Thunder Cats alum Jake Livingstone (2014-17) completed his first pro season in the American Hockey League (AHL) last year with the Milwaukee Admirals.
He caught up with the Kootenay International Junior Hockey League (KIJHL) to recap his rookie pro season.
Livingstone previously spent three years playing with the Minnesota State University-Mankato Mavericks. Then in April 2023, he signed his first pro contract and played in five NHL games with the Nashville Predators. He registered an assist while averaging 15:27 of ice time a game.
After moving on to AHL last season, the Creston Valley product played 68 regular season games, registered 17 points, and was plus 17, with 67 shots on goal.
“I got thrown into the deep end coming out of college, but it was a valuable learning experience,” he said. “I’m grateful for it and those accomplishments under my belt, and now it’s all about improving.”
Livingstone said the switch to AHL was a positive experience but took time to adjust.
“You figure things out as you go - new systems, new coaches,” he said. “We had a solid team, which made everything fun.”
When asked how he felt his performance was over the first season, Livingstone said there were ups and downs. He found it particularly challenging to adjust from playing 30 games, or 42 at most, with college hockey.
“I had good games and bad ones,” he said. “ I didn’t think I had the year I wanted to, but we had a really good team and went far, which made the season enjoyable. I wish I could have contributed a little more personally, but that’s the way it goes sometimes.”
Going into the next season, Livingstone wants to take on a bigger role and focus on penalty-kill minutes.
“I want to do my part and take the opportunities I get,” he said. “You’ve got to find a niche and I think that’s going to be mine. It doesn’t mean I can’t get points, right?”
