The Nanaimo Clippers have a lot of the hockey skills necessary to win games. They also have some of the traits that are harder to measure.
Mike Vandekamp, Clippers coach, said one of the most noticeable attributes with this year’s team so far is its passion.
“A good bench – guys are in the game,” he said. “We want players that love playing the game and I think that’s something that we’ve tried to do our best to recruit.”
The junior A squad had positive results in the B.C. Hockey League pre-season, winning four of five exhibition games against Island Division opponents.
“We learned lots and now we’re just turning the page and getting ready for the games that count,” said Vandekamp.
The coach said the Clippers showed a lot of speed, hustle and work ethic.
“The structure and the team play, that’s going to be a work in progress for quite a while. That’s just normal at this level with so many new players every year,” he said.
Jamie Collins, announced as Clippers captain today (Sept. 5), said the team was happy with most of its exhibition play but needs to raise its level again.
“I think you always have to be a little bit better when regular season starts,” he said. “The pre-season’s more scrambly hockey and not as structured as we would like it to be in regular season.”
He said there’s a special energy for the season opener and defenceman Shawn Guison agreed, suggesting it’s part of team building.
“The first game with the boys, that’s your team for the whole year,” Guison said. “So it’s definitely a different feel. You want to get off to a good start. It’s definitely way different than all the other games.”
Vandekamp said he understands the excitement the players feel going into a new season because he still feels it himself at this time every year. He looks forward to the Clippers getting a chance to share that on opening night at Frank Crane Arena.
“I think fans are going to get treated to a fast, spirited team that’s going to work hard every night and hopefully accomplish something we can be proud of, and hopefully the fans will rally around that, too,” he said.
Here’s a look at the 2017-18 Nanaimo Clippers:
FORWARDS
Veterans will be relied upon to shoulder a significant share of the offence. Collins and fellow returnees Jake Harris, Tristan Crozier and David Silye are some who Vandekamp said can add more scoring punch to their game this year.
Some of the newcomers who will contribute offensively include Brad Belisle, Parker Colley and Jack MacNab.
Belisle is a power forward; Colley creates scoring chances with his speed; and MacNab has good hands and moves well considering his big frame.
DEFENCEMEN
Guison is the only returnee on defence and he and Jordan Wharrie, an experienced blueliner out of the WHL, will be relied upon for their all-round games on the back end.
Sam Macbean, who played junior A in Alberta last year, is more defensive minded, as is rookie Collin Heinold; while fellow rookies Jeremy Gervais and Max Crozier – Tristan’s younger brother – bring offensive elements.
GOALTENDERS
Austin Roden, a returnee, and Noah Featherstonhaugh Gowe form the goaltending tandem. Vandekamp said both will get opportunities to play and try to develop their rhythm in the crease.
GAME ON
The Nanaimo Clippers face the Alberni Valley Bulldogs on Friday (Sept. 8) at 7 p.m. at Frank Crane Arena. For ticket information, visit www.nanaimoclippers.com or phone 250-751-0593.