OKANAGAN HOCKEY ONTARIO
About...
At Okanagan Hockey Ontario 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.
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.
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.
Academics...
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.
Henry Street High School Website
Athletics...
Our athletes take part in daily purposeful training both on ice and off ice. 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 belief is that in order to be the best you must surround yourself with the best.
Staff...
At Okanagan Hockey Ontario, our coaches bring an unparalleled level of expertise to their coaching duties each day. Their tremendous experience as both players and coaches at the Major Junior, Collegiate, and Professional levels allows them to build the student athlete in an incremental manner, focusing on the small details that separate elite players from the rest – both on the ice, and off.
Teams...
Okanagan Hockey Ontario currently offers a male U18 AAA team for the 2018-19 season. The team will play a 40+ game schedule competing at tournaments, Canadian Sport School Hockey League (CSSHL) Showcases and exhibition games.
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.
Elite Training Systems Website
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.
Iroquois Park Sports Centre Website
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...
Paul Pascuzzi, Business and Operations Manager: paulpascuzzi@okanaganhockey.com
Mike Duco, Head Coach: mikeduco@okanaganhockey.com
Jamie Johnson, Assistant Coach: jamiejohnson@okanaganhockey.com
Looking for a program you can trust?
We have over 50 years of experience.
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.