Former Chilliwack Chief Dylan Kinch is looking forward to a new chapter in his BCHL career with the Clippers. (Gary Dorland)

By Dan Marshall

New Clipper

VIDEO: Dylan Kinch welcomes a new challenge after trade to the Clippers

Feb 1, 2024 | 10:04 AM

NANAIMO — The Clippers made a significant BCHL swap at the trade deadline acquiring Dylan Kinch from the Chilliwack Chiefs for Willyam Gendron.

In Gendron, the team gave up a high scoring forward who was one of the top scorers in the league, however the incoming Kinch is a year younger.

While he hasn’t found the scoring Gendron displayed yet, speed and energy are attributes coveted by the Clippers.

“It’s definitely weird against a team we matched up so many times against last year,” Kinch said in reference to suiting up against the Clippers in a 2023 second round playoff series. “But the guys have been awesome to me and welcomed me in.”

Kinch had to get quickly from Chilliwack to Nanaimo to join his new teammates for games in Powell River on Friday, Jan. 26 and Saturday, Jan. 27.

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Despite a whirlwind of travel the Calgary product picked up an assist in his first game with the Clippers.

“It was a bit crazy, I got in the night before and hopped right on the bus. It was good to meet the guys and get a couple of games in.”

Kinch had 22 points in 51 games last season and 24 in 33 appearances with the Chiefs in the current campaign.

He believes the offensive side of his game will be able to flourish in Nanaimo.

I’m pumped to be on one of the highest scoring teams in the league and I’m excited to get things started here. I think I can be a pretty offensive player so I’m hoping to bring that side out of me in Nanaimo.”

The Clippers have a home weekend against West Kelowna on Feb. 2 and Powell River on Feb. 3.

Kinch is excited to make his home debut, especially against a Warriors team with the third best record in the BCHL.

“It’s a big two points on the line here and the standings are getting tight.. We’ve got to come ready to play against West Kelowna. The boys are pretty pumped to get going and we’re looking forward to it.”

CLIP NOTES:

The Clippers will honour the 2003-04 Fred Page Cup championship team at their Feb. 2nd game. Several members of the team will be in attendance.

Nanaimo suffered their first shutout loss of the season in Powell River on Jan. 27. On the flip side the Clippers have allowed only one goal against in three of their last five games.

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