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20-year-olds try to extend junior careers

The Nanaimo Clippers' graduating veterans putting everything they've got into BCHL playoff chase.

There’s a saying in sports, that there’s always next season.

But that’s not exactly the case for some of the Nanaimo Clippers. While most or all of the team’s six graduating 20-year-olds will go on to play at the college level next season, this is their last chance in junior hockey. And they’re well aware of that.

“I think about it all the time, to be honest,” said Billy Faust, the team’s No. 1 goalie. “Junior, it’s a lot of fun and a big experience of our lives here and we don’t want to go out on a sour note. We want to give it all we’ve got here on our last go.”

Defenceman Josh Phillips said the knowledge that this playoff push is his last one in junior is on his mind every day.

“Being my last year as a 20-year-old it would be really nice to make the playoffs and have a good run,” he said. “That’s what I’m hoping for and the rest of the team is, too.”

Even out on the ice, these thoughts enter players’ minds.

“I’ve just got to keep playing my game,” Phillips said. “But obviously it makes you want to work harder, it’s definitely something you want to strive for.”

Graeme McCormack, graduating defenceman, said the fact that it’s his final year is something that’s been in his thoughts right from the start of the season.

“And there’s a handful of guys that are in the same boat as me,” he said. “If there’s going to be anybody that steps up and leads the way into some wins it’s going to be us. So you take that upon yourself and you’ve got to really elevate your game and hopefully the other guys in the room follow your lead.”

Andrew Gladiuk, Dan Correale and Clayton Chessa are the team’s other 20-year-olds.

ICE CHIPS … The Clippers were defeated 6-3 by the Coquitlam Express on Wednesday on the mainland, getting goals from Brenden Forbes, Kyle Kramer and Correale. Faust made 30 saves. The Clippers play at Vernon tonight (Feb. 16) and conclude the road trip with a game Saturday against the Prince George Spruce Kings.

sports@nanaimobulletin.com