The Woodstock Navy Vets are proud to announce Andy Bathgate as the organization’s new Head Coach as the club prepares for its inaugural season in the Greater Ontario Hockey League (GOHL).
A Woodstock resident with an extensive background in both playing and coaching, Bathgate brings high-level hockey experience, strong leadership qualities and a deep understanding of player development to the Navy Vets organization at a pivotal moment in team history.
“We are excited to welcome Andy to the Navy Vets organization as our Head Coach,” said Darren Young, General Manager of the Woodstock Navy Vets. “As we continue building our program for the move to the GOHL, it was important for us to find a coach who not only understands the game at a high level, but who also values player development, culture and community. We believe Andy is an outstanding fit for where we are headed as an organization.”
Bathgate was selected in the 3rd round of the OHL Draft by the Belleville Bulls and spent four seasons with the organization before continuing his OHL career with the Plymouth Whalers. Over the course of his OHL career, Bathgate recorded 180 points in 240 career games while competing in two Memorial Cup tournaments. He was later selected 150th overall by the Pittsburgh Penguins in the NHL Draft.
Following his OHL career, Bathgate went on to play seven seasons professionally, with experience in the AHL, ECHL and in Europe. His playing career provided exposure to multiple levels of the professional game and a variety of coaching styles and team environments — experience that will now help shape the next generation of players in Woodstock.
Behind the bench, Bathgate has spent the past six seasons coaching within the Halton Hurricanes AAA program, working with elite players at the U14AAA, U15AAA and U16AAA levels. His background in player development and his familiarity with the modern AAA and junior hockey landscape were key factors in the Navy Vets’ decision-making process.
“I’m extremely excited for this opportunity and honored to join the Navy Vets organization at such an important time,” said Bathgate. “The move to the GOHL is a huge step for hockey in Woodstock and I’m looking forward to helping build a culture that players, fans and the community can be proud of. There’s a lot of excitement surrounding this organization right now and I can’t wait for September.”
In addition to his own playing and coaching accomplishments, Bathgate also carries a proud hockey legacy as the grandson of NHL legend Andy Bathgate.
The hiring marks another major step forward for the Navy Vets organization as preparations continue for the club’s transition into the GOHL for the 2026-27 season. The organization has spent the offseason focused on building a first-class program designed to support players both on and off the ice while continuing to strengthen the connection between the team and the Woodstock community.
“With Andy leading our bench, we are confident in the direction of our hockey operations and excited for what lies ahead,” added Young.
The Woodstock Navy Vets would like to officially welcome Andy and his family to the organization and look forward to an exciting new chapter of Navy Vets hockey.
