Clippers training camp is less than two weeks away. The players begin preparations for the 2019-20 season Aug. 19 (Gary Dorland)

By Dan Marshall

Clippers Hockey Returns

Clippers camp and preseason close at hand

Aug 12, 2019 | 9:39 AM

NANAIMO — The Clippers are just two weeks away from their first exhibition games, and a month shy of the BCHL regular season.

The preseason will feature one home game at Frank Crane Arena, a noon start on Saturday Aug. 24 versus Victoria.

That game is being held in conjunction with the VIEX with fans getting into the game free with a wristband to the fair.

Nanaimo will also play on the road Aug. 23 against Victoria and make a mini lower mainland trip to play Coquitlam and Langley on Aug. 30-31.

Coach Darren Naylor expects training camp and the preseason to be highly competitive.

young volunteers

'Make a big difference:' Nanaimo volunteers collecting warm clothing for those in need

2h ago

strong storm

Wind warning issued as Pacific storm approaches Island

3h ago

stepping in

Federal minister asks labour board to intervene in Canada Post strike

5h ago

“There’s not really going to be any spots handed out. With the amount of high quality players coming into camp it’s going to be exciting to see guys really competing hard for jobs and for climbing the ladder on the roster as well.”

The regular season opener is at home Friday Sept. 6 versus Cowichan Valley. It’s a rematch of last season’s curtain raiser that saw Nanaimo win 6-2.

Nanaimo’s 2019-20 home schedule will feature 12 Friday games, four Saturdays, seven Sundays and five Wednesdays.

Players begin filtering into town over the next couple of weeks in anticipation of main training camp which begins on Aug. 19.

Some other key Clipper dates:
Aug. 21 Rhodesie Cup (Intersquad game)
Sept. 29 Clippers host Powell River (2019 playoff rematch)
Oct. 2 BCHL Showcase (vs Surrey)
Oct. 3 BCHL Showcase (vs Victoria)
Nov. 20 Clippers host Prince George (visit from 2019 BCHL champs)

dan@nanaimonewsnow.com
On twitter: @danmarshall77