Ice Prowler Hockey Coaches Profile

Chris VanOoyen Former Assistant Coach (2006-2007) Biography: Chris began his hockey career in his hometown of St. Louis, Missouri, playing for the Creve Coeur Comets and the Chesterfield Falcons youth organizations. A member of the Prowlers hockey club from 2001 to 2003, Van Ooyen was an integral part of the organization’s first ever GCHSCHL Blue Jackets Cup Championship in 2003. In his senior season, Chris finished fourth on the team in goal scoring, netting 15 goals. Chris graduated from Pickerington High School in 2003 as one of the top 10 all-time point scorers in Prowler history with 20 goals and 10 assists for 30 points over two seasons. Chris began his coaching career with the Easton Youth Hockey Association (EYHA) where he helped lead the Travel Bantam B house team for the 2003-2004 season. After gaining valuable experience in his first season there, he quickly moved up the coaching ranks to coach the U14 AA Columbus Capitals team for the 2005-2006 season, earning the League Championship banner for the Cleveland Suburban Hockey League (CSHL). Chris continued to work in the Capitals organization upon joining the Prowlers coaching staff in 2006-2007 as the Head Coach of the U16 A Columbus Capitals. Van Ooyen returned to the Prowler organization as part of Head Coach Jay C. Catherine's staff for the 2006-2007 season as an Assistant Coach of the varsity team. Leading the team's defense, Chris was a vital part of the Prowlers winning their third GCHSCHL Regular Season Championship, their third GCHSCHL Blue Jackets Cup Championship and the team advancing to the Buckeye Cup Ohio State Championship Final Four. In the summer of 2007, Chris advanced to take over the head coaching duties of the U16 AA Columbus Capitals. Chris is currently a senior at The Ohio State University, majoring in Accounting and resides in Pickerington, Ohio.