Kodiaks Fielding grows into leadership role

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This article was published 29/11/2024 (295 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

It’s one thing to enjoy a productive season on the ice, however, River East Kodiaks forward Nolan Fielding is dominating at a completely different level.

The 17-year-old, playing in his second year of Winnipeg high school hockey, has been nearly unstoppable for the Kodiaks so far this season.

In 11 games, the River East Collegiate senior has racked up 12 goals and 19 assists for 31 points in the league’s top division.

The Kodiaks’ alternate captain is currently scoring at the remarkable pace of 2.82 points per game and averaging more than a goal per game.

“I’ve just been able to make lots of plays out there,” said Fielding. “I see the ice very well and am able to make plays and find my teammates who are open.”

His teammate, Ashton Kollar, had nothing but compliments for Fielding.

“His growing confidence is a big reason why he plays so well,” said Kollar. “He’s a really skilled player, and his work ethic shows that — he doesn’t stop working.”

Fielding, who played AAA hockey with the Winnipeg Thrashers from 2021-23, has already eclipsed his point production from a year ago. In his first year of high school hockey, he scored 10 goals and added 18 assists for 28 points in 23 games.

He attributes his off-season training as the biggest factor in the spike in point production.

“Over the summer I got into better shape,” Fielding said. “I got faster, worked on my shot, and I’ve been getting pucks around the defence better, too, which has really helped my game.”

River East’s head coach, Ryan Gruener, said Fielding’s dominance stems from his play-driving ability.

“He drives the team,” said Gruener, who’s been coaching the Kodiaks for 10 seasons. “He works in both ends of the ice; he’s very heavy to get off the puck, and he’s got quick hands — he has all the makings of a talented player.”

Kollar agreed it’s Fielding’s ability to control the puck that makes him so dangerous in the offensive zone.

“Even if he’s being checked, he manages to keep the puck every time — it’s cool to watch,” he said.

Partly due to Fielding’s prolific scoring ability, the Kodiaks currently sit in second place with a record of 7-3, trailing only the Vincent Massey Trojans, who remain undefeated in regulation with nine wins and one overtime loss.

Fielding said the team culture on and off the ice is the main reason the club is climbing the standings this year.

“Everybody’s gelled well together,” he said. “We’re more dialed in before games this year, and everyone, including myself, seems to be more positive on the bench when things don’t always go our way.”

Voted by his teammates as an alternate captain, Fielding’s leadership qualities this season have also left an impression on his head coach and players.

“He’s shown a lot of growth from last year to this year,” said Gruener. “The way he’s been with his positivity, the way he leads — it speaks for itself.”

“He just leads by example,” said Kollar. “He shows us what level we need to be playing at all the time, and he never quits.”

Although Fielding knows there is plenty of season, he is also keeping his eyes peeled on the long-term goal, winning a city championship.

“I know we’re capable of going far,” he said.