Sean Barnhill is a top 2007 born defensive prospect whose joined the Nanaimo Clippers as an affiliate player for the rest of the regular season. (Dubuque Saints)

By Dan Marshall

High Level Prospect

VIDEO: Clippers add top prospect Barnhill as affiliate player

Mar 22, 2024 | 3:03 PM

NANAIMO — Just ahead of their final four games to solidify playoff positioning, the Clippers have brought in a highly touted affiliate defenceman.

2007-born blueliner Sean Barnhill is a draft pick of the Dubuque Saints in the USHL and just finished a very successful season with U16 Arizona Junior Coyotes. He’s also already secured an NCAA commitment to play at Northeastern University.

With his season in Arizona now complete, Barnhill, who hails from the Phoenix, AZ suburb of Scottsdale, is excited to get to play some BCHL games with the Clippers.

“It’s great. It’s a break from the off-season even though you can get stronger in the gym and work on things on and off the ice. It really does help to continue playing games especially at a higher level,” Barnhill said.

Barnhill had a strong season with 18 points in 35 games with the Junior Coyotes, however his team missed out on qualifying for nationals.

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“We just lost in regionals but we had a great season. We played the number four team in the nation and unfortunately lost in the finals to go to nationals. It was a great group of guys and we worked hard,” Barnhill told NanaimoNewsNOW.

The 6’4″, 192 pound defenceman is expected to play this weekend when the Clippers visit Surrey and Langley beginning Friday, March 22.

He’s been on the ice practicing with his new teammates and is quickly getting used to the BCHL pace.

“Jumping up a level it’s the speed of having less time to handle the puck, having to make a quicker play and having to play against smarter players. If you make one mistake they take advantage of that immediately. These players know what to do and have experience.”

Clippers assistant coach Gaelan Patterson has been impressed with Barnhill so far.

“He’s got unbelievable talent and he’s done a lot of great things at his level of hockey. He’s caught the eye of a lot of scouts. He’s got a big frame, he’s got a great stick, he’s very good defensively and moves the puck very well,” Patterson said.

CLIP NOTES:

The Clippers have four games remaining in the regular season and currently sit fourth in the Coastal Division. Nanaimo is three points behind the third place Alberni Valley Bulldogs and two points ahead of the fifth place Victoria Grizzlies.

Clippers forward Luke Buss is on a five game goal scoring streak. The high scoring winger has eight points in that span.

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