Chairperson: Andy Oakes
Andy is currently the President of Okanagan Hockey Group Inc. (OHG). Under his leadership, OHG has expanded operations into Europe, United Kingdom and Eastern Canada. In 2002, Okanagan Hockey Academy was the first hockey sport school recognized by BC Hockey.
As a leader in the industry, Andy has been instrumental in working with hockey governing bodies to establish Accredited Schools in Canada. He is a member of the Hockey Canada’s Sports School Committee, which has been working together since 2007 to establish Hockey Canada Accredited Schools. Andy was elected as the Chair of the BC Hockey Schools Committee from 2014 to 2018. He was a BCHL Executive Committee member for five years and was awarded BCHL Executive of the Year for two consecutive years, 2009 and 2010.
Andy is a founding member of the Canadian Sport School Hockey League (CSSHL). Andy has held multiple positions on the Board of Directors since the leagues inception, including Vice-Chairperson (2012-2013) and Chairperson (2011-12 and 2013 – present).
Andy’s passion is hockey. Not only does he work daily in this field, he gives back to his community by volunteering as a coach with Penticton Minor Hockey Association.
Vice-Chairperson: Jason Stewart
Jason has been actively involved in player development and coaching hockey since 2004. As a certificated High School teacher, he has worked in various teaching roles at the Edge School in Calgary, Alberta and St. Francis Xavier High School in Edmonton, Alberta while coaching both AAA club hockey and academy hockey for the past 16 years. Jason has also been actively involved with the Western Hockey League working with the Swift Current Broncos from 2007-2018 and currently with the Edmonton Oil Kings.
Education based hockey and player development have always been a passion for Jason and he was on the ground floor in his role at Edge School with the inception of the CSSHL. Currently, Jason sits as the Vice-Chairperson for the CSSHL Executive Committee and the Owner/President of the Northern Alberta Xtreme program and Dynamic Hockey Development.
Treasurer: Ryan Cyr
Ryan has been involved in the hockey development business for the last 15 years. Upon retirement from playing, Ryan continued to follow his passion for hockey and got into the business and administrative side of the game, opening up GDI Goaltending in Winnipeg, MB (now RINK Goaltender Development) in 2007.
For the past 11 years, Ryan has held numerous rolls within the RINK business, including General Manager, and has been the President since 2015. He was instrumental in the creation of the RINK Hockey Academy which is a Hockey Canada Accredited School that competes the Canadian Sport School Hockey League and has two locations, Winnipeg, MB and Kelowna, BC
Ryan was the Goaltending Coach for the WHL’s Spokane Chiefs from 2011-2019 and former Goaltending Coach for the WHL’s Regina Pats from 2007-2011.
From a playing perspective, Ryan played six years of Junior hockey, spending time in both the BCHL and WHL. Ryan then went on to play professionally in the ECHL, UHL and AHL.
Eastern Governor at Large: Andre Savage
With extensive experience in the NHL, AHL, NCAA, Germany and Sweden, Andre brings a wealth of practical knowledge to the CIH Academy coaching staff. Andre joined CIHA in 2012 and is currently the Hockey Director and Head Coach for the Voyageurs. He brings a professional approach and demonstrates true leadership. His focus on the development and attention to detail brings out the best in the young hockey players both on and off the ice.
Western Governor at Large: Ian Gallagher
Ian has led the Delta Hockey Academy since its inception in 2004. He designed and implemented the South Delta Secondary Hockey Academy Skills Program and has grown the academy to include 8 competitive teams in the Canadian Sport School Hockey League (CSSHL). Ian is the Strength and Conditioning Coach for the Delta Hockey Academy with over 25 years experience working with professional and amateur players, including 12 years with the Vancouver Giants (WHL) from 2004 to 2016. Ian earned his Bachelor of Education from the University of Alberta and taught for 15 years in the Edmonton School District.
Secretary: Jason Kerswill