Tom Keca

Tom Keca grew up idolizing the Fort McMurray Oil Barons. His family moved to Fort McMurray when he was just a young child, and he has been heavily involved in the sports community his entire life. Tom explains that growing up in Fort McMurray “shaped the person I am today.”

In the spring and summer months in Fort McMurray, Tom was out on the soccer field; when the weather got colder he moved into the hockey rink. Tom was fortunate to be able to play hockey in Fort McMurray at all different levels, including playing for his favourite team, the Oil Barons.

When Tom was done his own playing career, he went to university to become a teacher. He felt as though he always had a knack for working with kids, and wanted to make a difference. “I take teaching very seriously because it is our responsibility to shape many young minds.” Tom tries to be an honest teacher in all aspects of his life, whether that is in the classroom, at home with his family, or at the rink with the Oil Barons.

Today as Head Coach and General Manager of the Fort McMurray Oil Barons, Tom tries to instill a love of community in his players. “I want the Oil Barons to be involved in our community because whether they know it or not those boys are role models… The lessons that we try and instill in our players goes far beyond what they learn on the ice.”

“You want to leave a place a little bit better than when you got there, and Fort McMurray is such a great place that you want to give back to the community.”