Henry Acres is the assistant coach for the Clippers. He's excited to open a new chapter in his coaching career and help the team reach new heights in 2025-26. (Henry Acres on X)

By Dan Marshall

Acres Joins

Clippers new assistant coach getting up to speed ahead of training camp

Aug 30, 2025 | 6:26 AM

NANAIMO — The Clippers are entering a new season with a new addition to their coaching staff.

Henry Acres is Nanaimo’s new full time assistant after the departure of Gaelan Patterson to the Vancouver Giants of the WHL.

Acres most recently was the head coach of the Kerry Park Islanders of the VIJHL but spent most of his career overseas.

“I spent most of the last 20 years over in Europe. I was mostly in Sweden, first as a player and then as a coach. One of my first gigs was in Hungary. I coached at the pro and senior levels in Sweden and then I went into Norway which was my last European experience.”

In the mid 90’s Acres played a handful of games for the Clippers and he’s happy his career has now come full circle.

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“I’m excited to be part of the organization and see what hockey is at this level. I’m an island guy and it’s wonderful to find an opportunity that’s close to home because I live in Qualicum.”

It’s been a whirlwind with Acres being hired just before training camp so he’s having to learn on the fly and learn the lay of the land from head coach Colin Birkas.

Acres is looking forward to helping the Clippers forge a winning identity.

“We’re going to have a group that works their tails off. That’s a huge piece of it and we’ll have a blue collar, hardworking group that has some offensive ability and can put the puck in the net.”

Training camp for the Clippers begins on Sept, 1 with three exhibition games slated for Sept, 5,6 an 11.

The BCHL regular season opens on Sept, 19 with the Clippers playing a pair of opening weekend games against Alberni Valley.

Veteran forward Carson Lesiuk believes with the returning players and a strong recruiting class Nanaimo will have a strong team.

“I think we’ll have a special group with guys who have won national championships in the past. For me it’s just taking it day by day and that’s what leads to team success.”

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