Okanagan Hockey Academy Penticton Announces New Assistant Coach for U15 Team
OHA Penticton is excited to announce that Cam Barker, currently serving as the Academyโs Skills Coach, has accepted an additional role as Assistant Coach of the U15 team, effective January 1st and continuing through the remainder of the 2025-2026 season.
Barker offers an exceptional blend of professional playing experience, coaching success, and athlete-centered development to the U15 program. A highly regarded defenceman throughout his career, Barker started his pro (Jr.) career with the WHLโs Medicine Hat Tigers (2002โ2006), where he earned two WHL All-Star selections and played a pivotal role in capturing the 2004 Memorial Cup. His impressive junior career extended onto the international stage, where he helped Team Canada secure back-to-back gold medals at the 2004 and 2005 IIHF World Junior Championships.
Selected 3rd overall in the 2004 NHL Entry Draft by the Chicago Blackhawks, Barker went on to play 310 NHL games with the Chicago Blackhawks, Minnesota Wild, Edmonton Oilers, and Vancouver Canucks. His professional career also included significant time in the AHL and European leagues.
Following his playing career, Barker transitioned into coaching. He served as an Assistant Coach with the Penticton Vees (BCHL), contributing to back-to-back Fred Page Cup Championships in 2022 and 2023. His coaching resume also includes representing British Columbia as an Assistant Coach for Team BC at the 2023 Canada Winter Games, helping guide the team to success on the national stage.
As OHA Penticton’s Skills Coach, Barker has a unique ability to connect with our student-athletes. His blend of NHL experience, tactical understanding, and modern development philosophy has elevated OHA’s training environment, emphasizing skill development, preparation, and professionalism. We are excited for him to bring that same level of energy and commitment to our U15 team.
OHA Penticton congratulates Cam and looks forward to the positive impact he will have on our U15 group and all of our student-athletes for the remainder of the season.
For more information about our program for the 26-27 season, please click here to learn more about our hockey program or find out more about our spring male ID camp happening this spring.
