Luke Buss has become a top forward with the Clippers since joining the team in mid October. (Gary Dorland)

By Dan Marshall

Making an Impact

VIDEO: Buss fitting in to offensive role with the Clippers

Dec 6, 2023 | 9:46 AM

NANAIMO — Luke Buss has been one of the Clippers top forwards since being traded from Vernon in mid-October.

Buss made his debut on in late October and has 16 points in 13 games in Nanaimo. The 20-year-old was at his best in the team’s most recent games.

He scored the only goal in a 5-1 loss to Victoria on Friday, Dec. 1 and had two goals and two assists in a 6-4 win over Coquitlam Sunday, Dec. 3.

“Coquitlam was a good game. It was a really good team effort and I was happy to contribute. It was definitely huge to get the win.”

Buss was also recognized by the BCHL as the third star of the week.

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After spending several games on a line with Mike Murtagh and Willyam Gendron the Clipper coaches mixed up their forward lines for the game versus the Express.

“It was just a couple of small tweaks and it ended up working out. I was playing with Murtagh and DeTurris. Those guys are awesome to play with and they work hard. We’ve got some good offensive talent up there and it was awesome playing with them.”

Buss has been a consistent point producer but feels he’s playing better now than when he first arrived.

“I’ve definitely gotten better the longer I’ve been here and gotten more comfortable. I’m playing with really good players and it’s been great.”

In his final year of junior hockey eligibility Buss is still in search of an NCAA Division 1 opportunity next season.

“I’m trying to play my game and not think about it too much and just play my best hockey. That stuff will take care of itself, but my goal is to get a commitment.”

The Clippers play their final home games of 2023 against Powell River on Friday, Dec. 8 and Victoria on Saturday, Dec. 9.

Buss said Nanaimo has plenty of scoring power so they’ll focus on other details for the upcoming matchups.

“We have to play smart, play hard and play smart. We need to do all the little things right and we’ve been definitely focusing on our defensive game.”

CLIP NOTES:

The Clippers are tied for second in BCHL goal scoring and they also boast four of the top 16 scorers in the league. Gendron has 29 points, Murtagh has 28, Brett Merner has chipped in 26 while Buss has 24.

Saturday is the annual Teddy Bear Toss game for the Clippers with fans asked to bring a new or gently used stuffed animal to the game to throw out onto the ice after Nanaimo’s first goal.

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