Nielissen hopes complete game will help produce team success

After logging countless hours on the roads east to help the Smith Falls Junior Bears to the EOJHL final last year, Brody Nielissen is hoping to find more success closer to home.

The 19-year-old left winger has signed on with the Napanee Raiders this season. He has familiarity with several of his new teammates from their days coming up through the AAA ranks, and he’s spent some time at the Best and Bash Arena working with youth skills programs and where his younger sister skates with the Napanee Crunch.

“I came to Napanee because all of my buddies play here,” Nielissen said. “My goal for this season is to win a PJHL championship.”

Last season, the Loyalist Township native had 14 goals and 11 assists for 25 points in 41 games before turning in five goals and three assists in 15 games of important playoff exposure.  Previously, he also gained experience at the junior level with the Amherstview Jets and Kingston Wranglers.

Raiders head coach Ben Hagerman is excited about what Nielissen can bring.

“Brody will add speed, grit, and offensive production to our lineup. He will remind fans of Raiders great Michael Patrick at first glance,” Hagerman said. “We are thrilled to bring Brody in. He’s a critical piece to the 2026-2027 puzzle.”

Nielissen said he welcomes the opportunity to contribute and feels the coaching staff can count on him to offer a complete game.

“I’m a 200-foot player that can play in all three zones and be trusted in any situations.”

Following his junior career, Nielissen said he’d be interested in trying to play overseas. Off the ice, the Regiopolis-Notre Dame Catholic Secondary School product is an apprentice for NCS Plumbing. He spends time away from the rink working out, playing fast pitch softball (where he’s contributed to past Napanee Express successes) and golfing.