The Summerland Junior Jets Hockey Society announced it has hired 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.
Dirk was born in Regina, Sask., 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 spent 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.
Following his playing career, Dirk moved into coaching and hockey operations. 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.
More recently, Dirk served as Head Coach of the Okanagan Hockey Academy U18 Prep program. 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.”
“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.
The Society says it is also preparing for The Summerland Jets’ inaugural Spring ID Camp May 1 to 3 at Summerland Arena.
“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.”
