Lou Vairo

I have met many people in my long ice hockey career. A few people stick in your mind. Lou Vairo is perhaps the one who has stuck in my mind the most. What a fantastic person. A heart of gold and a knowledge of our beloved sport like no other. Many people owe a lot to his tireless efforts and dedication to promoting ice hockey worldwide. A brilliant motivator and lifelong friend. Lou has a special place in my heart forever. --Theo van Gerwen, Dutch hockey executive and former player for the Dutch National Team I met Lou the Summer of 1979 at a tryout camp for the USA World Junior Team in Austin, MN. Coach Vairo was there to pick the top 20 players while spreading the word to all 60 participants of how the sport could be played, hoping each of us would return to our teams to carry the message. Each day was filled with on- and off-ice drills never before seen in North America; drills that opened my eyes to a new, more exciting way of playing the game. More importantly, he emphasized the highest level of compete while respecting the game and all involved, from opponents, referees, parents, fans, rink operators, you name it. Treat others as you would like to be treated, which is something he still lives by today. Along with his love for our country, Lou Vairo was instrumental in introducing the way the game is played today and why he is in the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame! I am forever grateful for his coaching, mentorship, and most of all, friendship! --David H. Jensen, 1979 & 1980 USA World Junior Team, 1984 USA Olympic Team, and 1986 USA World National Team member Lou Vairo had a huge impact on my life and as a hockey player! I was just 17 years old when he chose me to play for Team USA WJC hockey team and I could tell he was way ahead of his time. That was a big reason I could make the jump from high school to the NHL. He is one of the Godfathers of USA hockey and a big reason USA hockey is where it is today! --Phil Housley, former NHL defenseman, member of the United States Hockey Hall of Fame, the Buffalo Sabres Hall of Fame, and the Hockey Hall of Fame Lou Vairo is a visionary and pioneer in the world of hockey, demonstrating an unwavering love and dedication to the sport. With a curious mind and a passion for learning, he has immersed himself in studying the finest players and coaches from diverse backgrounds, integrating their strategies to enhance the game globally. His invaluable contributions have impacted multiple generations, showcasing his ageless and selfless commitment to nurturing talent and fostering development in others. Beyond his profound influence on hockey, Lou's versatility shines through his capacity to bridge cultural gaps, endearing himself to the entirety of European hockey while successfully adapting and enriching the sport in the United States. In every interaction, Lou remains a beacon of wisdom and encouragement, empowering others to excel and contribute to the sport. His enduring legacy is a testament to his remarkable character and unwavering dedication to the growth and evolution of hockey. --Jim Craig, 1980 US Men's Olympic Ice Hockey gold-medal winning team member, and former NHL goalie Lou Vairo was ahead of his time when it came to training and on-ice systems. When I played for him in the 1984 Olympics, those six months that we trained before the games, his methods brought my game to a different level and helped me transition to the player I became. I was honored to have played for him. He was truly one of the best USA coaches for development of players, and still is. --Chris Chelios, 1984 US Men's Olympic Ice Hockey team member, and three-time Stanley Cup champion One of the innovators of modern hockey. His knowledge, commitment and dedication made this wonderful game the best game on earth. Over 40 years I've known Lou as an educator for young players around the globe. --Igor Larionov, three-time Stanley Cup champion, and member of the Hockey Hall of Fame There is no living American who has done more for USA Hockey than Lou Vairo. Lou went from playing roller hockey in Brooklyn to coaching the US Olympic Hockey Team. Lou has seen and done it all for USA Hockey. This book is a must read for any hockey fan. --Jay Riley, son of US hockey legend Jack Riley