Mike Needham brings extensive experience as both a player and coach at the highest levels of hockey to Okanagan Hockey Academy, where he serves as Senior Manager of Hockey Operations.
Needham began his junior career with the WHL’s Kamloops Blazers, playing 225 games from 1987 to 1990 before advancing to the professional ranks. He went on to play 100 games in the NHL, including 95 games with the Pittsburgh Penguins. During his time in Pittsburgh, Mike was part of the Penguins’ 1992 Stanley Cup championship team before finishing his NHL career with five games with the Dallas Stars.
Following his playing career, Mike transitioned into coaching and player development, returning to the Kamloops Blazers organization as a Skills Coach in 2011. He later served as an Assistant Coach with the Blazers from 2014 to 2018, working closely with players and contributing to their development at the WHL level.
Drawing on his experience as an NHL player, Stanley Cup champion, WHL player, and coach, Mike brings a wealth of knowledge and perspective to his role at Okanagan Hockey Academy. His firsthand understanding of what it takes to progress through the hockey pathway allows him to support both student-athletes and staff while contributing to the continued development and success of the OHA program.
