Varsity Sports Programs and Coaching Leadership
University athletics provide a competitive environment for student-athletes to excel both on the field and in the classroom. The varsity sports portfolio encompasses a wide range of disciplines for both men and women, including Badminton, Basketball, Curling, Golf, Ice Hockey, Lacrosse, Rowing, and Soccer.
Badminton Program
The university's Badminton program was established in 2016, coinciding with the elimination of the Tennis program. To ensure a strong start, the university appointed Wayne King as the inaugural coach. King brought extensive expertise to the role as a decorated coach within the OUA (Ontario University Athletics) badminton circuit, having spent years with the University of Toronto program.
Ice Hockey Programs
Men's Ice Hockey
The men's ice hockey team is currently led by head coach Curtis Hodgins. Hodgins joined the program during the 2015–16 season, transitioning from the Cobourg Cougars of the OJHL Junior A league mid-season. He succeeded Craig Fisher, who had resigned due to medical concerns.
Fisher's tenure began just two weeks before the 2013–14 OUA playoffs. His appointment was part of a strategic effort by the university to find new direction following several disappointing seasons, with a specific focus on enhancing team culture and academic performance.
The current coaching and support staff supporting Hodgins include:
- James Thompson: Assistant Coach
- Rob Powers: Assistant Coach
- Dave Kennedy: Goalie Coach
- Cameron Bickle: Video Coach
- Frank Robinson: Scouting
Women's Ice Hockey
The women's ice hockey team is headed by coach Kassidy Nabouris. Nabouris possesses a deep connection to the program as a former player, where she established herself as one of the most successful athletes in the team's history, ranking second all-time in scoring with 92 points.
Key Facts
- Badminton was introduced in 2016 to replace the Tennis program.
- Curtis Hodgins is the current head coach for men's ice hockey.
- Kassidy Nabouris, a former player with 92 career points, leads the women's ice hockey team.
- Wayne King served as the first coach for the badminton program.
- The men's hockey program emphasizes a balance between academic achievement and team culture.
Program Summary
| Sport | Key Leadership | Notable Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Badminton | Wayne King | Launched in 2016 |
| Men's Ice Hockey | Curtis Hodgins | Comprehensive staff including video and goalie coaches |
| Women's Ice Hockey | Kassidy Nabouris | Coach is the program's second all-time leading scorer |
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the badminton program started?
The badminton program was announced and created in 2016, following the removal of the university's tennis program.
Who is the current head coach of the men's ice hockey team?
The men's ice hockey team is currently coached by Curtis Hodgins.
What is Kassidy Nabouris's history with the women's ice hockey program?
Kassidy Nabouris is a former player for the program and currently serves as the head coach; she holds the second-highest scoring record in program history with 92 points.
Who was the coach of the men's ice hockey team before Curtis Hodgins?
Curtis Hodgins took over the role from Craig Fisher, who resigned due to medical concerns.
What other sports are offered in the varsity program?
In addition to badminton and ice hockey, the university offers basketball, curling, golf, lacrosse, rowing, and soccer for men and women.