Noah Alvarez had the shootout game winner and Chase Nixon recorded his second win of the season in the Clippers 4-3 win in Cowichan. (Gary Dorland)

By Dan Marshall

Shootout Win

Clippers triumphant in return of Colin Birkas

Dec 29, 2023 | 10:35 PM

DUNCAN — The Clippers wrapped up 2023 with a day of good news off the ice and a 4-3 shootout win over Cowichan Valley,

After a long nine month process head coach and general manager Colin Birkas was back behind the Clippers bench after learning of a Hockey Canada suspension back in March.

In a statement Clippers managing partner Brad Kwong said, “”We are pleased to welcome Colin back to his leadership role within the organization. Our priority has always been the well-being of our players and staff, and following the conclusion of this extensive investigation we are confident in Colin’s ability to continue fostering a supportive environment that is focused on player development and overall team success.”

Birkas will gradually take on more responsibility and is set to take over fully again on March 15.

“It’s best for me personally as this process has been so long and hard on me. I’m happy to be easing my way back to where I was prior.” It’s really a credit to Bob and Gaelen that not only have they kept the team going but we have seen constant improvement and the players are having fun.”

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The Clippers also added defenceman Liam Rodman to their roster on Dec. 29.

Rodman came to the team from the Fort McMurray Oil Barons of the AJHL and played in Nanaimo’s win over the Capitals.

In the Clippers final game of 2023 they earned a 4-3 win in the sixth round of a shootout.

Noah Alvarez collected the game winner after Luke Buss, Michael Murtagh and Chase Hull scored in regulation time, giving Nanaimo a series of three straight one goal leads.

The Clippers end December with a 6-2 record for the month and will enter the new year in second place in the BCHL’s Coastal Division.

Nanaimo’s next action is Jan. 5 and 6 at home against Salmon Arm and Coquitlam.

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