The Clippers are in third place in the Coastal Division and have had some of the top individual performers in the BCHL in their first half of the season. (Gary Dorland)

By Dan Marshall

Strong Half

VIDEO: Clippers first half of BCHL campaign comes to a close

Dec 21, 2021 | 10:21 AM

NANAIMO — The first half of the BCHL season is complete and the players have headed home for the Christmas break.

Nanaimo is tied for first in wins in the Coastal Division, they are second in points and third in winning percentage.

“We feel the team is playing the way we want,” coach Darren Naylor said. “The players have seen the success they have when their compete level is where it needs to be.”

The Clippers had a small blip with back-to-back losses to Cowichan Valley and Victoria right before the Christmas break, however the club is well entrenched for a first place run in the second half.

firm handshake

B.C. NDP government, Greens reach 'shared priorities' agreement

2h ago

young volunteers

'Make a big difference:' Nanaimo volunteers collecting warm clothing for those in need

3h ago

strong storm

Wind warning issued as Pacific storm approaches Island

4h ago

Aside from an excellent record of 17-10-0-0, some individual performances stand out from the first half.

Sean Donaldson ended the first 27 games as the BCHL leader in goals with 23.

The 20-year-old is also second in the league with 37 points and he wrapped up the 2021 portion of the schedule with a ten game point streak.

His linemate Max Itagaki is second in BCHL power play goals with eight and the third member of the line Tristan Fraser sits fifth in the league in assists with 22.

Naylor said with those gifted players he tries to let them be creative as much as possible.

“You don’t get in their headspace. You try to keep them on board and playing the team game as much as you can.”

Clippers’ towering goaltender Cooper Black has been a model of consistency all season long.

At Christmas time he was the co-leader in BCHL wins with 15.

He has the most minutes played and the third best save percentage.

Blueliner Michael Craig is tied for second in defenceman scoring with 20 points at the half mark of the season.

While Nanaimo has been in the top of half of the league in many categories, owner Wes Mussio did state there is an area of the roster they will be looking to shore up before the Jan. 10 trade deadline.

“We definitely need to get one or two defencemen. After that would might do the odd tweak to the lineup,” Mussio said.

The Clippers next action is Sunday Jan. 2 when they visit the Coquitlam Express.

They will be back on home ice on Jan. 7 to host the Coastal Division leading Langley Rivermen.

Join the conversation. Submit your letter to NanaimoNewsNOW and be included on The Water Cooler, our letters to the editor feature.

info@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @NanaimoNewsNOW