Hockey Opportunity Camp in Ontario is fortunate to have directors and staff with extraordinary depth and quality of experience – giving our parents peace of mind that their children will be well cared for as they are challenged to explore & grow during their time at summer camp.
Keith Murray
CAMP DIRECTOR/HOCKEY DIRECTOR
This will be my 25th summer at HOC - returning as Camp Director/Hockey Director this summer while continuing to oversee the Hockey Program.
I retired in June 2022 after 40 years in education, 23 as a teacher and 17 as an elementary school administrator, and took on the role of Camp Director last summer. This was a natural step for me, and HOC, as the role of a Camp Director is very similar to that of a school principal. My skills include developing and empowering people, strong leadership and building successful relationships.
Executive Director Kevin McLaughlin and I are close friends, having first met back in 1989 when I originally came onboard as Hockey Director, when Kevin was a camp counsellor.
I look forward to continuing to work with Kevin, his wife Sophie, and our Senior Staff Team to provide the “ultimate hockey and summer camp experience” for our campers.
I am a big believer in the value of summer camp, having been a camper at Haliburton Hockey Haven (HHH), a counsellor/instructor/canoe tripper at Camp Nominingue, Quebec, and then returning to HHH as a hockey instructor/assistant hockey director, prior to landing at HOC.
Summer camp is a huge piece of who I am, and who my own kids are. Both Sean and Rachel have grown up at HOC. Sean was an HOC camper until he aged out, and then he worked many summers as a member of our waterski staff. Rachel’s “happy place” has always been Hockey Opportunity Camp! She loved her HOC summers as a camper and is now a staff member. This will be her 11th summer!
Keith's Hockey Resume:
- 50+ years in hockey, player, coach, instructor, development coordinator, mentor coach, general manager, administrator, hockey director
- 20+ years coaching experience, holding an High Performance 1 certificate with the National Coaching Certification Program
- 25th year as Hockey Director at Hockey Opportunity Camp
- 10 years as General Manager of the Mitron High Performance Hockey Centre, Oakville
- 10 years as Head Coach and Development Coordinator of Oakville Minor Hockey
- Former Head Coach / Director of Hockey Operations for the Oakville Ice/Mississauga Ice Bears – National Women’s Hockey League
- Certified Level III with the National Referees Certification Program
If you have any questions or concerns, email me directly at keith@learnhockey.com
Kristina Graham, Camper Since 2010
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR
Hello Parents and Campers,
My name is Kristina, and I am one of the Assistant Directors here at camp. I am a long-time HOC staff member and an Ontario Certified Teacher. From attending HOC as a camper and completing the Counsellor In Training Program, to becoming a Counsellor, Section Head and Counselling Director, HOC has been my second home for 15 remarkable years.
Although I am not originally from Northern Ontario, I love every part of it. I have been fortunate enough to spend my post-secondary years in the North Bay area attending Nipissing University in the Concurrent Education Program. I live locally in Sundridge with an Australian Shepherd named Maverick (Yes, he will be attending camp). Outside of camp, I’m involved in various activities such as competing with the North Bay Figure Skating Club, teaching CanSkate with the South River Skating Club, and being a volunteer firefighter for the Sundridge Strong Fire Department.
Summer camp is an opportunity that every child should experience in their lifetime. As I reflect back on my experience as both a camper and a staff member, the opportunities and life lessons I have learned here at camp are irreplaceable. The new skills, life lessons, and experiences simply cannot be taught in our traditional classroom setting and everyday interactions. I look forward to welcoming you and your family into our camp community.
If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to reach out to me directly at kristina@learnhockey.com
Heidi Hayes
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR
Hello Parents and Campers,
I’m Heidi, one of the Assistant Directors here at HOC.
I first joined the HOC staff team in 2018 as the Kayak Instructor. I then ran and developed our Staff Development Program and was, most recently, the Counselling Director. HOC has changed my life forever, from meeting my life partner Jake to creating my closest friendships and making my most cherished memories.
I graduated from Trent University with a Bachelors Degree in Developmental Psychology. During my five years at Trent, I was the starting Setter and Captain for the Women’s Varsity Volleyball Team. I am an active volunteer and inspirational speaker for the Canadian Cancer Society. I love going on canoe trips, hiking, gardening, downhill skiing, playing sports, and enjoying a cup of coffee on the porch. My partner Jake and I recently moved to South River with our dog Yogi (Yes, he will also be attending camp). We are excited to begin this new chapter of our lives in this beautiful Northern environment.
Being a part of the HOC Community has been the greatest pleasure of my life. Watching campers and staff grow and develop lifelong friendships and skills is what makes my job the greatest job in the world!
Please never hesitate to contact me with any questions or concerns heidi@learnhockey.com
