Beaver Valley Nitehawks alumnus Hayden Stocks (2021–22) continues to build on the foundation he established in the Kootenay International Junior Hockey League.
Now in his second season with the University of Wisconsin–Stout Blue Devils in NCAA Division 3, Stocks has emerged as the team’s offensive leader. After posting nine goals and 18 points in 27 games as a freshman, the forward has taken another step this season, leading the Blue Devils with 10 goals and 21 points through 17 games.
“I’ve been playing pretty well this season,” said Stocks. “We have a really good group at Stout, and I’ve been able to produce offensively. I’m still looking to improve my play on both sides of the puck and help the team win games.”
The Blue Devils are 12-4-1 on the season.
Stocks’ offensive growth was on display during his lone KIJHL season with the Nitehawks, where he led the team with 20 goals and 45 points in 42 games and finished as the Neil Murdoch Division’s top scorer.
He credits his time in Beaver Valley as a key step in his development.
“Making the jump from U18 to junior hockey, the coaches and everyone involved made the transition extremely easy,” said Stocks. “That season helped me discover what kind of player I am. I was surrounded by great teammates, and the coaches gave me every opportunity to improve and gain the confidence to move on to the college level.”
