NEWS: Men’s Hockey hires Paul Stoykewych as full-time assistant coach

The University of Ottawa men's hockey team is proud to welcome Paul Stoykewych as the program's new full-time assistant coach.

Stoykewych will oversee the team's defencemen, while assisting with player development, recruitment, community outreach and the program's hockey camps.

"I'm thrilled to join the Gee-Gees," said the 26-year-old. "The University of Ottawa is a name that has grown over the past four or five years to be a powerhouse contender. Patrick Grandmaître has done a fantastic job resurrecting the program. The more I get to know about the traditions, the community support and the alumni support, I only see this program getting stronger."

A Winnipeg product, Stoykewych joins the program from RINK Training Centre, a hockey development centre in Manitoba where he served as a skills development coach and program coordinator. He was also an assistant coach with the Western Mustangs for the 2019-20 season.

"One of the things that jumped out at us is Paul's ability to be well-spoken and verbalize his thoughts and his teachings," said men's hockey head coach Patrick Grandmaître. "We could tell his communications skills are strong. He's somebody who has the mindset we're looking for. He's got a growth mindset and is trying to learn and try different things." 

Stoykewych spent four seasons as a defenceman with the Western Michigan University Broncos. He tallied 23 points over 82 games during his NCAA career which lasted from 2014 to 2018. While with the Broncos, Stoykewych played under former Los Angeles Kings and St. Louis Blues head coach Andy Murray.

"I learned a lot of life lessons from Coach Murray," Stoykewych said. "I'm taking those lessons he taught me and I'm implementing them into my life every day. He's also a brilliant hockey mind. He's trying to make every one of his student-athletes a better person. I grew significantly over those four years."

Prior to heading south, Stoykewych played two seasons with the Winnipeg Blues of the Manitoba Junior Hockey League and one year with the Penticton Vees of the British Columbia Hockey League.

Stoykewych represented Canada internationally on three occasions: with Canada Western at the 2012 World U-17 Hockey Challenge, and with Canada West at the World Junior A Challenge in 2012 and 2013. 

Hockey runs in the Stoykewych family, as both of Paul's brothers enjoyed successful playing careers. Adam, six years Paul's senior, played three years with the Western University Mustangs (2011-14). Peter, two years Paul's senior, was a seventh-round draft pick of the Atlanta Thrashers in 2010 and spent five seasons with the Manitoba Moose of the American Hockey League, serving as captain from 2018 to 2020. 

"Having gone through the hockey and academic side of being a student-athlete, I understand what [the players] are going through," said Stoykewych. "I know I might be young, but I can bring a lot of value in coaching and off the ice. There's a balance between academics, hockey and social life, and it's not easy."

Stoykewych is filling the role that was previously held by Brent Sullivan, who stepped down in February 2021 to become the owner of the Carleton Place Canadians of the Central Canada Hockey League.