Every winter Doug’s family set up a good sized skating rink in their backyard, and it was there that he developed his skating ability. In fact, all the Mohns’ children (4 boys and 2 girls) became excellent skaters. Doug got an earlier start with his skating because of the help and patience of his older siblings. They developed their skating skills by building ice slides, jumps, and by racing one another and challenging others in competition. The Mohns’ rink was the most popular rink in town and there were always enough neighbors and friends for a pick up hockey game.

By the age of five Doug began to stand out amongst his peers. He was putting on solo exhibitions between periods at his older brother’s hockey games.