Goalie Chazz Nixon has joined the team from Drayton Valley of the AJHL. He was victorious in his Clippers debut Dec. 15 in Langley. (Gary Dorland)

By Dan Marshall

New Goalie

VIDEO: Clippers welcome veteran netminder Chazz Nixon

Dec 20, 2023 | 9:58 AM

NANAIMO — The Clippers made a move just before the Christmas break to add a new goaltender.

Nineteen-year-old Chazz Nixon joined the team from Drayton Valley of the AJHL and will now compete for time in the crease with Nanaimo’s other goalies Tyler Hodges, Tom Kiesewetter and Massimo Urbani.

The trio have done well to lead the Clippers to a second place spot in the Coastal Division at the Christmas break, but what they lack is experience, something Nixon brings in spades.

“I started in the GOJHL which is a Junior B league out in Ontario. The next year I stepped up to the OJHL and also played with OHL team as well. I started this year in Drayton Valley and now I’m here in Nanaimo.”

Nixon is looking forward to working with the Clippers other goalies.

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“You always want to be a role model especially if you’re a vet on the team and show the guys the ropes.”

Nixon’s first start with the Clippers was a 35 save performance in a 5-3 win over Langley on Friday, Dec. 15.

“I was just trying to have fun. I wasn’t trying to overwhelm myself or make myself nervous. The speed was great and there were a lot of smart players. It’s a good step up from where I was in the AJHL and I’m really excited.”

Coming to a winning program was a major selling point for Nixon in deciding to make the move to Nanaimo.

“Last year my team in the OJHL, we were the best team in the regular season and to be a part of something like that is great. It’s amazing coming to the rink every day when you’re a winning team, everyone’s happier and it’s awesome.”

With the addition of Nixon the Clippers have shored up their goaltending position, however the team may still be in the market to add a defenceman.

The BCHL trade deadline this year is Feb. 10.

CLIP NOTES:

Since the coaching tandem of Bob Beatty and Gaelan Patterson took over behind the Clippers bench the team has gone on a 10-3 run.

The Clippers are off until they play a road game in Cowichan Valley on Dec. 29. Nanaimo is back home on Jan. 5 and 6 against Salmon Arm and Coquitlam.

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