Toronto, ON – The Ontario Hockey League today announced the appointment of Kyle Pereira as its Director of Player Recruitment.
A 28-year-old from Brampton, Ont, Pereira will be responsible for developing and implementing league recruitment strategy and activities, and liaising with Minor Midget teams across Ontario and parts of the United States. He will work closely with Minor Midget players and families to provide them with information and education regarding the opportunities the OHL provides. Pereira will also help further the development of the OHL Alumni Association, engage with and grow its membership, and coordinate annual events.
“The OHL provided me with an opportunity to not only develop as a hockey player, but also as a student athlete upon graduation from the league,” Pereira said. “I was very fortunate to have leveraged the OHL Scholarship Program to complete both my undergraduate and graduate degrees while still progressing my hockey career at the U Sports level.
“The OHL was certainly a springboard both athletically and educationally. It prepared me exceptionally well to make the transition into my career and I am thrilled for the opportunity to return to the OHL and work with the next generation of players and families.”
Originally a sixth round pick in the 2007 OHL Priority Selection, Pereira spent four seasons in the league including three as a member of his hometown Battalion from 2008-11 before completing his OHL experience as a member of the Guelph Storm in 2012. That final season he not only served as alternate captain, but won the club’s Leadership Award and was the Community Hero & Humanitarian of the Year recipient. He was also recognized at the league level as the 2012 Roger Neilson Memorial Award winner presented to the top post-secondary student in the OHL. Pereira continued his hockey career at Saint Mary’s University where he played four seasons for the Huskies through 2015-16. His tenure included AUS All-Rookie Team honours in 2012-13 followed by the prestigious Academic All-Canadian distinction his final season. Pereira received a Bachelor of Commerce degree in 2015 then completed his Masters of Business Administration (MBA) in 2017.
“We are excited to welcome Kyle back to the OHL as the newly appointed Director of Player Recruitment,” said Joe Birch, OHL Senior Director of Player Development and Special Events. “Kyle will be an excellent resource for prospective OHL players and families and will undoubtedly excel in this role given his communication skills and passion for the game. Kyle will have the ability to draw upon his own experience as an OHL and U Sports student athlete to assist players through their Minor Midget season.”
Pereira joins the league after working most recently as an Account Manager with The Delivery Group where his experience was profiled in the CHL Leaders segment on Junior Hockey Magazine.
The position was previously held by Daniel Broussard for parts of three seasons before departing in the spring to pursue new business opportunities outside of hockey.
OHL Writers 