Oct 25, 2014 | RichF | 3086 views
Tobias Whelan Hired as Development Instructor
The North Central Ontario Hockey Association is pleased to announce that Tobias Whelan will lead our development program for the 2014-2015 season.
Whelan comes back to his roots to lead our development program. A native of Orillia, Tobias began his playing career with the Orillia Minor Hockey Association moving on to the "AAA" level in Barrie before returning to this area to play with the Preds. Drafted in the 4th round of the OHL, 71st overall, Tobias played 4 years with the Oshawa Generals being named team captain in his 4th season. Following his OHL career, Tobias went on to play 5 seasons in the CIS with Lakehead University where once again his leadership skills were recognized being selected as a team captain in his final two campaigns. Tobias was also a first team OUA all-star and led his team to a national silver medal and league title. Tobias finished his playing career playing a few seasons of professional hockey before settling back in his home town of Orillia. Tobias has spent two seasons as an assistant with our '99 team and is currently working with Randy Salmon and the Jr. "C" Orillia Terriers.
Tobias will work with each of our six teams. Assisting Tobias will be Brett Cook, also an Orillia native. Brett played 4 seasons in the OHL with the Erie Otters and the London Knights...playing in the Memorial Cup. Brett's experience on the blue line will complement Whelan's playing experience as a forward to provide our athletes with a well rounded experience each week.
On the recent hire of Whelan and Cook, NCOHA president Roger Crandell notes, " Tobias and Brett are two young men that we are pleased to have join our organization. Their playing careers speak for themselves. Our young athletes will benefit greatly from their knowledge. It is a wonderful opportunity for our players to see two of our own return to their roots to give back to the Predators. Tobias and Brett will be excellent role models for our kids and will serve as an example of what hard work and dedication can do for you in this game we all love. We are proud to have these two fine young men work closely with our 6 coaches."
Our development program will run weekly at the Bala arena. Please check our main calendar.