Lakers Assistant Coach lands new coaching job

May 18, 2010

The Nelson Leafs Hockey Society announced today that Chris Shaw has accepted the position of Head Coach and General Manager of the Nelson Leafs Hockey Club.

A resident of Penticton, BC, Shaw was heavily involved in numerous aspects of the Okanagan Hockey School, including their Shooters and Scorers program and International Development Tournament.

“The Okanagan Hockey Academy has been absolutely amazing to me,” said Shaw. “They hired me to work at the Okanagan Hockey School when I was a 24-year-old who was still playing hockey and I learned a lot. When the time came for me to move on from my playing career they hired me on as assistant coach with the Alberni Valley Bulldogs of the BCHL. The next year they gave me the opportunity to work under Alan Kerr as an assistant coach with the Penticton Lakers. I can’t thank them enough for the opportunities that they’ve given me. Thanks to them I’ve had the chance to grow and progress as a coach.”

Andy Oakes, President of the Okanagan Hockey Academy, believes that Shaw will make a positive addition to the Nelson Leafs.

“Chris has shown a tremendous amount of growth within our organization,” said Oakes. “He’s developed a lot this past year both on and off the ice, professionally and personally.  He’s really grown into a fine young coach. The Nelson Leafs are consistently one of the top organizations in the KIJHL and it’s great for Chris to get the opportunity to be the GM and head coach.  This will give him a great first crack at running his own program in a great setting with a great organization in Nelson.”

Oakes said the Okanagan Hockey Academy takes pride developing young players and coaches alike.

“We move a lot of players on to higher levels but we’re also extremely proud to give young coaches the opportunity to grow with us and then get opportunities with other organizations,” said Oakes. “Ultimately to be successful, our coaches have to leave the nest and spread their wings and learn to fly by themselves.”

Shaw will begin his new role with the Nelson Leafs Hockey Club at the beginning of June, but plans to stay involved with the Okanagan Hockey School in the summers.


For additional information:

Steve Taylor
Director, Website & Media Services
Okanagan Hockey Academy
Mobile: 250-809-9715
stevetaylor@hockeyschools.com