Knights' Bolin ready to battle with Miners

North Okanagan Knights forward Nic Bolin joins teammate Caedon Bellmann with the Red Lake Miners. Dunsmoor Creative image

Making the step to junior A hockey is one of Nic Bolin’s goals.

The Vernon native and rookie with the North Okanagan Knights is taking that step with the Red Lake Miners in the Superior International Junior Hockey League (SIJHL).

“I am beyond thankful to all my coaches and teammates over the years who have pushed me and helped me become a better player and a better person,” says Bolin, 19, who was third on the Knights in scoring with 14 goals and 27 points in 44 games. 

Bolin added another two points in four playoff games.

Playing his first year of junior while living at home was “second to none” for the six-foot-one, 180 pound forward. Playing for the Knights also reunited Bolin with his bantam assistant coach Dean McAmmond, saying it was a big opportunity for him.

“Playing for a coach I knew and liked while getting to live at home was really an amazing experience,” says Bolin. “Playing in the KIJHL definitely helped me speed up my game and be able to make things happen at a quicker pace. The transition from midget to junior is really an eye-opener when you realize how much quicker the game is. I feel the veteran players and coaching staff did a great job at helping me adjust and become a better player day in and day out.”

Bolin says joining the Miners is a good fit for him because he learned about their fast pace of play from speaking to the coaching staff and others familiar with the organization. Bolin knows their style fits the way he plays very well.

“I’m going to learn a lot from the coaching staff and veteran players which will help improve my overall game,” says Bolin, who joins Knights teammate Caedon Bellmann on the Miners.

Notable alumni from the SIJHL include NHLers Robert Bortuzzo, who won a Stanley Cup with the St. Louis Blues and Carter Hutton, a goalie with the Buffalo Sabres.