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Andy Oakes – Interim Chief Executive OfficerÌý

As the Interim Chief Executive Officer, Andy works in conjunction with CSSHL Chief Operating Officer, Kevin Goodwin, to ensure the organization continues as national leaders in education-based hockey, focused on the guiding principle of development of male and female student-athletes on and off the ice.

Andy is currently the President of Okanagan Hockey Group Inc. (OHG). Under his leadership, OHG has expanded operations into Europe, United Kingdom and Eastern Canada.Ìý ÌýIn 2002, Okanagan Hockey Academy was the first hockey sport school recognized by BC Hockey.

As a leader in the industry, Andy has been instrumental in working with hockey governing bodies to establish Accredited Schools in Canada.Ìý He is a member of the Hockey Canada’s Sports School Committee, which has been working together since 2007 to establish Hockey Canada Accredited Schools.Ìý Andy was elected as the Chair of the BC Hockey Schools Committee from 2014 to 2018.Ìý He was a BCHL Executive Committee member for five years and was awarded BCHL Executive of the Year for two consecutive years, 2009 and 2010.

Andy is a founding member of the Â鶹´«Ã½Èë¿Ú (CSSHL).Ìý Andy has held multiple positions on the Executive Operations Committee since the leagues inception, including Vice-Chairperson (2012-2013) and Chairperson (2011-12 and 2013 – present).

Andy’s passion is hockey.Ìý Not only does he work daily in this field, he gives back to his community by volunteering as a coach with Penticton Minor Hockey Association.

Kevin Goodwin – Chief Operating Officer

As the Chief Operating Officer, Kevin is responsible for the successful management, initiatives, and administration of the CSSHL.

A graduate of Okanagan University College, Kevin has been involved in all aspects of the game, which includes on-ice officiating, and coaching or managing teams from the U6 to U18 levels.

He has been involved in in the CSSHL since its inception, including the initial meetings to setup the League in 2008. Kevin was named the CSSHL’s Executive Director in 2013 and then was named the Chief Operating Officer in 2016. He is a part of the Hockey Canada Accredited School assessment teams with BC Hockey, Hockey Alberta and Hockey Manitoba.

Chris Bell – Chief Business Officer

As the Chief Business Officer, Chris is responsible for the strategic direction and execution of initiatives related to sponsorship, partnership, revenue generation, and events.

During his 25-year executive career in sport and; entertainment property management, brand builder and partnership development, Chris has developed a network of key industry leaders and business relationships, based on his deep expertise in programming ideation, strategy formulation, planning, and execution.

Chris’s consulting, and agency background experience, includes the development of a facility utilization strategy at Cape Breton University (CBU) and Chairing two National USports Championships: Women’s Basketball Final 8 in March and the Men’s Soccer Championships in November of 2023. Chris also assisted in the development and launch of the first Â鶹´«Ã½Èë¿Ú of Female Hockey at the renovated Canada Games Complex on campus at CBU. This facility will be the first arena where the primary tenant will be the CBU Women’s’ hockey team and the home of the Cape Breton Blizzards female minor hockey association.

Chris’s agency background includes selling the intellectual property rights for the Canadian Olympic Committee
(COC), business development initiatives for Playdium Entertainment, and national marketing and promotional planning for MR. SUB, Gatorade, and Lykes Pasco brands, Old South & Sunkist orange juice.

Key proprietary properties that Chris has developed and executed include Molson Canadian Snow Jam, Coors Light Trauma Tour, Coors Light Mystery Mansion, Molson Canadian Hockey House (2010 Vancouver Olympics) and the launch of the Professional Bull Riders national tour in Canada. Most recently, Chris launched the Halifax Thunderbirds National Lacrosse League franchise in Atlantic Canada.

Chris is passionate about grass root programs, and the emphasis they place on building strong community engagement. As a proud past volunteer member of the Strategic Fundraising cabinet with United Way Halifax, he showcases the importance of community involvement and; support. Chris is a resident of Baddeck, NS where he lives with his wife Denise and their two dogs. When not working, Chris enjoys the cottage life, cycling and playing the many great golf courses Cape Breton has to offer.

Jordan Martin – Manager, Media & Communications

Jordan started with the CSSHL in 2021 and is responsible for the production, publishing and editing of all necessary digital content on all social media and website platforms.

Before joining the ÌýCSSHL Jordan spent three seasons in the league with the Northern Alberta Xtreme (NAX) as Marketing & Communications Manager. Prior to his time at NAX he attended MacEwan University, earning a degree in Bachelor of Communication Studies, Majoring in Journalism, while covering the University sports teams. He has spent time developing his skills working for SportsMEDIA Technology, the Leduc Representative and Merit Contractors Association.

Michael Suttnig – Manager, Operations

Having spent one season in the CSSHL last year as head of CSSHL Discipline, Suttnig joins on a full-time basis as Manager, Operations. Suttnig will assist the CSSHL Chief Operating Officer, Kevin Goodwin, with league operations including schedules, rosters, discipline, ensuring league standards are meet and more day to day operations. Suttnig, who was born in Austria and played professional hockey there, was recently Commissioner for the international Junior leagues (U20 and U18) of the Ice Hockey League and Alps hockey League where he was responsible for the development and implementation of new programs such as special sport events, development weekends and international tournaments.

Carl Michaelson – Eastern Canada Coordinator

Current Co-Founder, and Head of Recruitment & Scouting for CSSHL member program Bourget College, Michaelson joins the CSSHL League Staff as Eastern Canada Coordinator. Michaelson comes to the CSSHL with a highly decorated resume, having worked in various roles at both the elite minor hockey, junior stream and a total of six years coaching in the NCAA and European professional leagues. In his new position Michaelson will be responsible for guiding the Eastern division growth and expansion, while providing league insight and standards at showcases and other events.

Kai Farenholtz – Digital Media Coordinator