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

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