When it comes to junior hockey, Nanaimo Clippers forward Joe Perry is not a materialistic player. Personal statistics like goals and assists aren't foremost in his mind, but when it comes to team success, he is quite adamant.
“I want to go out a winner,” said the 20-year-old Nanaimo native, in his third and final season with the Clippers.
Perry had a taste of success as a rookie when Nanaimo won the Coastal Conference title but were swept in the B.C. Hockey League Fred Page Cup final two seasons ago.
“Being so close a couple of years ago, and watching your opponent raise the trophy, you want it even more,” said Perry. “We've got a good group of guys here. I think the potential is there.”
Last season's opening-round playoff sweep at the hands of Nanaimo's bitter rival, the Cowichan Valley Capitals, further stokes the fire within Perry.
“They still like to bring it up,” said Perry of the Capitals. “They were bringing it up last game.”
Perry's off to a wonderful start to the 2009-10 campaign. Heading into Friday's home date against Surrey, Perry had seven points in four games, all assists. He's combined with linemates Cody Bremner (five goals) and captain Carson Schell (four assists) for 16 points in those four games. Last season, Perry had 12 goals and 30 points (plus 101 penalty minutes), making a solid contribution in all aspects of the game.
At six-foot-one and 195 pounds, he had good size for a winger. Banging in the corners for loose pucks and helping to create scoring chances is his game. Bremner has shown he has the ability to find the back of the net while Perry and Schell are two players who don't mind doing the so-called dirty work in the corners to set up scoring chances.
“As soon as Bill (head coach/GM Bill Bestwick) put us together, it kind of worked,” said Perry. “We're all kind of similar players, we all like to battle. Bremner sort of has the touch right now but I'm sure he'll pass the torch on, and we'll start scoring goals and he'll be the setup man.”
As a longtime Nanaimoite, Perry says wearing a Clippers jersey holds special meaning.
“It is special, knowing my family is going to be there every night, my friends can come and watch whenever they want and playing in front of the home crowd is pretty special,” he said.
His final junior season comes with greater responsibility. He's an assistant captain under Schell so he's needed to lead more by example on and off the ice.
“I need to be more of a leader and I think I've kind of grown into that,” said Perry.
Like the majority of his teammates, a college scholarship is on his mind. Perry may be getting a little later start on things compared to other players but school is still a goal. One way or another, he wants to play hockey next season.
“Whether it's semi-pro or at school, I definitely want to play hockey next year,” Perry said.
Former Clippers Michael Olson and A.J. Gale have been skating with the Clippers in preparation for their upcoming seasons. Both have been a source of inspiration for Perry and his aspirations as a player.
“You see them, both are going to play pro and both are pretty happy about it, they're set up really well where they are going to play,” said Perry. “That's definitely something I'd look at.”
Clippers assistant coach Brett Bestwick says Perry has all the attributes of a well-rounded player.
“He's a big body, he can skate, he's strong, he's aggressive and mean,” said Bestwick. “He can shoot. I think he could score more than he does. He brings that leadership quality after being with the club for three years. He's played with a lot of good players and he and Carson have played a lot together. To have that experience in the same line, you can see that they are really taking the game over this year.”
