Oliver Outlaws Hire Award-Winning Coach as Inaugural Bench Boss

Award-winning coach Jake Gushue joins Oliver Outlaws, aiming for community involvement and championships.

The Oliver Outlaws have hired award-winning coach Jake Gushue as their inaugural bench boss. According to Castanet Oliver/Osoyoos, Gushue led the Dryden Ice Dogs in the Ontario Superior International Junior Hockey League Coach of the Year (2024-25).

Gushue's vision for the team includes teaching social skills and developing players for post-secondary scholarships. He also plans to provide billet homes for players, offering a $700 stipend and season passes.

The Oliver Outlaws are the first junior hockey franchise in recent years, created by the Western International Junior Hockey League. The main camp for 16-20 year old players was held on August 28-30 at Royal LePage Place in West Kelowna.