Buccaneers look to build off outstanding 2025-26 VIJHL campaign

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The focus on the Bucs will be on local talent, with as many as 39 players taking part at the Nanaimo Ice Centre.

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Buccaneers look to build off outstanding 2025-26 VIJHL campaign

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Gow said the success of last year’s team has led to more prospective players reaching out.

“Camp is going to be competitive. We’re going to have high standards for kids coming in. There will be players we’ve signed and players that will have a chance to show us what they have. There will be players from the JPHL U-18 team there as well. We developed a relationship with them last year, and we’ll be continuing that for AP’s.

Last season, several Buccaneers players had tremendous personal success which has led to opportunities in the BCHL.

Gow noted the VIJHL is trending younger, and developing players for the next level is part of the focus.

“Nate Barclay coming here and stepping in like he did and taking control of games, he was an integral part of our playoff run. I think it speaks for itself that he was deserving of the top defenceman of the year. He had to earn a shot to play for the Clippers and I think he’ll have a great season with them. Madden Cruickshank has aligned with Clippers and Curtis Freeman was a late acquisition who then joined the Cowichan Valley Capitals and will be back with them.”

Expectations are high for the 2026-27 team, and coach Gow is going to take the same day-to-day approach that was successful last year.

“Our group focuses on consistency in practice and in games. Our culture is very important to us and our dressing room is very important to us. The more cohesive you can be as a team I think the results will follow. We’re hoping the outcomes will be the same as last season.”

The Buccaneers will wrap up camp with a pair of exhibition games against the Oceanside Generals at home on Friday, August 28 and on the road Saturday, August 29.

Nanaimo’s home opener will be on Friday, September 4 at the NIC against Lake Cowichan.

This season the Bucs’ prime home game nights are Friday instead of their traditional Thursday nights.

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