Hawk Talk Episode #20: Cam Keith’s Hockey Journey- From Junior B to BCHL Coach of the year:

Hawk Talk

In this milestone 20th episode of Hawk Talk, hosts and former Nitehawks players Ross Simnor, Jake Morissette, and Connor Jones welcome Cam Keith, former Nitehawk and BCHL Coach of the Year. Cam shares his incredible journey from playing Junior B in Beaver Valley to coaching at the highest levels of junior hockey.

They talk about his early days in Nelson, the heartbreak of getting cut, the championship run that changed everything, and the lessons he took into his coaching career. Cam opens up about the culture of winning, what it takes to build a championship team, and how coaching has shaped his perspective on the game.

Don’t miss this deep dive into hockey culture, coaching philosophy, and some hilarious behind-the-scenes stories from Cam’s playing days—including a near-disastrous call-up experience in pro hockey.

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Timestamps:

• [01:00] Hosts welcome Cam Keith
• [04:30] Cam’s early hockey days in Nelson & getting cut from his hometown team
• [08:15] Joining Beaver Valley, adapting to Junior B, and the championship season
• [12:45] The 1996-97 Nitehawks: Building a winning culture & key players
• [17:00] Transition to Junior A: A fastest skater win leads to Victoria & Trail
• [22:30] From playing to coaching: Moving from pro hockey to behind the bench
• [28:00] Building championship teams: The importance of culture & leadership
• [34:15] Reflections on the Nitehawks legacy & lasting impact on careers
• [37:00] Closing thoughts & shoutouts

Key Takeaways:

• Rejection Can Lead to Opportunity – Cam’s story proves that being cut can be the best thing for growth.
• Winning Culture Matters – Championship teams aren’t just about talent but mentality and leadership.
• Coaching Is More Than X’s & O’s – Developing players into good people is as crucial as developing skills.
• Junior Hockey Bonds Last Forever – The Nite Hawks alumni network is a family that supports one another for life.

Guest Bio:

Cam Keith is a former Beaver Valley Nitehawk and BCHL Coach of the Year, currently serving as Head Coach & GM of the Cowichan Valley Capitals. After playing Junior A and NCAA hockey, Cam had a successful professional career before transitioning into coaching. He’s known for turning programs around and instilling a winning culture in his teams.

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