Summerland Junior Jets

For Immediate Release

April 21, 2026 

Summerland Junior Jets Hockey Society Names Robert Dirk Inaugural Head Coach of the Summerland Jets

Former NHL defenseman and longtime development coach to lead community-owned expansion team into its first season

Summerland, B.C. -  The Summerland Junior Jets Hockey Society is pleased to announce Robert Dirk as the inaugural Head Coach of the Summerland Jets, the new community-owned junior hockey team joining the British Columbia Hockey Conference (BCHC) for the 2026/27 season.

The appointment marks another major step in Summerland’s return to junior hockey as the Society continues building the foundation for the league’s newest expansion team.

Dirk brings extensive professional playing experience, a strong coaching résumé, and a longstanding commitment to player development to the role. Born in Regina and raised in Kelowna, he played minor hockey in the Okanagan before going on to a junior career with the Kelowna Buckaroos of the BCJHL and the Regina Pats of the WHL. He later enjoyed an 11-year professional playing career highlighted by 402 National Hockey League games with the Vancouver Canucks, St. Louis Blues, Chicago Blackhawks, Mighty Ducks of Anaheim, and Montreal Canadiens.

Drafted 53rd overall in the 1984 NHL Entry Draft, Dirk developed into a dependable, physical defenseman known for his toughness, leadership, and willingness to compete. Over his NHL career, he recorded 42 points and 786 penalty minutes, earning the respect of teammates and opponents alike.

Following his playing career, Dirk moved into coaching and hockey operations, where he has spent decades helping shape players and build competitive programs. His coaching experience includes head coaching roles with the Winston-Salem Icehawks, Saginaw Gears, Tacoma Sabercats, and Texas Wildcatters, along with leadership positions in hockey operations. In 1998, he was recognized as UHL Coach of the Year while coaching the Winston-Salem Icehawks.

More recently, Dirk has remained closely involved in elite player development, including as Head Coach of the Okanagan Hockey Academy U18 Prep program, where he has focused on helping young athletes grow both on and off the ice. His work in that space continues to earn recognition. This week, he was named a U18 Prep nominee for the Canadian Sport School Hockey League’s 2025/26 Coach of the Year Award, as voted by fellow coaches.

“Robert brings exactly the kind of experience, discipline, and player-first leadership we were looking for in our inaugural head coach,” said Terry Rolston, Board Chair of the Summerland Junior Jets Hockey Society. “He understands what it takes to compete, but just as importantly, he understands how to build culture, mentor young players, and help create something a community can be proud of. As we prepare for our first BCHC season, we could not ask for a better person to help set the foundation.”

Dirk’s coaching philosophy is anchored in accountability, work ethic, and individual growth, qualities that align closely with the Society’s goal of building a team that is competitive, community-driven, and grounded in the values of Summerland.

“I’m honoured to be part of bringing junior hockey back to Summerland,” said Dirk. “This is a chance to build something the community can truly rally around while helping young players develop as athletes and as people. I’m excited to get to work and to be part of this next chapter for hockey in Summerland.”

The announcement follows the recent confirmation of the Summerland Jets name and identity, aligning the new team with the longstanding Jets name used by the Summerland Minor Hockey Association. With the team’s identity now established and its first head coach in place, the Society continues to build momentum ahead of its inaugural BCHC season.

The Society is also preparing to welcome players to its first evaluation opportunities. The Summerland Jets’ inaugural Spring ID Camp is scheduled for May 1 to 3, 2026 at Summerland Arena, and details for the team’s Main Camp will be announced soon.

As a not-for-profit, community-owned organization, the Summerland Junior Hockey Society is focused on creating a team that reflects local pride, supports youth development, and strengthens community connection both in the arena and beyond it. The Society is continuing to build support through local sponsorships, community partnerships, volunteers, billets, and fan engagement, all of which will play an important role in establishing the Jets as a lasting part of Summerland and the South Okanagan.

“This is about more than filling a bench,” said Rolston. “It is about building a team, a culture, and a community asset that belongs to Summerland. We’re excited for what Robert brings to that vision, and we’re excited to keep building with the support of local families, businesses, and the wider community.”

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About the Summerland Jets

The Summerland Jets are a community-owned junior hockey team based in Summerland, British Columbia, led by the Summerland Junior Jets Hockey Society, a not-for-profit organization committed to bringing junior hockey back to the community for the long term. Built around local pride, youth opportunity, and community connection, the Jets aim to create a team that gives young athletes the chance to grow while strengthening the spirit and economy of Summerland. Through hockey, community programming, local partnerships, and family-friendly experiences, the Summerland Jets are working to build something lasting that belongs to the people of Summerland and the South Okanagan.

For more information visit summerlandjets.com, or connect socially at @sjbhsociety on Instagram and Summerland Jets Hockey Club on Facebook. 

Media Contact: 

Krista Lochhead

Archer Public Relations 

krista@archerpr.ca

778.227.2396