The Nanaimo Clippers introduced the Gary Dorland Memorial Award at a ceremony honouring his life and years of service to the team. (NNN/Dan Marshall)

By Dan Marshall

Dorland Remember

‘Our friend:’ Nanaimo Clippers honour Gary Dorland, create award in his honour

Aug 11, 2025 | 4:44 PM

NANAIMO — Many from the local sporting community came to Frank Crane Arena on Sunday, Aug. 10 for a special ceremony to pay tribute to Gary Dorland.

He was a long-time Nanaimo Clipper volunteer and later became a part of the bench and office staff, and passed away in June after a lengthy health battle.

Clippers coach Colin Birkas felt it was fitting to recognize Dorland at a place where he spent so many hours.

“When I came here from Ontario, I met Gary and he worked 16 hours a day to make my life better. This season, we’re going to tell a Gary story every day. We’re going to have countless ways to honour him, but that still won’t do him justice.”

Dorland was a pillar of the sporting community, selling 50/50 tickets for hockey and other sports, snapping photos, becoming team equipment manager and taking on many tasks in the Clippers hockey office.

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Former Clippers captain Brett Merner spoke about the close relationship Dorland had with the players.

“As players, Gary meant the world to us. He had that special presence about him that will live on forever. Despite never being on the ice, Gary was just as much a part of the team as anyone. He was way more than our equipment manager; he was our caretaker, our storyteller and our friend.”

Many family members were in attendance, and several close friends took to the stage to recount stories of Dorland’s time in the newspaper business, as a volunteer firefighter and his love of motorcycles.

The Clippers also unveiled a new team trophy as a tribute.

“We’re going to have an award in Gary’s honour called the Gary Dorland Memorial Award,” Birkas said. “It will be presented to the Clippers player, staff member or volunteer who demonstrates outstanding selflessness and commitment to the organization.”

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