Nick Sajevic is the newest member of the Nanaimo Clippers. The Minnesota product is likely one of the final additions to the Clippers roster this season. (Gary Dorland)

By Dan Marshall

Taking Shape

VIDEO: Clippers look to solidify roster with addition of Sajevic

Oct 12, 2022 | 9:29 AM

NANAIMO — The Clippers are off to an impressive 5-1 start to the BCHL season.

Along the way Nanaimo head coach and general manager Colin Birkas hasn’t been afraid to make improvements to the roster. The latest addition is Minnesota product Nick Sajevic.

The 19-year-old made his debut on Oct. 9 in the Clippers 4-3 shootout win over the Langley Rivermen.

“He’s a good player,” Birkas said. “You could see he’s pretty crafty. He played with guys he’s never practiced with in a league he’s never played in and I thought he showed some good signs of patience and he has a heavy, smart stick. I think he’s going to be a good player here.”

Nanaimo added forward Tyler Wishart in late September and now with Sajevic coming in Birkas said the roster should stay intact for a while.

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“It wasn’t even my intent to alter the line up one more time. Nick was a player we’d been trying to recruit for awhile and when he became available again it was in my mind a good fit. We’re not going to make changes just to make changes. Unless we see a legitimate opportunity to improve the club now and long term we probably will stand pat.”

Savejic started the year with Madison of the USHL after having a strong season with Chippewa in the NAHL in last season.

The 5’11 centreman had 43 points in 60 games for the Steel.

When Sajevic was looking for a new team he did his homework and even watched video of the Clippers in the early season.

“It seemed like a place I could do very well and a place I could succeed. I’m really excited to get going, it should be a good year.”

Although he started his Clipper career at centre, Sajevic said he’s comfortable playing any forward position.

“I can play both centre and wing. Whatever can help the team win. I’ve played both my whole life so it’s whatever the coach wants.”

The Clippers have a busy schedule coming up starting with a home game against Alberni Valley on Friday, Oct. 14.

Then the team will play Tuesday, Oct. 18 and Wednesday, Oct. 19 versus Cranbrook and Trail at the BCHL Showcase as well as Friday, Oct. 21 against Victoria and the following night in Cowichan Valley.

ICE CLIPS:

Ethan Mistry was named the BCHL’s third star of the week with a one goal and three assist performance.

Clippers goalie Shane Shelest is 2-0 after getting the win in Nanaimo’s 4-3 shootout victory on Sunday, Oct. 9. He sits fifth in league save percentage and sixth in goals against average.

Nanaimo is on a three game winning streak and will wrap up a five game home stand on Friday, Oct. 14 against Alberni Valley. Last season the Clippers had a 5-2 record against the Bulldogs.

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