The Clippers are in a battle for first in the Coastal Division and top spot in the BCHL. The team is focused on their own results but also keeping close tabs on their rivals. (Gary Dorland)

By Dan Marshall

In Good Company

VIDEO: Clippers scoreboard watching as season nears halfway point

Dec 14, 2022 | 9:25 AM

NANAIMO — The Clippers watched as two of the top three teams in the BCHL had losing weekends.

The first-overall Penticton Vees and the third-overall Surrey Eagles both suffered back to back loses on the Dec, 9-10 weekend.

Meanwhile the Coastal Division leading, and second overall, Nanaimo Clippers put the finishing touches on a six-game winning streak.

Nanaimo beat Alberni Valley on the road 5-4 on Friday, Dec. 9 and then two days later won 5-3 at home over the Coquitlam Express.

Clippers assistant coach Bob Beatty said the team can’t have any let up in the their play, noting the points in December are just as crucial as the points during the stretch run to the playoffs.

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“We’re trying to set ourselves up to have home ice in the playoffs as much as we possibly can. Every game factors in and we know they’re all important.”

The Clippers have two games left before their Christmas break.

They’re at home to Prince George on Friday Dec. 16 and then take on Cowichan Valley on Dec. 17.

Beatty said finding the right motivational approach as coaches is a balancing act.

“If we have shorter practices this week and get our work done more efficiently it will be for the best. We need them to stay engaged but later in the week we’ll dial it in a bit more.”

Head coach Colin Birkas admitted his players were scoreboard watching the recent Vees and Eagles games, especially when the team had an off day.

“Sometimes you can use that as motivation. You can have those scores kind of startle you and realize a let down can happen. I’m hoping we’re mature enough we saw that and we don’t get victimized by it.”

Going into the BCHL’s final week of play before Christmas the Clippers had pulled within four points of Penticton for first overall in the league and had gained a seven point advantage of Surrey first top spot in the Coastal Division.

CLIP NOTES:

Head coach Colin Birkas, leading scorer Kai Daniells, and top scoring defenceman Ethan Mistry were all selected to the BCHL Top Prospects Game the third weekend in January. The Jan. 20-22 weekend also includes a three-on-three all star tournament which Daniells and Mistry were already going to be a part of.

Forwards Jeremie Payant and Willyam Gendron were given honourable mentions for the BCHL 3 Stars of the Week. Payant had two goals and two assists in two games and Gendron scored three goals.

Nanaimo’s next game against Prince George will mark the halfway point of their BCHL season. The Clippers other upcoming game against Cowichan Valley is the traditional Teddy Bear Toss game at Frank Crane Arena.

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