In this milestone 20th episode of Hawk Talk, hosts and former Nitehawks players Ross Simnor, Jake Morissette, and Connor Jones welcome Cam Keith, former Nitehawk and BCHL Coach of the Year. Cam shares his incredible journey from playing Junior B in Beaver Valley to coaching at the highest levels of junior hockey.

They talk about his early days in Nelson, the heartbreak of getting cut, the championship run that changed everything, and the lessons he took into his coaching career. Cam opens up about the culture of winning, what it takes to build a championship team, and how coaching has shaped his perspective on the game.

Don’t miss this deep dive into hockey culture, coaching philosophy, and some hilarious behind-the-scenes stories from Cam’s playing days—including a near-disastrous call-up experience in pro hockey.

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Timestamps:

• [01:00] Hosts welcome Cam Keith
• [04:30] Cam’s early hockey days in Nelson & getting cut from his hometown team
• [08:15] Joining Beaver Valley, adapting to Junior B, and the championship season
• [12:45] The 1996-97 Nitehawks: Building a winning culture & key players
• [17:00] Transition to Junior A: A fastest skater win leads to Victoria & Trail
• [22:30] From playing to coaching: Moving from pro hockey to behind the bench
• [28:00] Building championship teams: The importance of culture & leadership
• [34:15] Reflections on the Nitehawks legacy & lasting impact on careers
• [37:00] Closing thoughts & shoutouts

Key Takeaways:

• Rejection Can Lead to Opportunity – Cam’s story proves that being cut can be the best thing for growth.
• Winning Culture Matters – Championship teams aren’t just about talent but mentality and leadership.
• Coaching Is More Than X’s & O’s – Developing players into good people is as crucial as developing skills.
• Junior Hockey Bonds Last Forever – The Nite Hawks alumni network is a family that supports one another for life.

Guest Bio:

Cam Keith is a former Beaver Valley Nitehawk and BCHL Coach of the Year, currently serving as Head Coach & GM of the Cowichan Valley Capitals. After playing Junior A and NCAA hockey, Cam had a successful professional career before transitioning into coaching. He’s known for turning programs around and instilling a winning culture in his teams.

Connect with Us:

• Website: BV Nitehawks Alumni
• Instagram: @bvnitehawksalums
• Facebook: BV Nite Hawks Alums
• Twitter: @BVNitehawks

#Hockey #NiteHawks #JuniorHockey #Coaching #BCHL #HockeyLife #Podcast #CamKeith

In this special episode of Hawk Talk, Kellen Jones, a former Nitehawk, joins hosts Ross Simnor, Jake Morissette, and Connor Jones for a nostalgic trip down memory lane. They discuss the camaraderie, memorable games, and the influence of the Beaver Valley Nitehawks culture on their lives. From their early days playing street hockey to intense rivalries and unforgettable playoffs, this episode captures the spirit of small-town hockey and its impact on the community.

Timestamps:

• [00:00:19] – Introduction and updates from the hosts
• [00:04:09] – Kellen’s life post-hockey and transition to his current role
• [00:07:31] – Playing in Sweden: Life and schedule differences
• [00:13:00] – Kellen's fondest memories of Nitehawks culture
• [00:17:05] – Reflections on local support and the Nitehawk “culture”
• [00:20:10] – Transitioning from Nitehawks to Junior A
• [00:26:30] – The experience of being split up at Quinnipiac
• [00:28:35] – Pro hockey challenges and playing with/against each other
• [00:31:00] – Closing remarks and gratitude for community support

Key Takeaways:

• The Nitehawks have created a legacy in Beaver Valley that goes beyond the rink, shaping the players’ lives and the community.
• The local talent and culture fostered within the Nitehawks program builds lasting pride and resilience among players.
• Playing abroad brought unique life experiences and highlighted the differences in game schedules and lifestyle.
• The close relationship between Kellen and Connor Jones is both a strength and a challenge, especially as they navigate professional and personal milestones together.

Quotes:

"For us, the Nitehawks were like the NHL growing up; they were everything." – Kellen Jones

"The loyalty, the culture, it’s just something you don't find everywhere – BV is special." – Ross Simnor

"Playing in Europe was amazing – a different lifestyle, and you’re home so much more." – Kellen Jones

Connect with Us:

• Website: BV Nitehawks Alumni
• Instagram: @bvnitehawksalums
• Facebook: BV Nite Hawks Alums
• Twitter: @BVNitehawks

Subscribe to Hawk Talk: Stay up-to-date with the latest episodes by subscribing on Spotify or Apple Podcasts

#HawkTalk #BVNitehawks #HockeyLegends #SmallTownHockey #HockeyCommunity #Nostalgia #HockeyLife#HockeyBrothers #HockeyCulture #BeaverValley #KIJHL #JuniorB

Episode 18 hosts Ross Simnor, Jake Morissette, and Connor Jones sit down with Jer Cominotto, former Nitehawks player, and current coach of the BV Nite Hawks. Jer shares his experiences from his playing days, reminiscing about memorable moments, intense rivalries, and the camaraderie that shaped his junior hockey career. The conversation also gets into his move to coaching, his take on how the team has evolved, and the challenges of mentoring the next generation of players. The episode is full of humor, nostalgia, and a peek into the unique culture of the Beaver Valley Nitehawks.

Timestamps:

• [00:01:00] - Introduction to the episode and Jer Cominotto
• [00:02:10] - Jer talks about his current life in Fruitvale and his job at Teck
• [00:04:30] - Reflecting on his early days in minor hockey and the rivalry between Fruitvale and Trail
• [00:07:00] - The story of Jer’s first year with the Nite Hawks and his infamous khaki pants incident
• [00:10:35] - Discussing the strong teams of 2000-2001 and their unbeaten streak
• [00:14:00] - The team dynamics and toughness of the 2000-2001 championship team
• [00:19:50] - Jer’s experience with various teammates and the impact of key players
• [00:23:10] - Transitioning from player to coach: Jer’s journey in coaching
• [00:26:45] - Evolution of the team facilities and preparations for the upcoming season
• [00:29:45] - Closing thoughts on the Nite Hawks' community and the importance of alumni involvement

Key Takeaways:

• Team Dynamics: The 2000-2001 Nite Hawks team was a blend of toughness and talent, with a strong core group that led to their championship win.
• Coaching Transition: Jer’s move from player to coach was driven by his passion for the game and the desire to stay connected with the Nite Hawks community.
• Community Impact: The Nite Hawks organization holds a special place in the hearts of its alumni, many of whom remain involved long after their playing days.

Quotes:

1. "We were physically tough. We would beat you up and we'd beat you up on the scoreboard, we were talented as well." - Jer Cominotto
2. "It's great to see the league's evolving and our team's evolving." - Jer Cominotto
3. "When you have that many guys wanting to come back, it's something special. It says something about our program." - Jer Cominotto

Connect with Us:

• Website: BV Nite Hawks Alumni
• Instagram: @bvnitehawksalums
• Facebook: BV Nite Hawks Alums
• Twitter: @BVNitehawks

Subscribe to Hawk Talk: Stay up-to-date with the latest episodes by subscribing on Spotify or Apple Podcasts