In his rookie season with the Clippers in 2023/24, DeTurris scored 15 goals and added 24 assists in 43 games. (Island Images Photogaphy)

By Dan Marshall

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NANAIMO — The Clippers have chosen 19-year-old Connor DeTurris to be team captain.

The Naperville, Illinois product is Nanaimo’s top returning scorer from last year and was part of the leadership group as an assistant captain.

DeTurris inherited the captaincy from Brett Merner who guided the Clippers in 2023-24 before he moved on to play college hockey.

“It’s a huge honour,” DeTurris said. ” Brett Merner was an incredible captain. He was a great person and a tremendous hockey player. I’m honoured that coach Birkas and the guys and our staff are looking at me to lead our team to that ultimate goal of winning the Fred Page Cup.”

Connor DeTurris is honoured to be the new captain of the Clippers. He aims to be a vocal leader who also sets an example on the ice and in the community. (Island Images Photography)

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Different players have their own unique leadership style and DeTurris said he will be a vocal captain.

“I pretty much talk as much as I can. But I can lead by example too. It’s important that I go out there and play a full 60 minutes the right way. I’ll never shy away from sharing my opinion with the guys and helping our team advance in the right direction.”

One of the main jobs for DeTurris will be to act as a go between from the players and coaches but he also feels a sense of responsibility to Clipper fans as well.

“I learned a lot last year about the fanbase. It’s not like any place I’ve ever played in. People care about the Clippers more than anything. As captain of the Clippers I want to do everything in my power for those people. Being in the community as much as we can and helping out is going to be a big emphasis for us this year.”

The Clippers lost their only game of the season 4-3 in overtime in Alberni Valley.

DeTurris is excited for the first two home games of the season Sept. 27 and 28 against Chilliwack and Powell River.

“There’s a a lot we can learn from that first game,” DeTurris reflected. “We did get a point but I don’t think we had a good third period. We have 53 more games left to work on that. We’ve got lots to work on that we’ll bring to the game against Chilliwack on Friday.”

CLIP NOTES:

Nanaimo will have two full time assistant captains this season in forward Joel Plante and defenceman Andrew Brown.

Coach and General Manager has added three players to the roster in the last week. Defenceman Garin Ludwig came from the USHL, forward Patrick Fortune suited up in the NAHL and blueliner Nathan Larioza played prep school hockey last season.

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