Career
Purinton was born in Fort Wayne, Indiana, but grew up in Sicamous, British Columbia. Enforcer Dale Purinton was drafted in the 5th round, 117th overall, by the New York Rangers in the 1995 National Hockey League Entry Draft. He spent the early part of his career in the WHL, ECHL, and AHL before his National Hockey League debut in the 1999–2000 season.
In 181 National Hockey League games Purinton racked up 578 penalty minutes to go with his 4 goals and 16 assists.
After completing the 2007-2008 season with the Lake Erie Monsters of the American Hockey League, he became an unrestricted free agent and upon failing to sign with a new team, subsequently retired. He was hired as head coach of the Cowichan Valley Capitals of the BCHL on October 18, 2009.
He was also hired as head coach of the Kerry Park Islanders of the VIJHL on unknown.