MISSION STATEMENT TO CREATE AN ENVIRONMENT THAT GIVES EVERY STUDENT- ATHLETE THE BEST POSSIBLE OPPORTUNITY TO ACHIEVE AND SURPASS INDIVIDUAL POTENTIAL THROUGH STRUCTURE, SUPPORT, KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE. MESSAGE FROM DIXON WARD VICE PRESIDENT
At the Okanagan Hockey Academy our primary focus is to promote the long-term development of each of our athletes in the classroom, on the ice, and in the community. Putting young, motivated people in a structured environment, surrounded by a world class staff and support system, allows us to deliver a consistent message and value system that we feel is imperative to the long term development of our students.
We believe that elite athletes need to be challenged, yet supported, in all aspects of their lives. We hold our student-athletes accountable on their efforts, attention to details, and above all their attitudes. We have learned through experience that those three key ingredients are keys to future success.
OHA is built on experience, knowledge, passion for our game, and above all, OHA is built on each individual’s mark left behind as they move on to achieve their goals. The commitment to excellence in all areas is what makes the Okanagan Hockey Academy a tremendous opportunity for any young and aspiring hockey player. HUMAN PERFORMANCE The Okanagan Hockey Human Performance Program is designed to provide a singular outcome/ goal for all parts of the program.
THE MODEL FOCUSES ON THESE KEY COMPONENTS: • Academics • Strength, Conditioning, Medical • Hockey • Character, Leadership, Community
We want to take each of these components and separate them as individual program units that are concentrated on increasing Human Performance with each of our student-athletes. Our goal at OHA is not simply to develop young people in these areas but to enhance their overall performance as people, students, and athletes. By separating the program into these units, it allows us to create a detailed, focused platform for each as a standalone entity. HOCKEY ACADEMICS
HUMAN PERFORMANCE
CHARACTER, STRENGTH, LEADERSHIP, CONDITIONING, COMMUNITY MEDICAL KEY PRINCIPLES TO ENHANCE HUMAN PERFORMANCE Focusing on these key areas on a daily basis allows us to create an environment that gives each individual student-athlete the opportunity improve every day. We believe that small, consistent improvements over time, creates the foundation for success, and our environment has been structured to facilitate these improvements through high-quality staff, state of the art training facilities and a tremendous amount of experience.
CLEAR AND CONSISTENT ACCOUNTABILITY CONCISE MESSAGING EXPECTATIONS
CORRECTION POSITIVE REPETITION FEEDBACK
OUR PHILOSOPHY REVOLVES AROUND THE KEY PRINCIPLES THAT WE BELIEVE ARE ESSENTIAL TO THE DEVELOPMENT PROCESS.
BENEFITS OF THE PROGRAM
ACADEMICS EXPOSURE AND PLACEMENT - A unique public-private partnership with - Many relationships with Junior A, WHL, NCAA, Penticton High and professional organizations - One of the top ranked schools in Western Canada - Commitment to placing players ready for the next level - SAT prep classes - Post-Secondary strategic planning INJURY PREVENTION AND RECOVERY - Full-time athletic therapists ON-ICE DEVELOPMENT - State-of-the-art training and rehab facilities - Professional Coaches - Program doctor - Over 50 years of NHL and professional experience - Detailed instruction in all facets of the game CULTURAL EXPERIENCE - Position specific instruction - OHA has had players from Russia, Switzerland, Austria, England, Australia, Scotland, Korea, OFF-ICE Germany and Thailand, Japan, Poland, Slovakia, - Strength and conditioning with professional trainer USA, and Canada - Regular individual fitness testing done - Our coaches have cross cultural experiences having - Individualized feedback and focus played and coached all over the world - Self identity training - Self advocacy training SOCIAL SKILL DEVELOPMENT - Mental training - The experience of living with a new family, - Character development developing communication skills and the confidence to interact with new people. - Consistent value system message emphasized throughout all aspects of the program
“HOME IS NOT A PLACE...IT’S A FEELING ” BEYOND THE ICE
Okanagan Hockey strives to make our athletes feel right at home while developing their emotional intelligence. Our program ensures that our student-athletes have every available option to them once they leave our environment.
WHAT YOU’LL TAKE AWAY FROM OHA
• Life skills - Living away from home • Relationship skills • Physical and mental strength • Appreciation of new cultures • Appreciation for family • Cyber security • Time management • Strong study habits • Self advocacy • Controlled independence • Confidence • Community engagement • Conflict resolution skills
ACADEMIC PROGRAM ALL MEMBERS OF OHA ARE STUDENT-ATHLETES FOCUSING ON ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE IN CONJUNCTION WITH ATHLETIC DEVELOPMENT:
OHA is in partnership with Penticton Secondary School, one of the highest rated schools in Western Canada.
Pen High and Skaha Middle School have implemented a schedule that allows our student-athletes to attend school without missing core classes for practice or training.
A weekly, mandatory study hall provides our student-athletes with an opportunity to have one on one instruction with our Academic Advisors and help manage their workload.
Our Academic Advisor, Dave Nackoney, works diligently at helping our students navigate through SATs, ACTs, and NCAA Clearinghouse ensuring that all options are available for our students when they are ready to attend a Post Secondary Institution.
Dave’s guidance and knowledge is a major part of the success our students have at Pen High, and the success they continue to have in all of their endeavours after they graduate. PENTICTON SECONDARY GRADE 9 -12
Penticton Secondary School is a state of the art facility with amenities that include a full weight room, double gym, cafeteria, numerous computer labs, wood working shop, autobody shop, welding shop, as well as a media production area. A truly impressive educational facility located a short drive from our Training Centre.
Penticton Secondary School students embrace its motto: “Excellence through Action”. Students at Pen High have an advantage, for some it is because of its commitment to learning and achievement and for others it’s an extracurricular edge. In both instances Pen High stands apart; boasting first class, state of the art facilities and a record of academic excellence. Pen High is an institution steeped in a tradition of pride and a culture of community building. It offers students variety, comprehensive course offerings, a reputation of teaching excellence and innovation, and a challenging, vibrant, and safe learning environment.
QUICK FACTS
• Modernized campus • Weekly communication from school to • Multiple academic streams including coaches, parents and students Advanced Placement courses • Full time OHA Academic Advisor • French Immersion program • Team tutors in all subjects • 5 SAT/ACT writing dates • Academic planning and college placement
SKAHA LAKE MIDDLE SCHOOL GRADE 6 - 8
Skaha Lake Middle School, located minutes from beautiful Skaha Lake in Penticton, BC. Our grade 6, 7 and 8 teams are inclusive of all kids, culturally diverse, with a large First Nations and Sikh population.
The Skaha Lake School learning community is proud of our facility. Some of the features of the school include two computer labs, a Library Learning Commons, a fully equipped Home Economics room with its own outdoor vegetable garden, a fully equipped Technology Education shop and a newly renovated, colorful and vibrant gymnasium. The school enjoys the involvement of a large and active PAC which supports our school culture with a variety of exciting and unique initiatives.
Skaha Lake Middle School offers a full range of co-curricular and extra-curricular sports, band and drama productions. Exploratory classes include Band, Art, Drama, Technology Education, Home Economics, Healthy Living at grade 6 and 8 and Aboriginal Awareness at grade 7. Unique to Skaha Lake Middle School is our Okanagan Hockey Academy and our Hockey Skills program.
QUICK FACTS
• Modern facility • Located minutes from Skaha Lake • Cultural diversity • Exploratory classes and extra-curricular
HOCKEY PROGRAM
Okanagan Hockey Academy is a comprehensive 10 month program that includes academics, hockey, strength and conditioning, mental training, personal and team development.
Okanagan Hockey Academy staff is a team of professionals that are dedicated to the personal development of each student-athlete.
Through knowledge, research and experience, we have identified the keys areas of focus for each age group in developing strong, intelligent and committed hockey players.
OHA TEAMS U18 PREP
U17 PREP U16 PREP
U15 PREP U15
U18 FEMALE PREP U17 FEMALE PREP ATHLETIC PROGRAM: ON-ICE
Our athletes take part in daily purposeful on-ice training. Practices are designed with individual skill development in mind through tactical and technical teaching. Our philosophy is to provide our athletes with the tools needed to execute and perform at the highest level possible. Teaching is a big part of our daily activities, from techniques to hockey IQ which gives our athletes not only a physical advantage but also allows them to understand the game and how to be successful within it.
Our coaches are experts by experience having played the game at the NHL, Junior, University, National, and Olympic levels. Their knowledge of what it takes and their understanding of the player’s perspective make OHA a unique program.
OHA has multiple teams at the U18, U16 and U15 levels as well as Female teams at the U17 and U18 level. Our teams play in the Canadian Sport School Hockey League.
ON-ICE HIGHLIGHTS
• 4 - 5 practices per week • 50 + games per season • Detailed breakdown of all facets of the game, both individually and team oriented • Digital video analysis of all areas of the game • Professional coaching staff • Consistent instruction in skating and movement ATHLETIC PROGRAM: OFF-ICE
The Okanagan Hockey Academy Performance Center is a state-of-the-art training facility designed after top NCAA and NHL programs. We strongly believe that physical preparation is the key to long-term hockey development.
OFF-ICE STRENGTH AND CONDITIONING HIGHLIGHTS
• Professional off-ice training staff • Okanagan Hockey Academy off-ice speed centre • Core strength, explosive speed, and plyometric equipment • An individualized 10 month strength and conditioning program • Hockey specific training • Yoga classes • Nutrition and supplement guidance
WHL COMBINE TESTING
WHL Combine testing provide players with a unique player development experience where they will measure themselves through standardized on and off ice testing protocols. The ability to compare results and identify areas of weakness will enable players to take their game to the next level as they strive to play at the highest possible level.
ON ICE TESTING OFF ICE TESTING
• 30m Forward with/without Puck • Vertical Jump
• 30m Backward with/without Puck • Med Ball Toss
• Reaction with/without Puck • Broad Jump
• Weave Agility with/without Puck • Pro Agility Left & Right
• Transition Agility with/without Puck
The standard testing protocol is performed by the Okanagan Hockey staff to ensure high data validity. We implement this standardized testing multiple times throughout the year.
All timed tests are conducted using the Sport Testing System timing gates. All other tests’ data are entered manually into the Sport testing system. Test data is stored in an Okanagan Hockey specific database.
GOALTENDING GOALTENDING PHILOSOPHY PROGRAM
• Trust in your work and preparation • Goalie coach at 3 practices per week
• Believe that your routine has you ready • In play adjustments
• Manage your emotions. Find your • Individual time available goalie rhythm • One 60-minute goalie specific training • Positive body language session per week
• Attitude/Effort The only things you • Maxium 4 - 1 goalie to coach ratio can control • On ice video • Forget/Focus - dealing with sucesses & failures • Off ice game video analysis FACILITIES The Okanagan Hockey Academy Training Centre is a state-of-the-art facility designed to provide a unique development opportunity for each of our student-athletes.
FACILITY HIGHLIGHTS
• 3 ice surfaces • Corporate head office • Private academy locker rooms • Private speed and functional training centre with indoor turf • 2 athletic therapy rooms • 2 laundry facilities • Full size classroom equipped with professional video editing equipment • On-site skate sharpening • 5000 square foot strength and performance centre and cutting edge training equipment MINDSET DEVELOPMENT Dealing with the stress and pressures of life, both on and off the ice, as well as handling success, are imperative for young student-athletes. We put a great deal of emphasis on helping each player become a stronger mental athlete.
MINDSET TRAINING HIGHLIGHTS • Goal setting • Self discipline • Self confidence • Visualization • Positive reinforcement • Self motivation • Focus and relaxation • Team building
CHARACTER BUILDING AND LIFE TRAINING The development process for a young hockey player is a long one. At the Okanagan Hockey Academy, we feel that exposing our players to all areas of the teaching process with a positive and consistent approach, we will help lead them on their journey to reaching, and surpassing, their individual potential.
Nutrition protocols are designed by a Certified Sports Nutritionist. In addition to the Nutrition Seminar, players are required to attend presentations on the dangers of smokeless tobacco, health and well being, drug awareness, and social media training.
NUTRITIONAL TRAINING TECHNIQUES
• Eating right as an athlete in training • How different food groups affect the human body • Pre and post workout nutrition • Athletes’ diets and hockey specific nutrition • Pre and post season nutrition
TESTIMONIAL “AS A BILLET FAMILY, WE LOVE BEING INVOLVED WITH OHA. WE HAVE A YOUNG SON PLAYING HOCKEY AND THE EXAMPLE AND DETERMINATION OF THESE YOUNG MEN IS A HUGE BOOST TO HIS CONFIDENCE AND GAME PLAY. WE ABSOLUTELY LOVE HAVING THEM IN OUR HOME AND MEETING THEIR FAMILIES AND GAINING NEW FRIENDS ALONG THE WAY.” - DUSTIN AND KRISTY MALLORY, OHA BILLET FAMILY BILLET PROGRAM OHA IS PROUD TO PROVIDE A HOME AWAY FROM HOME FEELING TO OUR STUDENT-ATHLETES.
Our student-athletes that require need room and board are billeted among a great group of local families. Our billets provide a safe and supportive environment that our students can call home.
We have had great success through our billeting program and feel that it has been an integral part of the growth of our Academy.
OHA has a full time Manager of Residential Life who facilitates the process of placing our athletes in a home they will be comfortable with, as well as providing year round support to both the student-athlete and both families.
TESTIMONIAL
“PLAYING AT OHA WAS GREAT. I HAD GREAT BILLET FAMILIES AND MADE GREAT RELATIONSHIPS WITH PEOPLE I STILL KEEP IN TOUCH WITH. IT WAS A REALLY GOOD LEARNING EXPERIENCE FOR ME BEING AWAY FROM HOME PLAYING HOCKEY, WHICH SET ME UP TO GO PLAY JUNIOR.”
- DENNIS ROBERTSON (CHARLOTTE CHECKERS, AHL) SAMPLE DAILY SCHEDULE
MONDAY
PICK UP (Refer to Zone Pick Up Schedules) 7:00am - 8:15am
SCHOOL 8:30am - 3:00pm
TRAVEL HOME 3:00pm - 3:30pm
TEAM DAY OFF 3:30pm - 4:00pm TRANSPORTATION CURFEW 9:00pm
• Dedicated transportation for all team travel
• Centralized pick up locations for transportation to/from home, school and academy
• All team travel THURSDAY
• Dedicated fleet of buses and trailers PICK UP (Refer to Zone Pick Up Schedules) 7:00am - 8:15am
• Entire fleet inspected twice per year and certified SCHOOL 8:30am - 11:30am as 100% road worthy SKILLS 12:00pm - 12:45pm • Professionally serviced and maintained LUNCH 12:45am - 1:15pm throughout the year TEAM PRACTICE 2:00pm - 3:00pm • All vehicles driven by certified class 4 drivers GYM 3:30pm - 4:30pm • Safety Emergency kits on each vehicle TRAVEL HOME 4:30pm - 5:00pm • Studded winter tires on all vehicles in the winter LAUNDRY OUT 5:00pm - 5:30pm
CURFEW 9:00pm TUESDAY WEDNESDAY
PICK UP (Refer to Zone Pick Up Schedules) 7:00am - 8:15am PICK UP (Refer to Zone Pick Up Schedules) 7:00am - 8:15am
SCHOOL 8:30am - 11:30am SCHOOL 8:30am - 1:30am
LUNCH 11:45am - 12:15pm TEAM PRACTICE 2:15am - 3:15pm
GYM 12:30pm - 1:30pm ACTIVITY 3:30pm - 4:30pm
TEAM PRACTICE 2:00pm - 3:00pm TEAM HOME 4:30pm - 5:00pm
TRAVEL HOME 3:00pm - 3:30pm CURFEW 9:00pm
CURFEW 9:00pm
FRIDAY SATURDAY
PICK UP (Refer to Zone Pick Up Schedules) 7:00am - 8:15am HOME GAME VS. OPPONENT 2:15am - 4:30am
SCHOOL 8:30am - 1:30pm
TEAM PRACTICE 2:00pm - 3:00pm SUNDAY
GYM 3:30pm - 4:30pm ARRIVE AT RINK 8:30am - 8:15am
TRAVEL HOME 4:30pm - 5:00pm TRAVEL TO AWAY GAME 8:45am - 10:30am
CURFEW 10:00pm AWAY GAME VS.OPPONENT 11:45am - 1:30pm
TEAM MEAL/TRAVEL HOME 2:00am - 4:30pm CSSHL LEAGUE MISSION STATEMENT: “TO BE NATIONAL LEADERS IN EDUCATION-BASED HOCKEY”
In 2009, five like-minded Hockey Canada Accredited Schools came together to launch the Canadian Sport School Hockey League. Their vision was to establish a league designed specifically for elite level student-athletes, give these athletes an opportunity to increase their skills on and off the ice, and provide athletes with a high level of competition as well as exposure.
The inaugural 2009-10 season featured five sport schools and eight total teams spread across two divisions. During the 2020-21 season, the CSSHL will feature 26 Accredited Schools/Schools with Residence and 84 teams in eight different divisions.
All programs within the CSSHL are sanctioned Hockey Canada Accredited Schools or Schools with Residence, meeting the regulations of not only Hockey Canada, but their respective provincial or regional members.
The CSSHL continually strives to be a leader in education based hockey in North America. The objective of the league is to provide a competitive environment for young student-athletes that share similar values of Sportsmanship, Citizenship, Academic Excellence and Hockey Development. CSSHL
ACADEMICS When the CSSHL was founded in 2009, the focus was not only placed on hockey but that education of young student- athletes is of the utmost importance. Our programs have a structured yet supportive environment to help balance academic work loads.
With the uniquely structured academics and learned time management skills, the student-athlete has the opportunity to chase their goals without compromising their education.
CHARACTER AND CITIZENSHIP The CSSHL prides itself on not only developing student-athletes on the ice, but also inspiring them off the ice. Student -athletes leave our programs prepared for the next step in their life, whether it be post-secondary education, the work force, or wherever their path may take them. Off-ice conduct is taken very seriously in the CSSHL, from appearance to behaviour. Because of the standards we keep, we feel our student-athletes come to us as teenagers, but leave as young adults.
DEVELOPMENT The majority of games in the CSSHL take place on weekends, in a showcase format. Programs in each division take turns hosting these Showcase weekends, which sees multiple teams in one location playing multiple games. This format cuts down on travel time, as well as school days missed. Teams will also play a small number of flex games through the season on non-showcase weekends.
Our student-athletes are on the ice almost every day. During the week, student-athletes take part in structural practices and skill development sessions. Each team works closely with their respective program’s strength and conditioning coach, as well as various other off ice seminars such as video work, mental training and nutrition.
THE NEXT LEVEL
OHA’s success can be seen in the long list of players who have moved on to play at the WHL, Junior A, University, International & Professional Levels.
With the vast amount of knowledge and incredible network through our staff, our student-athletes have the inside track to move on to the next level.
Our goal is to provide our student-athletes with all the tools needed to progress and reach their goals, as well as help them open as many doors as possible enabling them to pursue their hockey and academic careers.
OHA is a stepping stone to where they aspire to be. We take pride in their future and are invested in their goals.
THE PATH TO SUCCESS
• 99 students selected since 2012 for the WHL Bantam Draft, including 17 in the first round • 140 male and female students have gone on to play college hockey • 95 students have played in the WHL • 246 students have played Junior A OHA STAFF
ANDY OAKES PRESIDENT, OKANAGAN HOCKEY GROUP
Andy has been the President of Okanagan Hockey Group Inc. (OHG) since 2007 and has been actively involved in the development of hockey players since he began his career with OHG in 1997. Under his leadership, OHG has expanded its operations into Europe, United Kingdom and Eastern Canada.
In 2002 Andy founded Okanagan Hockey Academy, which was established as the first hockey specific sport school recognized by BC Hockey and Hockey Canada.
An advocate of education based hockey, Andy is a founding member of the Canadian Sport School Hockey League (CSSHL), established in 2009. Andy has held multiple positions on the Board of Directors since the leagues inception and has been the league Chairperson since 2013.
DIXON WARD VICE PRESIDENT AND DIRECTOR, OKANAGAN HOCKEY GROUP
Dixon joined Okanagan Hockey Group after a distinguished hockey career. As an amateur, he played four seasons of college hockey at the University of North Dakota where he was the only player in the school’s history to score 100 goals and 100 assists. Dixon finished his collegiate career as the fourth all-time leading scorer at UND. After graduation in 1992, Dixon played 12 years of professional hockey, including 599 NHL games. He was an integral player on the 1999 Stanley Cup finalist Buffalo Sabres team.
In the AHL, Dixon led the Rochester Americans to the 1996 Calder Cup Championship and was awarded the Jack Butterfield Trophy as playoff MVP. Dixon completed his pro career by playing two seasons in Switzerland’s Elite League. During this time, he captained Team Canada to the 2003 Spengler Cup Championship in Davos. SCOTT MAY GENERAL MANAGER
May was at the Delta Hockey Academy from 2013 to 2019 as the Director of Hockey Operations and previously the Director of Business Operations, as well as the Head Coach of their Female Prep team during the 2018-19 season and their Midget Prep team from 2013-2018. Prior to his time at Delta, May played eight seasons of professional hockey in the AHL, ECHL and Europe. He was selected in the seventh round, 222nd overall, by the Toronto Maple Leafs at the 2002 NHL Draft. The White Rock, B.C. product played four seasons of NCAA hockey at the Ohio State University, where he graduated with a degree in Business Operations Management.
MIKE NEEDHAM MANAGER OF HOCKEY OPERATIONS HEAD COACH, U15 PREP
Needham was the assistant coach of the WHL’s Kamloops Blazers from 2014- 2018, as well as their skills coach since 2011. Needham played 225 games with the Blazers as a player from 1987 to 1990, before moving onto the professional ranks where he appeared in 100 games in the National Hockey League. Needham played 95 games with the Pittsburgh Penguins, which included capturing the 1992 Stanley Cup, before playing five games with the Dallas Stars.
ROB MCLAUGHLIN MANAGER OF EVENTS/POWER SKATING
McLaughlin has spent over 20 years in BC Hockey High Performance program and has been involved with Okanagan Hockey for over 30 years. McLaughlin is a Certified Power Skating instructor that has a client list that includes Duncan Keith of Chicago Blackhawks. MACK O’ROURKE MANAGER OF OPERATIONS
O’Rourke has an extensive background coaching in the Okanagan area. After two seasons with the Okanagan Hockey Academy from 2011-2013, O’Rourke went on to coach the Okanagan Rockets to a BC Championship and bronze medal at the 2014 Telus Cup. He also won the 2010 BC Midget AAA Provincial Championship as head coach with Kelowna Minor Hockey.
MARK FITZGERALD MANAGER OF STRENGTH/CONDITIONING & HUMAN PERFORMANCE
Mark Fitzgerald has spent the last 15 years working with athletes from a variety of sports at every level. He began his career with the Toronto Maple Leafs organization and also became the Head of Performance and Nutrition for the Canadian Hockey League. Most recently, Fitzgerald was the Head of Performance for the Anaheim Ducks. Fitzgerald is the founder of Elite Training Systems in Ontario, servicing athletes from all major and minor sports.
CRAIG BEDARD HEAD COACH, U18 PREP
A former student-athlete and team captain at the NCAA level with the University of Alaska-Fairbanks, Bedard is a former assistant coach with the WHL’s Prince Albert Raiders and BCHL’s Penticton Vees. He was the head coach of Team Pacific at the 2006 World Under-17 Challenge and the head coach of Team BC at the 2007 Canada Winter Games. CASSEA SCHOLS HEAD COACH, FEMALE U18 PREP
Schols was a standout defenceman in the NCAA with Mercyhurst University, where she posted 94 points in 144 career games. She is a former assistant coach at Grant McEwan University as well as the Team Alberta, winning the gold medal in the 2019 Canada Winter Games. As the head coach of the Edmonton Thunder Female Midget AAA team, she guided the team to back-to-back Alberta Major Midget Female Hockey League championships, as well as a silver medal at the 2014 Esso Cup and a bronze medal in 2013.
ROBERT DIRK HEAD COACH, U17 PREP BLACK
Dirk played nine seasons in the NHL with the Blues, Canucks, Blackhawks, Ducks and Canadiens. He played his junior hockey with the WHL’s Regina Pats and was the 53rd overall selection at the 1984 NHL Draft. Dirk is a former head coach at the ECHL, WCHL and UHL level, and also served as the head coach of Team Pacific at the 2010 World Under-17 Challenge.
DAVE WHISTLE HEAD COACH, U17 PREP WHITE
After spending eight seasons as a head coach in Europe, Whistle was named the head coach of the BCHL’s Alberni Valley Bulldogs for two seasons. He played in the WHL with the Kamloops Blazers and the Brandon Wheat Kings prior to attending Brandon University, where he spent four seasons. Whistle enjoyed a seven-year professional playing career in Europe, where he was inducted into the British Ice Hockey Hall of Fame. VENLA HOVI HEAD COACH, FEMALE U17 PREP
Prior to coaching, Hovi enjoyed an illustrious playing career that saw her play at the international, professional and collegiate levels. She represented Finland at the 2010, 2014 and 2018 Winter Olympics, winning the bronze medal in 2010 and 2018. She played in eight World Championships, winning silver in 2019 and bronze in 2008, 2009 and 2017. In addition, Hovi played seven years professionally in Finland and Denmark, prior to returning to returning to the collegiate ranks. She spent two seasons as an assistant coach with the University of Manitoba Women’s Hockey team, as well as an on-ice instructor with Jets Hockey Development for one season, prior to joining the OHA.
DENNIS MCKINNON HEAD COACH, U16 PREP
McKinnon is a former head coach of the BCHL’s Trail Smoke Eaters and AJHL’s Sherwood Park Crusaders. He has 20 years of experience with BC Hockey’s High Performance Program, including the position of head coach of both the Team BC U16 and U17 teams from 2001-2004.
MIKE EGENER HEAD COACH, U15
Egener is a former assistant coach with the Mount Royal University Men’s Hockey team. Prior to coaching, he enjoyed an 11-year professional hockey career in the AHL, ECHL and Europe. Egener was drafted 34th overall by the Lightning at the 2003 NHL Draft after a 246-game career with the WHL’s Calgary Hitmen. TSUKASA ARINAMI ASSISTANT COACH
Tsukasa has enjoyed playing youth and junior hockey in Canada and Finland. He went on to coach from youth to top female and collegiate programs in Japan and throughout Asia. His additional career highlights include working with female Olympic players from multiple countries, being part of the staff member for the University Men’s Japanese National Team Program and other National projects. Arinami has also worked for 2017 NHL Hockey School China, where he travelled to different Chinese cities and ran skills camps as part of NHL’s plan to promote hockey in China
SHAWN DINEEN ASSISTANT COACH/ PLAYER EVALUATION PROJECT MANAGER
Dineen’s hockey career includes playing with the BCHL’s Penticton Vees before attending Denver University, and after graduation going on to play 8 years in the CHL, IHL and AHL. After serving as Head Coach for the Merritt Centennials, Dineen moved onto pro scouting, responsible for evaluating free agency and trades as well as playoff pre scout. A proud moment in his career was being on staff with the Colorado Avalanche when they won the 1996 Stanley Cup Championship. Dineen has also scouted for the Vancouver Canucks, LA Kings and most recently, the Nashville Predators.
LUCAS GORE GOALTENDING COACH
Gore is currently a goalie coach for the Spokane Chiefs in the WHL. Before that Gore spent time coaching with the WHL’s Kamloops Blazers and BCHL’s Prince George Spruce Kings. Prior to coaching Gore played one season with BCHL’s Vernon Vipers before playing three full seasons with WHL’s Chilliwack Bruins. He moved on to play four years at the university of Regina then finished his playing career with ECHL’s Stockton Thunder. MICHAEL DUCO OKANAGAN HOCKEY GROUP SKILLS DEVELOPMENT COACH
Duco was an assistant coach for the Peterborough Petes of the OHL during the 2017-18 season after serving as a head coach with the ECHL’s Elmira Jackals the previous season. On top of his duties with the Petes, he also was involved with the Peterborough MHA as a skills development coach and player evaluator.
Duco enjoyed an extensive nine-year professional playing career that saw him play 18 games in the NHL with the Florida Panthers and Vancouver Canucks, 267 games in the AHL, as well as time spent in the ECHL and Europe.
HEATHER PERRIN MANAGER OF ATHLETIC THERAPY & MEDICAL SERVICES
Perrin has worked in a variety of sports including CIS Rugby, Junior and Provincial Lacrosse, Judo and Hockey. Perrin started working full time hockey in 2009 and has since been a team therapist in a number of leagues and programs including the JWHL, KIJHL, CSSHL, Team Alberta and Hockey Canada. Joining Hockey Canada in 2010, Perrin has worked at every level with the Canadian National Women’s Hockey Team, most recently serving as Team Therapist for the 2018 Olympic Team that won silver in Pyeongchang, South Korea.
BOB POND ATHLETIC THERAPIST
Pond is a former student-athlete at Minot State University where he played hockey and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training. Pond was an Academic All-American and 2013 ACHA Div. 1 National Champion. Pond is a Certified Athletic Trainer in the United States, Certified Athletic Therapist in Canada, Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist, and is also certified in Selective Functional Movement Assessment. TARA ASHWELL ATHLETIC THERAPIST
While completing her studies Ashwell worked two seasons as a Student Athletic Therapist with the Saanich Braves of the Vancouver Island Junior Hockey League. After graduating she spent two seasons in the AJHL with the Olds Grizzlies as their Athletic Therapist and Equipment Manager. Ashwell has also served as an Athletic Therapist at events such as the BC Hockey U15 and U16 Male High Performance Program, the BC Hockey U18 Female High Performance Invitational Camp, 2016 Alberta Cup, and the 2017 Hockey Alberta Peewee Prospects Camp.
DAN KENZIE STRENGTH & CONDITIONING COACH
Kenzie is a University of Calgary Kinesiology grad, and carries certifications in Strength & Conditioning, weightlifting, and assessment techniques. He has extensive coaching experience with athletes in various sports at all levels. Having spent the last seven years in a multidisciplinary facility, he brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in sport science, injury prevention, and training methods. Kenzie has spent many years working with hockey both in season and off season, including running NHL off season programs and spending many seasons with CSSHL programs.
BRYCE TWIBLE STRENGTH & CONDITIONING COACH
Twible graduated from the Human Kinetics program at UBC – Okanagan. During his time at UBC, he spent a year as the Assistant Athletic Therapist of the Kelowna Rockets. After graduation, Twible worked in the field of Sport Science performing force and bio-mechanical analysis. He has experience working with a range of athletes in the NHL, CHL and on the Canadian Alpine Ski Team. He is currently working towards completing his Master’s Degree in Sport Science. Twible joined OHA in September 2020. TREVOR CONNOLLY PROGRAM PHYSICIAN
Connolly is an emergency physician at Penticton Regional Hospital. He was the recipient of the Resident Research Award in 2003 and the Alice Grant Memorial Award in Family Medicine in June 2002. Connolly obtained his Doctor of Medicine with Great Distinction from the University of Saskatchewan.
GARTH ASTLES RESIDENTIAL LIFE COORDINATOR
Astles brings a wealth of experience and knowledge in working with youth and their families, through his work as a social worker with the BC Ministry of Children and Families. In addition, he has a unique understanding of the billet life – both as a host family through his childhood and as a billeted player during his time with the Seattle Breakers in the WHL. Garth feels this position has brought him full circle, back to the game he is most passionate about.
DAVE NACKONEY ACADEMIC ADVISOR
David Nackoney has been part of the Okanagan Hockey Academy since 2003. He has a Bachelor of Education degree and a Masters in Counselling from the University of Brandon Manitoba. Nackoney played university basketball and won two Canadian Championships and was named All Canadian. Dave’s role includes, but is not limited to: • Course Programming • Keeping students on track with • Ensure course work is up to date NCAA requirements and done to the best of ability • Working with Post-Secondary • Personal Counselling Schools ALUMNI TESTIMONIALS “MY TIME AT OHA ALLOWED ME TO FURTHER MY DEVELOPMENT AS A HOCKEY PLAYER AND PERSON WHICH ULTIMATELY PREPARED ME FOR THE NEXT LEVEL. OHA TAUGHT ME HOW TO BE A PROFESSIONAL AND TRULY GAVE ME THE EXPERIENCE OF A LIFETIME.” - CURTIS LAZAR, CALGARY FLAMES, NHL/CANADIAN WORLD JUNIOR CHAMPION
“I FOUND OKANAGAN HOCKEY ACADEMY TO BE ONE OF THE BEST EXPERIENCES IN MY LIFE. IT PREPARED ME TO BE THE BEST JUNIOR HOCKEY PLAYER I COULD BE. THE STAFF AT OHA WERE COMMITTED TO HELPING ME IMPROVE AND MOVE ON TO THE NEXT LEVEL.” - JOE HICKETTS, DETROIT RED WINGS / GRAND RAPIDS AHL/CANADIAN WORLD JUNIOR CHAMPION
“GOING TO OHA WAS ONE OF THE GREATEST DECISIONS I HAVE MADE FOR MY HOCKEY CAREER. OHA PREPARED ME FOR THE NEXT LEVEL. SKATING, STRENGTH, SPEED, CONDITIONING. I WOULDN’T BE THE PLAYER AND PERSON THAT I AM TODAY IF I HADN’T CHOSEN OHA.” - TYLER SOY, VICTORIA ROYALS, WHL/ANAHEIM DUCKS DRAFT PICK OKANAGAN HOCKEY ALUMNI
HOCKEY CANADA Canadian National Women’s U18 Team Alumni: IIHF World Junior Championships:
• Nara Elia - 2017 • Kaiden Guhle - 2021 Team Canada (Silver Medal) • Olivia Knowles - 2016, 2017 • Curtis Lazar - 2014, 2015, • Sophie Shirley - 2016, 2017 Team Canada (Captain) (Gold Medal) • Micah Hart - 2014, 2015 • Joe Hicketts - 2015, 2016, • Emily Clark - 2012, 2013 Team Canada (Gold Medal)
• Alexa Ranahan - 2013 • Luke Walker - 2010 • Brielle Bellerive - 2014 Team USA (Gold Medal) HIGHLIGHTED ATHLETES
• Kaiden Guhle - 2020, Montreal Canadiens • Ryan Gropp - 2015, New York Rangers (Round 2) (1st round, 16th overall) • Deven Sideroff - 2015, Anaheim Ducks (Round 3) • Matt Rempe - 2020, New York Rangers • Brad Morrison - 2015, New York Rangers (Round 4) (6th round, 165th overall) • Emily Clark - 2014, University of Wisconsin • Ben McCartney - 2020, Arizona Coyotes three-time member of the Canadian National (7th round, 204th overall) Women’s Team. • Michael Rasmussen - 2017, Detroit Red Wings • Micah Hart - 2014 Cornell University (Round 1, 9th overall) • Curtis Lazar - 2013, Ottawa Senators (Round 1) • Scott Walford - 2017, Montreal Canadians (Round 3, 68th overall) • Dennis Robertson - 2011, Toronto Maple Leafs (Round 6) • Jordan Hollett - 2017, Goaltender, Ottawa Senators (Round 6, 183rd overall) • Luke Walker - 2010, Colorado Avalanche (Round 5) • Josh Mahura - 2016, Anaheim Ducks (Round 3) • Mark MacMillan - 2010, Montreal Canadians • Beck Malenstyn - 2016, Washington Capitals (Round 4) (Round 5) • Tyler Soy - 2016, Anaheim Ducks (Round 7) EXPECTATIONS OF A PLAYER Here at OHA we believe that elite athletes need to be challenged, yet supported, in all aspects of their lives. We hold our student- athletes accountable on their efforts, attention to details, and their attitudes. We have learned through experience that those three key ingredients are keys to future success. OHA is built on experience, knowledge, passion for our game, and above all, OHA is built on each individual’s mark left behind as they move on to achieve their goals.
AN OKANAGAN HOCKEY PLAYER IS EXPECTED TO BE DIFFERENT THAN OTHERS: • Positive attitude internally and externally • Open minded • Respectful • Humble • Confident • Polite • Professional • Committed • Socially aware and responsible • Loyal • Trustworthy • Honest EVALUATION PROCESS & CAMPS
Penticton Male Evaluation Camps - Spring Female Development Showcase - Spring
SCHEDULE A MEETING If you would like to be challenged and given the opportunity to develop to your fullest, OHA is for you.
For more information, please contact: SCOTT MAY General Manager [email protected] 250.328.9279 PROGRAM FEES
OHA FEE STRUCTURE:
Student Program Fees $26,000.00 + GST
Non BC Resident Educational Fee $8,500.00 (within Canada)
International Fees $12,500.00
Billet Fees (if required) $7,500.00
**Educational fees subject to change**
2020/2021 TEAM TRAVEL FEES (+GST):
OHA PENTICTON:
U18 Prep $5,000.00
U17 Prep $5,000.00
U16 Prep $5,000.00
U15 Prep $5,000.00
U17 Female Prep $5,000.00
U18 Female Prep $6,000.00
**Team fees are subject to change** NOTES NOTES NOTES OKANAGANHOCKEY.COM 201-853 Eckhardt Avenue West, Penticton, BC V2A | 1-888-844-6611
@OKANAGANHOCKEY