The Clippers move on to the BCHL Showcase after a 4-0 start. More than a dozen players will look to impress NCAA scouts at the recruiting focused event on Oct. 21 and 22 in Chilliwack. (Gary Dorland)

By Dan Marshall

Winning Ways

VIDEO: Clippers look to continue winning ways and impress scouts at BCHL Showcase

Oct 18, 2021 | 7:33 PM

NANAIMO — After a dream 4-0 start to the BCHL season many of the Clippers will turn their attention to their dreams of playing college hockey.

The Clippers dismantled the Powell River Kings by outscoring them 21-6 in the first four contests including wins of 8-1 in Nanaimo’s home opener on Friday, Oct. 15 and 3-2 in their most recent matchup the following night.

The next two games will be played primarily in front of scouts and recruiters at the BCHL Showcase in Chilliwack.

“Everybody’s going to play in one of the games because this is their careers and this is big for them,” Head Coach Darren Naylor said. “There’s going to be scouts from every college and NHL team there watching.”

Nine Clippers have already earned the chance to play NCAA Division 1 hockey but for those who haven’t, like forward Kai Daniells, the showcase games are crucial.

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“It’s a big weekend to really get the ball rolling. It’s early in the season so it gives you time to get identified so [scouts] can follow up and follow your progress.”

Second year defenceman Michael Craig is well aware of the importance of the event but is keeping focused on the job at hand for the Clippers as they play Salmon Arm and Coquitlam.

“It’s a great event the league has put together to get some exposure to schools but at the same time this is really big for our club. There’s four points on the line and we’re looking to do a job and bring those points home for us.”

CLIP NOTES:

Sean Donaldson made his return from the USHL to join the Clippers for their home opening weekend. He had four goals and an assist including a hat trick in his first game back. Donaldson was given and honourable mention for the BCHL 3 Stars of the Week.

Goalie Cooper Black went 2-0 with a 1.50 goals against average over the weekend. He also received an honourable mention for the 3 Stars of the Week.

After opening the season with four straight games against Powell River the Clippers won’t face the Kings again until January 28th.

Through the first two weekends of the season Nanaimo is one of only three teams with an unblemished record. The Clippers are 4-0, the Victoria Grizzlies are 5-0, and the Penticton Vees sit at 3-0.

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