Bowen Burke (L) and Hudson Gill (R) will patrol the Clippers blueline for the upcoming BCHL season. (Submitted photos)

By Dan Marshall

Bolstering the Blueline

Clippers add two defencemen for upcoming BCHL season

Jul 17, 2024 | 10:07 AM

NANAIMO — The Clippers have secured two important pieces of the defence corps for next season.

Bowen Burke, 19, and 18-year-old Hudson Gill will help fill the gaps left by high-profile departures like Brett Merner and Isa Parekh.

Burke had eight goals and 20 assists last year with the expansion Colorado Grit of the NAHL. The Arizona product is an offensive defenceman and he hopes to develop his game even more in Nanaimo.

“The BCHL has always been a goal of mine and I could not be more excited to join such a great organization from the coaching to the ownership. I pride myself on my 200-foot game starting in the defensive zone, making a good first pass and being good defensively with a good stick.”

Clippers head coach and general manager Colin Birkas sees significant minutes ahead for Burke.

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“Bowen has a knack for getting shots through and is a high-character player. He played a lot of minutes and in big situations for an expansion team last season, and we’re excited about the big role he will be playing for us.”

Gill recorded five goals and 29 assists in his rookie campaign with the Brantford 99ers of the OJHL in 2023-24. He was also the team’s highest-scoring defenceman.

“It feels great to sign with the Clippers,” Gill said. “Obviously they have a good history and have a great team so I’m looking forward to getting started.”

Birkas said the Clippers have been eyeing Gill for the past two seasons.

“We’re extremely excited to bring Hudson to Nanaimo. He has shown he can play well beyond his years and is someone Clipper fans will really enjoy seeing continue to develop here.”

Burke is already committed to the NCAA Division 1 hockey program at Union College and has the option of playing one or two seasons in Nanaimo.

Meanwhile, Gill still has three years of junior eligibility left and is still uncommitted to college hockey.

The Clippers will begin their 2024-25 on Sept. 20 in Port Alberni with Nanaimo’s home opener set for Sept. 27 versus Chilliwack.

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