OSHAWA, Ont. – The Ontario Tech Ridgebacks men's hockey program will see a change behind the bench at the conclusion of the season, as assistant coach Rob Powers departs his full-time role with the team to begin a new chapter as a firefighter with the City of Markham.

Powers, who joined the Ridgebacks in July of 2022 as the first full-time assistant coach in program history, will remain connected to the program in a part-time coaching role moving forward.
"Rob has simply been a very integral and valued part of our program for the past four years as our full-time assistant," said head coach Curtis Hodgins. "He has a real keen eye for the finer details of the game and is an excellent teacher. He was given full latitude to run our defensive group as he sees fit from day one and has done an incredible job over that time. Just a superb human being as well—he has grown into a close friend and I will definitely miss working alongside him on a daily basis."

Known for his tireless work ethic, detailed understanding of the game, and strong rapport with student-athletes, Powers played a key role in shaping the Ridgebacks' identity both on and off the ice. During his tenure, he helped the program maintain its standard of success while contributing to the continued development of the team's defensive structure.

Powers was also instrumental in the growth of several student-athletes who progressed into pro-ready prospects, with multiple former Ridgebacks going on to sign contracts in the ECHL.
Before joining Ontario Tech, Powers played professionally from 2018 to 2020 with the Newfoundland Growlers and Indy Fuel of the ECHL after completing a four-year NCAA career at Robert Morris University from 2014 to 2018. Following his retirement from professional hockey, he transitioned seamlessly into coaching and management roles.

Reflecting on his time at Ontario Tech, Powers emphasized the relationships built within the program and across the university community.

"My four years working with Ontario Tech have been truly special to me," Powers said. "This community has brought my family and I so much joy. What I'll hold onto most is the relationships formed with all the terrific people that work within Ontario Tech. It was an absolute pleasure to work alongside you."

He also credited Hodgins for his mentorship throughout that time, both on and off the ice.

"Since the day I came in in 2022, I've tried to soak up as much knowledge as I could," Powers said. "The part I admire most about Hodgy is how he is as a husband and father. Having him as a mentor beyond the rink is something I'll always be deeply appreciative of."

Looking back, Powers said the culture within the Ridgebacks program is what stands out most.

"With the right people and the right mentality, even the loftiest of goals can be accomplished," he said. "There are so many people behind the scenes working tirelessly to give student-athletes a first-class experience, and they deserve a huge thank you."

While individual moments blend together, Powers said the growth of the athletes he coached remains the most rewarding part of his time with the Ridgebacks.

"Seeing athletes accomplish something they've been working toward—whether that's signing a first pro contract or mastering a detail after practice—that's the best feeling for me as a coach," he said.