Mitchell Patrick scored his first BCHL goal on Mar. 15 against Cowichan Valley. He's looking to cement a regular spot in the Clippers lineup. (Gary Dorland)

By Dan Marshall

Memorable First

VIDEO: Clippers rookie Mitchell Patrick finding his stride

Mar 21, 2025 | 12:28 PM

NANAIMO — Navigating the BCHL as a first-year player can be challenging but forward Mitchell Patrick is making the most of it.

He’s appeared in ten games since joining the club in December and scored his first BCHL goal on Saturday, Mar. 15.

“It was the first of many hopefully,” Patrick said. “I hope it opens the floodgates, it was a great feeling. I beat the D-man to the puck, got a breakaway, made a little deke and I saw the goalie open up so I decided to go five-hole and it worked out.”

Patrick had a regular spot in the lineup in January but has only appeared in six games since the beginning of February.

The 18-year-old has been working hard in practice to up his game.

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“It was big for me to get back into the lineup. I’ve been trying to prove my worth and I’m glad I got the opportunity to do that.”

Patrick played 29 games with Olds in the AJHL earlier this season and had 24 points.

He knows he has the offensive skill to succeed in the BCHL but acknowledges it’s a step up.

“Everyone in this league would be a top line guy in the AJHL. Everyone’s smart and can pass, there’s very few mistakes being made. It’s a big difference but the game doesn’t change.”

The Airdrie, Alberta native doesn’t have an offensive role with the Clippers yet, so he’s trying to contribute in other ways.

“I need to play the right way, focus on the defensive zone and get pucks deep. You’ve got to play simple, play confident and not turn pucks over in the middle of the ice.”

Clippers captain Connor DeTurris remembers his early days as a junior hockey player and is pleased to see Patrick coming into his own.

“You love to see those guys have their winning moment. He’s a tremendous hockey player who’s helped us a lot this season. He came here at Christmas and he stayed. Having guys that stay and stick around it speaks to their character. That’s the path to success in this league.”

CLIP NOTES:

With four games remaining in the regular season the Clippers sit in sixth place tied behind Cowichan Valley, Coquitlam and Victoria who are all three points ahead.

The Clippers take a four-game winning streak into their next game versus the Surrey Eagles. Nanaimo has won previous matchups with Surrey and play two of their final four games against the Eagles.

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