OHA Penticton Welcomes Cam Barker as Assistant Coach and Skills Coach for all OHA teams for the 2023-2024 Season
OHA Penticton is thrilled to announce the addition of Cam Barker as Assistant Coach and Skills Coach for the upcoming 2023-2024 season. With a distinguished career in hockey spanning various leagues and championships, Cam brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the organization, contributing to the growth and development of the OHA student-athletes.
Born and raised in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Cam Barker’s hockey journey is marked by exceptional achievements. He showcased his talents in the WHL, playing with the Medicine Hat Tigers from 2002 to 2006, where he earned the honor of being a 2-time WHL All-star and a league champion during the 2004 Memorial Cup.
Cam’s contributions to Canadian hockey are equally impressive, having represented Canada on four occasions, including his participation in the prestigious World Junior Championships in 2004 and 2005, both resulting in gold medals. His prowess earned him a high draft position as the 3rd overall pick by the Chicago Blackhawks in 2004, leading to a successful NHL career encompassing 310 games with the Chicago Blackhawks, Minnesota Wild, Edmonton Oilers, and Vancouver Canucks.
His passion for the game took him abroad as well, playing for five seasons in the KHL with Barys Astana and HC Slovan Bratislava, along with stints in the Swiss National League, Liiga of Finland, and France’s Rouen Dragons.
In recent years, Cam has transitioned into coaching, leaving a lasting impression on the Penticton Vees as an Assistant Coach, securing consecutive Fred Page Cup Championships in 2022 and 2023. Notably, he also served as an Assistant Coach for the 2023 BC Canada Winter Games Men’s Team, competing in PEI and achieving a commendable 4th-place finish.
Cam’s unique perspective, shaped by his time playing alongside the game’s top coaches and players, has honed his skills in game sense, special teams, positional reads, systems, and teamwork. His dedication to imparting his knowledge and passion for the game aligns perfectly with OHA Penticton’s commitment to fostering a holistic approach to athlete development.
“I’m thrilled to be joining OHA and excited to share my experiences and knowledge of the game with all of our Student-Athletes,” expressed Cam Barker.
Scott May, OHA Penticton’s General Manager, is equally enthusiastic about this addition to the coaching staff, stating, “We are excited to add another piece to the coaching staff at OHA in Penticton that will bring a skills component and knowledge of the game as a recent professional player. Cam’s excitement to help the local talent in an Academy setting was evident in our discussions, and we look forward to having another resource within our coaching staff.”
As Cam Barker embarks on this new chapter with OHA Penticton, his dedication and expertise are set to inspire the next generation of hockey players, equipping them with the skills, insights, and values that define a truly exceptional athlete and teammate.
If you are interested in learning more about our program for the 2023-2024 season, please contact General Manager, Scott May at scottmay@okanaganhockey.com