The Port Moody Panthers announced today that the team has signed 2008-born forward Mateo Nicolato for the 2026-27 Pacific Junior Hockey League season.
Nicolato spent the 2025-26 season with Coquitlam HC 18U in the Junior Prospects Hockey League 18U, appearing in 27 regular season games and posting six goals and two assists for eight points, along with 53 penalty minutes.
Before that, he spent the 2024-25 campaign with Coquitlam HC 17U in the JPHL 17U, recording one assist and 56 penalty minutes in 23 games.
“I’m excited to play for the Panthers because there is a great team environment,” said Nicolato. “I have really enjoyed meeting and working with the coaches, staff and the players.”
The forward’s playing history also includes a stint with the Vancouver NE Chiefs U17 AAA program in the BCEHL U17 during the 2023-24 season, where he appeared in 34 games.
“My goals for this season are to continue to develop my playmaking capabilities and to contribute positively to the team,” noted Nicolato.
Before his time in the U17 ranks, Nicolato skated for the Langley Hockey Academy U15 program in the JPHL 15U during the 2022-23 season, recording two goals and eight assists for 10 points in 31 games.
“I would describe myself as a two-way forward with good positioning play who likes to use my speed, forecheck hard and has a pass-first mentality,” explained Nicolato.
Nicolato is the sixth recruit signed by the Panthers for the 2026-27 PJHL season, joining forwards Logan Cyr, Owen O’Farrell, and CJ Mah, alongside defenders David Zhang and Cameron Chan.
