The Kootenay International Junior Hockey League has an exciting new wave of rookie talent entering the 2022-23 season, which begins on Sept. 23. Leading up to the start of the season, we will highlight those players from each team.
Next in the New Wave series are the Beaver Valley Nitehawks. The Nitehawks finished second in the Neil Murdoch division with 22 wins in 42 games. They qualified for the KIJHL Teck Cup playoffs, advancing to the second round losing to Nelson.
Here’s a look at their new wave of rookies with insight from Head Coach & GM Terry Jones.
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Griffin McCulloch
Defenceman, Lethbridge Hurricanes U18AA McCulloch produced over a point-per-game with 34 points, including 29 assists, in 33 games. That ranked him third on his team in points. “He is an offensive-minded, competitive defenceman always looking to join the rush. Griff provides our team with high-end spirit and joy in playing.” |
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Tim Josza
Forward, CRAA Blue U18 Last season Josza had 17 goals and 30 points in 23 games, ranking him third on his team in points. “Tim is a highly skilled winger who is a quick heads up player that generates offence with his ability to read the play and shoot the puck.” |
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Beau Manegre
Forward, Whitecourt Wolverines U18AA Last season Manegre had 38 points in 28 games, including 25 assists, which placed him third on his team in points. “He is a high-energy player with excellent speed. He generates offence with his speed and tenacity on the forecheck, and willingness to stand up for his teammates.” |
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Gabriel Chanut
Forward, Okotoks Oilers U18AA Chanut produced 15 points in 33 games last season and is a stay-at-home defenceman. “Gabriel is tall and lanky and excels at making the first pass and making quick, intelligent decisions offensively.” |
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Lucas Gartner
Defenceman, NWCAA Stamps U18AA Gartner had 17 points in 27 games last season. “Lucas is a towering defenceman who utilizes his reach and stick to make effective defensive plays, and provides great strength on our back end.” |
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Jeremy Hanson
Forward, North West Stars U18AA Hanson led the Stars in points with 53 in 33 games and collected 31 assists. “Jeremy is a quick, elusive skater with a deft scoring touch and heavy shot. We look for Jeremy to generate lots of offence and be a thorn in the opposition’s side with his relentless effort.” |
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Kaleb Brown
Forward, Airdrie AA “Kaleb combines a physical style with an offensive weapon that is a quick release shot from all areas of the ice.” |
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Boris Hristov
Forward, CBHA Blackhawks U18 AA Hristov produced at nearly a point-per-game clip for the Blackhawks with 27 points in 28 games. “Boris is a hard-working, tenacious forward with great offensive instincts. We look for Boris to provide solid, consistent two-way play, and to contribute on both sides of the special teams.” |
