The Nanaimo Clippers won their first Island Division title and their first playoff series since 2016. Those huge accomplishments happened just before COVID-19 and they are worth celebrating. (Gary Dorland)
Clippers on Cusp

Our Favourite Stories of 2020: Clippers on top of the world before COVID hit

Dec 15, 2020 | 11:12 AM

NANAIMO — There were a limited number of opportunities for athletes to show their stuff in 2020 with the sports world effectively shutting down in March.

Through the early months of the year, the Nanaimo Clippers seemed like they were on track for their best playoff run in over a decade. The team won their first regular season divisional title since 2016 before sweeping through their only playoff series.

Fan interest was at a level not seen in 15 years with two sellouts at Frank Crane Arena and thoughts of a BCHL title seeming entirely realistic before COVID-19 struck.

As the play-by-play announcer for the team I was completely invested in the team, travelling around the province and calling every game. It isn’t just a job, it’s a huge part of my life.

As I look back on 2020 for the Clippers their on ice success is really remarkable.

Nanaimo first won the Island Division title, captured their only playoff series without losing a game and won their only other competition the exhibition Island Cup in November.

In the last ten years only the 2015 and 2016 Clippers had that level of success.

In his final year of junior eligibility Josh Bourne was at his best and believed the club was on the verge of a long post season run.

The current Brock University student led the Clippers with 58 points in the regular season and another eight in four playoff contests.

“I felt like we had such a special group who were capable of making a strong push.”

Past Clipper success stories has revolved around high-octane offensive outputs from players like Sheldon Rempal, however the 2020 incarnation of the team got it done with defence and goaltending.

Jordan Naylor was the team MVP with a team record six shutouts and ranking first or second in almost every goaltending statistic. Nanaimo’s defence also conceded the second fewest goals in the entire BCHL.

Fans of the team widely regard the 2003 Clippers as the best ever with the three power house teams from 76-78 close behind.

No one is sure yet how history will remember the 2019-20 group. The season will be infamous as ‘the COVID season’ but it was much more than that in Nanaimo.

When the Clippers won the exhibition Island Cup in November, coach Darren Naylor noted the impact of players since departed from the 2019-20 squad.

“That team meant so much to our program and our franchise going forward. It was a really great season last year and we’re just carrying on those coat tails this season.”

dan@nanaimonewsnow.com

On twitter: @danmarshall77