About Us
Our Mission
Coaching Jam is dedicated to enhancing the human side of sports coaching. We focus on developing the essential soft skills that coaches need to thrive, reduce burnout, and foster better relationships within sport communities. Our approach is rooted in elite hockey yet applicable to all youth sports.
Meet the Coach Behind Coaching Jam
Gary Dworkowitz brings over 35 years of coaching experience to Coaching Jam, with deep roots in High School and youth sports. His work is built on the belief that better coaching starts with better communication, stronger relationships and deeper understanding of the people in the room.
A special education teacher for 25 years, Gary blends coaching experience with practical insight into behavior, emotional regulation, and player development. Coaching Jam was created to help coaches become better prepared for the human moments that shape a season.
Bridging the Gap
In youth sports, technical knowledge runs high — but the soft skills needed to manage the modern game often go untaught. Coaching Jam closes that gap, giving coaches the education to navigate the interpersonal dynamics that drive burnout and parent conflict. We coach the human side of the game — everything beyond the X's and O's.
The Three Non-Negotiables
Fairness
Every player earns their ice time based on merit. We ensure that no parent or player ever has to question whether decisions are fair and transparent.
Relationship
The parent-child bond is sacred. Hockey should always serve that relationship — never the other way around.
Fun
Joy is the essential foundation for player development and retention. If players are not enjoying the experience, the program is failing.
Testimonials
I have worked with Gary on many different events. I’m proud to say he is part of my life. He is a man of character, discipline, and honesty. When he coaches young people he wants them to be successful. He believes that the success will help them become better people down the road. The process that goes into being successful is important to him. He is creative and follows through on the things that he says he’s going to do. I am proud to call him my friend.
Tom Laidlaw - *Former NHL Player, Former NHL Agent (23 years) (5 years for IMG), First Canadian born contestant on Survivor , Owner of the True Grit Life
I highly recommend Gary’s coaching and mental skills training program. He is a great listener and offers outstanding advice to help you perform your best - both on and off the ice. The mental skills tools he teaches are essential for building confidence, mastering goal setting and improving your mindset.
Viktor Saljanin - NHLPA Certified Agent, Former Director of Scouting for the NY Rangers (22 years), Current Owner & Operator of Innovative Hockey Consultants