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Clippers add Americans Joseph and Taylor to their roster

Jan 6, 2017 | 1:54 PM

NANAIMO — The Clippers have made three roster moves ahead of Friday’s game against Cowichan Valley.

Nanaimo has added defenseman Marcus Joseph from Youngstown of the USHL, and forward Ben Taylor from Tri City also in the USHL. Both deals are for future considerations.

Forward Will LeNeave has been traded in a separate futures deal to Minnesota of the NAHL.

In Joseph the Clippers have a player who starred for the Carleton Place Canadians in Ontario last season in the CCHL. The Pennsylvania product had 40 points in 47 games, he was a first team all star and helped the team to an RBC Cup berth. The 19-year-old had four points in 21 games with Youngstown this season and has an NCAA commitment to Sacred Heart University for next year.

Clippers Coach Mike Vandekamp says he likes what he sees in the new blueliner.

“He’s a mobile D that has a good offensive stick. He’s a good defender too.  He’s just a good all round player and a great kid. Marcus has a great shot, he’s got some offensive talent and I think he can help our power play,” said Vandekamp.

Up front Ben Taylor was the captain of his high school team at Tabor Academy last season. The 6’3 and 190 lbs right winger had 23 points in 22 games. The Massachusetts native has an NCAA commitment to Brown University and recorded two assists in 17 games in the 16-17 campaign with Tri City.

Coach Vandekamp has said the two have chatted about Taylor’s love of the Boston Bruins and the Clippers bench boss hopes the 19-year-old can play the same type of game as former Bruin Cam Neely.

“He’s a big guy, he’s immediately our biggest forward. Ben plays a straight line physical game.

The Clippers still have until Jan. 10 to make more moves as they gear up for the BCHL Playoffs. On the immediate horizon are home games against Cowichan Valley at 7 p.m. on Friday and Prince George Sunday afternoon. The newcomers are expected in the lineup for both games.