Clippers captain Brett Merner has played all three years of his junior career for his hometown team, including his 150th game March 8 versus Surrey. (Gary Dorland)

By Dan Marshall

Milestone for Merner

VIDEO: Hometown Clipper captain hits 150 game milestone

Mar 14, 2024 | 9:50 AM

NANAIMO — Not many BCHL players get to play in 150 regular season games but Clippers captain Brett Merner accomplished the feat recently.

He led his hometown team out on Friday, March 8 against the Surrey Eagles at Frank Crane arena.

“It’s special getting to go out there 150 times and play with the boys,” Merner said. “As a kid it’s something you look forward to doing. It means you’ve able to stay healthy and play at least three years. Getting to do it in my home town is definitely a highlight.”

His first career game was Oct. 9, 2021 in Powell River.

“I remember the nerves, it was just a whole different mindset being so young not knowing what to expect. I played a lot of that year with Andrew Noel.”

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Merner’s first goal came a few months later on Feb. 6, 2022 in Surrey.

“It took a while. I believe it was off a pass from Ethan Mistry it was a pretty cool moment.”

In his rookie season Merner was part of a Clippers team which went all the way to the BCHL finals. A memorable spring in 2022 is still his career highlight.

“My first year the playoff run was the most special. Just being able to be with the guys and competing is something I’ll never forget.”

Merner has evolved into being the team captain and has relished the chance to play in front of friends and family every night during his junior career.

There are just six regular season games left this season and only two more at home.

Next year, Merner is slated to join the the NCAA Division 1 hockey program at Colgate University in New York and the reality of leaving Nanaimo is starting to sink in.

“With it being my last crack at it I’m starting to get a little bit emotional. I”m trying to soak it up especially these last few home games we’ve got. I’ve been playing at Frank Crane Arena ever since I learned to skate so that last regular season home game will be real emotional.”

Including Merner’s 23 playoff games, the third year Clipper has suited up 175 times for the franchise. He’s missed just four regular season and five playoff games during his tenure with the club.

CLIP NOTES:

Forward Luke Buss has been given an honourable mention for the Three Stars of the Week in the BCHL with three goals and two assists in three games.

The Clippers sit in fourth place in the Coastal Division with six games left in the regular season. Nanaimo just finished a 1-2 week with games against Surrey and Victoria. They’ll visit the Chilliwack Chiefs and Vernon Vipers on Friday, March 15 and Saturday, March 16.

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