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Newcomer makes adjustments

Graeme McCormack started this season at Frank Crane Arena – the same place he ended last season.

The newest Nanaimo Clipper played last year for the Victoria Grizzlies, a team that was eliminated by Nanaimo in the first round of the B.C. Hockey League playoffs last March.

“Trades happen, and you have to create relationships with guys on the team that you didn’t care for last year,” McCormack said. “My feelings now for the guys on the team are a lot different.”

He was in his hometown of Thunder Bay, Ont., having a steak dinner when he got a phone call from Clippers general manager Bill Bestwick.

The Clips had heard McCormack was holding out for a trade instead of reporting to the Winnipeg South Blues, who had acquired him in the off-season. As a 19-year-old, he wasn’t interested in playing in the lower-profile Manitoba Junior Hockey League.

“When Nanaimo saw that they jumped on it, so I’m happy that it happened,” he said. “I was excited and got on the next plane out.”

The 6-foot-2, 195 pounder is an offensive defenceman, able to shoot and pass the puck effectively from the blueline.

GAME ON … McCormack and the Clippers will play the Trail Smoke Eaters on Sunday (Sept. 26) at 3 p.m. at Frank Crane Arena.

sports@nanaimobulletin.com