Kai Daniells is the Clippers points leader after two games of the regular season. He had two goals and an assist, including the OT winner, in Nanaimo's most recent 5-4 victory over Powell River. (Gary Dorland)

By Dan Marshall

weekend wrap

VIDEO: Daniells delivering as third-year Clipper veteran

Sep 27, 2022 | 9:51 AM

NANAIMO — The Clippers lost several high profile players after last season’s run to the BCHL finals, but they have retained a lot of elite talent too.

At the head of the list is third year forward Kai Daniells. The 19-year-old is Nanaimo’s top returning scorer after a 42 point campaign in 2021-22. He came flying out of the gate with three goals plus a helper in the Clippers 4-2 and 5-4 overtime victories over the Powell River Kings on opening weekend.

Daniells said for him becoming a go to guy was his long term goal when he first came to Nanaimo in the fall of 2020.

“I knew there was going to be some growing pains and some learning. My goal was to eventually be put in those key situations, take charge and excel and it’s gone well.”

Daniells is the third top scorer in the BCHL after opening weekend, and joins Brody Waters and Michael Craig as the team’s longest serving players.

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They are the only three year players in the program and it was no surprise coach Birkas made the trio his starting unit in overtime in the Clippers most recent victory.

From the opening face-off of the extra session that group spent an entire 54 seconds in the Powell River zone before Daniells muscled in the game winner.

“We had energy possession the puck so they were tired,” Daniells said. “A good play by Craig to get it to me and I was able to carry more speed and get around their guys and get to the net.”

Head coach and general manager Colin Birkas said Daniells and the other nine returnees have showed well since the beginning of training camp.

“They really look like they’ve put in the work, and the idea of promoting from within looks like a good decision from the coaching staff.”

The Clippers win on Saturday, Sept. 24 was the 13th straight for the franchise over the Kings dating back to early 2020.

Daniells knows Powell River will be carrying plenty of motivation into yet another head to head game Friday, Sept. 30 in Nanaimo’s home opener.

“They’re going to push and we know that but we have a lot of confidence which is great. We need know to be good in our defensive zone, get to the net and draw penalties. Obviously we want to keep building off last weekend.”

CLIP NOTES:

Rylan Yates and Willyam Gendron scored their first BCHL goals for the Clippers in Nanaimo’s season opening wins in Powell River.

The Clippers are still waiting for forward Tyler Wishart to make his season debut. The 18-year-old had 53 points in 33 games at Kimball Academy last season. He is probably to make the starting lineup for the home opener.

Nanaimo is embarking on a five game home stand which will see them face all of their traditional Island rivals. Powell River, Victoria, Cowichan Valley and Alberni Valley will be coming to Frank Crane Arena along with the Langley Rivermen team the Clippers beat in the 2022 Coastal Division playoff final.

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