Clippers head coach Darren Naylor remains on administrative leave from the team while an investigation from the BCHL continues on. (Gary Dorland)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

CODE OF CONDUCT

One Nanaimo Clippers coach reinstated, another remaining on leave amid league investigation

Mar 9, 2022 | 2:24 PM

NANAIMO — The British Columbia Hockey League (BCHL) are giving the green light to one Clippers coach to return to the team.

Head Coach Darren Naylor and associate coach Colin Birkas were placed in administrative leave on Feb. 11 after the BCHL announced an investigation into alleged breaches of the league’s code of conduct.

In a social media post on Wednesday, March 9, the league stated “the investigation has been partly completed but is still ongoing. To ensure fairness in the process, the BCHL has determined that Colin Birkas can return to the coaching staff of the Clippers.”

Naylor will remain on administrative leave until at least May 31, 2022, according to the post.

The nature of the allegations have not been disclosed from either the Clippers or the BCHL, aside from a complaint first coming to light in October 2021.

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In the wake of the BCHL placing Naylor and Birkas on administrative leave, the Nanaimo Clippers obtained an injunction from the B.C. Supreme Court prior to a weekend road trip to Powell River.

However a meeting prior to a Feb. 11 game between players and coaches saw Naylor and Birkas stand down with Clippers owner Wes Mussio putting the two on administrative leave.

In a statement after the game, Mussio said the move was made “in order to avoid unnecessary distractions to the players during the stretch drive of the season.”

In his four years behind the bench, Naylor has amassed a coaching record of 110-77-4-4. Birkas joined the club ahead of the 2019-20 campaign. He works primarily coaching the defence and also has video and recruiting duties.

Veteran coach Bob Beatty was brought into the organization on an interim basis, to work alongside assistant Ken McPhalen.

An investigation by the BCHL into the allegations continues.

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