By Dan Marshall

Clippers and new Dman Wharrie hit the ground running with small training camp roster

Aug 22, 2017 | 9:47 PM

NANAIMO — The first day of Clippers training camp looked a lot like a regular season practice.
 
Coach Mike Vandekamp only invited 26 players to main camp, making it the smallest one anyone hanging around Cliff McNabb Arena could remember.
 
With the BCHL expanding rosters to 23 this year, there are very few cuts to be made.
 
New defenseman Jordan Wharrie has played 162 games in the WHL, he says it’s the smallest training camp he’s ever been to, but that can have some advantages.
 
“It gives us a good chance to get to know the teammates a little bit better. I think Mike has an idea of the team he wants to put together already with the exception of a couple of roles that are up for grabs. It gives us a chance to practice as a team, to know the systems and be prepared once opening night comes,” said Wharrie.
 
Typically Nanaimo teams have had a full compliment of six 20-year-olds but that’s not the case this year.
 
Wharrie along with returning forward Jamie Collins, and newly acquired (from Prince George) forward Parker Colley, are the only 1997 born players on the current roster.
 
For Port Moody product Wharrie that means even though he’s new to the team his experience will make him a leader.
 
“There’s a lot of new young faces here and a lot of 16 and 17-year-olds that don’t really know how to play a structured game and how to play under a guy like Mike,” said Wharrie. “So I’ll be there to help them through the ups and downs of the season.
 

For 2017-18 the Clippers have a good crop of returning forwards and Austin Roden is a familiar face in goal, but the defense corps will be almost completely brand new.
 
With only Shawn Guison returning on the blueline Wharrie says the roles are wide open.
 
“There’s a lot of competiveness at camp and a lot of people want those top four spots on the backend so there’s going to be a lot of competition and I’m just excited to get the season started,” Wharrie said.
 
The Clippers will be on the ice for 9 a.m. morning sessions and 3:30 p.m. afternoon practices on Wednesday and Thursday before playing in the annual Rhodesie Cup charity game on Friday at 6 p.m. at Frank Crane Arena.
 
Saturday is the club’s preseason opener against Alberni Valley.
 
That’s a 6 p.m start also at Frank Crane.
 
 
dan@nanaimonewsnow.com
 
On twitter: @danmarshall77