Nelson Leafs are starting to bolster their roster ahead of the 2024/25 season, with a mix of old, new and local talent on the ice.
“We’re excited with what’s happening in the club right now.” said Briar McNaney, Head Coach and General Manager Nelson Leafs Junior Hockey.
“We’ve got a lot of returning players from last year, which is obviously very exciting for us, considering a lot of them played many key roles in our success last year, especially during the later half.”
“We feel the fresh recruits coming in are going to be a very welcoming addition and we feel we’ve plugged up some of the holes that we had from last year with some trades that are yet to be announced as well as some of the new rookies coming in.”
Letters of intents have been signed for Rayne Jameson (North Shore Warriors), Tyler Zielger (Yorkton Maulers), Nate Johnston (West Kootenay Crusaders) and Avery Hewson (North Shore Warriors) and Tristan Pool.
“Nate Johnstone, he’s a kid who affiliated with us.” Said McNaney.
“He’s from Rossland and he did quite well in a couple of games he played, as well as during practices, spring camps, as well as other camps, and he had a really great season.”
“And Tristan, he’s just a hard nose, hit everything that moves old school type of player, that should fill out our lineup well, and we’re pretty excited for him.”
Pulling big crowds at the end of last season, it hoped the local support will continue for junior hockey in Nelson in the season to come.
“We had a great fan base last year.” Said McNaney.
“We had attendance, franchise records, and we’re hoping to do so again this year.”
“We’re looking to get the guys out in the community again and we’re looking forward to seeing the product that we’ve scouted and we’re going to put on the ice.”
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