Okanagan Hockey Group VP Dixon Ward announced that Matt Hughes has been named the head coach of the Okanagan Hockey Academy (OHA) female prep team.
Hughes, 40, joins OHA after spending the past two seasons as the general manager and head coach of the BCHL’s Alberni Valley Bulldogs.
“We are excited to have Matt join us in the development and placement of our female student-athletes,” said Ward. “He is an experienced coach that has strong leadership skills and is committed to the development philosophy we have in place at OHA, both on and off the ice. His personality, work ethic, and coaching style translate very well to the female game. Matt has a tremendous amount of experience in moving players on to the NCAA and USports levels, which is imperative at this level.”
Prior to his time with the Bulldogs, the Fort St. John native spent eight seasons in Junior A hockey as a head coach, associate coach, and general manager in the BCHL, AJHL and NAHL. He also was part of the Team Canada U17 coaching staff on two occasions.
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“I am thrilled to have the opportunity to join the Okanagan Hockey Academy and their strong history in developing young student-athletes,” said Hughes. “Transitioning to the elite female game is a great opportunity that I have been interested in for some time.”
Hughes and NCAA/USports Coaches will be at the 2019 OHA Female Development Showcase, which runs from April 19 to the 21 in Penticton, and is open to 2001-2005 born student-athletes.
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