Skip to content

Porchetta ready for new season with Powell River Kings

Local product looks forward to playing in front of hometown crowd
Nic Porchetta Powell River Kings
PORCHETTA RETURNS: Nic Porchetta engages in on-ice activity during Powell River Kings training camp in late August. Porchetta will play in front of friends and family as he takes the ice for the Kings in the 2019/2020 season. Dante De Caria photo

Nic Porchetta has been playing hockey for a long time, but when he dons a Powell River Kings jersey for games this year, it will feel very special, according to the local minor hockey product.

“I’m excited to play with the Kings’ logo on my chest because I’ve been away from Powell River for three years,” said Porchetta. “My family and friends haven’t had much opportunity to see me play recently, so knowing that they’ll be in the stands supporting me is something I’m really looking forward to.”

Porchetta was born in Powell River and learned to play hockey here. To further his education as a hockey player, he attended Delta Hockey Academy in the Greater Vancouver area for the last three years. Last season he played on the academy’s prep team in the Canadian Sport School Hockey League, where he appeared in 33 games, scored 10 goals and had 22 assists.

“The Delta Hockey Academy is one of the best things that’s ever happened to me in my hockey career,” said Porchetta. “They did so much for my development as a person and a player. Now I get to put all the things I learned and all the experiences I had into playing here in Powell River, and I’m really excited to do that.”

Porchetta is one of 13 forwards on the roster for the Kings this season. While his specific role on the team won’t be finalized until September, he’s already looking ahead to the regular season.

“I’ve learned so much from [head coach] Tyler [Kuntz],” said Porchetta. “We’re still in training camp, but the team is really coming together. My focus for this season is to work hard every day, practice and get better as a player, play the role the coach wants me to and do what he asks, and come out at the end of the season better than I went in.”

In addition to playing for the Kings, Porchetta will be attending Brooks Secondary School for grade 12.

“I’m so used to running around this time of year trying to get the last things done before I leave, so that’s been a little different,” said Porchetta. “But I’ve also been able to show some of my teammates around Brooks and introduced them to some people, so they know the school and will feel welcome when we start there in September.”

Being from Powell River has also put Porchetta into the role of local expert for some of his new teammates.

“I help them figure out where things are, drive them around, whatever they need to get settled,” he said. “They tell me there’s a good view from almost anywhere in Powell River, and they’re right.”

For now, Porchetta is focused on training camp, getting ready for the start of the BC Hockey League season, and preparing for the year ahead.

“I’m looking forward to being home and being with my family,” he said. “I know this is going to be a really good year for me, and for the Kings.”

Kings host Alberni Valley Bulldogs on Friday, August 30, at Hap Parker Arena to complete their exhibition schedule. Game time is 5 pm.