NANAIMO — There are many reasons for the Nanaimo Clippers positive turnaround since the BCHL Christmas break.
A retooled roster, players making strides in their personal play and the work of the coaching staff are being credited.
While head coach and general manager Colin Birkas deserves much of the credit for the club’s 8-3 record since late December, he’s quick to praise the work of assistant coaches Gaelan Patterson and Evan Richardson.
“First off they have great relationships with the players,” Birkas said. “They’ve played the game and Gaelan’s been coaching for a while and Evan’s just getting into it. They’re knowledgeable and the players trust what they’re doing.”
The two assistants have taken full responsibility for the Clippers special teams with both the power play and penalty kill ranked top five in the league.
“Their practice plans are great. Gaelan is in charge of the PK, he’s doing meetings and video with that group and likewise Evan with the power play. The proof is there, all the categories that they’re responsible for are top-notch.”
Team captain Connor DeTurris said the players recognize just how hard the coaches have been working as well.
“This season having Gaelan and Evan on the bench has been great. Gaelan continues to help us pick apart other team’s systems. He delivers a very detailed preparation through the drills he runs in practice and the game notes he has collected have allowed us the best opportunity to succeed during games. Evan has been another impactful addition to the staff. He is always bringing constructive criticism to elevate your game which correlates really well for our guys.”
Aside from the work they do, both Nanaimo’s assistants have played hockey at the pro level.
Playing college and pro hockey is the goal for many of the Clipper players, and Patterson and Richardson have experience knowing what it takes to succeed at the next level.
“We are very fortunate as players to have two guys and be able to pick their brains,” DeTurris said. “They know what it takes to get to our dreams of playing pro. Both are incredible coaches and have a bright future ahead of them.”
The Clippers take their first four-game winning streak of the season into their upcoming games in Victoria on Feb. 7 and at home versus Langley on Feb. 8.
Nanaimo currently sits in a tie for seventh place in the Coastal Division, three points behind the sixth-place Alberni Valley Bulldogs.
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