Parents often want to know whether a coach played at a high level before moving behind the bench. Playing background does not automatically make someone the best coach, but it can add real perspective when teaching habits, game detail, and next-level expectations.
Mark Jooris
Burlington Cougars Playing background: Former RPI Player who went on to a 27-year professional playing career, giving him one of the deepest playing resumes among current OJHL bench bosses.
Derek Smith
Trenton Golden Hawks Playing background: Former NHL defenceman with Ottawa and Calgary, whose pro experience gives immediate credibility when teaching detail, pace, and habits.
Geoff Schomogyi
King Rebellion playing background: Played four years at UMass Lowell and later coached professionally with the ECHL’s Indy Fuel before returning to junior Hockey.
Vince Bellissimo
Toronto Patriots Playing background: Western Michigan graduate whose college-playing background supports his development-focused coaching approach in the OJHL.
How parents should read this page: great playing background should support — not replace — communication, structure, and honest development feedback.
What to look for – Why it matters – Parent question
The playing level shows the standard of detail and pace the coach has seen firsthand. What parts of your playing background most shape how you teach? The coaching path explains whether the coach has grown through junior, college, or pro settings.
What previous stops most shaped your development philosophy?
Communication style background only matters if players understand the message. How do you deliver role and lineup feedback to players?
About the OJHL – “League of Choice”
The Ontario Junior Hockey League is the largest Junior ‘A’ league operating under the auspices of the Canadian Junior Hockey League, with 24 member clubs stretching from Leamington to Trenton and from Niagara Falls to Collingwood.
A proud member of the Canadian Junior Hockey League and the Ontario Hockey Association, the OJHL was originally named the Ontario Provincial Junior ‘A’ Hockey League and was formed from the Central Junior ‘B’ Hockey League in 1993-94.
With a long and storied history of developing players for the next level, including U SPORTS, the NCAA, CHL, minor pro ranks, and the NHL, the OJHL had more than 87 NCAA, U SPORTS, CHL, and professional commitments in 2023-24 – including more than 48 NCAA Division I scholarships.
For more information on the Ontario Junior Hockey League, follow us on Instagram (@OJHLOfficial), Twitter (@OJHLOfficial), and Facebook (OJHLOfficial) https://www.ojhl.ca/about-us/
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