The Nanaimo Clippers have laced up their skates and look forward to the coming season.
The city’s B.C. Hockey League team opened training camp today (Aug. 22) at Cliff McNabb Arena with two ice sessions.
Players were put through the paces in off-ice fitness testing Monday and said it was a tough workout and they were glad to gear up today.
“It was great. Everybody seemed to be working hard this summer and are in great shape,” said Jake Harris, Clippers forward. “Yesterday’s testing was hard, but we’re excited to get on the ice and today’s practice was great.”
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David Silye, also a Clippers forward, said the first practice went well.
“It was definitely a good skate for the guys, to see who worked out and stuff,” he said. “Overall, I think we’re in a good spot.”
The Clippers return only eight players from last year’s squad, so there are a lot of newcomers in camp. Silye said he was “really impressed” with how some of the new additions look and Harris agreed.
“We’ve got some great recruits in here, a lot of new faces and guys excited to play hockey this year, so we’re excited for them,” he said.
Veterans like Harris and Silye will be looking to build on their BCHL experience as they look forward to expanded roles. Silye said that’s part of his mindset going into camp.
“Definitely I want to be better than I was last year and show them that I can prepare to take a bigger role this year, so that’s kind of my goal this week and hopefully I can achieve that.”
Harris said he goes into training camp looking to show a more well-rounded game.
“Every year you want to work on your weaknesses and make it your strengths,” he said.
Training camp is not only about players competing for positions and playing time, but also developing a culture and team chemistry for the many months ahead. Harris said guys will battle between the whistles and be buddies after the whistles.
“We’re pushing ourselves and competing against each other, a lot of battle drills and just getting off that summer fatigue and getting into season form,” he said.
GAME ON … Camp continues with two-a-day practices Wednesday and Thursday. The Rhodesie Cup intrasquad game will be Friday (Aug. 25) at 6 p.m. at Frank Crane Arena and the first BCHL pre-season game will be Saturday (Aug. 26) against the Alberni Valley Bulldogs, also a 6 p.m. faceoff at Frank Crane.
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