By Dan Marshall

NMHA president hopes NHL dreams of Ferguson, Bajkov, and Coghlan inspire young players

Sep 18, 2017 | 11:10 AM

NANAIMO — If you want to see the strength of the local minor hockey system the best place to go might be Las Vegas.
 
Three Nanaimo Minor Hockey grads skated as prospects with the Vegas Golden Knights last week.
 
Patrick Bajkov, Dylan Coghlan, and Dylan Ferguson are part of the Vegas training camp roster, and Lantzville’s Ferguson started the Golden Knights first ever preseason game against the Canucks.  
 
Nanaimo Minor Hockey President Brad Knight says the trio are positive role models for younger athletes.
 
“Kids feed off of other kids. To see it up close and personal like that, what a huge opportunity for young kids in Nanaimo – to be able to see what hard work, commitment, dedication and talent can get you,” said Knight.
 
All three players are ultimately preparing to suit up in the Western Hockey League this season, but are sitting on the cusp of professional opportunities.
 
Most of the credit goes to the althletes themselves, and their families.
 
But Knight points out that volunteer coaches in the NMHA should take pride as well in helping develop those players in their critical early years.
 
“Nobody gets paid to do it (coach),” said Knight. “It’s miraculous how well our coaching has come along considering everyone puts in all those hours for free. The average minor hockey coach probably works about 30-40 hours a week for free.”
 
The current minor hockey season is just beginning with the rep and recreational teams pretty much set.
 
Knight says there are roughly 800 kids registered for this season and he hopes the success of recent grads, especially the group with the Golden Knights, will be an inspiration for more kids to join hockey programs in Nanaimo in the future.
 
 
dan@nanaimonewsnow.com
 
On twitter: @danmarshall77