Podcast: Nitro Express

Story: Three Nitro Xpress move on to college

The Nitro's Xpress Hockey Academy had three players commit to playing college hockey for the upcoming season: Kim Simoneau, Laurel Davidson, and Bailey Park.

Both Simoneau and Davidson are off to the newly branded University of Providence in Great Falls, Montana, and are starting their first ever women's hockey program. While Park has committed to play with Norwich University.

Simoneau is from Olds, Alberta, and played goaltender for the Xpress. "I want to enjoy the experience while it lasts," Simoneau said. "we are not going to be playing hockey forever. I just want to get the most out of it.

"I really hope to get another family out of this team."

Davidson is from Whitefish, Montana and was a forward for the Xpress. "I really am excited to play college hockey, because I didn't think I was going to be able to because I didn't want to go to the east coast, because that is really far away.

"It has a special excitement for me with being a part of girls hockey in Montana." Davidson said relating her efforts to grow hockey in the state. "It's important for young girls to see that they can play hockey and don't have to go to the east coast. To me, that really hits home, the development within the Montana hockey world."

Even though Davidson is returning to play in her home state, she says that Kimberley is actually closer to her hometown than the University of Providence.

Park is a local defender who made headlines a couple of years ago when she committed, while in grade 10, to play with Yale University. That commitment changed to Norwich this past season.

"It is scary." Park said about making the adjustment to college hockey, "I don't want to be a bad rookie on the team. But it is really exciting. I can't wait.

"I'm excited to get my degree, have a job, be a better hockey player, and all the other new experiences."

Park finished her interview with a message for all the little girls in Kimberley currently playing or considering playing hockey: "play hockey and don't quit. Hockey is a great sport to get you places. It is super fun, you make so many friendships, and you just become a better person. Do it and you won't regret it."

Full interviews will be available on the Nitro's Night in Kimberley Podcast.

Past Nitro: Braeden Ostepchuk

Braeden Ostepchuk played for the Kimberley Dynamiters during the 2011-12 season.

This season, Ostepchuk played for Norwich University (NCAA Div III). He had a 12-5-2 record in 20 games, while also posting a 2.04 GAA and .924 SV%. He was named to his conferences All-Conference second team, a ACHA Scholar All-American, and College Sports Information Directors of America (Co-SIDA) Academic All-American of the Year (read the full story here).

He also played one game Pensacola Ice Flyers in the Southern Professional Hockey League, and one game with the Greenville Swamp Rabbits in the East Coast Hockey League.

Past Nitro: Liam McBain

Liam McBain played as a backup goalie during the Kimberley Dynamiters 2014-15 season, the Nitro's KIJHL Championship season.

This year McBain played Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (ACHA Div II). He played in 19 games, winning 10, while posting a 3.93 GAA and a .879 SV%.

Past Nitro: Matt Climie

Matt Climie played for the Kimberley in the 2000-01 season, when the team was a part of the AWHL.

This season Climie played for the HKm Zvolen. He played in 11 games posting a 2.59 GAA and .909 SV%.

He is slated to play next season with the HC Innsbruck (EBEL).

Past Nitro: Tyson Brouwer

Tyson Brouwer played for the Kimberley Dynamiters from 2013-2016, winning the KIJHL championship is 2015.

This season was Brouwer's 2nd year with the University of Jamestown (ACHA). He played in 30 games posting a 2.39 GAA, a 919 SV% and a 19-8-1 record. He was also named to the ACHA D1 All-Tournament team.

Podcast: Meet the New KIJHL President; Plus the past KI Pres & Cranbrook player going to BCHL