Okanagan Hockey Academy (OHA) is proud to announce the appointment of Craig Bedard as our new Manager of Female Teams.
This newly created leadership position represents an important milestone in the continued growth of OHA’s Female Program and reinforces our commitment to providing one of the premier female hockey development experiences in North America.
Craig has been an integral part of the OHA family, and his passion for player development, leadership, and mentorship makes him the ideal person to guide the next chapter of our Female Program.
As Manager of Female Teams, Craig will provide strategic leadership and direction for the program while working closely with Mike Needham, Senior Manager of Hockey Operations, to develop and execute a comprehensive recruitment and scouting strategy. His focus will be on identifying talented student-athletes early and ensuring OHA continues to be the destination of choice for female hockey players seeking elite development both on and off the ice.
Craig will also oversee the Female Program coaching staff, providing mentorship, guidance, and support while leading program evaluations, identification camps, spring camps, and showcase events. Working alongside U18 Female Prep Head Coach, Jesse Hammill, Craig will help ensure a unified approach to player development across all female teams, creating clear development pathways and delivering a consistent, high-quality experience for every student-athlete.
Beyond the rink, Craig will collaborate closely with Senior Management, Academic Services, Residential Life, and our partner schools to support the holistic development of every athlete. His leadership will help foster excellence not only in hockey, but also in academics, personal growth, accountability, and overall student-athlete well-being.
As part of this transition, Craig will also take on the role of Head Coach of the U18 Female Prep Black team, where he will continue to make a meaningful impact on the development of our female student-athletes both on and off the ice.
The creation of the Manager of Female Teams position reflects OHA’s ongoing investment in the future of girls’ hockey and our commitment to providing the highest standard of coaching, mentorship, and development opportunities for female athletes.
Please join us in congratulating Craig on this well-deserved appointment. We are excited to see the positive impact his leadership will have as we continue to grow and strengthen the OHA Female Program.
For more information about Okanagan Hockey Academy’s Female Program, please contact Craig Bedard at craigbedard@okanaganhockey.com.
