The Nanaimo Clippers are headed on a B.C. Hockey League road trip that will take them beyond B.C.’s borders.
The Clips make their first-ever visit to play the expansion Wenatchee Wild in Washington this week.
“It’s going to be a neat trip for all of us,” said Mike Vandekamp, Clippers coach. “It’s probably, for the majority of our team, the first time we’ve even been to that city.”
He said the Wild are a good team, which makes for a good challenge. The U.S. squad showcased a speedy style of play in a 4-2 win over the Clippers in Nanaimo in October.
Wenatchee will be tough at home, where it draws more than 3,000 fans per game.
“I know they’ve got a great fanbase and a great rink,” Vandekamp said.
It will make for a different kind of experience for the Clippers.
“We’re going somewhere none of us have ever played, so we’ll all be excited, but we’ve got to be able to maintain that emotion and put it into the game,” said Devin Brosseau, Clippers captain.
GAME ON … The Clippers and Wild play Friday at 7:05 p.m. After that, the Clips visit the Langley Rivermen on Saturday and then the Coquitlam Express on Sunday. Next home action for Nanaimo is Jan. 22 when the Surrey Eagles stop by Frank Crane Arena.