Generals name Steve O’Rourke as 36th Head Coach in team historyOshawa, Ont. – The Oshawa Generals organization would like to congratulate Associate Coach, Steve O’Rourke for transitioning into the role of Head Coach for the upcoming 2024/25 season. O’Rourke will be the 36th Head Coach in Oshawa Generals history.
O’Rourke joined the Generals club in September 2022 as Associate Coach and has provided support to former Head Coach, Derek Laxdal, for the past two years.
“Steve is a great fit for this responsibility of Head Coach,” says Generals GM and Vice President, Roger Hunt. “He worked alongside former Coach of the Year, Coach Lax, and supported the team with their growth into the OHL Championship Series. He knows what it takes to lead a junior hockey club and we could not be more pleased with his commitment to this team.”
Being on the bench for the past two seasons will undoubtedly help make this transition easy on the group, as staff, players, and GensNation have watched O’Rourke contribute to the team’s success both on and off the ice.
“This is an exciting and bittersweet moment for me,” shares O’Rourke. “I am very excited to be able to join the long history of successful Oshawa General coaches and get to lead such a storied franchise in the Canadian Hockey League. I’m honoured by the faith that Rocco, Roger and Mike are showing in me.”
Steve continues, “The bittersweet part is losing a great coach, mentor and friend in Derek, but it is going great opportunity to build on the momentum that has been created these past two seasons. It has been amazing to watch the growth of players on and off the ice and I’m excited to have the opportunity to lead such good individuals.”
From Summerland, BC., O’Rourke spent six seasons with the WHL’s Prince George Cougars as an associate coach and their Director of Player Development. Before joining the Cougars, O’Rourke spent three seasons with the Red Deer Rebels and two seasons with the AHL’s Abbotsford Heat.
In addition to his CHL coaching experiences, O’Rourke has represented Canada at the World Under-17 Hockey Challenge as an assistant coach for Team Canada Red in 2019-2020. O’Rourke coached alongside former associate coach Kurtis Foster.
O’Rourke has more than 15 years of playing experience. Starting as a junior in the WHL, O’Rourke spent time with the Tri-City Americans, and Moose Jaw Warriors. In 1992, he was drafted 159th overall by the New York Islanders, but unfortunately never broke into the NHL. His playing career did however continue, with stops at the University of Lethbridge, Louisiana IceGators of the ECHL, Bracknell Bees in the United Kingdom, Mississippi Sea Wolves, Adirondak FrostBite, Muskegon Fury and Quad City Mallards.
“We are excited for Steve for this opportunity. He has a ton of experience and has earned this opportunity. We look forward to this next journey together with Steve and helping bring another championship to our great fans,” says General’s Owner and President, Rocco Tullio.
The Oshawa Generals staff, coaches, players and community all welcome Coach O’Rourke with this new role and wish him the best for what’s to come for this next season!
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