saskatoon Blades. After a standout 1990–91 season, he was drafted 195th overall by the Calgary Flames. He made his NHL debut on January 5, 1994, against the New York Rangers. He spent time in the Flames’ system with the Salt Lake Golden Eagles and Saint John Flames before pursuing an extensive career in Europe and the United Kingdom, including stints in Austria, Italy, and the BISL with teams such as the Nottingham Panthers and the London Knights (where he served as captain). He also played for Bracknell Bees and later returned to the Panthers, helping them compete in the new EIHL after the BISL folded. He finished his playing days with Starbulls Rosenheim in Germany and a pair of North American teams, retiring in 2005.

Struch began his coaching career in 2006 with the Saskatoon Blades as an assistant, later becoming head coach in 2013. He then joined the Regina Pats as an assistant coach and, in 2018, was promoted to head coach. He has also contributed to Canada’s national junior teams, serving as an assistant coach in 2016 and later taking roles with the program through 2019. Struch was let go as Pats head coach on November 18, 2021. He is married to Andrea and they have three children.