The Nanaimo Clippers are going to go for it.
Leading up to the B.C. Hockey League’s trade deadline this week, the fifth-place Clippers knew they were close enough to a playoff spot to be a buyer rather than a seller. That’s essentially what they did, trading away one regular in Colton Cyr, and acquiring three newcomers in Clayton Chessa, Brenden Forbes and Taylor Carmola.
All there is to do now is win, or lose, with this roster.
“There’s a mentality that hey, this is it, this is all we’ve got now, there’s no more changes that are going to be made,” said Mike Vandekamp, Clippers general manager. “We’re either going to live or die with the group that we have here together now.”
In Forbes, the Clippers get a 5-foot-11, 175-pound centre from Nanaimo who is fast, physical, defensively responsible and strong on faceoffs.
“He’s one of the best grinders in the league,” said Carmola, who was traded along with Forbes this week from the Powell River Kings. “He’s going to get in, he hits hard, he works his tail off, he’s a warrior on the ice.”
Carmola, from Rochester, N.Y., is 6-foot-3, 220 pounds.
“He’s a big defenceman, he can move for his size for sure and he’s got a good shot,” said Forbes. “He should fit in well and do well here.”
Chessa, a 5-foot-11, 190-pound right winger from White Rock, has the best stats of the three with 13 goals and 25 points.
“I’m sure that [Vandekamp] expects me to play physical, take the body and produce on offence, too,” he said.
As a 20-year-old scorer on a Trail Smoke Eaters team that is out of the playoff race, Chessa fully expected to be moved at the deadline. Nanaimo, he said, is a good place to be.
“I’ve heard great things about the coaching and it’s definitely a hard-working team. We’re not that far out of a playoff spot. We’ll make it…” he said. “Once all the new guys, myself included, get in the mix of things I think we’ll have a really good chance.”
Unlike Chessa, both Forbes and Carmola were shocked to be moved, and the two 19-year-olds had qualms about coming to a team lower in the standings.
“I didn’t really know what to think,” said Forbes. “I feel a lot better now, knowing what I know and meeting everyone and playing [Wednesday] night. I’m looking forward to seeing what will happen in the playoffs.”
Long playoff runs have been the norm for Forbes in Powell River, where he reached the BCHL final three straight seasons, but now he and Carmola find themselves in a chase position.
“It’s going to be a challenge and challenges are always good, they push people,” Carmola said.
Also driving Forbes will be a hometown crowd cheering for him. The Nanaimoite said it feels as if he’s come “full circle” to suit up in orange and black.
“I grew up watching the Clippers, coming to games, supporting them, so it’s nice to be playing for them,” he said. “When I was younger I would dream of playing on the Clippers when I was older.”
Being from Nanaimo, he knows about the rivalry with Cowichan and the high-stakes hockey the teams will play tonight (Jan. 13) at Frank Crane Arena.
"I expect a hard, physical, fast game," said Forbes. "They're in first place and we're trying to make the playoffs so every two points is big and this should be really fun."
Chessa also knows the rivalry, as he is a former Capitals player now relishing the opportunity to face his old team.
"I know there was a big rivalry when I was there, with Nanaimo," he said. "There's a big feud there. It should be a good game."
GAME ON … The Clippers host the Cowichan Valley Capitals on Friday (Jan. 13) at 7 p.m. at Frank Crane Arena … The team visited the Surrey Eagles on Wednesday, losing 5-1. Andrew Gladiuk scored Nanamo’s goal and Billy Faust made 31 saves in defeat.
sports@nanaimobulletin.com