Post-game celebrations have been commonplace for the Nanaimo Buccaneers, but the organization is taking a measured approach with the playoffs approaching. (Image Credit: Lance Daly)

By Ian Holmes

swords up

Nanaimo Buccaneers on second half heater, two Bucs commit to BCHL’s Clippers

Feb 8, 2026 | 5:38 AM

NANAIMO — Following a re-set season where the local Vancouver Island Junior Hockey League team shed its bottom-feeder label, the club is soaring to new heights.

Sitting comfortably atop the VIJHL’s North Division standings with an impressive 28-11-2 record, the Bucs are returning to the playoffs for the first time since the 2019/20 season.

Under a wholesale management and coaching regime change, the Bucs returned to respectability last season, registering a 16-26-6 record, after the team amassed only seven combined victories over three prior dreadful seasons.

Reflecting on the successful campaign to date, first year head coach Tyler Gow said the coaching staff is paying attention to the way they need to play as opposed to the standings.

“Being in the win column is nice, but I think we’re focusing on habits and consistently most importantly moving down the stretch here — making sure our room is good, making sure our team is cohesive,” Gow told NanaimoNewsNOW.

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Aside from a recent two-game winless slide, the Buccaneers have racked up a 15-2-1 record since late November.

Gow describes the Bucs as an aggressive, hard-checking, and balanced team.

While the Bucs are fourth in the league and tops in the six-team North Division in offence (4.2 goals per game), only one Buccaneer (Madden Cruickshank) is among the league’s top 25 scorers.

Gow said the lack of top-heavy point producers is in fact an area of strength, pointing to not having to rely on a small number of players to carry the offensive load.

Ten players on the Swordsmen have at least 20 points so far this season.

A pair of rookie 17-year-olds are leading the Buccaneers at forward and on defence: Madden Cruickshank and Nate Barclay.

Both players recently signed letters of intent to step up a level to suit up for the BCHL’s Nanaimo Clippers next season.

Gow said the recent commitments are significant, with the VIJHL and BCHL being natural fits as independent leagues.

He believes the VIJHL is re-establishing itself as a favoured destination for emerging young talent.

“It proves that our league can do more for players than maybe it seemed to do in the past,” Gow said. “Our league now is starting to be that stepping stone with the landscape of hockey changing to get you to that next level, and that’s why we (VIJHL) affiliated with the BCHL.”

Gow said the Bucs are providing a place to play for local, Island-based players to develop, which is by design.

Six Nanaimo products are on this year’s Bucs’ team, along with several others hailing from elsewhere on Vancouver Island.

Gow, who has a wealth of junior and minor hockey coaching and playing experience, credited work done by the entire organization, including general manager Bill Bestwick and assistant coach Brett Bestwick.

Gow said the vast amount of knowledge within the Bucs’ coaching and management structure to succeed cannot be understated.

“When you have that type of guidance and you have guys who have hockey experience who care about the program, results are going to be positive.”

Madden Cruickshank

Born and raised in Nanaimo, right-winger Madden Cruickshank is in line to play for both Harbour City junior hockey clubs.

The slick rookie 17-year-old is having an impressive rookie season.

Following a productive showing at Langford’s Pacific Coast Academy U18 Prep team last season, Cruickshank leads the Bucs in scoring (20g, 33a in 41 games), while logging top line minutes.

“It’s been a lot of fun and I feel like I’ve gotten really comfortable with it and so has all of the new guys coming in,” Cruickshank told NanaimoNewsNOW on adjusting to the rigors of junior hockey.

Cruickshank in action earlier this season against the visiting Saanich Predators. (Image Credit: Lance Daly)

Cruickshank, standing 6’0”, was elated to receive a recent commitment from the Clippers to play in the BCHL next season.

The right-shot power forward will grace the same ice surface he grew up playing minor hockey on.

“It’s a huge honour signing with them in my hometown and I feel look all of the work is paying off, but it’s not done yet. It’s all just starting back up to make that team fully next season.”

As for what the Bucs need to do to succeed in the post-season, Cruickshank said maintaining their identity as a hard, gritty team will be crucial.

“I think that’s what our team’s been known for, getting the other team off the puck and banging bodies in the corners,” Cruickshank said, who noted they focus on positional play extensively at team practice sessions.

Nate Barclay

Rookie defenceman Nate Barclay, 17, has been a standout stalwart on the backend all season for the Buccaneers.

He’s second on team scoring behind Cruickshank (16g, 22a, in 38 games), and is the second highest scoring d-man on the 11-team VIJHL circuit.

While Barclay had hoped to play for the Clippers after attending training camp, he signed with the Buccaneers a few games into the season.

The dynamic Langley product, who suited up for Delta Hockey Academy’s U18 Prep team last season, wasn’t discouraged by a lack of on-ice success for the Buccaneers.

“I wasn’t too hesitant to sign, after I saw what they have in their dressing room and the training equipment I was sold right away,” said the fleet-footed 5’9”, 185 lbs. Barclay.

Nate Barclay seen here versus the Campbell River Storm this season. (Image Credit: Lance Daly)

An intelligent right-hand shot d-man, Barclay said the Buccaneers organization pays close attention to team and individual player development.

He said being challenged to make adjustments has been helpful, while he’s not discouraged from being an offensive driver.

“They really know what you need to work on and what needs to be done to help you get to higher levels. It’s a good mix of kind of like being your best friend and also being hard on you.”

Tyler Gow in particular, with his background as an accomplished defenceman, has bolstered Barclay’s game.

Moving cities, schools and league’s has been an adjustment for Barclay, but said he’s happy with the choice he made to advance his hockey aspirations on Vancouver Island.

Barclay looks foward to making the leap to the Clippers next season with his teammate Cruickshank.

“Mads is obviously a great player and a great guy, it’s pretty nice to move up with him,” Barclay said.

Colin Birkas, Nanaimo Clippers head coach and general manager, has been keeping tabs on Cruickshank, Barclay.

He has a strong working relationship with Bucs’ bench boss Gow, who previously served as an associate coach alongside Birkas during the 2022/23 season.

Birkas said Barclay and Cruickshank were both “close to making it this season” on the Clippers opening night roster.

“I am happy with the work the staff (Buccaneers) has put in with those two players and equally impressed with the improvement they have made, so it was an easy choice to commit to them for next season,” Birkas told NanaimoNewsNOW.

The Buccaneers dropped a 5-2 decision Friday night on the road against the first-place Peninsula Panthers.

Next up for the Bucs is a Thursday, Feb. 12 matchup at Nanaimo Ice Centre versus the Lake Cowichan Kraken at 7:15 p.m.

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