Fruitvale, British Columbia (October 19th, 2023) – The Beaver Valley Nitehawks are excited to host alumnus and former NHLer Cody Franson on Friday, October 20th, for a special pre-game ceremony as the Nitehawks retire his #88.
The Nitehawks are set to host the Spokane Braves on Friday night at the Beaver Valley Arena. But before the puck is dropped, the Hawks will honour one of their former players in Franson, retiring his jersey for his accomplishments not only with the Nitehawks back in 2003/04, but the excellent hockey career that followed his time in the KIJHL.
Franson, a nine year NHL veteran, began his junior career in Beaver Valley with the Nitehawks for the 03/04 season. A season that would see him score nine goals and add 22 helpers from the blueline during the regular season as he helped the Nitehawks to a KIJHL Championship that Spring. Franson would elevate his game to the Western Hockey League the following year, joining the Vancouver Giants. There he would again become a champion, winning the WHL Championship during the 05/06 season. Franson would win gold with Canada at the World Juniors that winter, and then returned to the Giants as they would capture the Memorial Cup later that year. The Sicamous, BC Native would be drafted to the NHL by the Nashville Predators in the third round.
Fans are encouraged to arrive early on Friday, as the ceremony is set to take place prior to the 7:00PM puck drop. Fans will also have an opportunity during the first intermission for a brief meet and greet and autograph signing with Franson.
The Hawks are a perfect 7-0-0 to start the KIJHL season and will look to cap off a special night with another win as they host the Braves on Friday.
