Nanaimo blueliner Gianni Fairbrother is working towards a spot in the Montreal Canadiens system in 2021. (WHL)

By Dan Marshall

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Clipper defenceman skating through Nanaimo en route to NHL dream

Nov 26, 2020 | 7:06 PM

NANAIMO — Matt Irwin, Tanner Glass and Sheldon Rempal lived the ultimate dream – going from playing junior hockey with the Clippers to the NHL.

The next Clipper to accomplish the same feat may be Gianni Fairbrother.

The 20-year-old was a 2019 draft pick of the Montreal Canadiens and is eager to turn pro at the end of the current season.

“I’m hoping I can keep taking the right steps forward to do that. All I can do is continue to work hard and hope things work out.”

Getting drafted into the NHL was a dream come true for the North Vancouver product but being a part of arguably the most iconic franchise in pro hockey was even sweeter.

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“It’s definitely something special for myself and my family. It’s really cool if you let that sink in a bit. A couple of years ago I never would have thought I’d be in the situation I am.”

Fairbrother has already participated in two events for the Canadiens.

He skated in a development camp in June of 2019 and then hit ice along with other team prospects three months later at Montreal’s rookie camp.

Both events were based out of the Canadiens practice facility but Fairbrother was able to get a tour of the club’s NHL building.

“They took us to the Bell Centre to show us the dressing room and the rest of the facility from a player’s perspective. It was really cool to see.”

Fairbrother has made an impact in his brief time with the Clippers scoring five points in eight games.

He also scored in each of Nanaimo’s playoff games in their Island Cup championship.

His time with the Clippers has been extremely valuable after spending almost nine months on the shelf with a shoulder injury suffered back in January.

Whether he continues his final junior year in Nanaimo or heads back to Everett of the WHL depends on COVID-19 restrictions and whether league resume in their respective playing areas.

dan@nanaimonewsnow.com

On twitter: @danmarshall77