VIDEO: Clippers graduating players reminisce about their junior careers

He spent several months in the USHL during the COVID-19 pause and came back to put up the best Clipper offensive season in six years.

Donaldson said his family has played a huge rule in the success of his junior career through stops in Trail, Prince George, Sioux Falls and Nanaimo.

“And also I’d like to thank Nanaimo for welcoming me back this year and all my billets but especially my billets here in Nanaimo, they’re like my second home.”

Fraser started his career in Langley and was dealt to the Clippers in the fall of 2020. He said he’ll miss the junior hockey road trips and the big crowds at Frank Crane Arena.

“Having a chance to play in front of the fans in Nanaimo is awesome. I missed out on it last year during COVID. Having a strong fan base to play in front of every night is something special.”

Keighan Gerrie started his career in Thunder Bay and moved on to Waterloo, becoming a Clipper in 2020.

He won a championship in Thunder Bay and hopes this current Clipper team can win a title in his final year.

“Playoffs is a new season. The points don’t really matter we just have to go out there and play our hearts out every night.”

Cooper Black committed to the Clippers in the summer of 2021 and established himself quickly as the team’s number goaltender.

Through two seasons in the NAHL and one in Nanaimo, the towering 6’8″ netminder said there isn’t one specific moment which stands out as a career highlight.

“Honestly I don’t know if I really have one. I couldn’t really list off one thing but I think any time you steal a game is a highlight for me as a goalie.”

Andrew Noel also started his junior career in the NAHL and came to Vancouver Island in the summer of 2021. The blueliner said being a Clipper has exceeded his expectations.

“I can’t say enough about the group we have here and our coaches. We’ve really come together and I hope we have a good run in the playoffs. I think we have the team to do it.”

The shortest term member of the 20-year-olds is Alek Sukunda.

The former WHLer was acquired from Coquitlam in December and quickly became an integral part of the club. Sukunda said he feels truly blessed to have been able to play junior hockey.

“Getting to see some of your best friends every single day, I never take it for granted. I have some buddies who are plumbers right now and they’re waking up and going to work when it’s raining or snowing and I get to go to a hockey rink and do the thing I love.”

CLIP NOTES:

The Clippers have one game left in the regular season on March 25 against Victoria. The result of the game and two remaining contests for the Chilliwack Chiefs will determine if Nanaimo finishes second, third or fourth in the Coastal Division.

Cooper Black was given and honourable mention for the BCHL 3 Stars of the Week. He had a 2-1 record with a .942 save percentage.

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by Dan Marshall

VIDEO: Clippers graduating players reminisce about their junior careers

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