With the 2018 season (and some much anticipated import announcements) just around the corner, I thought it would be interesting to take a look back at our import alumni to see what they’re been up to since they departed our shores.
Class of 2014
Mike Giorgi: After limited starts over two seasons you are still likely to run into Mike as he has stuck around in Canberra, you can follow his way with words at https://michaelgiorgi.com/
Derek Walker: After playing the opening game for the Brave Derek returned to the Manitoba Major Junior Hockey League, with 69 games and 42 points along with one championship.
Cory Wilkie: A handful of games in Brave colours but a well-loved member of the squad, Cory now works as a fire paramedic in Canada.
Petri Pitkanen: After taking the league by storm and picking up goaltender of the year our much loved Pitstop returned to Finland where he has spent the last 3 seasons playing for KeuPa HT. Unfortunately hasn't seen too much team success he's played 52 games with 0.891 save%
Mathieu Ouellette: An all-time fan favourite. His last season in France he put up 24 points in 17 games for Marseille. Mathieu now runs a strength and conditioning business - https://www.facebook.com/WallyStrengthConditioning/
Anton Kokkonen: After blistering season for the Brave Anton returned home to Finland. Back home, he played at Tuto as well as at TuKV before a memorable return to Australia last year where he reminded us why we loved watching him play so much. Recently engaged and now with a mini Anton on the way we’ll have to wait and see what Anton does next but I suspect he may be a little busy over the next 12 months.
Stephen Blunden: Almost seems wrong to include him here but we all know what he’s been up to. In between seasons, Blunden has played a season in France as well as two seasons in Quebec. Over 4 seasons with the Brave Blunden has put up 230 points in 78 games. Recently returned to Canada and is reportedly enjoying being out of the Australian sun after spending last summer here.
Class of 2015
Jordan Peddle: After 7 games in Brave colours Jordan returned to Canada playing a couple of seasons with the Terrance River Kings.
Kelly Geoffrey: After putting up 61 points for the Brave after 3 seasons away from hockey Geoffrey has played in France and Spain winning the Spanish title on the way breaking Txuri Urdin’s 17 year title drought.
Josh Unice: After leaving Canberra Josh returned to the States and has taken up studying Law at the University of Toledo.
Kyle Mariani: After a super back half of the season in CBR Kyle went to France for one last season playing with Val Vanoise before giving the game away to pursue his dream of being a Fire Fighter. Still as ripped as ever Kyle has realised his dream and is working hard with a Fire Rescue Squad in Canada.
Scott Pitt: Arguably one of the most highly skilled players to have landed at the Brave, Pitt returned to Scotland and Braehead Clan after his season in Canberra. Pitt played 97 games for the Clan with a return of 125 points before a stint in Slovakia. He returned the EIHL where he has linked up with some familiar names from the AIHL, Luke Moffatt (Northstars) and Paul Swindlehurst (Icedogs), at the Manchester Storm and has put up 39 points in 34 games. The Storm currently sit 3rd in the league.
Class of 2016
Art Bidlevskii: If you happen to be looking for property in Kelowna BC, head to https://www.facebook.com/artvantagewest/
Neal Prokop: After playing 20 games in Brave colours Prokop has turned his hand to coaching. Working at Sport Manitoba, Prokop is the Sport Performance Specialist – a role he is highly qualified for given he holds 5 different qualifications, highlighted with a Masters of Science in Exercise Physiology.
Nicola Brandi: The talented forward returned to Switzerland playing for the Rapperswil-Jona Lakers. Has recently been spotted in QLD perfecting his beer pong skills.
Mathieu Guertin: Flew under the radar in his time in Canberra but racked up 49 points in 20 games. Guertin returned to the LNAH in Quebec where he has played 63 games for 58 points.
Jan Safar: In between his two seasons in Canberra Jan played in France and enjoyed a productive season putting together 21 points. He is currently playing in France where his team, Tours, sits 4th in the League.
Geordie Wudrick: In between seasons at the Brave Wudrick spent some time in both France and Canada. Wudrick is currently in Berlin playing for the Berlin Blues.
Class of 2017
Dominic Jalbert: The sole fresh import at the Brave in 2017, Dom has continued on in France playing at Anglet. This season he has had some offensive success adding another 30 points to his career tally. More importantly Dom’s team currently sits atop the Division 1 table.
