Brock Nixon began his junior hockey career in the WHL with the Kamloops Blazers in the 2003-04 season.
More than 15 years later, Brock is now playing back in his hometown with the Russell Rams and what a season it's been for the 32-year-old. He led the league with 39 points (19G) in just 14 games.
Because of his success, Nixon has been named the North Central Hockey League's Most Valuable Player.
"It's certainly a nice honour. I think it kind of reflects the year our team has put together," said Nixon. "We've had a great regular season and I've been able to put a good offensive season together, so it was nice to get recognized."
"Being back with the club and being a part of this community definitely outweighs the individual stuff at this point," he added.
After playing for the Blazers, Brock spent a small time with the Calgary Hitmen before staying in Calgary where he suited up for the Dinos for five seasons. After that, it was professional hockey time for the Russell native where he played 250+ games between the ECHL, in Denmark, and in Austria.
"I really didn't know what the league was going to look like this year. A lot of guys I grew up with have been playing on Russell for years," said Nixon. "I was just happy to get back with a lot of old friends and teammates. We've scored a lot of goals as a team this year; it was definitely nice to get on the board a lot."
The Rams' have scored the third most goals in the league so far (107).
During his time as a pro hockey player, Brock was a part of a team that put a couple seasons together that he will never forget. Playing with Esbjerg Energy in the Denmark league, the club went on to win the League Championship in the 2015-16 season and they did it again the next season as well. Nixon was instrumental in the team's success as he racked up 32 points (7G) in 37 playoff games combined between the two seasons.
After starting in Austria for the 2017-18 season, Nixon was shipped back to Esbjerg for the playoffs and the team fell just short in the semifinals where they lost in seven games.
Russell caps off their regular season tonight in Foxwarren. The Rams' (14-0-0-1) can clinch top spot heading into the playoffs with two points tonight.
