Veteran sports photographer expands his professional portfolio while continuing to lead OJHL Images.
ONTARIO, CANADA – Oct 3, 2026 – The Ontario Junior Hockey League (OJHL) is pleased to announce that professional sports photographer Tim Bates has signed a professional contract with the Oshawa Firewolves and has been appointed the organization’s Team Photographer.
Bates will join the Firewolves organization for the upcoming National Lacrosse League season, where he will be responsible for capturing professional photography and visual content documenting the team, its players, coaches, staff, fans, games and special events.
The appointment marks another significant chapter in Bates’ extensive career in lacrosse photography. His previous lacrosse assignments include work with International Lacrosse, Major Series Lacrosse, Brooklin Lacrosse Club, Team USA, Team Canada, Lacrosse Magazine and the 2013 World Cup of Lacrosse, along with numerous national and international lacrosse events.
Continuing His Leadership with the OJHL
While taking on his new professional role with the Firewolves, Bates will continue serving as Director of Photography for the Ontario Junior Hockey League and will remain actively involved with OJHL Images.
In his OJHL role, Bates oversees the league’s professional photography operations and digital image content, working with the league’s photography team to provide high-quality visual coverage of OJHL games, events, players and league initiatives.
The OJHL congratulates Bates on his appointment with the Firewolves and looks forward to his continued leadership and contributions to OJHL Images and the league’s photography operations.
“Tim’s impact on the OJHL goes well beyond OJHL Images. Over his many years of service to our league, he has demonstrated tremendous leadership, professionalism and a genuine passion for the OJHL and the people within it. He has become a trusted and valued member of our league, always willing to step up and contribute wherever needed. Tim is a tremendous asset to the OJHL, and we know he will bring that same passion, commitment and professionalism to the Oshawa Firewolves. We’re extremely proud of him and look forward to having his leadership continue within our league,” said Marty Savoy, Commissioner, Ontario Junior Hockey League.
A Return to Professional Lacrosse
The Firewolves appointment brings Bates back into the professional lacrosse environment and adds another professional sports organization to an extensive photography portfolio spanning hockey, lacrosse, rugby and major sporting events.
“I am extremely honoured to join the Oshawa Firewolves as their Team Photographer,” said Bates. “The opportunity to work with a professional National Lacrosse League organization in my own region is something I am very proud of.”
“I am also extremely pleased that I will continue my work with the Ontario Junior Hockey League. The OJHL has been an important part of my professional career, and I remain committed to OJHL Images, our photographers, and providing the league and its member organizations with the highest level of professional sports photography.”
The OJHL congratulates Tim Bates on this professional appointment and looks forward to his continued work documenting and promoting athletes and organizations at the highest levels of sport.
About Tim Bates
Tim Bates is a professional sports photographer based in Ontario, Canada, specializing in professional and elite-level sports photography, digital content and visual storytelling.
He currently serves as Director of Photography for the Ontario Junior Hockey League.
About the OJHL – “We Earn the Next Level”
The Ontario Junior Hockey League is a Junior A hockey league built around one shared standard: We Earn the Next Level. Through a player-first environment, daily competition and exposure to opportunities in the NCAA, OHL, U SPORTS and professional hockey, the OJHL prepares athletes for what comes next. The results prove development – on the ice, in the community and throughout each player’s journey.
For more information on the Ontario Junior Hockey League, follow @OJHLOfficial on Instagram and X, OJHLOfficial on Facebook, and visit www.ojhl.ca
For more information:
Tim Bates
Director of Photography — Ontario Junior Hockey League
Team Photographer — Oshawa Firewolves, National Lacrosse League
