Clippers' coaches Colin Birkas (left) and Darren Naylor (right) work the bench during a road game in Surrey. (Gary Dorland)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

LEAGUE INVESTIGATIONS

B.C. Supreme Court injunction halts ‘administrative leave’ of Nanaimo Clipper coaching staff

Feb 11, 2022 | 5:01 PM

NANAIMO — The Nanaimo Clippers have successfully argued for an injunction to stop the BC Hockey League from suspending their coaches.

An email from the BC Hockey League to Nanaimo Clipper players sent Wednesday, Feb. 10 and obtained by NanaimoNewsNOW said head coach Darren Naylor and associate coach Colin Birkas were being placed on temporary administrative leave pending an investigation into an alleged breach of the League’s code of conduct.

“At this time the allegations are allegations only; no findings have been made against the coaches,” the email read.

The email did not elaborate on what the accusations were, but the suspensions were at least temporarily negated due to the injunction obtained in B.C. Supreme Court on Thursday, Feb. 10

The injunction lasts until Feb. 18, however the Clippers can apply for an extension.

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Naylor and Birkas are due to be behind the bench for Nanaimo as the team plays in Powell River on Friday, Feb. 11 and Saturday, Feb. 12.

Naylor took over as head coach of the Clippers in December 2017 after former bench boss Mike Vandekamp was relieved of his duties in mid-season.

In his four years behind the bench, Naylor has amassed a coaching record of 110-77-4-4 with one tie heading into Friday’s game.

Birkas joined the club ahead of the 2019-20 campaign. He works primarily coaching the defence and also has video and recruiting duties.

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