Bailey Tamminga joins the Summerland Jets as Assistant Coach for the team’s inaugural season, bringing experience in player development, skills instruction, and junior hockey in Summerland. He will work closely with the Jets’ defencemen, helping players develop a complete understanding of the position across all 200 feet of the ice.

Tamminga has spent the past two years as Head Skills Centre Instructor with Okanagan Hockey School and has served as an assistant coach at the U13 and U15 levels. For the past six years, he has also worked as a power skating instructor alongside Rob McLaughlin.

A self-described players’ coach, Tamminga focuses on building individual and team skills while helping athletes become responsible, well-rounded players at both ends of the ice. He hopes to bring players a strong understanding of the game through a defenceman’s perspective while supporting their development on and off the ice.

Tamminga grew up playing in Penticton Minor Hockey before joining Okanagan Hockey Academy, where he spent two seasons with the Elite 15 and U18 Prep programs. During his second season at OHA, he affiliated with the Summerland Steam before earning a full-time roster position with the team at age 17.

Following his season in Summerland, Tamminga played three seasons of Junior A hockey with the Drayton Valley Thunder of the Alberta Junior Hockey League. He later returned to the South Okanagan to play one season with the Penticton Silver Bullets.

His return to Summerland carries special meaning. After beginning his junior playing career in the community, Tamminga will now begin his junior coaching career in the same rink.

He looks forward to helping Jets players build lifelong friendships and memories while preparing them for their next opportunity, whether that is college, professional hockey, or life beyond the game.