Okanagan Hockey Academy (OHA) has established itself as one of the premier development programs within the Canadian Sport School Hockey League, consistently producing players who not only reach major junior hockey but thrive once they arrive. Few recent examples illustrate that impact more clearly than the success of the Ruck twins and fellow OHA product Mathis Preston. Across consecutive months, former OHA forwards Markus and Liam Ruck were named CSSHL WHL Alumni Players of the Month, highlighting both individual achievement and the long-term effectiveness of OHA’s developmental model.

Markus Ruck’s selection as the January CSSHL WHL Alumni Player of the Month, following Liam’s December recognition, placed a spotlight on a group of players whose growth was shaped within the same environment. Their continued success at the WHL level reflects the foundation built during their formative years at Okanagan Hockey Academy—an emphasis on hockey sense, offensive creativity, and accountability that has translated directly to performance at the next level.

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Markus Ruck: OHA’s Playmaking Identity Translating to the WHL

Former Okanagan Hockey Academy standout Markus Ruck earned January CSSHL WHL Alumni Player of the Month honours following a dominant stretch with the Medicine Hat Tigers. Over 12 WHL games in January, the Osoyoos, BC forward recorded four goals and 15 assists for 19 points, emerging as a consistent offensive driver. That production built on what has been a breakout season overall, with Markus posting 12 goals and 56 assists for 68 points in 48 games, leading the WHL in assists while sitting tied for fifth in league scoring.

That offensive identity mirrors the one Markus developed during four seasons at OHA. His progression through the CSSHL was marked by steady growth in responsibility and playmaking impact. After recording 19 points in nine games during the 2020/21 U15 season, Markus expanded his role during the U15 Prep campaign with 32 points in 30 games. His most dominant prep season came in 2022-23, when he led all U15 Prep skaters with 65 assists and finished second in scoring with 87 points in 27 games, firmly establishing himself as one of the league’s premier distributors.

Rather than rushing the transition to major junior, Markus returned to OHA for the 2023-24 CSSHL U18 Prep season, finishing third in league scoring with 62 points in 25 games. That season helped prepare him for increased responsibility at the WHL level. As a rookie with Medicine Hat, he recorded 29 points in 62 games while helping the Tigers capture a WHL Championship, laying the foundation for the expanded offensive role he now occupies. January’s recognition stands as a clear marker of how effectively his OHA development has translated to sustained WHL success.

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Liam Ruck: A Parallel OHA Path Producing WHL Results

One month prior to Markus’ January honour, twin brother Liam Ruck was named the December CSSHL WHL Alumni Player of the Month, further emphasizing the depth of talent developed at Okanagan Hockey Academy. Like Markus, Liam’s recognition stemmed from his ability to translate strong prep-level production into meaningful impact at the WHL level, reinforcing the consistency of OHA’s developmental model.

Liam’s CSSHL career followed a similar upward trajectory. During the 2022-23 season, he delivered one of the most productive campaigns at the U15 Prep level, recording 90 points in 27 games, showcasing a blend of scoring touch and playmaking instincts. He carried that momentum into the 2023-24 U18 Prep season, where he remained a primary offensive contributor with 53 points in 22 games, consistently driving offense against older competition while refining his pace and decision-making.

That foundation has translated to his early WHL experience, where Liam has shown flashes of elite offensive vision and growing confidence with the puck. His December CSSHL WHL Alumni Player of the Month selection reflects the same qualities emphasized during his time at OHA: hockey intelligence, adaptability, and consistency. Together with Markus’ January recognition, Liam’s success highlights OHA’s ability to develop multiple impact players within the same cohort, each prepared to take on meaningful roles at the major junior level.

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Mathis Preston: Another Example of OHA’s WHL-Calibre Development

Alongside the Ruck twins, Mathis Preston represents another clear example of Okanagan Hockey Academy’s ability to produce WHL-ready talent. Like Markus and Liam, Preston’s development at OHA emphasized hockey IQ, pace, and offensive detail, preparing him to handle increasing levels of competition as he progressed through the CSSHL.

Preston’s production at the prep level reflects that growth. During the 2022-23 CSSHL U16 Prep season, he recorded 81 points in 26 games, establishing himself as a consistent offensive threat. He followed that performance with 51 points in 23 games during the 2023/24 U18 Prep season, continuing to produce while adapting to a faster, more physically demanding environment. Across both seasons, Preston demonstrated the ability to create offense while maintaining the structure and habits emphasized within OHA’s program.

Preston’s progression reinforces the broader philosophy shared across OHA alumni: preparation for the next level is built through sustained development rather than isolated production. When viewed alongside the Ruck twins, his path highlights how OHA cultivates depth within its cohorts, producing multiple WHL-calibre players equipped to take on meaningful roles. Together, their success underscores Okanagan Hockey Academy’s status as a premier developmental pipeline for elite junior hockey

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Conclusion

Okanagan Hockey Academy’s Impact at the Next Level

The recognition of Markus and Liam Ruck as consecutive CSSHL WHL Alumni Players of the Month, paired with Mathis Preston’s continued progression, demonstrates Okanagan Hockey Academy’s lasting influence on player development. From U15 through U18 Prep, OHA provides players with the structure, competition, and individualized coaching necessary to succeed beyond the CSSHL.

For Markus, January’s honour reflects his emergence as one of the WHL’s top playmakers. For Liam, December’s recognition underscores his growing impact and offensive consistency. Preston’s development further reinforces that these outcomes are the result of a comprehensive system capable of producing multiple elite prospects from the same cohort. Collectively, their success is a testament to OHA’s ability to prepare players not only to reach major junior hockey but to excel once they arrive.

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