Ownership and Management of the Nanaimo Buccaneers Junior Hockey team is extremely proud to introduce its first ever Player Mentorship Program. The program is intended to provide ongoing support, guidance and advice to every player on the roster throughout the season. The primary objective is to provide each player with the confidence necessary to navigate the underlying rigors of balancing Junior Hockey, academics and community. The Mentors will also be extremely active attending practices, game time bench duties, game time presence and more depending on their availability. Each Mentor will be assigned specific players to assist and guide away from the Arena with advice and support as may be needed. A truly invaluable resource for every Buccaneers player in 2024-2025/
The five Mentors include AJ Gale – Michael Olson – Brett Bestwick – Blair Lefebvre – David Leneveu.
Team Owner Nicole Brandenburg stated… We are so honoured to have these distinguished and accomplished young men willing to work with us and Make a Difference to these young players pursuing their dreams. Such a blessing, I am overwhelmed by their generosity!
Each mentor excelled playing for the Nanaimo Junior A Clippers and contributed to the development of an outstanding culture throughout the City. Each of them advanced to NCAA or beyond, Minor Professional Hockey and the NHL. All of the Mentors reside in Nanaimo with young families, careers and activities of their own. Each Mentor when asked to participate accepted the challenge with enthusiasm, excitement and eager to contribute to the Team and players on and off the ice. Truly a compliment to each of their characters to give back to where they began.
GM Bill Bestwick stated… having such established local family guys and former players with their knowledge and wisdom committed to helping our players understand the challenges and work ethic essential to succeed is game changing.
AJ Gale stated… “I am really excited to help the program and all the kids excel to be the best version of themselves.”
Michael Olson stated…”The organization has a rich history and tradition, one that I am honoured to help re establish on and off the ice.”
Brett Bestwick stated…”Working collaboratively with these Mentors and the kids to help shape their futures is very exciting.”
Blair Lefebvre stated … “I can’t wait to see how much these kids improve and help them realize their goals.”
David Leneveu stated…”Anything I can do to help aspiring student – athletes, count me in.”
For more information contact Bill Bestwick at 250.713.6876 or Bill@nanaimobuccaneers.ca
100% Locally Owned & Operated
