Team Ontario Men's Hockey Staff Announced

The Ontario Hockey Federation, Hockey Eastern Ontario and Hockey Northwestern Ontario are pleased to announce the Team Ontario coaching staff for the men’s hockey team that will represent the province at the 2027 Canada Winter Games in Quebec City.

Held every four years, the Canada Winter Games showcases the top under-16 hockey talent in the country that sees one province or territory emerge as the best in the Nation. Team Ontario will be entering the competition as the defending men’s hockey gold medalists four years ago in PEI.  

Leading the 2027 men’s hockey roster team will be Director of Operations Jeff Robert, Head Coach Steve Devine, as well as Associate Coaches Wes Wolfe and Dan Fitzgerald.

Returning as Head Coach for the 2027 games is Steve Devine. Steve was the Head Coach of the 2023 Team that won Gold in PEI. Devine on being names the Head Coach for the 2nd time:

It is an incredible honour to be named Head Coach for Team Ontario at the 2027 Canada Winter Games. Representing our province on a national stage is a privilege, and I’m humbled by the opportunity to lead such a talented staff. I look forward to the journey ahead and the chance to help the young players across our province grow, compete, and wear the Ontario crest with pride.

Associate Coaches Wes Wolfe and Dan Fitzgerald also bring a wealth of experience to the tournament. Wolfe spent the last 8 seasons as an assistant coach with the Erie Otters of the Ontario Hockey League. Wolfe stated:

It is a tremendous honour to be named to the coaching staff for Team Ontario. Representing our province at the Canada Winter Games is a unique opportunity, and I’m excited to work with such a talented group of athletes and staff as we pursue excellence on and off the ice.

Dan Fitzgerald also brings a wide range of experience to the 2027 team. Dan has spent 7 seasons as a head coach in the GOJHL as well as two seasons in the OHL as both a head and assistant coach. Fitzgerald on the opportunity to represent Ontario:

I am very grateful for the opportunity to serve as part of the Team Ontario staff and represent our province at the 2027 Canada Winter Games. I can't wait to get to work with the staff and players as we prepare to compete on the national stage.

Jeff Robert will once again act as Director of Operations for the 2027 games.

I am very excited to reprise my role as the D.O.O for Team Ontario at the 2027 Canada Winter Games. We had a very special group in 2023 and are looking to recapture that magic in Quebec City. We have an excellent coaching staff set in place, and I am looking forward to the challenge over the next 19 months. These games are extra special as we have been able to add the 2026 Ontario Summer Games to our evaluation process. Combining these two great events will give us an opportunity to assess Ontario athletes over 2 seasons, and giving them not one, but two memorable events will make these games even that more special,” said Robert.

Robert also added “our goal is to create a positive and memorable experience for the players that will be chosen to represent Team Ontario and make the games the best hockey experience they have had in their careers to date

ABOUT THE CANADA WINTER GAMES

From February 27 until March 12, 2027, the eyes of the nation will be on Quebec City as they host the 2027 Canada Winter Games - the largest multi-sport and cultural event for youth in Canada. Featuring over 150 events in 20 sports, the 2027 Canada Winter Games will welcome up to 3,600 athletes, managers, and coaches. For more information on the 2027 Games, please visit: Québec 2027