A returning face will be the bench boss for the 2024-25 Central Plains U18 AAA Female Capitals.

Ferdi Nelisson has returned to the role after a five-year hiatus from coaching at the U18 level. He has 14 years of experience, coaching at this level from 2006-2019. When combining all of his minor hockey coaching experience, it totals 30 years of knowledge.

Nelisson says he coached the U15 program for the last two years so he knows he can look forward to a devoted group for his first year back.

"We've had some success, not that that necessarily translates into big things at the U18 level," explains Nelisson. "You've got to earn your stripes at that level but I like the returning players we have."

While Nelisson is hoping for success on the ice, he's just as focused on making sure the girls leave the organization as better people, not just better hockey players.

"It's very rewarding to see these young people progress with their skills, not only as hockey players but just as individuals," says Nelisson. "There's a lot to be learned from playing competitive sports at that level about responsibility, work ethic, respect, all those things. Those are life lessons."

He also hopes to get as many post-secondary opportunities for these girls as possible, something he says the Capitals have been quite successful at over the years.

The U18 AAA Female Capitals will be playing in the BDO Centre this coming season. Nelisson recommends seeing them in action this year, saying the quality of the hockey played is great.

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