BLAKE WESLEY

Blake Wesley
Born: October 7, 1959
Hometown: Red Deer, Alberta, Canada

Blake Wesley has had a remarkable career in hockey, contributing to the game as a player, coach, and mentor at every level. A former NHL defenseman, Blake was selected in the 1st Round of the 1979 NHL Draft by the Philadelphia Flyers and played over 290 games in the NHL, spending time with the Flyers, Hartford Whalers, Quebec Nordiques, and Toronto Maple Leafs. He had the privilege of playing alongside hockey legends such as Bobby Clarke, Ron Francis, Mark Howe, and Peter Stastny, which shaped his understanding of the game at the highest level.

Following his playing career, Blake transitioned to coaching, where he has left an equally impactful mark. Before joining the Okanagan Hockey Academy (OHA) in Penticton, Blake served as an assistant coach for three seasons in the Western Hockey League (WHL) with the Tri-City Americans and Portland Winterhawks. Since joining OHA in 2004, he has become a key figure in the development of young athletes, helping coach numerous teams and players through the ranks, while fostering a culture of excellence and character both on and off the ice.

Blake’s coaching philosophy is grounded in his years of experience as a player and his certification as a Hockey Canada High Performance 1 coach. His ability to connect with and teach young athletes has made him a respected figure in player development. Blake's passion for the game, combined with his deep knowledge and experience, has earned him praise from peers and colleagues alike. Al Coates, former NHL General Manager and current Okanagan Hockey Group (OHG) Director, notes, “Blake is a very unique individual. From his years in the NHL to his reinvention as a teacher and mentor, he is someone who inspires and leads with passion.”

In 2019, Blake expanded his coaching role internationally, joining Okanagan Hockey Europe. Excited about this new chapter, he said, “I look forward to bringing my knowledge and experience gained in North America to Okanagan Hockey Europe, and I can’t wait to get started.” Now based in Austria, Blake continues to impact the next generation of hockey players, coaching teams at the U15, U17, and U20 levels, and working to cultivate not just elite athletes, but well-rounded individuals.

With over four decades of experience in the game, Blake Wesley remains committed to developing young athletes into leaders, both on and off the ice, continuing to be a vital member of the Okanagan Hockey Group family.