Clippers forward Dylan Kinch has averaged two points per game since the team's Christmas break.  His strong play earned him the January first star of the month for January and he now sits in the top five in league scoring. (Gary Dorland)

By Dan Marshall

Leveling Up

VIDEO: Clippers Kinch excels with more offensive opportunities

Feb 27, 2025 | 10:26 AM

NANAIMO — Dylan Kinch has had an explosive second half to his final junior hockey season.

The Clippers leading scorer entered the final week of February in the top five in BCHL scoring.

After being a point per game player for his first 27 games Kinch was given a chance to play on Nanaimo’s top forward line.

“We lost a few players,” Kinch said. “An opportunity came about and I guess I just took advantage of it.”

When top winger Joel Plante departed for the CHL, Kinch was elevated into the role and has averaged two points per game since the Christmas break.

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“At the beginning of the year I had more of a defensive role and when guys left it switched to a more offenive role. Going to the NCAA next year I want to be able to be able to play in every position and play up and down the line up.”

The Long Island University commit has only been held off the scoresheet four times since Dec. 28 and has scored three points or more eight times.

Playing with top centre Cole Lonsdale has been a perfect fit for Kinch.

“Cole is one of my best buddies off the ice so it starts there and transitions on the ice. It means a lot to be able to play with him every night. It’s so much fun and I’m looking forward to finishing off the year with him.”

With one month remaining in the regular season the Calgary product hopes to keep up his torrid scoring pace all the way through the BCHL playoffs.

“I hope I can keep it going but I try not to focus on the points. It’s about how you’re playing and if you’re creating chances I think the points will come.”

Kinch sat out the Clippers last two games but the team is hopeful he can return on their next road trip Friday, Feb. 28 and Saturday, March 1 in Trail and West Kelowna.

Nanaimo has ten games remaining in the BCHL season and they sit in seventh place in the Coastal Division standings.

CLIP NOTES:

Clippers goaltender Vladimir Nikitin boosted his record to a perfect 6-0 with a 5-2 win over Alberni Valley on Feb. 21.

Nanaimo takes a 1-3 record against the Interior Division into their final non-conference games of the season versus the Smoke Eaters and Warriors.

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