New surroundings for Nanaimo Buccaneers ahead of first ever VIJHL final

Winning Game 5 at home by a 4-3 score was the only home ice win in the North Division final and crucial to the series victory.

“We had a very strong home record in the regular season, and Comox came in and beat us the last regular season game as well,” Gow said. “They took three in a row in our building, so that kind of put some doubt in our minds, so it was a big win for us getting that last home game.”

It will be the last game the team plays in their own arena this season.

Ice removal at the Nanaimo Ice Centre is underway to make way for spring and summer programming, meaning Buccaneer home games in the league final will be played at Frank Crane Arena.

The move has upset some fans, who say there was no flexibility afforded to the team by the City, and is a major disruption to the team’s operations.

Director of parks, recreation, and culture Darcie Osborne told NanaimoNewsNOW they work with a wide array of user groups, and the shoulder season in late March and early April is always challenging.

“We always try to ensure and guarantee and commit to these organizations that there will be a venue available for them to play out their season, and in this case, it is the Frank Crane Arena. I think this is a great opportunity for the Nanaimo Buccaneers, as the Frank Crane Arena can accommodate three times the size of what the Nanaimo Ice Centre can.”

A schedule for the ice was decided upon at the start of the season, and while some flexibility exists, according to Osborne, it didn’t afford enough to keep the Bucs at home.

Financial implications, staffing requirements, and domino effects on the lacrosse season were all identified as major roadblocks.

With games three and four confirmed for Frank Crane Arena on Monday, March 29, and Wednesday, April 1, the Osborne said they’ve got open communication going with the Buccaneers and Nanaimo Clippers about a potential conflict the following weekend.

The Clippers are poised to open their playoffs on Friday, April 3, at home.

Nanaimo finished the regular season in first place in the North division with a record of 33-13-2.

Gow said the team has grown steadily over their 10 playoff games thanks in part to solid veteran leadership.

“The guys are really settling in and playing roles and doing what we’re asking them to do. They’ve grown leaps and bounds, and it’s paying off. Our captain, Kai Verbrugge, has been in the league for a number of seasons and has playoff experience. Dreyton Hayward went to the finals last year with Campbell River. We have Kane Law, Nate Hughes, and two 20-year-old goalies who are very strong and give us confidence between the pipes.”

The Buccaneers went 1-3 against the Cougars through the regular season.

“The games were reasonably close,” Gow said. “So for us it’s just going to be worrying about what we’re doing and how we’re playing. We want to keep things within our control, be disciplined, and have the energy to bring to every game.”

In addition to sharing a venue, the VIJHL finals will have a significant tie in to the Clippers.

Buccaneers general manager Bill Bestwick and Cougars coach Mike Vandekamp both served as head coaches for the local BCHL team, and both Bucs coach Tyler Gow and assistant Brett Bestwick held posts as assistant coaches with the Clippers.

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by Dan Marshall

New surroundings for Nanaimo Buccaneers ahead of first ever VIJHL final

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