Title of Position: U17 Head Coach
Term: Permanent Full Time
Start Date: August 15, 2025
Remuneration: $47,000 – $65,000 depending on experience
Announcement Date: April 4, 2025
Closing Date: April 22, 2025
The Okanagan Hockey Academy is seeking a full-time Head Coach to work with our U17 Program for the 2025-2026 Season. The successful candidate will become part of a world class hockey development program that believes in a commitment to excellence in all areas of the athletes’ on and off ice training.
Our Mission
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.
OHA Background
The Okanagan Hockey Academy is a division of Okanagan Hockey Group Inc. which is the longest and oldest running hockey school in the world, providing professional hockey instruction since 1963. Located in Penticton, British Columbia, we offer a state-of-the-art facility to provide a unique development opportunity for each of our student athletes. The Okanagan Hockey Academy is a prep school environment which consists of 7 teams that include both male and female programs. These programs include teams at the Under 18 Prep, Under 18 Female Prep, Under 17 Prep, Under 17, Under 15 Prep, and Under 15 levels. For more information on Okanagan Hockey Academy, please visit our website at Home Page – OHA Penticton.
Scope of Work:
Reporting to the Senior Manager, Hockey Operations, the Head Coach will direct all aspects and components of the team including:
- Development and implementation of daily, weekly, and yearly practice plans
- Game play technical and tactical systems
- Video analysis
- Trip planning and budget management in conjunction with Manager of Operations, Sponsorship and Business Development and Senior Manager, Operations
- Development of student-athlete character through community service and charity events
- Communication with student-athletes’ families on a weekly and monthly basis – progress reports, schedules etc.
- Assessing and establishing individual student-athlete goals and creating individual athletic development plans in conjunction with Head of Strength & Conditioning and Head of Athletic Therapy
- Monitoring academic performance in conjunction with Academic Advisor
- Preparing written evaluations of student-athletes
- Motivate and inspire student-athletes to reach their full potential and become better people, not just hockey players
- Actively assist with recruitment of & retention to the Male Program teams
- Assist with the organization and execution of Male ID Camps and other OHA programs as required
- Upholding the standards and philosophies of OHA
Qualifications & Requirements:
- Bachelor’s Degree
- High Performance 1 Coaching Certification with a minimum of 2 years coaching experience
- High level hockey experience including playing, coaching and/or management preferred
- Experience working with youth on individual skill development considered an asset
- Respect in Sport (RIS) / Hockey Canada Safety Person (HCSP) / Concussion Awareness Training Tool (CATT)
- Class 4 Driver’s License and Driver’s Abstract or must obtain within 30 days of hire
- A proven record of integrity, high principles and demonstrated skill in developing and motivating student-athletes both academically and athletically
- Must pass company screening including Criminal Record Check and Vulnerable Persons Check
- Excellent organizational, administrative and problem-solving skills
- Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills
- Strong computer skills with proficiency using Microsoft Office
Application Procedures: Please send resume and cover letter to:
Mike Needham
Senior Manager, Hockey Operations
Via email at mikeneedham@okanaganhockey.com