As Nanaimo Clippers’ training camp hits full stride, head coach Mike Vandekamp will be keeping an eye on the goaltenders.
Last season, the Clippers made it all the way to the B.C. Hockey League championship before losing to the Penticton Vees, with team MVP Guillaume Decelles patrolling the crease. Decelles won’t be returning and seven goalies will vie for a spot on the roster.
Camp began Monday and Vandekamp said it is a fresh start in goal, but too early to anoint any favourites or potential starters. He said the ability to stop the puck is foremost, but he is looking at other attributes.
“Consistency is probably the biggest thing,” said Vandekamp. “You don’t need guys to make spectacular saves all the time, but you’re looking for some consistency in that regard and so that’s really what we pay attention to the most.”
#Goalie spots up for grabs at @ClippersHockey camp. Coach V says he’s looking for consistency.
— Karl Yu (@KarlYuBulletin) August 26, 2015
Of the seven, Vandekamp said Jonathan Reinhart is the only goalie signed to the roster. Reinhart played junior B hockey in Elmira, Ont., last season.
In addition, there is Jakob Severson, an affiliate player who spent time with the Clips last season and also played with the junior B Nanaimo Buccaneers.
Emilien Boily won a championship with a junior college team in Quebec last season.
Jakob Walter played major midget hockey last season for the Valley West Hawks and was a high draft pick in the Western Hockey League.
Austin Roden played for the South Island Royals of the B.C. Major Midget League and like Severson, also was an affiliate player for the Clippers last season.
American Evan Plotnik played for a midget AAA team in San Jose last season.
Bryce Scheibel played at Pacific Coast Academy in the Victoria area last year.
All will remain with the Clippers leading up to the Rhodesie Cup intrasquad game Friday (Aug. 28) and Vandekamp said cuts would come following that game.
GAME ON … The Rhodesie Cup intrasquad game takes place Friday (Aug. 28) at 6 p.m. at Frank Crane Arena. Nanaimo’s first B.C. Hockey League preseason exhibition game is Saturday on the road against the Alberni Valley Bulldogs. Nanaimo’s first home exhibition is Wednesday (Sept. 2) when the Victoria Grizzlies visit Frank Crane Arena for a 7 p.m. faceoff.
