The Nanaimo Clippers begin their new BCHL campaign with a home and home series against the Cowichan Valley Capitals. Nanaimo won the only head to head matchup in exhibition play 8-4.  (Gary Dorland)

By Dan Marshall

Hitting the Ice

Clippers have many new faces for the 2023-24 BCHL season

Sep 22, 2023 | 5:34 AM

NANAIMO — There’s a new look to the Nanaimo Clippers this year.

The team has 17 players on the roster who weren’t with the team during their first place run to the top of the Coastal Division in 2022-23.

Not only does the team have a fresh roster the entire BCHL has undergone changes after cutting ties with Hockey Canada at the end of May.

As an independent league the BCHL has expanded rosters, European imports and now younger players are allowed from outside of BC.

Ontario native Cole Lonsdale is looking forward to starting the BCHL campaign against the Cowichan Valley Capitals on Friday Sept. 22.

restoring service

'A full court press:' power restoration continues for thousands in Nanaimo & Oceanside

8h ago

storm

Power out for over 15,000 BC Hydro customers across Nanaimo & Oceanside

12h ago

more rain

'High impact' warning as heavy rain returns, causing more flooding concerns in B.C.

15h ago

“I’m super excited. We had a really great preseason and it was good to see the fans come out and support those games. We’re supposed to have a big number of fans to come out for the home opener so we’re really excited for it.”

In six exhibition games the Clippers went 5-1 and the team showed an offensive flair outscoring their opponents 27-19.

Former Camrose Kodiak (AJHL) Noah Alvarez was a bright spot on offense notching six points in five preseason appearances.

Alvarez said he’s starting to get a feel for the team’s closest rivals after playing against Cowichan, Alberni Valley and Victoria.

“We played all the teams on the island and to find out that rivalry it’s going to make for a fun year. There’s going to be a lot of battling against those teams and I’m looking forward to it.”

The team will have a new face behind the bench as well with Curtis Toneff being hired as a full time assistant coach.

Toneff has been given the title of interim head coach as the Clippers announced on Sept. 8 they are still awaiting a decision from Hockey Canada on the status of General Manager and head coach Colin Birkas for the upcoming season.

Toneff likes what he sees from the group as they prepare to open up the new 54 game BCHL campaign.

“I think a little bit of chemistry has been built. This comes from the personnel in the room and letting them start to gel.”

The Clippers opening weekend features back to back games against the Capitals.

After opening at home on Sept. 22 at 7 p.m. the Clippers will travel to Duncan for their first away game on Sept. 23.

Local news. Delivered. Free. Subscribe to our daily news wrap and get our top local stories delivered to your email inbox every evening

info@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @NanaimonewsNOW