The Osoyoos Coyotes are part of a long tradition of junior hockey in the South Okanagan. The team’s name was inspired by the coyote, an animal known for its resilience, adaptability, and strong presence in the region—qualities the organization strives to embody.
Osoyoos Coyotes: A Brief History
Junior hockey first arrived in Osoyoos in 1996 with the Osoyoos Rebels, but the team lasted only one season. Local supporters then formed a non-profit organization and operated the club as the Osoyoos Heat, which enjoyed immediate success by winning the Neil Murdoch Division and reaching the KIJHL championship final in its inaugural season. In 2001, local businessman Barry Dewar purchased the team and renamed it the Osoyoos Storm. Under coach Jimmy Liebel, the Storm reached the pinnacle of junior hockey success, winning both the Cyclone Taylor Cup (B.C. Championship) and the Keystone Cup (Western Canadian Championship) in 2004–05 before relocating to Kamloops the following year.
For several years, the South Okanagan was without KIJHL hockey. In 2008, community leaders John Kapusty, Randy Bedard, and Roy Schultz launched an effort to bring junior hockey back to the region. Their bid was approved by the KIJHL Board of Governors in April 2009, leading to the birth of the Osoyoos Coyotes. Randy Bedard became the team’s sole proprietor in 2012 and successfully fostered the junior hockey tradition until 2026.
Osoyoos Coyotes: A New Pack Rises
In Progress…
