The Clippers are 3-2 to open the BCHL season. Newcomer Nolan Hutcheson has been a big part of the offence in the early going with two goals in five games. (Gary Dorland)

By Dan Marshall

POD SEASON

VIDEO: Hutcheson experiencing ups and downs of Island Division pod season.

Apr 12, 2021 | 7:13 PM

NANAIMO — The Clippers have already had a three game winning streak and two game losing skid in the first two weeks of the BCHL season.

Nanaimo reeled off a trio of wins out of the gate following a 2-0 shutout of Cowichan Valley on April 6.

Their most recent results were a 3-2 to loss to the Capitals and a 6-1 setback to the Grizzlies April 9 and 10.

Forward Nolan Hutcheson came to the Clippers from Sudbury of the OHL and has become one of the go to players on offense.

The 20-year-old had two goals in three games as he continues his adjustment to the BCHL.

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“It’s nice to get those first two and it did take a little longer than I was hoping for. I’ve had some opportunities and I’ve got to capitalize more.”

The Kingston, Ontario product went 13 months between competitive games.

“It definitely took a while to get my feet underneath me but we’ve played five games and I think I’ll be able to get going.”

Hutcheson wants to help his new team have a winning campaign as well as to develop his own skills for his jump to university hockey in the fall.

“Right now I’m looking at the CIS (U Sports) and Queen’s University for next year.”

Coach Darren Naylor called Hutcheson a physical force. He has the most penalty minutes on the club and is emerging as one of the team leaders.

“Other teams are really paying attention to him which is opening up some opportunities for other guys. We need some of our other forwards to pick it up right now. We need to take a picture of what he’s doing and buy in.”

Nanaimo has a busy week of hockey ahead with four games in six days.

The Clippers play Cowichan Valley on April 13, Alberni Valley on April 15, Victoria and Alberni on the 17th and 18th.

CLIP NOTES:

Entering the third week of the season the Clippers have the fourth best penalty killing percentage in the BCHL but rank a league low 7.1% on the power play.

Netminder Ethan Neitsch saw his first BCHL action on April 10 versus the Grizzlies. He stopped 18 of 19 shots in 14 minutes of action.

Nanaimo’s most recent 6-1 loss to Victoria is the first time since November of 2018 the Clippers have lost by five goals or more. The Clippers were defeated 6-0 by the Grizzlies on Nov. 4, 2018.

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dan@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @danmarshall77