Goalie Aidan Campbell is happy to be playing full time after losing most of 2020 to COVID-19 restrictions and most of his 2021 season due to an injury. (Gary Dorland)

By Dan Marshall

Holding the Crease

VIDEO: Clippers goalie rounding into form after long layoff from game action

Nov 2, 2022 | 9:54 AM

NANAIMO — Netminder Aidan Campbell is getting into a rhythm again after a challenging two years.

Because of the COVID-19 pandemic and a hip injury he only played in 15 games between January 2020 and September 2022.

In the first six weeks of the current BCHL campaign, the 20-year-old has played in nine games for the Clippers and built up a 7-2 record.

Campbell said he’s been pleased with his own play so far but he feels there’s a lot of room for growth.

“There’s always something to improve on. I don’t think I’m at the best of my game right now. I’ve got a ways to go to get to where I want to be in terms of my own standards.”

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Before this season Campbell had never played Junior A hockey so there have been some adjustments to the style of play in the BCHL.

“There’s a difference in the way the game is played. The players work so hard and it’s so physical. It’s a completely different pace of play. It’s a weird adaptation but it didn’t take too long to get it.”

Campbell sits fourth in BCHL wins and eighth in minutes played.

He’s developed a strong relationship with his goaltending partner Shane Shelest who is still undefeated in four starts.

“Having him is great. He’s a partner who I can talk to about things that happen in the game. He can make me better when he sees me doing something wrong and hopefully I can make him better too.”

CLIP NOTES:

After a 5-2 win over Surrey and a 6-3 win versus Coquitlam, Nanaimo is 11-2 and in first place in the Coastal Division. The Clippers next host Cranbrook on Nov. 4 and visit Victoria Nov. 5.

Jake Hewitt was named the first star of the week in the BCHL with six points in two games. He has 13 points in his last six contests. Hewitt was also levied a two-game suspension for an incident in the Oct. 29 game versus Coquitlam. He’s next eligible to play Oct. 9 against Cowichan.

Kai Daniells was chosen as the BCHL’s third star of the month for October. He has 20 points in his first 13 games of the season. Teammates Brody Waters and Ethan Mistry were given honourable mentions by the BCHL.

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