Okanagan Hockey School/Academy

Blake Pearson Impresses at Everett Silvertips Camp

hockeyschools — Tue, 28 Aug 2012 23:02:49 +0000

Blake Pearson, 1996, posted an impressive 2.02 GAA last year with the OHA Midget Red. The sixteen year old, became one of the most reliable goaltenders in the Province for his age and caught the eye of the Everett Silvertips. He had a solid showing at camp and will use it as motivation coming into the 2012-13 season.

OHA congratulates alumni Tanner Cunninghan on his tryout with Everett Silvertips

hockeyschools — Tue, 28 Aug 2012 21:31:57 +0000

The Okanagan Hockey Academy wishes to congratulate Tanner Cunningham on tryout with the Everett Silvertips. The 6’8″, 210lb defenceman played 49 games (3G, 6A, 40PIM) with the OHA Midget AAA under the watchful eye of Head Coach Tim Hunter.

Cunningham will join the Princeton Posse of the KIJHL for the the 2012/13 season.

Okanagan Hockey Academy Students chosen to Participate in Canada U18 World Championship Selection Camp.

hockeyschools — Tue, 14 Aug 2012 05:30:51 +0000

The Okanagan Hockey Academy’s Female Midget program is proud to announce that three players from their program have been selected to represent Canada at the U18 World Championships. Hannah Miller, Alexa Ranahan and Emily Clark have all been chosen to represent Team Canada.

Thirteen forwards, seven defencemen and two goaltenders were chosen following Canada’s National Women’s Under-18 Team selection camp held Aug. 3-11 at Hockey Canada’s home rink, the WinSport Canada Athletic & Ice Complex, in Calgary.

Canada’s National Women’s Under-18 Team will play three games against the United States’ Women’s Under-18 National Team on Thursday, Aug. 16 at 7 p.m. CT, Friday, Aug. 17 at 7 p.m. CT and Sunday, Aug. 19 at 10 a.m. CT, at the National Sports Centre’s Schwan Super Rink in Blaine, Minn.

The tournament will not be completely unfamiliar with the girls as their Head Coach Rebecca Russell will be behind the bench as an assistant coach.

“We are extremely proud of the efforts put forth by Hannah, Alexa and Emily in the final selection camp,” said coach Rebecca Russell. “These camps are highly competitive and the experience will serve them well, as they further their hockey and personal lives”

Canada’s National Women’s Under-18 Team by province:

Ontario – six (Bunton, Capizzano, Korbs, Martindale, McKibbon, Sauvé)

Alberta – four (Baumgardt, Heffernan, Murray, Smith)

British Columbia – three (Newell, Miller, Ranahan)

Québec – three (Bannon, Daoust, Dubois)

Manitoba – three (Brykaliuk, Carels, Krzyzaniuk)

Saskatchewan – two (Clark, Ottenbreit-Daunheimer)

Prince Edward Island – one (Steele)

For more information:

Rebecca Russell

Head Coach – OHA Female Midget Team

Okanagan Hockey Academy

rebeccarussell@hockeyschools.com

Port Alberni Junior Hockey Society Purchases Alberni Valley Bulldogs

hockeyschools — Fri, 10 Aug 2012 19:29:03 +0000

The Port Alberni Junior Hockey Society announced today that it has completed the purchase of 100% of the Alberni Valley Bulldogs Hockey Club from the current ownership group which includes Okanagan Hockey School, The See Group of Companies and Doctor David Ness.
In confirming the league approval of the sale of the team earlier this week, BCHL Commissioner John Grisdale noted that Bulldogs have a proud history in the Alberni Valley and that the league is happy the franchise will remain in place in Port Alberni as Coach Willison and the players work to get back to the top.
Society Director Darren DeLuca stated that PAJHS will hold 100% of the shares of the team and has developed a solid business plan that includes all outstanding payables funded in full. “The Society has prepared a detailed operating budget for the 2012-2013 season and has reviewed due diligence and financial history provided by the current ownership group and feel that, with continued community and fan support, it will be able to operate a vibrant and viable team over the coming seasons” said DeLuca.
The shift to a locally owned community team is a positive move for the organization noted Andy Oakes, president of Okanagan Hockey School and outgoing majority owner of the team. “On behalf of Okanagan Hockey School, Dennis See, the See Group of Companies and Dr. David Ness we would like to thank the staff, season ticket holders, sponsors, billet families and players that have been with the team through our ownership. This move for the team to be locally owned is a very positive step for Junior Hockey in the community. We wish the Port Alberni Junior Hockey Society all the best in the operations of the team and look forward to watching the club have a positive future on and off the ice” said Oakes.
PAJHS Fundraising Chair Bob Cole noted that the Society will continue its fundraising effort. “As stated previously, in order to be in a strong position moving forward, we would like to raise a minimum of $50,000 more prior to the start of the season. Those additional funds will ensure that the team will start with the resources it needs to kick off a successful season” said Cole.
The Bulldogs organization will be guided by a 7 person Board of Directors appointed this week by PAJHS. This well rounded team offers a solid combination of business and hockey expertise and is challenged with the task of developing a winning, financially successful team on behalf of the community that now owns it. There are no significant changes in team personnel ensuring continuity for fans, sponsors, players and volunteers.
The Port Alberni Junior Hockey Society (PAJHS) was formed to purchase majority ownership in the Alberni Valley Bulldogs for the purpose of securing the team locally and providing benefits for the community derived from having a ‘not for profit’ organization as the principle owner. The BCHL now has 5 teams currently operating successfully as societies. The League is widely known as one of the top junior hockey organizations in North America and features 16 teams throughout the province.

Okanagan Hockey School Welcoming Record Crowds

hockeyschools — Wed, 08 Aug 2012 18:18:12 +0000

Penticton, BC – Okanagan Hockey School, celebrating its 50th year of business, has welcomed more than 900 families in the past three weeks!!

“Rainy weather may have slowed down business in Penticton at the beginning of summer,” says Andy Oakes, President of OHS, “not so for the Hockey School. Our business is not weather dependent. Rain or shine, visitors registered in the OHS show up to spend a week or longer.”

To assist these visitors in planning their time in the Okanagan, the Okanagan Hockey School and select businesses welcome the families and promote their services to them when they arrive to register.

“It surprises me that many of these families haven’t a clue how they will be spending their time in Penticton” says Jackie Frederick of OHS. “Tourism Penticton and Summerland Chamber of Commerce provide tourism information while golf courses, spas, wineries, attractions, and restaurants offer discounts to encourage them to visit.”

For more information on the Okanagan Hockey School and the partnership programs, please visit http://www.hockeyschools.com or call Jackie Frederick, 250-488-0907.

Okanagan Hockey Schools, Ltd.

Tim Hunter rejoins the Washington Capitals as Assistant Coach

hockeyschools — Wed, 25 Jul 2012 14:29:12 +0000

The Washington Capitals have named Okanagan Hockey Academy’s former coach, Tim Hunter, the team’s assistant coach on July 23^rd, 2012. Hunter has a solid coaching career with 1,041 games through 13 seasons in the NHL.

Hunter helped the Capitals reach the Stanley Cup final in 1998 and the team reached the postseason in three of his five seasons with Washington, compiling a record of 192-159-51-8 (.540 percentage).

As a player Hunter played 16 seasons (1981-1997) in the NHL for Calgary, Quebec, Vancouver and San Jose. He won a Stanley Cup in 1989 when he was a member of the Calgary Flames. In 815 career NHL games the 6’2”, 200-pound right wing tallied 138 points (62 goals, 76 assists) along with 3,146 penalty minutes.

Hunter coached the OHA Varsity Red team for the 2011/2012 season leading the team to an impressive CSSHL first place finish. The landmark season was further enhanced by the awarding of 4 of the most prestigious awards in their division including MVP, Most Sportsmanlike, Student Athlete of the Year and Best Goaltender of the year. They finished with the most goals for in their division and 2^nd fewest goals against.

“I want to thank Andy, Dixon and Blake for allowing me to spend the winter coaching at OHA. I was allowed to implement my hockey philosophy and all my boys improved and we all had a great year. Coaching at OHA is pure coaching and it was a great reminder for me of the importance of teaching the fundamentals of hockey” says Hunter.

“OHA is very proud to have had the opportunity to have a coach of Tim’s stature in our organization. He contributed immensely to the organization over this past year on and off the ice. We wish him all the best in Washington” says Andy Oakes, President of the Okanagan Hockey Academy.

Bulldogs Release 2012-2013 Schedule

hockeyschools — Thu, 12 Jul 2012 16:55:30 +0000

The Alberni Valley Bulldogs announced today that the BCHL has finalized the season schedule and released it to the public.
The Bulldogs will open their preseason with five exhibition games; three at home and two on the road:
• Saturday, August 25 at 7pm at home versus Cowichan Capitals;
• Sunday, August 26 at 2pm away versus Nanaimo Clippers;
• Wednesday, August 29 at 7pm at home versus Victoria Grizzlies;
• Friday, August 31 at 7pm at home versus Nanaimo Clippers; and,
• Saturday, September 1 at 7pm away versus Cowichan Capitals.
After the BCHL Showcase at Prospera Centre in Chilliwack Sept. 7 to 9, the remainder of the regular season commences Sept. 14 with each team playing 27 home dates and 27 away.
This season’s schedule is a full interlock meaning each team will play in every other team’s rink at least once. As the league has gone back to three divisions which make up two conferences, the divisional schedules break down as follows:
MAINLAND DIVISION (5 teams)
Teams play each other eight times 32 games
Teams play Island clubs twice 10 games
Teams play Interior clubs twice 12 games
Total 54 games
ISLAND DIVISION (5 teams)
Teams play each other eight times 32 games
Teams play Mainland clubs twice 10 games
Teams play Interior clubs twice 12 games
Total 54 games
INTERIOR DIVISION (6 teams)
Teams play each other seven times,
and play one club six times 34 games
Teams play Mainland clubs twice 10 games
Teams play Island clubs twice 10 games
Total 54 games
With two games being played per team at the Showcase, there is a total of 56 regular season games for each team.
Alberni Valley Bulldogs’ schedule highlights include:
• Friday, September 14th at 7pm, season home opener versus the Cowichan Capitals;
• October 12 & 13, first home-and-home series of the season versus islandrivals the Nanaimo Clippers;
• Thursday, October 18th @7pm, big game versus Island Division rivals the Powell River Kings and the night before a province-wide professional day;
• Monday, December 31st @ 7pm, the Alberni Valley Bulldogs host their second-ever New Years Eve game. The first one proved to be a huge hit and the team will be announcing further details for this game – be sure to mark your calendars now!
• Saturday, January 19th at 7pm, the Alberni Valley Bulldogs host the RBC Champion Penticton Vee’s for their only regular-season visit to the Dog Pound.
The team’s full regular season schedule is now live at http://www.albernivalleybulldogs.ca by clicking the “Schedule” tab at the top of the
page. The league’s entire schedule can be accessed on http://www.bchl.ca by
selecting “League Schedule” under the “Scoreboard” tab at the top of the page. For more information please contact director of marketing Laurie Smillie at 250.723.4412 or lsmillie@albernivalleybulldogs.ca.

Winnipeg Jets captain, Andrew Ladd visits OHS

hockeyschools — Fri, 06 Jul 2012 18:02:23 +0000

Andrew Ladd drops in to visit, answer questions and sign autographs. Who will be the next surprise guest?

Okanagan Hockey Academy Student Adam Plant Accepts NCAA Harvard Scholarship

hockeyschools — Fri, 29 Jun 2012 22:42:28 +0000

Adam Plant (95), has accepted a scholarship to one of the most storied educational institutions in the world on Wednesday. The mobile defenseman committed to Harvard University.

Plant, a Penticton resident, played last season in the KIJHL and has committed to the Westside Warriors where he will spend his 2012-13 season. Plant spent the 2010-11 season with the Okanagan Hockey Academy’s Midget Prep team. Last year, he played in 47 games, scored 9 goals and added 28 assists with the Penticton Lakers.

“Adam will be an asset to the Harvard Crimson in the future,” Coach Dirk said. “Like every player, he needs to keep working on his strength but his understanding of the game, coupled with his character, will make him very successful.”

“The main reason I chose Harvard was because of the schooling and hockey program combination,” says Plant. “I have heard nothing but great things about the program from many people in the NCAA.”

For more information:

Blake Wesley

Senior Director of Hockey Operations

Okanagan Hockey Academy

blakewesley@hockeyschools.com

Funk and Rebagliati Commit to Bulldogs

hockeyschools — Thu, 14 Jun 2012 05:07:10 +0000

Port Alberni, BC – The Alberni Valley Bulldogs announce today that they have signed two more top prospects for the 2012/13 season: Zach Funk and Brad Rebagliati.

Zach Funk is a 1996-born forward that has come up through the Nanaimo Minor Hockey Association system. At the start of this season, Funk was one of the top forwards at the North Island Silvertips major midget tryouts before deciding to play at Shattuck-St. Mary’s in Faribault, Minnesota. As a 15-year old rookie, he put up 21 points in 54 games. Funk attended the Bulldogs’ spring identification camp held in Port Alberni, BC. At that camp, he definitely impressed the evaluating committee. “Playing in the BCHL has been a dream of mine since I was a little kid,” said Funk. “I am honored to be a Bulldog and can’t wait to contribute to the success of the team.”
Funk was also identified as one of the top 1996-born players in BC and was invited to participate in the BC Hockey U17 BC Cup this past May in Salmon Arm, BC. Funk tied all players for most points (9) and goals (5) in the 4-day competition en route to helping his team win the gold medal with a 1-0 win in the championship game.

Brad Rebagliati is a 1995-born goalie who grew up in Cranbrook, BC. This past season Rebagliati played for the OHA Prep team, appearing in 32 games and posting a 2.66 GAA. He was discovered in the Bulldogs’ spring identification camp held in Quesnel, BC, in late April. “I am very pleased to have the opportunity to be a Bulldog,” commented Rebagliati. “I am looking forward to the year and I am excited to live in Port Alberni.” Rebagliati has one of a small handful of goalies that received an invite to the 2010 U17 BC Hockey provincial camp. He didn’t allow a single goal in the three games that he appeared in. Rebagliati’s outstanding performance against the best players in the province earned him a spot on the short-list for Team Pacific, only to be beat out by Tristan Jarry who as a 16-year-old goalie this past season for the Edmonton Oil Kings in the WHL.
“Both players are great young talents,” said Alberni Valley Bulldogs head coach Kevin Willison. “We hope they will be a big part of our puzzle in the coming years and will be very exciting for our fans to watch,” added Willison. The Alberni Valley Bulldogs organization is very excited to welcome Zach and Brad to the organization. Additional commitments will be announced in the near future.

For more information please contact

Head Coach Kevin Willison at 250.735.0487 or
Assistant Coach Adam Hayduk at 250.723.4412or adam@albernivalleybulldogs.ca.