Former Oceanside Generals bench boss Jesse Hammill has been appointed head coach of the Okanagan Hockey Academy (OHA) Penticton U18 Female Prep team.
The OHA welcomes Hammill’s wealth of experience and proven track record of excellence in coaching, mentoring and player development.
Hammill’s passion for coaching ignited at 17 and it has taken him across various leagues, including the Vancouver Island Junior Hockey League (VIJHL) and the English Premier Ice Hockey League (EPIHL).
“We are very excited to bring Jesse on board as the head coach of our U18 female prep team and for the future of our female program under his leadership,” said OHA general manager, Scott May. “Jesse’s background and track record perfectly align with the comprehensive criteria we set for this pivotal position. We sought a leader with unwavering passion, an ability to build positive relationships, and a commitment to advocating on behalf of the players for post-secondary opportunities.”
May added Hammill understands the women’s game and has made connections that are invaluable for the position, having worked as both coach and general manager.
“This is a critical position within our organization, and we look forward to working with Jesse as we look to enhance our competitiveness for the 2024-25 season,” said May.
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Before embarking on a coaching career, Hammill spent 13 years as a player, honing his skills on the ice with notable European stops. His extensive playing experience has undoubtedly enriched his coaching approach, providing a deep understanding of the game from a player’s perspective.
Hammill was head coach of the Generals for two seasons from 2016 to 2018. He was associate coach with the Nanaimo Buccaneers in 2019-2020 and the following year was assistant GM and coach with the Campbell River Storm. He also served as assistant coach for Team BC U18 Women’s Team
The Parksville coach has dedicated his expertise to nurturing young talent. Notably, he served as the owner/operator of Elite Female Hockey Development, where he worked closely with U18 players, offering invaluable guidance and facilitating college placements.
His commitment to player development is further exemplified by his tenure as the head coach and general manager of the Vancouver Island Seals in the BCEHL U18 Female AAA division.
“After four great years with the Vancouver Island Seals it was a very difficult decision to leave the players and families that I had built relationships,” said Hammill. “However, I could not turn down the amazing opportunity OHA presented. There were so many aspects from the education, medical area, gym and the opportunity to collaborate with the coaching staff, that really stood out when I visited the facility. This was effectively what made the final decision for me. I am very excited to work with very like-minded individuals to continue the growth of the female game at the academy, and most importantly be an advocate for the players to help them achieve their goal of playing collegiate hockey.”