BILL BESTWICK • Head Coach / General Manager

When Bill Bestwick was hired as General Manager and Head Coach in 1999, his goal was to bring the Clippers back to the top of the British Columbia Hockey League.  This was Bestwick’s second stint behind the bench of the Orange and Black as he handled the bench duties in 1988/89 and 1989/90. 

Entering his 10th consecutive season leading the Clippers, he has accomplished that objective,  winning two BCHL titles (2004, 2007), one Doyle Cup Championship (2004),  four consecutive Regular season titles (2005, 2006, 2007, 2008)  and four Coast Division Championships (2003, 2004, 2007, 2008).  In 2004 Bestwick lead his team to the Royal Bank Cup in Grande Prairie.  His team has consistently been ranked among the nations elite over the last 5 seasons.

Reflecting on his success and longevity , Bestwick picked up his 453rd victory in the BCHL making him the winningest coach in the Clipper’s illustrious history.  His playoff record is equally impressive with a 93 win and 69 loss in 156 post season games played. 

Bestwick has been selected as the BCHL Coach of the Year twice (2004, 2008). 

Bestwick brings a long history and involvement with the Nanaimo Clipper’s franchise as a player, General Manager and Coach, and a partner/owner.  Bill was an original member of the 1972 – 73 Clipper team patrolling the Right wing on a team his Father Bill Sr. was instrumental in bringing to Nanaimo.    In 2002 – 2003 Bill was extremely proud to Coach his son Brett uniting three generations of Bestwick participation in the Clipper tradition.

Beyond the Championships and victories the most impressive statistic and likely the proudest for Bill is the countless number of  players annually graduated to post secondary opportunities at the NCAA and CIS levels.  And of course there are the players who have been drafted or advanced to the professional level from the Nanaimo Clippers including:  David LeNeveu (Phoenix), Ryan O’Byrne (Montreal), Tanner Glass (Florida), Byron Bitz (Boston), Jason Garrison (Florida), Raymond Sawada (Dallas), Jordan Foote (New York), Tyson Mulock (Germany Division 1).