Dan Muse at Surmesur

A finalist last year for the Jack Adams Award, Muse previously served as an assistant coach in Nashville and New York and was part of the U.S. National Team Development Program before taking on his first NHL head coaching role.

It’s a position that comes with its share of responsibilities, including representing his organization night after night. And when it comes to style, Muse is the first to admit that a little help is always welcome. During a visit to the Surmesur booth at the NHLCA Global Coaches’ Clinic, he reunited with Danielle Zallo, stylist at our Pittsburgh showroom, to design a new suit. It’s an already well-established relationship, with guidance at the heart of the experience.

Service Comes First

When asked what first stood out about his experience with Surmesur, Muse doesn’t hesitate.

“The first thing that stood out, and the thing that’s continued to stand out, is the service. They’re fantastic.”

For him, that expertise is even more valuable because he doesn’t consider himself particularly gifted when it comes to style. Danielle reminds him, however, that she isn’t the only one keeping an eye on his wardrobe: his true stylist is his wife at home.

“I have zero style. So the two of you have done a good job of trying to make it a little bit better.”

It’s a comment made with humour, but one that also illustrates how much he values advice from people he trusts.

Asking the Right Questions

For Muse, guidance isn’t simply about being presented with a selection of fabrics. He particularly appreciates the process of understanding what he likes, what he already owns and how far he’s comfortable stepping outside his usual choices.

“They ask the right questions. They find out what you’re comfortable with and what you already have, to be able to give you some different options that are a good fit for you.”

This approach allows him to explore new combinations without straying too far from his personal style.

“Surmesur was great in being able to just show me options that are different that I might be able to mix together.”

During his consultation with Danielle, a combination of grey, brown and blue catches his attention. A way to introduce new colours and combinations while maintaining a look he feels comfortable wearing.

Made-to-Measure Guidance

For someone who readily admits that style doesn’t come naturally to him, having someone he trusts to guide his choices also makes the experience simpler. The goal isn’t to completely transform the way he dresses, but rather to find the right balance between what he already knows and new possibilities.

That’s where the relationship with a stylist truly comes into its own: starting with the client’s existing wardrobe, understanding their preferences and suggesting pieces that can easily fit into their everyday life. For Muse, this approach allows him to gradually expand his options without having to become a style expert himself.

Representing His Team, Down to the Details

Behind the bench of an NHL team, what you wear doesn’t exactly go unnoticed. Between the fans in the stands, interviews and television cameras, a coach is part of the public image of his organization, a reality Muse understands well.

“Part of the job is you’re going to be seen by fans, you’re going to be seen on TV. This is the greatest league in the world, so I think everybody that’s involved takes an immense amount of pride, and you want to make sure you represent the right way.”

For him, looking sharp isn’t simply a matter of personal preference. It’s also a way of taking seriously the role he holds and the organization he represents.

And when you’re working night after night in the greatest hockey league in the world, having the right people take care of the details allows you to focus on what really matters. Dan Muse may not claim to be a style expert, but with the right guidance, he doesn’t need to be.