Mike DeRenzis
[email protected]
(905) 464-4488
Mike DeRenzis' hockey journey took an unexpected turn at 18 when a heart condition ended his playing career just as he was preparing to join an NCAA Division 1 program. However, this challenge opened the door to a successful coaching and player development career. Almost immediately, he joined his Jr. A team as an Assistant Coach and worked with the U11 Oakville Rangers as a practice coach. This sparked his passion for skill development and led to the creation of First Star Hockey, a program he has run for over 15 years, specializing in training elite players from AA/AAA to Jr. A, OHL, and NCAA levels.
Mike's expertise lies in skating mechanics, puck skills, and - most importantly - hockey IQ, helping players improve their decision-making through drills that mimic real-game situations. His success is evident through the many OHL and NHL draft selections among his students, including several from his 2008-born group eligible for next year's NHL Draft. Most recently, Mike coached the 2008 AAA Oakville Rangers from U11 to U16, leading them to the 2024 OHL Cup Championship. Under his leadership, the team saw 12 players drafted to the OHL, including the 1st overall pick, an NCAA D1 commit to Boston College, and multiple players representing Team Canada at international tournaments, including gold medalists at the U17 World Championships. Alongside his brother Ryan, who has been with First Star Hockey for over five years, Mike has played a key role in the skill development of Oakville's top talent at the AA & AAA levels. His ability to connect with players, create a fun and competitive learning environment, and instill a passion for the game has made him a cornerstone of the Oakville Rangers development program.