Hard Creek Nickel Appoints Corporate Communications Consultant for Germany

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwire - Feb. 17, 2011) - Hard Creek Nickel Corporation (the "Company") (TSX:HNC)(FRANKFURT:BRR)(WKN-AOB6ST) today announces the appointment of Mr. Stephan Bogner of Switzerland to represent the Company in Germany. Mr. Bogner will be assisting the Company with German translation including website materials, press releases, written interviews and consultation and organization of other marketing and corporate communications services.

Pursuant to its Stock Option Plan, approved by the Toronto Stock Exchange, the Company will be granting 100,000 stock options exercisable at $0.60 per share, expiring February 15th, 2014.

On behalf of the Board of Directors of Hard Creek Nickel Corporation

MARK JARVIS, President

HARD CREEK NICKEL CORPORATION