The OJHL has been shaped by bench leaders who built winning cultures, developed NCAA and pro prospects, and stayed in the league long enough to create real program identity. Public OJHL reporting on active coaching wins provides one of the clearest league-wide snapshots of who has mattered most on the bench.
Rich Ricci
St. Michael’s Buzzers. Why he matters: A benchmark OJHL builder with the league’s top public active-wins total and one of the strongest long-term development reputations. Parent note: a classic example of a coach whose value comes from longevity, trust, and advancement culture.
Mark Jooris
Burlington Cougars. Why he matters: Combines sustained OJHL success with one of the strongest pro-playing resumes among current league coaches. Parent note: strong credibility when discussing Player habits, standards, and next-step preparation.
Vince Bellissimo
Toronto Patriots. Why he matters: One of the league’s leading modern coaching names — award-winning, highly respected in league events, and proven across multiple OJHL markets. Parent note: a coach whose reputation is built on results and league trust.
Mark Joslin
King / Brantford / Toronto Patriots. Why he matters: Known as a program builder who can change culture quickly and improve Team competitiveness. Parent note: especially relevant to families who value structure, honesty, and a team-oriented environment.
Derek Smith
Trenton Golden Hawks. Why he matters: Brings NHL playing credibility into one of the OJHL’s strongest Hockey regions. Parent note: combines a pro Player’s perspective with a modern junior coach’s understanding of winning expectations.
Andrew Campoli
Collingwood Blues. Why he matters: Established credibility quickly through Collingwood’s rise and growing visibility in league showcase settings. Parent note: represents a coach whose profile accelerated through results and Team identity.
Parent Takeaway
The best OJHL coaches usually share four traits — longevity, Player development, league trust, and culture-building.
“Players helping players.”
The OJHL Foundation is a non-profit organization that provides support and programs to its players, member teams, and alumni.
The Board Structure
The OJHL Foundation Board of Directors consists of 6 members: a Chair, 4 Directors, and an Executive Director.
The OJHL Foundation Board of Directors will ensure that the strategic plans and deployment plans will drive the constant improvement and Execution of stated objectives.
Developing Young Men Through Hockey
Proceeds from the OJHL Foundation are invested directly into the organization’s core mandates.
The OJHL Foundation is designed to provide support to financially disadvantaged junior Hockey players, create and award education bursaries and scholarships, raise health and concussion awareness, and develop and implement programs on substance abuse, depression, and bullying for all OJHL players.
For more information, go to the OJHL Foundation website at OJHLFoundation.ca
To donate today, please click the link above. We can use your help!
