Cam Barker – Assistant Coach
Cam Barker brings a wealth of professional playing and coaching experience to Okanagan Hockey. A highly regarded defenceman, Barker first made his mark in the Western Hockey League (WHL) with the Medicine Hat Tigers from 2002–2006. During his junior career, he was named a two-time WHL All-Star and played a key role in helping the Tigers capture the 2004 Memorial Cup. Internationally, Barker represented Canada with distinction, winning back-to-back gold medals at the IIHF World Junior Championships in 2004 and 2005.
In the 2004 NHL Entry Draft, Barker was selected 3rd overall by the Chicago Blackhawks, launching a professional career that spanned nearly a decade at the game’s highest levels. He went on to appear in 310 NHL games with the Chicago Blackhawks, Minnesota Wild, Edmonton Oilers, and Vancouver Canucks, contributing as a reliable two-way defenceman with a strong shot and high hockey IQ. In addition to his NHL career, Barker also competed in the AHL and Europe, further broadening his playing experience against elite competition worldwide.
Following his professional career, Barker transitioned into coaching, where he quickly established himself as a rising leader behind the bench. He joined the Penticton Vees (BCHL) as an Assistant Coach, helping guide the team to consecutive Fred Page Cup Championships in 2022 and 2023. In 2023, Barker was also selected as an Assistant Coach for Team BC at the Canada Winter Games, where he contributed to the province’s success on the national stage.
Today, Barker draws on both his NHL pedigree and coaching success to coach and mentor the next generation of players. His background gives him a unique ability to connect with athletes, blending first-hand experience from the highest levels of the game with a modern coaching approach focused on skill development, preparation, and professionalism.
