Johnny Carmichael of the Nelson Leafs has committed to play for the Okanagan Lakers in the B.C. Intercollegiate Hockey League.
Carmichael finished second on the Leafs with 36 points in 41 Kootenay International Junior Hockey League games last season. Carmichael added six points in four KIJHL Teck Cup playoff games. Over two seasons with the Leafs, Carmichael played 75 career regular season games and had 56 points. Prior to playing for the Leafs, Carmichael spent time with the Portage Terriers in the Manitoba Junior Hockey League.
Joining the Lakers fulfills Carmichael’s goal to play at the college level and is excited for the opportunity.
“I would like to thank the Nelson Leafs organization for helping me grow as a player and a person over the past couple of years,” said Carmichael. “I cannot say enough great things about Nelson, from the community to coaching staff, they truly are a first-class organization.”
Leafs Head Coach Briar McNaney said that Carmichael is a person that every player, coach, and volunteer will love.
“Johnny has been a great role model and fan favourite since he arrived. He is a mature young man who grew a lot as a player, especially just before the playoffs,” said McNaney. “The light bulb flicked on and he just grew in such a short span, it was really impressive. I wish him and his family nothing but the best.”
![Nelson, BC — [Feb.13th 2026] — The Nelson Leafs Hockey Society is proud to announce that Gianni Mangone has been named Head Coach and General Manager for the 2026/27 season. 💥
Mangone has served as Assistant Coach with the Nelson Leafs for the past two seasons,
stepping into the Head Coach role midway through both years. His leadership, commitment, and seamless transitions during those periods made him the clear choice to guide the organization forward in a full-time capacity.
Gianni has demonstrated strong leadership and a deep commitment to our players and His dedication to development and
team culture makes him the ideal person to lead the Leafs into the future.
Prior to joining Nelson, Mangone spent two seasons with the Creston Valley Thundercats as Assistant Coach and General Manager, further developing his experience in both bench leadership and hockey operations.
Mangone has a proven track record of advancing players to the next level, helping multiple athletes move on to Junior A programs and collegiate hockey opportunities.
His coaching philosophy centers on player development, advancement, accountability, and continual personal growth — both for his athletes and himself as a coach.
“ I am honored to stay on as the GM/Head Coach with the Nelson Leafs and excited for the opportunity to work with such talented athletes and committed staff”, said Coach Gianni.
“This program has a strong tradition, and I look forward to building a culture of discipline, teamwork, and success both on and off the ice.”
The Nelson Leafs look forward to the 2026/27 season under Mangone’s leadership as preparations begin for training camp and roster development.
#goleafsgo](https://www.nelsonleafs.ca/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/07/631517883_18012617690833542_4094282786479335278_n-512x640.jpg)
![Nelson, BC — [Feb.13th 2026] — The Nelson Leafs Hockey Society is proud to announce that Gianni Mangone has been named Head Coach and General Manager for the 2026/27 season. 💥
Mangone has served as Assistant Coach with the Nelson Leafs for the past two seasons,
stepping into the Head Coach role midway through both years. His leadership, commitment, and seamless transitions during those periods made him the clear choice to guide the organization forward in a full-time capacity.
Gianni has demonstrated strong leadership and a deep commitment to our players and His dedication to development and
team culture makes him the ideal person to lead the Leafs into the future.
Prior to joining Nelson, Mangone spent two seasons with the Creston Valley Thundercats as Assistant Coach and General Manager, further developing his experience in both bench leadership and hockey operations.
Mangone has a proven track record of advancing players to the next level, helping multiple athletes move on to Junior A programs and collegiate hockey opportunities.
His coaching philosophy centers on player development, advancement, accountability, and continual personal growth — both for his athletes and himself as a coach.
“ I am honored to stay on as the GM/Head Coach with the Nelson Leafs and excited for the opportunity to work with such talented athletes and committed staff”, said Coach Gianni.
“This program has a strong tradition, and I look forward to building a culture of discipline, teamwork, and success both on and off the ice.”
The Nelson Leafs look forward to the 2026/27 season under Mangone’s leadership as preparations begin for training camp and roster development.
#goleafsgo](https://www.nelsonleafs.ca/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/07/631517883_18012617690833542_4094282786479335278_n.jpg)
