Greyhounds name Steve O’Rourke & Patrick Jarrett as Assistant Coaches

SAULT STE. MARIE, ON – Soo Greyhounds General Manager Kyle Raftis and Head Coach Drew Bannister have announced the additions of Steve O’Rourke and Patrick Jarrett as Assistant Coaches, completing the club’s on-bench coaching staff for the 2026-27 season.

O’Rourke joins the Greyhounds after serving as Head Coach of the Seattle Torrent in the Professional Women’s Hockey League during the club’s inaugural season. Prior to that, he spent parts of three seasons with the Oshawa Generals as Associate Coach and Head Coach after more than 13 years coaching at the major junior, Junior A and AHL levels in Western Canada.

Raftis said O’Rourke’s experience as a player, coach and player development instructor, along with his passion for teaching, made him an ideal addition to the Greyhounds’ staff. He added that O’Rourke’s hockey knowledge will be a valuable resource for the club’s defensemen and entire roster, while also fitting the culture the organization continues to build.

Steve is also the founder and operator of Dual Hockey Training, an elite summer development program that integrates skill development, sport science and wellness for players at the junior, collegiate and professional levels.

“I am excited to join the Soo Greyhounds as an Assistant Coach. The Greyhounds have built an outstanding reputation as one of the OHL’s premier organizations, and I am grateful for the opportunity to be part of it. I look forward to working alongside Kyle Raftis and Drew Bannister, two people I have tremendous respect for, and contributing to an environment that helps young players develop both on and off the ice,” said O’Rourke.

“The opportunity to work with such a talented group of players is one that I am truly excited about. I can’t wait to get to Sault Ste. Marie, build relationships, and help our players and team improve every day. I would like to thank Kyle, Drew, and the Greyhounds organization for their trust and confidence. I’m looking forward to getting started.”

Jarrett joins the Greyhounds after spending the past two seasons as Head Coach of the Palmyra Black Knights 16U and 18U programs in Annville, Pennsylvania. Prior to that, he served in the same role with the Skipjacks Hockey Academy from 2021 to 2024 and was an Assistant Coach with the Hamilton Bulldogs from 2018 to 2020.

A Sault Ste. Marie native, Jarrett was selected first overall in the 2000 OHL Priority Selection by the Mississauga IceDogs before being drafted by the Nashville Predators and going on to enjoy a 13-year professional playing career in Europe.

Raftis said Jarrett’s combination of playing, coaching and player development experience, along with his ability to connect with players and attention to detail, will make him a valuable addition to the Greyhounds. He also noted Jarrett’s strong ties to both the organization and the community, saying he understands what it means to represent the Greyhounds and the City of Sault Ste. Marie.

“I couldn’t be more excited to be coming home to Sault Ste. Marie. This community shaped me, and it’s hard to believe it’s been 26 years since I left to play in the OHL. To return now as an Assistant Coach for the Soo Greyhounds is truly a full-circle moment. My wife, Tanya, and our two daughters are excited to make the Soo our home and be closer to family,” said Jarrett.

“The Greyhounds are one of the most historic and respected organizations in junior hockey, and I grew up idolizing this team. It’s an incredible honour to have the opportunity to help develop the next generation of Greyhounds. I look forward to sharing the experiences I’ve gained throughout my playing and coaching career and helping our players become the best versions of themselves, not only as hockey players, but as young men. I’m grateful for this opportunity and can’t wait to get to work.”

O’Rourke and Jarrett will join Head Coach Drew Bannister behind the bench as the Greyhounds prepare for the 2026-27 Ontario Hockey League season.