Nanaimo Clippers veteran Kyle Kramer said what he’s noticed most at training camp is just how competitive the players are.
So they must be pretty excited to finally get some real competition.
The Clippers play their first B.C. Hockey League pre-season game on Sunday (Aug. 26) when the Alberni Valley Bulldogs visit Frank Crane Arena.
“After a long, hard week battling against your own teammates, it’s nice to put the same jersey on and go to war against another team,” Kramer said.
He said he expected the intensity to rise with each training camp scrimmage leading up to Sunday’s pre-season tilt.
Not all the Clippers will be get the chance to suit up in that one, so those who do will be looking at it as an opportunity.
“It can get real intense because usually there’s still spots on the line so guys are still trying to get noticed out there,” Kramer said.
David Iacono, Clippers defencemen, said the team will have to make sure it uses the pre-season to set the tone for the regular season.
“It’s going to be a good game, very physical; I wouldn’t be surprised if there’s a couple fights,” Iacono said. “Everyone’s trying to show their stuff.”
GAME ON … The Clippers and Bulldogs face off at 7 p.m. Sunday at Frank Crane Arena … The Clippers then take on the Victoria Grizzlies on Tuesday (Aug. 28) in Sooke before returning home Wednesday to host the Cowichan Valley Capitals in another 7 p.m. game at Frank Crane.
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