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John “Osi” Osidach (1944 – 2016) inspired competitive hockey players from the Washington, DC area for over 40 years. A tough but fair coach, his teams embodied his attributes: gritty, innovative, hard working, smart and team oriented.

Established in 2016, The John Osidach Memorial Grant is awarded annually to a Washington Little Caps player with the enthusiasm and esteem for hockey that would win Coach Osidach's respect.

The candidates should be:

• receptive to coaching;
• passionate about hockey;
• dedicated to team goals;
• respectful of hockey rules and traditions; and
• able to demonstrate exceptional sportsmanship on and off the ice.We hope that John Osidach’s legacy will live on in the hearts of the many players he influenced and through the John Osidach Memorial Grant.

  About Coach Osidach

  John began playing hockey in elementary school, toting his stick and skates on the streetcars of Toronto, Ontario. He played during his high school years at Humberside Collegiate and later at St. Mary’s University in Halifax, Nova Scotia. After moving to Washington DC, John’s knowledge and enthusiasm for the game of hockey led him to a coaching position at the Chevy Chase Club in the Capital Beltway League.

  As the Washington hockey scene developed, Osi recognized the need for a select/travel team and co- founded what would become the nationally recognized Washington Metros Hockey Club (1978). The Metros’ accomplishments, headed by Osi’s recruiting and coaching, led to the establishment of the Washington Little Capitals (1983) in the Atlantic Youth Hockey League (AYHL). With Gary Sampson (USA Olympian in 1984 and retired Washington Capital), Paul Mulvey (retired Washington Capital), and Bob Siblo (Boston College '56), Osi guided select teams to Vancouver, Chicago, Toronto, and to the respected Quebec PeeWee tournament. John was also selected twice to coach the Southeastern District U16 team at the USA Hockey Development Camp in St. Cloud, Minnesota.

  Many of Osi’s players went on to play both collegiately and professionally. Notables include Steve Scheifle (1st DC area player drafted - Boston College '90 and the Philadelphia Flyers) and Jeff Halpern (Princeton '99 and the Washington Capitals). Osi’s lasting mark on the game is seen in the grit, determination, love, and sportsmanship that his athletes display — both on the ice and throughout their lives. He was proud that his players and colleagues continue to coach at many levels, sharing his passion for the game with today’s players.