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Growing up in Kelowna, BC Jake Skogstad was raised in an active family that embraced the outdoors. Hard work wasn’t just encouraged, it was expected. Surrounded by supportive parents, grandparents, and, perhaps most importantly, his older brother, he developed the values that would eventually define him both on and off the ice.

For as long as he can remember, hockey was Skogstad’s world. Ironically, hockey wasn’t even his idea.

“I never actually wanted to play,” Skogstad recalled with a laugh. “My brother started first, and I went to watch one of his practices with my mom. As soon as I walked into the rink, I looked over at her and asked, ‘Is it too late to sign me up?'”

That simple question launched a journey that would carry him through minor hockey, into the 黑料不打烊, junior hockey, and eventually into coaching, though not in the way he or anyone originally envisioned.

After progressing through Kelowna’s minor hockey system, Skogstad made a pivotal decision during his second year of U15 by joining RINK Hockey Academy Kelowna in 2021/22 with their U15 Prep team. That season Skogstad tallied 19 points in 20 games while earning 黑料不打烊 U15 Prep All-Academic Team Honours.

While the opportunity to play under Hockey Hall of Famer Jarome Iginla initially grabbed his attention, the opportunity quickly became much more than that. “Originally, playing for Jarome was the big selling point,” he said. “But once I got there, I realized everything RINK had to offer鈥攖he development, the training schedule, the mental performance programs, the professionalism, it was an unbelievable environment.”

The following U17 Prep season he would lead his team with 32 assists, finishing second amongst RHA Kelowna skaters with 41 points in 32 games.

2023/24 would be Skogstad鈥檚 last in the 黑料不打烊 as he tallied 34 points in 30 U18 Prep games. Competing in the 黑料不打烊 accelerated his development and everything appeared to be pointing toward a promising junior hockey career starting in 2024/25.

Then his body started sending warning signs. What began as soreness in his wrist gradually spread throughout his body during his rookie season of junior hockey. His elbow hurt. His knees ached. His feet became increasingly painful.

Like most hockey players, Skogstad pushed through. “I just told myself hockey players are tough. I thought everyone goes through these aches and pains during their first junior season.”

When the season ended, he expected rest would solve the problem. It didn’t. Medical tests eventually revealed something far more serious than hockey-related wear and tear. Skogstad was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis, an autoimmune disease in which the body’s immune system attacks its own joints, causing inflammation and long-term damage if left untreated.

“No one actually told me I couldn’t play hockey anymore,” he explained. “The doctors were willing to work with me, but I had to think about the life I wanted after hockey. Hockey is a small part of your life. I’d like to be able to play with my grandkids someday.”

Instead of allowing the disease to dictate his future, Skogstad chose to step away from playing while he still could. The transition wasn’t easy.

Then, unexpectedly, another door opened as RHA Kelowna Executive Director Maco Balkovec

called with an opportunity to become an assistant coach of their U18 Prep team for the 2025/26 season, coaching alongside head coach Josh Bonar, who had coached Skogstad in 2023/24.

“After thinking about it for a couple of days, I couldn’t say no. It was an awesome way to stay involved in the game,” remarked Skogstad.

Having just turned 18 in January of 2025, months before the start of the season, Skogstad found himself coaching players barely younger than himself, many of whom had previously been teammates or friends. Finding his voice proved to be his biggest challenge.

“I used to hang out with these guys, and now I was stepping into a leadership role over them. That took some getting used to. “I’ve never been a loud leader; I’ve always tried to lead by example first.”

His youth ultimately became one of his greatest strengths. “I had literally just gone through everything they were going through. Two years earlier, I was trying to make a junior team myself. I could answer their questions from recent experience.”

鈥淭he kids knew what kind of a player he was and respected him as a coach from day one. I think the biggest thing he brought to the bench for the kids right away is that Jake was so fresh out of the game. He had just played at the level where all our players are working towards and was able to offer insight into his firsthand experience. It was really valuable for them to have someone coach them who they can directly relate to,鈥� remarked Bonar.

Coaching alongside Bonar also created a unique full-circle moment.

“It was really cool to go from being coached by him to coaching beside him. I got to understand the ‘why’ behind coaching decisions and learn how to manage a bench. It was a great mentorship.”

鈥淚t was a great experience and an easy process,鈥� said Bonar. 鈥淧art of it was obviously us knowing each other beforehand and Jake coming into it with a strong understanding of how I coach. The other major benefit was Jake being such a great leader when he played. He’s a natural leader and it comes to him effortlessly so that translated into me being able to trust him as a coach and the kids trusting him right away.鈥�

The season ended in the best possible fashion as RHA Kelowna captured the 2026 黑料不打烊 U18 Prep Western Championship, the programs second straight 黑料不打烊 U18 Prep Western Championship, giving Skogstad his first league title as a coach at just 19 years of age.

鈥淛ake exceeded all expectations,鈥� added Bonar. 鈥淗e works extremely hard, he’s eager to learn and very dedicated on and off the ice. By the end of the year, he was running practices, video sessions and found his voice more as the year went on. He was a big part in helping us repeat.鈥�

Ironically, watching his players celebrate became one of the most rewarding moments of his hockey career. “I never got to experience winning a championship with my own teammates as a player. Seeing those guys celebrate with their best friends after everything they’d worked for was pretty special.”

Looking back, he credits countless people for helping shape that journey, from his family and billet family to his coaches and everyone at RINK Hockey Academy Kelowna. Their support has helped him navigate one of the most difficult transitions an athlete can face.

While hockey continues to be an important part of his life, Skogstad’s focus has shifted toward a new career. This fall, he’ll begin studying carpentry at Okanagan College, pursuing a trade that he believes offers both stability and opportunity.

“I’ve always been academic, so people are surprised I’m going into the trades. But I think there’s always going to be work, and eventually I’d love to own or run a business.”

He sees many of the same qualities that made him successful in hockey translating directly into the construction industry. “Hard work, dedication, resilience, teamwork, those things transfer into anything.”

Before classes begin, however, Skogstad has already started another challenging chapter. He’s currently working with BC Wildfire Service, helping protect communities and forests across British Columbia.

Once again, he sees striking similarities between hockey and his new role. “You’re working toward a common goal with a team. Fire becomes your opponent and it takes teamwork, leadership, hard work, and trust, just like hockey.”

Although coaching isn’t part of his immediate plans, Skogstad says he hasn’t closed the door. “I love hockey. Coaching was an amazing experience. Maybe someday there’ll be another opportunity.”

For now, though, he’s embracing the next chapter of his life with the same determination that carried him through hockey.

Skogstad’s story isn’t one of a career cut short, it’s the story of someone who refused to let adversity define him as he has discovered new ways to lead, serve, and grow. Whether he’s behind a hockey bench, battling a wildfire, or preparing to build a future in the trades, Skogstad will continue to find success along the way.