Kai Daniells is the ninth Nanaimo Clipper to commit to an NCAA Division 1 hockey program. Daniells will attend Princeton University in the fall of 2023. (Gary Dorland)

By Dan Marshall

College Bound

VIDEO: First half performance culminates in NCAA Commitment for Clippers’ Daniells

Dec 21, 2022 | 9:39 AM

NANAIMO — The Clippers took three out of four points in the final weekend before their Christmas break but for leading scorer Kai Daniells there was some even more important hockey news.

The 19-year-old confirmed on Thursday Dec. 15 he has committed to join the Princeton Tigers NCAA Division 1 hockey program next season.

Daniells said the Clippers organization he joined in the fall of 2020 has been a major part of his development on and off the ice.

“My coaches and amazing billet families have helped me but my present and past teammates just as much. Being able to learn from the older guys in my first couple of years really helped me fill their shoes once they moved on. I’m hoping I can do the same for the younger guys on our team this year as well.

Daniells has been steady improving since scoring six points in 20 games in the 2020 pod season.

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He finished with 42 points in 54 games last year and was clutch in the 2022 playoffs with 12 points in 16 games.

This season Daniells jumped out of the starting blocks as the team’s number one centre.

With 16 goals and 21 assists he not only leads the Clippers but sits fifth overall in BCHL scoring at the holiday break.

Daniells said the busy schedule of games, practices and workouts is all a part of the process of getting better.

“Being in the league over time has helped me grow as a player and person. The difference between now and when I showed up to camp a couple years ago still in high school is massive and has prepared me really well for the next level.”

Recently Daniells was able to visit Princeton to cement his decision to attend in the fall.

“The combination of education, hockey and opportunity was what really made me feel like it was the right fit for all aspects. The tour was awesome, it was too good of an opportunity to pass up.”

After a 3-2 overtime loss to Prince George and a 6-3 win over Cowichan Valley on the Dec. 16-17 weekend Daniells and the Clippers embarked on a 13 day break.

The Coastal Division leading Clippers will resume their schedule in Surrey on Dec. 30 against the second place Eagles.

Nanaimo holds a six point lead in the standings with each team having played 28 games.

CLIP NOTES:

The Clippers enter the Christmas break with points in eight straight games at 7-0-1. Nanaimo’s last loss was Nov. 20 in Surrey.

Jeremie Payant was given an honourable mention for the BCHL 3 stars of the week for the second week in a row with a one goal and three assist performance.

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