The B.C. Hockey League season is fast approaching, and the Nanaimo Clippers know that.
After starting training camp at the beginning of last week with 37 players, the junior A team whittled that down to 28 going into the first pre-season game Sunday.
Nanaimo won that one 8-2 against the Alberni Valley Bulldogs, then lost 4-1 to the Victoria Grizzlies on the road Tuesday. The Clippers host the Cowichan Valley Capitals on Wednesday (Aug. 29).
Now, more cuts are expected.
“It’ll be a work in progress,” said Mike Vandekamp, Clippers coach and general manager. “We’ll … probably make some moves maybe after our second or third game.”
He said he let the players know they wouldn’t have a lot of time to try to make an impression.
“Exhibition is a combination of both evaluation and team building,” Vandekamp said. “I would like to get our numbers down faster and get focused on doing some preparation as well.”
ICE CHIPS … Kyle Kramer scored Nanaimo’s only goal in Tuesday’s loss in Sooke … The Clippers host the Caps on Wednesday at 7 p.m. at Frank Crane Arena, visit Alberni on Friday (Aug. 31) then return home to close out the pre-season on Saturday with a 2 p.m. game versus the Powell River Kings.
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