Defenceman Ethan Mistry is the Clippers top rookie scorer and finished the month of January with seven points in a six game span. (Gary Dorland)

By Dan Marshall

Mysterious Ways

VIDEO: Clippers’ Mistry making the most of first year in Nanaimo

Jan 31, 2022 | 6:40 PM

NANAIMO — Defenceman Ethan Mistry is having a succesful first season with the Clippers.

The 18-year-old has been the team’s top rookie scorer from the get go.

“I think it’s gone well,” Mistry said. “At the end of the day I’m here to help the team put points on the board. It’s been great I’ve been able to do that but it’s the second half of the season and playoffs when it really matters.”

Mistry came to Nanaimo already committed to Brown University.

There’s a good chance he’ll spend another year with the Clippers before he goes and he’ll use the time to work on all aspects of his game.

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“The biggest thing for me coming into this year was learning how to defend bigger, stronger players as an undersized defenceman. I need to make sure I’m taking care of our own end before I just up into the rush and make plays.”

The Toronto product has been at his offensive best since Jan. 19 with seven points in a six game span.

He was scratched from the lineup by the coaches in the previous game and used it as motivation.

“Coach Birkas said to me you want to make it look like he made the wrong decision. There was no more time for me to be a rookie, I needed to take the next steps and to start to develop the way I knew I could. The only thing holding me back was my own mind and I needed to produce a little bit more.”

Mistry scored 22 seconds into his next game then turned in a two assist performance Jan. 21 against Cowichan Valley.

Then on Friday, Jan. 28, he had a career high three point game against the Powell River Kings.

Mistry said he came came to Nanaimo with cautious optimism but his experience with the Clippers exceeded his expectations.

“We have a really good organization here and the guys on the team are fantastic. Everyone has sacrificed by moving away from home to play hockey. In Nanaimo there’s so much to do and it’s been really enjoyable for me.

CLIP NOTES:

The Clippers wrapped up the month of January with a 5-2-1 record. The team enters February at 22-12-1 good for second place in the Coastal Division standings.

Nanaimo went 2-1 in their first ‘three in three weekend’ from Jan. 27-29. The Clippers beat Victoria 4-3, won 5-4 over Powell River in overtime and lost 4-1 to Surrey.

Forward Sean Donaldson was assessed a major penalty for spearing on Jan. 28 versus Powell River. He was also given a three game suspension and will be available to return to the Clipper lineup Feb. 6 in Surrey.

Nanaimo will now play five consecutive games on the road against Chilliwack Feb. 4 and then back to back against Surrey Feb. 5-6 and Powell River Feb. 11-12.

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