The Nanaimo Clippers aren't used to being an also-ran in the BCHL's Coastal Conference, and it was with that point in mind that considerable offseason effort went into re-engineering the team's roster following a first round playoff exit at the hands of Cowichan Valley last spring.
Through six September games, it's tough to tell what to expect from the Clippers in the coming months. Only five players — Joe Perry, Carson Schell, Tyler Mah, Colton Cyr and Kyle Weber — have returned from last year's squad while 11 rookies are holding down everyday jobs.
With so many new faces, it's only natural for it to take some time and patience for the team to gel. And while a 2-2-0-2 record doesn't seem like a bad early season showing for such a young group, the Clippers have yet to win on home ice in three tries. But with road victories at Cowichan Valley and Powell River already in hand, there's little question that the results will come.
The play of Cody Bremner and Andrew Gladiuk qualify as pleasant surprises through the three weeks of play, with Bremner — an offseason acquisition from Victoria via Burnaby — already having scored seven goals to top all Coastal Conference snipers. Gladiuk, a pickup from the Junior B Delta Ice Hawks, has produced nicely in his first season as a BCHL regular. The White Rock native has put up four goals and seven points through six games.
On Sunday, Nanaimo travels to Burnaby to face a similarly revamped Express squad that has enjoyed considerable early season success. It will be a statement game for both teams, with Burnaby looking to show that it can compete with a traditional power and the Clippers looking to build some momentum following an overtime win on the Sunshine Coast. Faceoff is set for 2:30 PM from the Bill Copeland Sports Centre.
Other games scheduled for Sunday, September 27th:
Quesnel at Westside — 2:00 PM, Royal LePage Place
Williams Lake at Trail — 3:00 PM, Cominco Arena
Surrey at Cowichan Valley — 5:00 PM, Island Savings Centre
