New Clippers like Joel Plante are starting to take a bigger role on a team off to a 9-2 start to the BCHL season. (Gary Dorland)

By Dan Marshall

Taking a Step

VIDEO: Clippers fresh faces earn extra responsibility

Oct 25, 2022 | 9:47 AM

NANAIMO — The Clippers leaders have carried the load during an excellent start to the 2022-23 hockey season.

But as the weeks have gone by several of Nanaimo’s young first year players have expanded their role on the team.

Head coach and general manager Colin Birkas said newcomers like Grant Babcock, Lukas Klemm, Mike Murtagh and Joel Plante have earned more ice time.

“You see these guys evolve and I’m enjoying watching them play supporting roles. But then they have have their moments where they elevate and play great. Just knowing you’re going to see those guys in a Clippers uniform for a couple of years to come is pretty cool.”

Babcock feels he has adjusted well to the BCHL from the Victory Honda U18 team in Michigan last year.

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“I’m getting into the swing of things and in my opinion I’ve had a good start to the season. I’m a defensive defenceman who can play the body. As I’ve grown up I’ve definitely gained the ability to move the puck better and move my feet more.”

Babcock and defence partner Klemm each appeared in every one of the Clippers first 11 games and have also become good friends off the ice.

Plante, Murtagh and Luca Grabas have been playing together in a fourth line role but have been able to add some unexpected offense lately.

The trio put up six points in a three game span and both Murtagh and Plante had goals in back to back games.

Plante, who at 17-years-old is Nanaimo’s youngest forward, scored four times in the Clippers first 11 games.

“It all starts in practice and buying in to the system. Getting a couple of goals has boosted my confidence and it’s really helped me to play my game.”

The former Surrey Eagle said his current line mates are clear on what they need to do to have success.

“We’re more of an energy line but we’ve also got some skill to us. If we stay level headed and stay focused we’ll be fine together.”

CLIP NOTES:

The 9-2 Clippers have a first place showdown against the 9-1 Surrey Eagles on Friday, Oct. 28 at Frank Crane Arena.

Brody Waters has 18 points this season and linemate Kai Daniells has 17. They are third and fourth in BCHL scoring. The pair had eight points in a four game stretch to gain league recognition. Waters made the BCHL three stars of the week and Daniells along with Jake Hewitt were given honouable mentions.

With 48 goals Nanaimo is the second highest scoring team in the BCHL behind Penticton.

From Oct. 18-22 the Clippers played four games in five days going 3-1. It’s the busiest stretch of games they will have this season. Nanaimo has a three game week Nov. 9, 11 and 12 but aside from that they won’t play more than two games in a week until February.

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