Andrew Brown (second from left) and Joel Plante (front right) have left the Nanaimo Clippers, bound for the Canadian Hockey League. (Gary Dorland)

By Alex Rawnsley

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Nanaimo Clippers lose two major players to Major Junior ranks

Dec 14, 2024 | 1:41 PM

NANAIMO — Recently changed rules around player eligibility in the NCAA is beginning to have significant ramifications for BCHL clubs.

The Nanaimo Clippers announced on Thursday, Dec. 12 their leading scorer Joel Plante and top defenceman Andrew Brown had both signed with Canadian Hockey League teams.

Plante moved to the Portland Winterhawks, who currently sit sixth in the Western Hockey League’s western conference and is slated to play with the University of Nebraska-Omaha next season.

He was the team’s leading goal scorer with 12 in 25 games played, and second in total points with 27.

Brown has also reportedly left the team and is bound for the CHL, however his destination remains unknown.

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He led all Clipper defencemen with six goals and 12 assists in 23 games played and sat fourth in overall team scoring upon his departure.

Brown is poised to join St. Lawrence University next season.

A new partnership agreement was announced in early November which would permit previously prohibited Canadian Hockey League (CHL) players to play in the NCAA beginning in the 2025-26 season.

The CHL is the governing body for three Major Junior leagues, including the Western Hockey League in B.C., Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Washington State and Oregon.

Since announcement of the deal, four Clippers including Brown and Plante have moved to new teams.

Samuel Boisvert joined the QMJHL’s Baie-Comeau Drakkar while Connor Haynes followed to Quebec two weeks later with Chicoutimi.

The Clippers host the Victoria Grizzlies at Frank Crane Arena on Saturday, Dec. 14.

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