Written by: Scott Savard
Headline graphic: Scott Savard
Okotoks, AB (September 7, 2026) – The Okotoks Oilers officially announce the return of Brody Hailwood, who now takes on the role of Associate Head Coach for the Green and Gold.
Hailwood knows what it means to be an Okotoks Oiler, as he not only has held multiple positions with the organization, including multiple years as an assistant coach, but he is also a former player of the Green and Gold. He suited up for 40 games during the 2015-2016 season, posting seven points (1G, 6A) and 100 PIM while defending the blue line.
“I’m super excited to be back with the Oilers. Obviously, I was there for 5 years prior to last year as the assistant coach, so coming back this year in a bigger role, helping out more with the player development side and just taking on a bigger role with the team. I’m super excited to be back, and I missed the team for sure,” Hailwood said about his return.
Since Hailwood is no stranger to the Oilers, he feels the transition to his new role with the organization will be smooth.
“I think it will be a smooth transition back into it, obviously already working with (Tyler) Deis (Oilers GM/Head Coach) in the past here, so kind of knowing his style and my style put together, I think we mesh well, and I think we work well together. I don’t think there’s going to be any problem with the transition. Obviously excited to get to know some of the players that I haven’t met and haven’t been around as much here, but other than that, it should be a good transition for sure,” he added.
Last season, Hailwood took the role of Head Coach of the U13 AA Knights and explained that he learned a lot in the role, which he added he was super grateful for. He also said that having the Head Coach role last year gave him experience testing systems and assessing which system fits best for his team. Hailwood added that he gained even more confidence after the end of last season and is excited to implement what he has learned with the Oilers.
“I’m really excited to put an emphasis on the relationship with the players and getting to know them, and like I said on the player development side, really honing in on everybody’s craft individually and helping out in that aspect. A huge part of my coaching background is skill development. So, really trying to help these players and get them to where they want to go next. I think that is the biggest thing,” Hailwood said.
As for the Green Army, Hailwood can’t wait to get back out on the bench and see all of the Oilers faithful at Viking Rentals Centre.
“Love the Green Army. Missed them. Super excited; I want to see them in the stands again. I think this is gonna be a step up this year in the direction. Some of the players coming in here, and some of the players that are returning, I think it’s just another year of experience for players to grow, and then adding in some new pieces that are just going to help this team grow and make the fan experience and the on-ice experience even better this year,” he explained.
Don’t miss any of the action during the 2026-2027 BCHL season, and secure your Okotoks Oilers season tickets at: https://tickets.okotoksoilers.com/events/40207-2026-27-season-tickets
The Okotoks Oilers are a not-for-profit, community-run junior hockey franchise competing in the BCHL and operating out of Viking Rentals Centre. For more information, visit okotoksoilers.com or follow the Oilers on X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, and Instagram.
