Hockey’s long off-season is nearly over.The B.C. Hockey League released its pre-season schedule this week, and Nanaimo Clippers fans have five games to look forward to including three at home.
“With our season starting two weeks later than usual, I’m sure our fans can’t wait for hockey to begin so this will give them a taste of what’s ahead in this, our 50th season,” said John Grisdale, BCHL commissioner, in a press release.
The Clippers open the pre-season Sept. 10 with a road game against the Alberni Valley Bulldogs at 5:30 p.m. The next day the Clips face the ’Dogs at Frank Crane Arena at 3 p.m.
Nanaimo then hosts the Cowichan Valley Capitals on Sept. 14 at 7 p.m. and the Victoria Grizzlies on Sept. 16, also at 7 p.m. The pre-season concludes Sept. 17 with a road game at Victoria.
The BCHL's Lower Mainland teams start pre-season action Aug. 26-27. Around the league, teams will play friendly games against the North American Hockey League's Wenatchee Wild and Dawson Creek Rage, the Alberta Junior Hockey League's Brooks Bandits and the B.C. Intercollegiate Hockey League's Simon Fraser University Clan.
sports@nanaimobulletin.com