With puck drop on the 2025-26 Kootenay International Junior Hockey League season coming on Sept. 19, kijhl.ca is providing fans with a preview on all 21 teams. Next in the Quick Shift series are the Nelson Leafs.
The Leafs finished third in the Neil Murdoch division last season with a record of 19-23-1-1. They were swept from the opening round of the playoffs by the Beaver Valley Nitehawks.
They enter the season with new head coach Barry Wolff and Dale Hladun heading into his first full season as general manager and director of hockey operations.
Returning Players: F- Quinn Ramsay (44-18-19-37), Ty Nykyforuk (40-7-14-21), Connor Hovelkamp (27-8-12-20), Devon Barclay (38-11-8-19), Brendon Hall (26-6-11-17), Cale Nachai (34-5-11-16), Sebastien Conne-Correnti (36-5-9-14), Bradly Boyarski (30-3-3-6), D- Torin Thickson (32-3-7-10), Jackson MacIntosh (38-1-5-6), Julian Laqua (27-2-2-4), G- Dylan Spackman (12 GP 2-8-0 | 4.90 GAA | .889 SP).
Wolff has seen Spackman perform confidently, battling every shot and loose puck. The Red Deer native has also been composed and in 60 minutes of exhibition action, the 5-10, 165-pound goalie has a 1.99 GAA with a .950 SP.
Acquisitions: None.
Rookies: D-Nick Petropoulos – Okotoks Oilers U18AA (31-1-8-9), Chris Woolcott – Foothills Bisons U18AA (34-6-23-29).
Team Outlook: Wolff likes their strong core, who are mature and focused.
“They are hungry to continue to learn and improve,” said Wolff. “The players are buying into establishing Leafs Nation, which is a family dynamic. We don’t let family down, we stick up for each other and battle to the end.”
Wolf is motivating players to get better everyday. From the start, coaches have pushed the need for good habits, playing for each other and the “Leafs logo.”
“The young guys are learning how to play at a higher speed, higher compete and battle level,” he said. “It’s still early, but they are learning that every shift, every goal for or against matters.”
![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)
