Nick Bonino, a two-time Stanley Cup Champion with the Pittsburgh Penguins, has shared his experiences playing under Dan Muse, the newly appointed head coach of the Penguins. Bonino, who played for Muse in Nashville and New York, expressed admiration for him: “Love Muser,” he said.
Bonino recounted a memorable Halloween costume inspired by Muse. “I got hurt that year and was out for a stretch, and Muser was the guy who would bag skate me,” he explained. His wife Lauren dressed as Nick while he dressed as Dan to reenact their sessions on ice. “I knew Muser’s a guy who would love that,” Bonino added.
Muse’s ability to connect with players is noted by many who have worked with him. Bonino described him as “a good person” and emphasized his dedication to both family and work: “You don’t meet many guys who work harder than Dan Muse.”
At 42 years old, Muse brings 20 years of coaching experience to the Penguins. He started at Yale University under Keith Allain, whom he credits as having a significant impact on his career. Allain praised Muse’s commitment: “Nobody I’ve ever been around works as hard as Dan Muse.”
Muse’s success continued when he led the USHL’s Chicago Steel to their first Clark Cup Championship in 2017. Marc Johnstone, former captain of that team, highlighted Muse’s dedication: “It was just a testament to how much he wanted to win.”
As head coach of the United States National Team Development Program from 2020-23, Muse guided players like Rutger McGroarty and Ryan Leonard through crucial development stages. Scott Monoghan from USNTDP acknowledged Muse’s influence: “He knew how to push the buttons on the kids.”
Muse also achieved success coaching special teams in Nashville where his penalty killing unit ranked fourth in the NHL over two seasons (2017-19). Bonino appreciated this detail-oriented approach but noted it could sometimes be overwhelming.
In Pittsburgh, Muse will oversee more than special teams; he’ll lead as head coach—a goal he’s pursued since beginning his coaching career after playing at Stonehill College.
“I know when he came to work for us (at USA Hockey), one of the questions was what is your long-term goal? And it was to be a head coach in the NHL,” Monoghan said.
Muse’s journey reflects determination and respect from peers across various levels of hockey.
