Dean Wheeler named as new OCHC coach

We are delighted to announce that we have secured the services of Dean Wheeler as the club coach for the 2011-12 season. He is a full-time hockey coach who has spent four seasons working overseas and has also coached several club and university teams in the UK.

“We need to build on the two promotions for the 1sts and that of the 2nds in the last three years. Without sounding too dramatic the next nine months are key to the club’s future,” said club captain David Knapp. “We have a very good coach on board and there do seem to be a number of new members in the offing although actually seeing them in OC shirts will be the proof we require.

“The starting point is to ensure that as many of the club are at training on Wednesday evenings as from August 31.

"By addressing the main feedback from last season we now need everyone to show commitment to engender the spirit required and we need to have club members supporting the socials. In addition, each one of us needs to look to encourage players to join us. We cannot rely on new members just walking through the door nor one or two of the current members recruiting all the new players.”

Aside from the first training session, there will be a training day on Saturday September 3. “I would hope that all skippers can be at the club on the 3rd to talk over the points already mentioned re squad/team selection and the requirement to have movement between the sides,” Knapp added.