The British Columbia Hockey Conference announced that the Beaver Valley Nitehawks' president will be Operation's Manager of the Kootenay International Junior Hockey League (KIJHL) team for the third annual BCHC Top Prospects Game on November 19 in Langley.
The Nitehawks' Steve Piccolo will join head coach Dave Hnatiuk and Athletic Trainer and Equipment Manager Brian Burdikin from the Grand Forks Border Bruins as part of the Neil Murdoch Division's staff contingent.
The operation manager's position is no easy task, as Piccolo prepares to coordinate travel and accommodation plans for players from 21 KIJHL teams.
"One of my main focus is managing the logistics for the team, especially considering our players come from such a wide area, from Spokane to Quesnel and everywhere in between," Piccolo told the Trail Times. "This requires careful planning on my part, as I handle booking hotels, coordinating meals, and arranging shuttles to get everyone to Langley efficiently.
"It can be a challenge, but I see it as an opportunity to ensure our players have a smooth and enjoyable experience."
The 2024 BCHC Prospects Game will see the top young players from the KIJHL and Pacific Junior Hockey League (PJHL) face off in front of scouts from the Western Hockey League and a number of post-secondary hockey programs.
Piccolo has headed the Nitehawks as president for several years, while also acting as organizer, photographer, bus driver and more. He has been involved with the Top Prospects Game for the past three seasons, but this is his first year as Operation's Manager.
"I'm truly honoured to represent the Nitehawks at this event, and I’m excited to showcase the talent we have in our league," Piccolo added. "It’s a great platform for our players, and I’m committed to making it a memorable experience for everyone involved."
Former Trail Smoke Eaters coach Nick Deschenes from the Kelowna Chiefs, Chad Scharff (Fernie Ghostriders) and Geordie Wudrick (Creston Valley Thunder Cats) were named assistant coaches.
For head coach Hnatiuk, he is thrilled to be returning to the Prospects Game and looks forward to seeing the elite players from both leagues.
“It’s an honour to be selected as the head coach for the KIJHL’s BCHC Prospects Team for the third time and have an opportunity to coach our top prospects in this fun and growing event,” says Hnatiuk. “This year’s event will provide our prospects with a great opportunity to showcase themselves in front of WHL scouts.
"The amount of young players in our league who have been drafted by WHL teams, attended WHL camps or even played in WHL games is a testament to our league’s growth in talent.”
The KIJHL and PJHL Prospects teams will arrive in Langley on Nov. 17 for two days of on- and off-ice events including team practices, the WHL skills combine, and an event banquet.
In 2023, Connor Drake, Nathan Simm, and Will Caputo were selected from the Nitehawks to play in the Top Prospects Game.
Team rosters for the 2024 BCHC Top Prospects Game will be announced on Tuesday, Nov. 5.
