Shane Shelest has built up a 7-1 record as the Clippers backup netminder this season. (Gary Dorland)

By Dan Marshall

Backing Up

VIDEO: Shelest thriving in number two role in Clippers crease

Feb 1, 2023 | 11:02 AM

NANAIMO — One of the most difficult jobs on any hockey team is the backup goaltender’s role.

Nanaimo Clippers netminder Shane Shelest has only appeared in nine of the team’s 36 games, but he’s put together an impressive 7-1 record with a save percentage of .908 and a goals against average of 3.12.

Shelest acknowledged there are challenges going a couple weeks between assignments.

“It starts in practice having a good mentality going into every skate. Having fun with the boys and trying to get better every day is how you have to approach it. When you do get put in you need to be ready and try your hardest.”

Prior to his last start on Jan. 28 Shelest had gone 29 days without game action.

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There was pressure on the 19-year-old to help the team get back on track after a rare loss the night before.

“The boys were supporting me a lot and it took a few minutes to work out the nerves. When you get tested a lot early on the nerves release a lot quicker and you can get into more of a rhythm.”

Shelest made 35 saves en route to his seventh victory of the season.

Despite strong individual statistics, Shelest doesn’t look too closely at those numbers.

“I try not to focus too much on those. I just want to help the team win whenever I can. But it’s definitely nice when the win/loss column looks like that.”

Over the course of the season Shelest has developed strong chemistry with Clippers number one starter Aidan Campbell.

Shelest said it’s key for both goaltenders on any team to have a positive working relationship.

“We’re good buddies and we have a lot of fun on the ice. We sit next to each other in the locker room. It’s a good relationship for sure.”

Both goalies get some specific instruction each week from Clippers goalie coach David Hutchison.

Shelest values an extra set of eyes offering tips on ways to improve.

“He’s here more or less once a week on Tuesdays. We get a good half hour or 45 minutes to skate with him and he gives us feedback,” Shelest said.

While there haven’t been many starts for Shelest, he’s had a lot of opportunity to work on his game in practice.

Shelest said he’s seen a marked improvement in his game.

“I feel like I’ve gotten more calm in the net. The more I get used to the league and the players I find I’m getting more comfortable out there. Tracking rebounds is an area I’ve gotten better for sure,” the Point-Claire, PQ product told NanaimoNewsNOW.

CLIP NOTES:

Nanaimo’s 4-1 loss to the Powell River Kings on Jan. 27 was the first time all season the Clippers have scored fewer than two goals in a game.

Clippers defenceman Ethan Mistry is tied for first among BCHL blueliners with 40 points. He has nine points during a personal seven game point streak.

Forward Michael Murtagh was assessed a three game suspension for a gross misconduct on Jan. 27. The Clippers top rookie scorer will be eligible to return to action on Feb. 11 at Salmon Arm.

Nanaimo’s next game is Friday, Feb 3 in Duncan versus Cowichan Valley at 7 p.m., which marks the first of three games away from the Harbour City for the Clippers.

Nanaimo’s next home action is on Friday, Feb 17 against Alberni Valley at 7 p.m. at Frank Crane Arena.

The Clippers lead the BCHL’s Coastal Conference with a record of 28-7-1, eight points clear of second place Surrey.

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