In the sporting world things like success, dedication, length of service and respect are things most fans remember and hold in high esteem.
Although there are exceptions to that rule where the sports fan has a short term memory block and this includes Junior Hockey fans. But, this will not be an exception in the case of Bill Bestwick's return to the Frank Crane Arena, after 12 years of coaching the Clippers and making his family home in the Nanaimo area. Bestwick, worked hard to build well run/organized Clipper teams with much success in those 12 years. They played a hard nosed brand of hockey and where an easy team to watch for the most part. Many of Bill's former players are now applying their hockey careers in the NCAA and pro ranks which was always an attractive proposition for any potential Clipper recruit.
To this fan/blogger, the Clipper faithful I can 99% guarantee, should give Bill a warm reception with I'm sure a standing ovation. As Clippers fans didn't have the chance to say goodbye to Bill after he was released by the new Nanaimo ownership. I'm sure this will be an emotionally charged atmosphere for Bill and everyone associated with the Clipper organization.
But, with all this being said and as Bestwick put it, "he bleeds black and gold now" and will be looking for the Grizzlies to keep there good start to the season going. With, Victoria top of the Island standings with 5 Wins, 1 Loss and 1 overtime loss after 7 games. As the team has gelled nicely at this time, they will be looking to go into Frank Crane and really try and stamp there authority down on the Island division at this early stage of the season.
In Mike Vandekamp's Nanaimo team, they have also got off to a positive start, but, have only played 4 games so far with a solid 3 wins and 1 loss at this time.
After watching both Clipper games at the showcase, Nanaimo looked the part with new additions to the team such as quick/skilled forward Mike McNicholas, big bodied power forward Reid Sturos and former ex-WHLer and Nanaimo native Greg Fraser really adding to a potent Clipper attack.
In Defence, former Grizzlie player Josh Bryan, could really class himself among the leagues elite defenders, along with quality D-man Colton Dahlen and David Iacono.
In goal, new goalie Jayson Argue has been excellent so far with a stingy 1.76GAA.
Outside of Bill's return in this game, I'm looking forward to seeing a new type of Grizzlies team the Clippers have never faced. A Bill Bestwick Grizzlies team!!!
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