Okanagan Hockey Ontario
ABOUT
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.
Okanagan Hockey is built on experience, knowledge, passion for our game, and above all, Okanagan Hockey 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 Okanagan Hockey Ontario a tremendous opportunity for any young and aspiring hockey player.
STAFF
MIKE DUCOHEAD COACH
Mike 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 Minor Hockey Association as a skills development coach and player evaluator.
The Toronto, Ont. product 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. Mike played parts of five seasons in the OHL with the Kitchener Rangers, where he was part of the 2008 J. Ross Robertson Cup winning team as OHL champions.
JAMIE JOHNSON
ASSISTANT COACH
Jamie joins Okanagan Hockey Ontario after serving as an assistant coach with the University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT) men’s ice hockey team during the 2017-18 season.
Jamie enjoyed a 14-year professional playing career that saw him play 431 games at the AHL level, 181 games in the ECHL, as well as four seasons in Europe. Prior to playing professionally, the Port Franks, Ont. product played four seasons in the OHL with the Sarnia Sting and Oshawa Generals, accumulating 249 points (55-194-249) in 262 career regular season games.
PAUL RANGER
DEFENCEMEN/SKILL DEVELOPMENT COACH
Paul joins Okanagan Hockey Ontario after spending two seasons as an assistant coach with the University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT). Prior to joining the UOIT coaching staff, Paul spent eight seasons playing professionally, which included 323 games at the NHL level with the Tampa Bay Lightning and Toronto Maple Leafs.
The Whitby, Ont. product played four seasons in the OHL with the Oshawa Generals and was selected in the sixth round, 183rd overall, by the Lightning at the 2002 NHL Draft.
LOCATION
The Town of Whitby is located on the north shore of Lake Ontario and has a population of 128,377.
The Town's proximity to major 400 series highways provides easy access to many other Canadian destinations, U.S. border crossings, and U.S. interstate highways. Toronto's Lester B. Pearson International Airport is 63 km away with efficient connections throughout North America and overseas. Oshawa Airport is adjacent to Whitby, and Toronto Island Airport is 57 km west of Whitby with daily service to many Canadian and U.S. cities.
EDUCATION
Henry Street High School has a proud tradition of academic excellence, and of providing many and varied opportunities for students to get involved in school life. HSHS has a strong athletics program, including team sports and intramural activities, numerous clubs and committees, a creative drama program, which produces fabulous student performances, and an outstanding music program. There are also opportunities for students to exhibit leadership in the school and community by participating in programs such as Culture of Peace, Students Against Racism, Students Against Drunk Driving and Student Council activities.
HOCKEY DEVELOPMENT
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 belief is that in order to be the best you must surround yourself with the best.
ELITE TRAINING SYSTEMS
The strength and conditioning component of the program is in partnership with Elite Training Systems. We strongly believe that physical preparation is key to long-term hockey development.
Elite Training Systems is committed to helping all athletes reach their athletic potential. They believe in building well-rounded athletes through education and execution on proper training, nutrition and recovery strategies. All of our programs are progressive and designed on an individualized basis.
ON-ICE FACILITY
Situated on 50 acres of parkland, the Iroquois Park Sports Centre (IPSC) is Canada's largest municipally owned and operated recreation facility. Inside, there are six arenas, including a large stadium arena, two pools, a fully licensed restaurant and food court area, banquet and meeting rooms, a pro shop and elite athletic training facilities. Outside, there are six illuminated tennis courts, three illuminated tournament quality baseball diamonds, another two unlit ball diamonds and a fully lit tournament quality soccer pitch. The 250,000 square foot sports and entertainment facility was voted in the Top 5 "Best Arenas in the GTA" by Toronto Star.
OFF-ICE FACILITY
The Abilities Centre is a 125,000 square foot, state-of-the-art facility that offers sports, fitness, arts and life skills programming, as well as research and education opportunities, for people of all ages and abilities.
Recognized as an International Centre of Excellence for its fully accessible design and inclusive environment, world-class partnerships and signature programming, the multi-award winning facility includes three full regulation-size basketball courts, a six-lane, 200m indoor running track, two resistance training areas, two aerobics class rooms, a cardiovascular exercise area and more.
CONTACT
Jamie Johnson, Assistant Coach: jamiejohnson@okanaganhockey.com
Looking for a program you can trust?
We have over 50 years of experience.
In 2010 I was fortunate enough to play at the Okanagan Hockey Academy on the Midget Prep team. With coaches like Robert Dirk and Greg Holst it was an unbelievable year. I have to this day still never been on such a close-knit team. It was my first year of midget hockey and that meant a lot more travel. Playing in the CSSHL I got the opportunity to play in some pretty awesome spots. The league helped me learn to stay on top of school, which has helped me not only in college but also in junior. I was able to make an easy jump to junior and college academically with the help of Dave Nackoney, a guidance counselor at Penticton Secondary School who works with all the student athletes. To this day if I need anything he is always more than willing to help. It is the great staff that left such an impression on me, and made it possible for me to be where I am today.