After a shortened 2020-21 campaign the Clippers return to a full BCHL schedule. Only captain Jack O'Brien remains from the pre-COVID season of 2020. (Gary Dorland)

By Dan Marshall

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Oct 7, 2021 | 4:57 PM

NANAIMO — Clipper hockey fans will barely recognize the team as it takes to the ice for the 2021-22 season.

While nine players return from the shortened pod season of April and May, the only player fans have seen live is captain Jack O’Brien.

He’s the last remaining link to the 2019-20 squad which won an Island Division title and their only playoff series before COVID-19 shutdown the BCHL in the spring of 2020.

“Even through it’s the preseason, we were getting a thousand people at every game, it was pretty surreal. We really appreciate all the support and the community does so much for us as a team.”

The 18-year-old is wearing the ‘C’ as team captain for the first time and has already embraced the role.

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“I’ve had some really important teammates over the last few years who have taught me a lot and showed me how to play in this league and excel. I will try to take what they taught me and teach it to the new guys coming in.”

O’Brien headlines a defense that includes returnee Michael Craig, as well as newcomers Andrew Noel, Skylar Cameron, Ethan Mistry and local product Brett Merner.

Nanaimo added blueliner Owen Forfellow from Penticton in a future considerations deal just 48 hours prior to the start of the season.

At the same time the Clippers also acquired netminder Jayden Shull from the Cowichan Valley Capitals.

Shull will serve as the backup to 6’8 NAHL veteran Cooper Black.

Black will be the team’s number one goaltender in his final junior season before heading to Dartmouth of the NCAA.

“I’ve felt pretty comfortable in the preseason. I’ve got great guys in front of me making my life a lot easier. We’ve got a great team and I think we’re going to do awesome things this year.”

Up front there are seven players returning from last year, led by top returning scorer Tristan Fraser.

The other returnees are Brody Waters, Luke Lavery, Kai Daniells, Shaun Mahoney, Ethan Jones and Keighan Gerrie.

Newcomers Jeremie Payant and Max Itagaki were the Clippers top two scorers in exhibition play and will likely slot into the top six forward group.

Coach Darren Naylor said he’s confident in the team’s depth at the forward position.

“We have four lines that can go out and play. On a given night any one of them can carry the flame and get us going. I don’t feel we have a weak line and they’re all going to get better.”

The other new additions up front are Charles Tardif, Alex Morozoff, Matteo Turrin, Austin Spiridakis, Jake Hewitt and Cole Hansen.

Nanaimo opens up the BCHL season with four games in a row against the Powell River Kings.

First the Clippers will play back to back in Powell River on Oct.8 and 9 before returning home to face the Kings on Oct. 15 and 16.

The two rivals have not played since Feb. 15, 2020.

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