The Nanaimo Clippers have settled on their netminding tandem, so now they can finish building the remainder of the team from the goaltenders out.
Billy Faust and Chris Eiserman – two Americans – will be the two goalies on the roster when the Clips open their 2011-12 B.C. Hockey League season.
“Billy came in with the most experience, he came in in great shape, he’s shown great leadership qualities early on. I’ve really liked his attitude and his work ethic. He’s mature and he’s played well,” said Mike Vandekamp, Clippers general manager.
“[Eiserman] is a big goalie, a little more raw but he’s also mature. He’s got a bright future ahead of him. He’s got some work to do on his game, as does everybody, but I believe he’s going to be a real good goalie at this level.”
Faust, a 20-year-old from Alta Loma, Calif., played for the Penticton Vees last season and is listed at 5-foot-11, 175 pounds. Eiserman, an 18-year-old from West Newbury, Mass., played with the Valley Junior Warriors in Massachusetts last season. He is 6-foot-3, 210.
“There’s not going to be a starter-backup scenario. We've got a good tandem here; they’re both going to play; they're both going to get their opportunites to start their share of games."
ICE CHIPS … Faust has played every minute of the last two pre-season games, backstopping the Clippers to an 8-1 win over Port Alberni on Sunday and then making more than 40 saves in Wednesday's 2-2 tie with Cowichan. Eiserman is expected to see action on Friday (Sept. 16) when the Clippers host the Victoria Grizzlies at 7 p.m. at Frank Crane Arena. Admission to that game is $7.
sports@nanaimobulletin.com