The Nanaimo Clippers should be reinvigorated as they return to practice today (Feb. 9).
The city's B.C. Hockey League team is coming off a strong four-game road trip through the Interior that included three wins and one overtime loss. The results made the ride back an enjoyable one, with singing and chanting on the bus.
"Road trips are great for the team," said Mike Dopko, Clippers defenceman. "We're a tightly knit group going into the playoffs."
Nick Bell, an alternate captain on the Clippers, said a successful road trip so close to playoffs can only be a good thing.
"When you do well like we did it kind of sets the tone," said Bell. "It gets everyone feeling good. Everybody's happy about how they're doing."
That should translate to practice today at Frank Crane Arena, as the players put last week behind them and start getting ready to face the Cowichan Valley Capitals this Friday (Feb. 11) in Duncan and Sunday at the Crane.
"Seven of eight points should make us come back to the rink feeling really good about ourselves," said Bill Bestwick, Clippers coach.
GAME ON … The Clippers and Caps play Friday at 7:30 p.m. at the Island Savings Centre in Duncan, then face off again Sunday at 5 p.m. at Frank Crane Arena … For a preview of the weekend games, please visit Clippers Central at www.nanaimobulletin.com again Thursday (Feb. 10).
sports@nanaimobulletin.com