The Dallas Stars announced today that they have named Okanagan Hockey Academy’s Stu Barnes as an assistant coach.
Barnes, 46, spent the past two seasons on the OHA coaching staff, most recently as the head coach of the OHA Midget Prep White squad during the 2016-17 season where he led them to a 19-9-2 record.
“My family and I would like to thank OHA for a great experience,” said Barnes. “We enjoyed our time here and know that OHA will continue to provide a great atmosphere for all the athletes and families going forward.”
The Spruce Grove, Alta. product was previously an assistant coach with the Stars from 2008-2012.
Prior to coaching, Barnes spent 16 seasons in the NHL, amassing 597 points (261-336-597) in 1136 games, along with 62 points (30-32-62) in 116 post-season contests. He was originally drafted in the first round, fourth overall, by the Winnipeg Jets at the 1989 NHL Draft.
Barnes follows in the footsteps of another former OHA coach in Tim Hunter. Hunter was the head coach of the OHA Midget Varsity team during the 2011-12 season before becoming an assistant coach with the Washington Capitals in 2012-13. He is currently the head coach of the WHL’s Moose Jaw Warriors.
The OHA thanked Stu for his contributions to the development of their student athletes and coaching staff the past two seasons and wish him the best of luck in his new role with the Stars.
Barnes’ son Jack will be playing with the Penticton Vees of the B.C. Hockey League this coming fall.
Related: Sillinger, Cruikshank named co-captains for Penticton Vees
In other OHA news, it was announced that Schad Richea has been named the manager of athletic therapy and medical services.
Richea joins OHA from the Saskatchewan Roughriders where he spent the 2016 season as the head athletic therapist for the Canadian Football League (CFL) club.
“I am excited and eagerly looking forward to working with the Okanagan Hockey Academy,” said Richea. “OHA allows me the chance to offer my expertise in the development of young hockey players and be one of the many contributors at OHA to the elite hockey and educational development of young men and women. This opportunity also offers Rosalie and I the opportunity to move to the Okanagan and actively contribute to the community and the many sports, culture, and recreational interests that the Okanagan area offers us.”
Richea holds a Masters of Education (MEd) in Intercollegiate Athletic Leadership from the University of Washington, a post-degree diploma in Sports Injuries Management from Sheridan College, and a Bachelor of Science Hounours (BSc Hons) in Kinesiology from the University of Waterloo.
Prior to joining the Roughriders, Richea was an assistant athletic therapist with the Calgary Flames from 2009-2015, head athletic therapist with the University of Calgary Dinos from 2004-2009, and athletic therapist with the Regina Pats from 1997-2004.
Richea also brings a wealth of event experience, having served as an athletic therapist at the 2012 NHL All-Star Game, the 2015 Pan Am Games, the 2003 and 2007 Canada Winter Games, the 2015 Canada Summer Games, and the 2002 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge.
In his role, Richea will be responsible for supervising all athletic therapy and strength and conditioning staff to provide comprehensive programming and treatment to promote the health and well-being of all athletes. He will also oversee all training and ensure an emphasis is placed upon prevention, treatment and proper rehabilitation of injuries.