The Clippers look to return to their winning ways as they try to snap a four-game losing streak with three weekends left in the BCHL season. (Image Credit: Damon James/Island Images Photography)

By Dan Marshall

Back to Basics

Clippers search for wins in playoff stretch drive

Mar 13, 2026 | 10:02 AM

NANAIMO — The Clippers had their most successful stretch of the current BCHL campaign in January and early February, but have since followed that up with a season-high four-game losing streak.

Nanaimo now has seven games remaining before playoffs, with the next six in a row at Frank Crane Arena.

Veteran forward Patrick Fortune said despite losing 3-2 in Victoria on March 7, the team is close to turning things around.

“Our coaches said it was one step we needed to take. The past couple games we’ve been feeling complacent in where we were. We needed something to pull us out of it. It was a loss, but we followed the game plan and we outshot them. If our power play was going we might have won. It’s definitely a step in the right direction and it will hopefully pull us out of this little slump.”

Nanaimo still plays potential first-round opponents Alberni Valley once and Victoria twice, but Fortune noted the group is more focused on themselves.

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“Victoria has left a bad taste in my mouth so I’d like to get them back. But games coming up we’re just trying to get home ice advantage. It doesn’t matter who we’re playing against home ice advantage is our goal and also to get our game on track.”

New Clipper Drew Roelofs had only played in six games since joining the club but he’s already feeling comfortable in his new surroundings.

He has three points so far and is looking forward to the upcoming home stand.

“I’m super excited to be playing in front of the home crowd and playing on the ice we practice on every single day. We’re a little bit more comfortable playing at home. We have playoffs in three weeks and we have to be sharp in our game.”

While Roelofs doesn’t have any BCHL playoff experience, he will draw on a championship run in the NAHL from just last year.

“I was in Bismarck and we got to go all the way and it was an awesome experience. It’s a different type of hockey. Your season is on the line and you’re doing whatever you can to help your team succeed. It’s the most fun hockey of the year. You’re battling with your family, your brothers and doing what you can to keep on winning.”

Nanaimo’s six-game home stand begins with games against Alberni Valley and Coquitlam on March 13 and 14.

The Clippers head into the contest with a six-point lead over the Bulldogs in the Coastal West standings.

It’s been a busy week for NCAA college commitments for the team.

Tanner Bruender and Landon Pappas have signed on to the newly formed Division 1 program, where they will join Clippers captain Will Subject next season.

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