Dana Barbin has been a pillar of Exeter athletics for more than three decades. Spending more than 1,000 games on the bench for Exeter boys hockey, Barbin was also the longtime head coach of Exeter baseball. Currently, he serves as an assistant coach with both programs.
Barbin arrived in Exeter in 1987 as has served many roles in his time on campus, including athletic director, physical education instructor, and dorm head. During his time as head coach of the boys hockey program, he guided the team to the 1999 Division I New England title while sending dozens of players on to successful careers at the NCAA level and beyond.
In 2011, Barbin was inducted to the New Hampshire Legends of Hockey Hall of Fame.
A decorated player, Barbin was a member of the hockey team at the University of New Hampshire where he is one of only three natives of New Hampshire to put up more than 100 points.
Barbin began his high school career in 1972 at Exeter High School, where he played varsity hockey for four seasons and helping the Blue Hawks to the state title game as a junior in 1975. A tremendously gifted three-sport athlete, Barbin also suited up for the football and baseball teams, where he was captain and MVP in football. After graduating from Exeter in 1976, Barbin attended Kent School in Connecticut for a post-graduate year. He dominated the prep school scene, garnering MVP honors in football, hockey and baseball before attending UNH in the fall of 1977.
In four seasons of hockey with the Division I Wildcats, Barbin racked up 127 points (40 g, 87 a) in 125 games, which currently puts him 44th on UNH’s all-time points list. The ‘Cats accumulated a record of 71-53-4, winning the Hockey East championship as a sophomore in 1979. He was a co-captain during his senior year and was selected as the team’s “Unsung Hero Award” winner.
Barbin continued his hockey career at the professional level, playing in Copenhagen, Denmark, for the Herlev Ishockey Klub from 1981-84. Coached by UNH Hall of Famer Richard David, Barbin played with former UNH teammate Frank Barth and the three combined to help win the 1984 Elite Series Gold Medal.
He also played in Sweden for Kristianstad Ishockey Klub in 1984-85, and was the player/coach for the Rungsted Ishockey Klub in Horsholm, Denmark, from 1985-87. He also served as co-coach to the Danish National Team with Frank Barth during that same time period.
