Nanaimo captain was one of two Clippers to play in the BCHL all star game. Five other Clippers took part in the BCHL prospects game. (Gary Dorland)

By Dan Marshall

All Star Game

Merner grateful for 2024 BCHL all star experience

Jan 24, 2024 | 3:43 PM

NANAIMO — The Clippers sent seven players to Penticton for the BCHL’s all star weekend.

Five players participated in the Jan. 19 Top Prospects game and two Clippers played in the three on three all star tournament.

Captain Brett Merner was a part of the all star event and was happy to share the weekend with so many of his teammates.

“It was a good time and obviously good to go with our seven guys who got to go up there for the weekend. It was a great event. When you get to play with some of the better guys in the league it’s a huge honour.”

Merner and Willyam Gendron were the Nanaimo all star representatives and Merner’s team performed well with two wins and then a loss in the tournament final.

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Merner said a big part of the enjoyment was playing the three on three games outside.

“It was a lot of fun. I didn’t really get a chance when I was younger to play on an outdoor rink because it doesn’t get all that cold here. It was the first organized game I’ve ever gotten to play outdoors.”

Matt Lahey, Andrew Brown, Tyler Hodges, Joel Plante and Mike Murtagh were the Clippers who helped the Coastal Division to a 10-3 win in the prospects game.

Hodges allowed two goals against in just over thirty minutes of action and Lahey was the only Nanaimo player to hit the scoresheet with one assist.

Merner said the Clipper crew spent a lot of time hanging out together and checking out the city of Penticton.

He’s hopefully the all star weekend will have a positive carry over when the regular season resumes on Jan. 26.

“Being there with the better guys in the league it helps you gain a bit of confidence. It’s an experience and I definitely didn’t take it for granted.”

Merner and the Clippers are now preparing for a road double header against the Powell River Kings on Jan. 26 and 27.

Nanaimo enters the weekend in a second place tie in the Coastal Division standings with 40 points.

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