page_title: UOIT Ridgebacks
section_title: Men's ice hockey
hierarchical_section_title: UOIT Ridgebacks / Men's ice hockey
caption_attribution_description: English: Photo taken by Devan Mighton of CIS men's hockey. https://www.facebook.com/devanssportspics
context_page_description: The Ontario Tech Ridgebacks are the athletic teams that represent University of Ontario Institute of Technology in Oshawa, Ontario, Canada. The University of Ontario Institute of Technology was founded in 2002. The Ridgebacks have been competing in Ontario University Athletics since 2006 and have been a member of U Sports since 2008.
  The Ontario Tech Ridgebacks compete in badminton, soccer, lacrosse, curling, golf, rowing, dance, and hockey. Formerly, the Ridgebacks had a tennis program. However, in 2016 after 10 seasons the university decided to eliminate the tennis program in favour of creating a badminton program.
context_section_description: The current head coach of the team is Curtis Hodgins. The coaching staff includes Brad Gauld, Paul Ranger, and Matt Reed. Hodgins took the role leaving the Cobourg Cougars (OJHL Junior A) mid-season 2015–16 to take over the reins former Head Coach Craig Fisher formerly resigned due to medical concerns. Craig Fisher, whose hiring was announced two weeks before the start of the 13-14 OUA playoffs, was the result of the university's search for new direction after the disappointment of recent seasons; placing emphasis on improving academics, and team culture.
  In Curtis Hodgins' inaugural year (2015–16) with the Ontario Tech Ridgebacks the team set the new season high in wins and points, earned the team's first ever playoff round victory, and received the team's first ever vote for the CIS Top 10 ranking. His staff for the 2015–16 season was: Brad Gauld in the role of Associate Head Coach, John Blackburn, Matt Reed, and Matt Gauld. Following the success of '15-16, the Ridgebacks of 16–17, under Hodgin's tutelage, achieved CIS National Ranking for the first time in program history. Beginning Week 1 of the season at #9, achieving #5 following Week 2, and their highest ranking to date #4 on November 9, 2016.
caption: Ridgebacks' goalie Jesse Raymond ready for a face-off (September 2013)
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