Connor Hovelkamp (Nelson Leafs), Liam Ray (Beaver Valley Nitehawks) and Brenner Fyfe (Kamloops Storm) have been selected as the first Kootenay International Junior Hockey League 3 Stars of the Week of the season, for the period ending Sept 22/24.
Hovelkamp – Top Forward – The rookie from Grande Prairie, Alta recorded three goals, including a winner, and two assists in two games against the Castlegar Rebels. Hovelkamp was in on 36 per cent of the Leafs’ goals. In his debut, Hovelkamp scored a hat-trick, including the winning goal, and added an assist. In their 6-5 shootout win over the Rebels, Hovelkamp collected the second assist as Kane Kennedy tied the game at five.
Ray – Top Defenceman – The second-year Nitehawks blueliner from Beaverlodge, Alta registered two goals and two assists in wins over Spokane (10-0) and Creston Valley (3-1). Against the Braves, Ray assisted on the 1-0 goal; then scored his first to give them a 3-0 lead. He added to his totals with a second assist on the 5-0 goal. Against the Thunder Cats, Ray scored the opening goal. He was involved in 31 per cent of the Nitehawks’ goals.
Fyfe – Top Goalie – The rookie from Lethbridge, Alta played both games against the Chase Heat for the Storm and made 71 saves on 74 shots. He had a 43-save shutout performance to earn his first win, 4-0. In the second game, a 3-1 loss, Fyfe made 28 saves, including 13 in the third period. Fyfe finished with a .959 save rate in the two games.
![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)
