Although the ultimate prize eluded them — the Penticton Vees dynasty will do that to you — the Nanaimo Clippers haven’t looked back from their run to the B.C. Hockey League final last spring and are off to an 8-1 start this season.
The Victoria Grizzlies, meanwhile, are still trying to find their identity at 3-4-2 as the clubs head into their meeting tonight at Frank Crane Arena in the Harbour City.
“[The Clippers] are and elite team and obviously finding ways to win,” said Grizzlies head coach and GM Rylan Ferster.
Never underestimate the value of playoff run, particularly on a team that returned 10 players.
“When you go to the league final, you’ve been through the battles together and you learn how to win and they know how win.”
To get there themselves, the Grizzlies will need more offensive punch. Twenty-year-old Olivier Picard, who played last season in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League, leads Victoria in scoring with seven points in nine games, while fellow 20-year-old Jack Gorton and rookie Reegan Hiscock both have six points.
“I’ve liked our compete level and structure, and guys are buying in, but we are having trouble scoring goals,” said Ferster.
Only the Cowichan Valley Capitals, with 19, have fewer goals this season in the BCHL than Victoria’s 20.
“We’re not scoring but I’m happy with other areas,” said Ferster.
“Our penalty kill has been fantastic and is third in the league,our power play has gained a little traction with three goals in the last three games and our defence has been good [and was tied for third best in the league in goals-against heading into Thursday’s games at 24].”
All of this may not be a bad thing come crunch time.
“In April, games are not won 7-6 but 2-1,” noted Ferster.
“We have to stay the course. It’s about the process.”
The Grizzlies meet the Chilliwack Chiefs (2-5-1 heading into Thursday) on Saturday night at the Q Centre.
ICE CHIPS: Luc Pelletier of the Grizzlies, a six-foot-four forward from Courtenay with five assists, has committed to Princeton University. He joins NHL draft-pick defenceman Eli Barnett (Vermont), goaltender Ansel Holt (Army) and Gorton and defenceman Tim Busconi (both Boston University) as Grizzlies who have NCAA Div. 1 commitments … The Clippers have seven NCAA Div. 1 commits … The Penticton Vees lead with 16.
cdheensaw@timescolonist.com
