Nathan Larioza has taken over the Clippers captaincy and scored his first career BCHL in his first game wearing the 'C.' (Damon James/Island Images Photography)

By Dan Marshall

New Leadership

Larioza takes over as Clippers captain

Nov 13, 2025 | 12:10 PM

NANAIMO — The Clippers made a change to their on ice leadership last week by naming Nathan Larioza as team captain.

Former captain Carson Lesiuk was moved to Powell River, and eventually traded to Coquitlam, opening the door for a new player to wear the “C”.

Coach Colin Birkas said Larioza shows his leadership both at the rink and in the community.

“He’s quiet, he’s hard working, he’s an unbelievable player. He’s the best two-way defenceman that I’ve seen in the league so far his year.”

Larioza is in his second season in Nanaimo and is still getting used to his new role.

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“It hasn’t really all seemed real so far, but I’m getting into it and working it out with my assistants here. They’re a good group of guys and the whole team is full of leaders, letter or not, so it’s been an easy transition for me for sure.”

Although Larioza said it’s more in his nature to lead by example, he’s not afraid to speak up in the dressing room when needed.

“I try to be more vocal in the room and talk to the guys a little bit more. Now that I have the ‘C’ I’m trying to be more of that captain-type presence in the room. I will use my voice when I can. Obviously, I’ve got to get the guys going sometimes.”

His first game as team captain was memorable with his first career goal in his 67th career BCHL game against Cowichan Valley on Nov. 7.

His empty-netter sealed a home ice win against the division-leading Cowichan Valley Capitals.

Assistant coach Evan Richardson said it was emotional watching Larioza get his first goal and seeing how his teammates responded.

“When you see a kid like Larioza do something like that and you see how excited the group was, it’s awesome. I’m super happy for him, and I know he works so hard every game and does the right things, and he finally got rewarded.”

Larioza and the Clippers enter the second week of November in a tie for second place in the Coastal West division.

Nanaimo and Victoria both have 20 points and are five points behind the first-place Cowichan Valley Capitals.

The Clippers are on the road Nov. 14 and 15 in Langley and Chilliwack.

They’ll return home to face the Prince George Spruce Kings on Wednesday, Nov. 19.

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