Clippers start preseason with pair of home ice wins

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Nanaimo was led by the forward line of Mitchell Patrick, Elliot Perreault and Charles Beland.

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The trio collected 13 points in two games with Patrick leading the way with five points himself.

Birkas was thrilled about the line’s performance, but especially Patrick.

“That line’s been great, but to me, the best player on the ice has been Mitch Patrick. He’s totally come alive and he looks like he’s going to be a real player. He did the right things in the summer but he reminds me of some other kids I’ve had, that as soon as you give them a little bit of confidence and responsibility the skill set takes over. He’s earned high praise from teammates and the staff.”

The Clippers have one final exhibition game on Thursday, Sept. 11, visiting Alberni Valley, and they’ll be using their best available lineup in preparation for the season.

“It has to be a dress rehearsal. With over a week between that and the first game of the season, we have to play what we believe to be our opening night lineup.”

Nanaimo will start the regular season at home against the Bulldogs on Sept. 19, before travelling back to Port Alberni for a rematch on the following night.

There are several tactical parts of the game the coaches will be working on with the players in order to get ready.

“We didn’t really do anything in the neutral zone yet with or without the puck,” Birkas said. “We haven’t had to touch on special teams yet so those are the two big ones.”

Nanaimo has 11 returnees from last season still on their preseason roster but integrating the newcomers into the team’s culture is part of the overall process this month.

“It’s important they come together as a group and we’ve put together a roster of kids that are high character so I think it’s going to happen naturally. I’ve been meeting with our captain Carson Lesiuk to make sure that it’s on the menu for them.”

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