TEAM OPERATIONS
Our newly formed Nanaimo Buccaneers Operations Team devotes their commitment, expertise, and behind-the-scenes efforts to contribute to the Buccaneers' ability to compete at the highest level both on and off the ice.
Nicole Brandenburg
Team Owner
Coming from Germany, Nicole moved to Canada to pursue her dream of owning a hockey team. She intends to be a long-term owner of the Buccaneers, to provide continued stability and dedication to the team. Nicole becomes the fourth owner of the Buccaneers, which was established as a model franchise following its inception as an expansion team ahead of the 2012/2013 season.
Contact: nicole@nanaimobuccaneers.ca
Bill Bestwick
Head Coach/GM
With an extensive background in hockey, Bill has traversed various roles within the sport. He began as a player for the Nanaimo Buccaneers and later the Nanaimo Clippers Junior A team, showcasing his talent and dedication. Transitioning into coaching, Bill earned recognition with the Nanaimo Minor Hockey High Performance Coach Award, and served as a coach for BCAHA Island Zone. His leadership extended to the BCHL, where he took on roles as General Manager and Head Coach for teams like the Nanaimo Clippers, Cowichan Valley Capitals, and Victoria Grizzlies. Throughout his career, he amassed an impressive record, participating in 992 Regular Season Games, 148 Playoff games, totalling 1140 games overall. His achievements include seven BCHL All Star Game Awards, two BCHL Coach of the Year titles, and triumphs as a two-time Fred Page Cup Champion and one-time Doyle Cup Champion. Additionally, Bill contributed his expertise to the St. Louis Blues as an Amateur Scout for the WHL/BCHL from 2013 to 2016.
Contact: bill@nanaimobuccaneers.ca
AJ Gale
Assistant Coach
AJ’s hockey journey has been marked by diverse experiences across different levels of play. He began with a year as part of the Junior B Saanich Braves before moving up to spend three years with the Junior A Nanaimo Clippers, honing his skills and passion for the sport. Transitioning to collegiate hockey, AJ spent a year competing at the Division 1 level with the St. Cloud State Huskies, showcasing his talent at a higher level of play. Following this, he ventured into Division 3 hockey with the St. Norbert Knights for a year, further enriching his hockey career with varied experiences. AJ’s professional career spanned an impressive five years, encompassing stints in the CHL, AHL, and Europe, where he continued to excel and contribute to his teams at the highest levels of competition. Throughout these varied experiences, AJ demonstrated resilience, skill, and dedication, shaping his journey in the world of hockey.
Brett Bestwick
Assistant Coach
Throughout his hockey career, Brett has garnered recognition and accolades for his skill and contributions to the sport. In the early 2000s, Brett was named MVP during his time with the Parksville Generals, showcasing his exceptional abilities on the ice. Brett’s tenure with the Nanaimo Clippers was also marked by achievements, earning both the Jason Gow Memorial Award and the Lisa MacPherson Memorial Award in the 2002-2003 season. Moving on to collegiate hockey, he played a pivotal role in securing the SUNYAC Conference Championship for the Geneseo Ice Knights in 2005-2006, demonstrating his talent at the collegiate level. His dedication and hard work was further recognized with awards such as the Hard Hat Award and Fan Favourite Award during his time with the Geneseo Ice Knights in 2006. Additionally, Brett received the Defensive Forward of the Year Award in 2007, highlighting his versatility and defensive prowess on the ice. Transitioning to coaching, Brett served as an Assistant Coach for the Nanaimo Clippers for two seasons, bringing his wealth of experience and knowledge to the next generation of players. Through his contributions as both a player and a coach, Brett has left a lasting impact on the hockey community.
Vanessa Miscio
Marketing and Events/ Game Day Coordinator
Vanessa is entering her final year of studies at Vancouver Island University completing her BBA Degree with a Major in Human Resources. She brings extensive event management experience to the Buccaneers from working promotional roles in the entertainment industry coordinating engagements between music venues and artists, while also maintaining social media accounts and websites. Vanessa is thrilled to be working with the Hockey Operations Team in executing new strategies for the upcoming season.
Contact: vanessa@nanaimobuccaneers.ca
Tyler Gow
Mentor & Skills Development Coach
Nanaimo Buccaneers proudly announce former Nanaimo Clippers Defenceman Tyler Gow onto the operations team! Tyler will be assisting in coaching, and act as a player mentor and skills development coach. Tyler played in the BCHL with the Victoria Grizzlies and then with the Nanaimo Clippers before joining St Norbert College Hockey Club under the coaching of legend Tim Coghlan of the NCAA. “I am really excited and motivated to work with the boys and contribute wherever I am needed.” -Tyler
Heath Dennison
Power Skating Instructor
Jack Arnold
Academic Advisor
Jack is a graduate of Penticton Secondary School and received an athletic scholarship to Simon Fraser University. There, he earned a Bachelor of Arts in History, Physical Education, and Counselling, followed by a Bachelor of Education and Counselling Certification.
Jack’s work history includes 48 years of teaching at the junior and senior secondary levels and 24 years as a secondary counselor. He has coached school teams in basketball, soccer, and volleyball, leading each to provincial levels in both genders. Additionally, Jack has 12 years of experience as a Minor Hockey/Rep Coach with provincial and national certifications, and 8 years of experience coaching Minor Lacrosse. He haa been a provincially certified referee in basketball, lacrosse, and soccer for 45 years, officiating at the provincial level in all three sports.
For 18 years, Jack served as an academic advisor and instructor for the S.A.T., assisting athletes in minor to junior hockey, soccer, golf, lacrosse, and baseball with their U.S. college entrance preparations. Currently, he tutors secondary and university-level subjects, including mathematics, English, and history.
Our Team Mentors
