The Grandview Steelers' head coach is set to guide some of the best junior hockey players in B.C. at an annual showcase this month.
Aldo Bruno has been working with other bench bosses over the last month to form the Pacific Junior Hockey League (PJHL) squad for the upcoming BC Hockey Conference (BCHC) Prospects Game — set for Tuesday, Nov. 28.
This includes his own Grandview forward Kori Belanger, whom, as of Wednesday, Nov. 22, was second among Steelers rookies in scoring.
Belanger has 14 points with three goals, as well as 11 assists, which is tied for fifth in overall team scoring.
He recently recorded his first PJHL multi-point game — one goal and two assists — in Grandview's 7-3 win over Abbotsford on Nov. 5.
Bruno, meanwhile, is the head coach, general manager, vice-president and governor of the Burnaby-based Steelers.
He's been involved with the club since 1998.
"I’ve been involved for this many years due to the sheer love and passion for the game, as well as to be able to give young athletes the opportunity to play at a higher level than they may have before," Bruno said in an interview with the PJHL about his tenure.
"The biggest difference in the PJHL now compared to when I played is that it’s a younger league focused more about development rather than fighting and having a good time. The PJHL now focuses on exposure and creating a stepping stone to Junior A or other higher levels, and I am proud to say that the ‘Jungle B’ mentality is long gone."
No Grandview Steelers players or coaches were selected for the inaugural BCHC Prospects Game in 2022.
The second showcase is taking place in Kamloops on Nov. 28.
It consists of the best junior 'A' tier 2 players born in 2006 and 2007, as well as six eligible 2005-born athletes.
For more information, you can visit the PJHL's website.
