The Beaver Valley Nitehawks announced the addition of Yale University product Kevin Limbert as assistant coach this week.
With the departure of assistant Chris Boyce due to employment commitments, the first person head coach Terry Jones thought of was the Fruitvale native Limbert.
“It’s like getting Mike Babcock to come coach with you. Kevin’s always been one of my favourite players and I’ve always followed him through his college and junior career, so to get a player and coach of his playing ability, his intelligence, and demeanor is unbelievable.”
Limbert played for Yale University and graduated this year as All-academic American for the fourth year in a row. The 25-year-old forward was also captain and played four years for the Trail Smoke Eaters before accepting a scholarship to the Ivy League University.
Jones approached Limbert about the position last spring, and he jumped at the chance once he secured a job with Amec in Trail.
“I’m really excited,” said Limbert. “This will be a great experience and a tremendous learning experience for myself as well.”
Limbert’s youth will also be an asset, as will his past four years playing Div. 1 NCAA hockey.
“Any time you have a new coach coming in . . . there’s always going to be new ideas and different things from different experiences, and being fresh out of the game, I’m hoping to infuse some of those ideas as well.”
The Nitehawks players will definitely benefit from the skilled forward’s experience, but more than anything its his character that makes the difference.
“We’re getting a guy whose not only a great hockey guy,” added Jones. “But he’s also a great role model for young people, so it’s really exciting.”