Hockey season never really ended, it just took a bit of a spring break. And the Nanaimo Clippers made the most of that time off.
Mike Vandekamp, the team’s coach, got a chance to do some recuriting, and also got to watch some games in the Prairies involving junior A teams that might qualify for the Western Canada Cup later this month in Nanaimo.
“That pre-scouting opportunity is really good for us. Obviously that’s an advantage that we have,” he said.
Clippers players got to heal bumps and bruises and rehabilitate more serious injuries.
“We’ve got some guys that tried to squeeze back just in time [for] playoffs and in reality they weren’t anywhere near 100 per cent. I think this time helped them immensely,” the coach said.
Some of their teammates, on the other hand, had been playing too much, Vandekamp said, and have now had a chance to rest.
“I think mentally everybody will be refreshed and their enthusiasm level will be at an all-time high.”
ICE CHIPS … The Clippers scrimmage today (April 12) at 4 p.m. at the Island Savings Centre in Duncan, then again on Saturday at 3 p.m. at the same rink, then once more on Sunday at 3 p.m. at Oceanside Place in Parksville.
sports@nanaimobulletin.com