NANAIMO — It will be a later start than normal, but the BCHL’s Nanaimo Clippers have a new target for some competitive game action.
The team will start on the road for a double header against the Powell River Kings beginning Friday Oct. 8. Powell River will return serve for Nanaimo’s home opening weekend, also a double header against the Kings on Friday Oct. 15 and Saturday Oct. 16.
Nanaimo’s first major road trip of the year comes Oct. 29-30 when the Clippers visit Trail and the newly-formed Cranbrook Bucks.
The reduced 54-game schedule is aligned differently than years past. Previously, the schedule had favoured divisional matchups, with a home-and-home series against non-Island teams.
The 2021/22 edition features a reduction in Island games and increased travel to the Lower Mainland.
Nanaimo will play four games against Chilliwack, Surrey and Langley and three against Coquitlam. The Clippers will also see Prince George, Penticton and Merritt once each.
Home-and-home series will take place against Wenatchee, West Kelowna, Cranbrook and Trail, while Nanaimo is not currently scheduled to play Salmon Arm or Vernon this season.
“We are excited to turn the page and get back to competing for a Fred Page Cup in 2021-22,” Steven Cocker, BCHL deputy commissioner, said in a release. “With our schedule now out, players as well as fans will have the opportunity to look ahead to key dates and get excited for our 60th anniversary season.”
Training camps open Sep. 17 while the annual BCHL Showcase runs Oct. 20 through 24.
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