By Dan Marshall

Clippers looking to adjust to new coach after Christmas break

Dec 27, 2017 | 9:11 AM

NANAIMO — It wasn’t the usual Christmas break for the Nanaimo Clippers.
 
Typically the players go home for the holidays and come back ready to ramp up for the drive to the playoffs.
 
This year they’ll have to adjust to a brand new coaching staff coming out of the holiday break.
 
Mike Vandekamp was replaced by Darren Naylor last week, a move that was a big surprise for a team just one point out of first place in the Island Division standings.
 
With the club about to play it’s 37th game, Naylor says he doesn’t want to come in and re-invent things.
 
“I’ll just come in there and adapt to the team we have, and get to know everybody, know their strengths and weaknesses, and react to that,” said Naylor.
 
The Clippers will be on the ice Wednesday at the Nanaimo Ice Centre for their first practice under the new head coach, and they’ll be making a trip to Powell River for a first place showdown against the Kings on Friday night.
 
Naylor says he’s been watching the team closely for a long time and knows he’s inheriting a hard working group.
 
“It’s kind of a team that fits the mold of how I build my teams. I’m looking forward to getting involved and leading the guys, and moving forward with the goal of winning a championship,” stated Naylor.
 
Fans will however notice at least some differences in the Clippers style of play.
 
Naylor says he coaches his teams to be attack minded with a heavy forecheck.
 
“We’ll definitely be taking a lot more chances. It will be an entertaining team. If people have been able to watch the team that I have in Delta it’s a really fun team to watch,” said Naylor. “The thought process and the play making ability and the skill level is all high. I’m looking to implement the same systems and keep winning.”
 
Who will be working with Naylor on the Clippers bench is still a work in progress.
 
Former assistant coach Dustin Donaghy will not be returning, but trainer JT Ward will continue on in his role.
 
A full time assistant will be announced in early January but Naylor has confirmed that Nanaimo resident Bob Foglietta will be coming on board and will serve as a part time assistant coach.
 
Naylor will have 21 games to put his stamp on the team and get the Clippers ready for the post season in a highly competitive Island Division.
 
 
dan@nanaimonewsnow.com
 
On twitter: @danmarshall77