Liam Fitzgerald (Fernie Ghostriders), Owen Aura (Kamloops Storm) and Frederick Larochelle (Nelson Leafs) have been named the Instat KIJHL 3 Stars of the Week for the period ending Feb. 12, 2023.
Fitzgerald – Top Forward – The St. Albert, Alberta product had two goals and four assists in two games, helping the Ghostriders pick up a split in their final two games. Fitzgerald assisted on the opening goal against Columbia Valley in a 5-2 loss. In an 8-1 win against Creston Valley, Fitzgerald had two goals and three assists. The 5-9, 160-pound goalie opened the scoring, assisted on the insurance goal and added a short-handed goal late in the game. In his first season in the KIJHL, Fitzgerald has 11 goals and 34 points in 36 games. He has 27 points in 22 games since joining the Ghostriders from Revelstoke.
Aura – Top Defenceman – The Kamloops product had two goals and two assists in three games, helping the Storm secure second place in the Doug Birks Division. In a 7-3 win against Osoyoos, Aura assisted on the opening goal, scored to give them a 2-1 lead and assisted on the insurance goal. In their 4-2 win over 100 Mile House, Aura scored their fourth goal on the power-play. Aura has six goals and 24 points in 40 games for the Storm
Larochelle – Top Goalie – The Brossard, Que., product picked up key wins for the Leafs against the Grand Forks Border Bruins and Beaver Valley Nitehawks to help secure his team second-place in the Neil Murdoch Division. In the two games, Larochelle stopped 77 of 80 shots for a .963 SP and a 1.50 GAA. Larochelle had a 34-save shutout performance against the Border Bruins and turned aside 43 of 46 shots against the Nitehawks. The 6-1, 180-pound goalie has 12 wins in 23 games to go with a 2.73 GAA and a .913 SP. Larochelle established new career highs in SP and GAA this season.
The KIJHL 3 Stars of the Week are presented by Instat, the exclusive video and analytics partner of the KIJHL.
![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)
