The Coastal Conference’s top team sent two of its star players to the B.C. Hockey League’s all-star weekend.
Nanaimo Clippers forward Kai Daniells and defenceman Ethan Mistry were part of the league’s 60th anniversary all-star events this past weekend, Jan. 20-21, in Penticton.
Daniells and Mistry – along with Clippers coach Colin Birkas – were part of Team West for the all-star game Friday at the South Okanagan Events Centre, and then the three-on-three outdoor tournament on Saturday.
Daniells scored in the all-star game as Team West was defeated 6-2, and he and Mistry were then part of Vancouver Island’s Team Courtnall in the three-on-three tournament, where they finished as runners-up.
Steven Cocker, the BCHL’s deputy commissioner, said in a press release that the league wanted to thank the City of Penticton, the players who represented the BCHL so well, and the sponsors, volunteers and fans.
“This weekend was well over a year in the making and we are thrilled with how it turned out,” he said.
The weekend also included a top prospects game, a skills competition and an alumni game that featured former NHLers Scott Niedermayer, Brendan Morrison, Kyle Turris, Geoff Courtnall and Garry Valk.
Niedermayer shared some advice with the BCHL’s current stars.
“The skill they have today is pretty amazing,” said the hall-of-fame defenceman. “Enjoy it and work hard … there’s going to be challenges as you step up and try to get to the next level, and it’s a matter of sticking with it and getting through those things.”
GAME ON … The Clippers resume league play this coming weekend with home games against the Powell River Kings on Friday and Saturday, Jan. 27-28, both 7 p.m. starts at Frank Crane Arena.
-files from Black Press Media
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