The Nanaimo Clippers have shored up their defence core heading into the 2019-2020 season with the key acquisition of Michael Palandra from Brantford 99ers of the OJHL for future considerations.
Michael Palandra played in the high-end Toronto Nationals program in the Greater Toronto Hockey League during his minor hockey days. He then played 100 games in the OJHL over three seasons putting up 53 points including 14 goals. He was a draft pick in both the OHL priority draft in 2017 and the USHL in 2019. He already has a commitment to the NCAA Division 1 program at RIT (Rochester Institute of Technology)
Colin Birkas, defence coach of the Clippers, explained; “We have acquired a top d-man that immediately gives us a player who will play in all situations and brings us a ton of Jr A experience. He is a right-handed d-man with a good shot that will help our PP. With losing 5 d-man from last year’s strong d-core, this is a huge pick-up for the Clippers.”
Darren Naylor, Head Coach and Vice-President of the Clippers, added; “This was a much-needed pick-up for us and a player I am familiar with after coaching him in the Boston Chowder Cup last spring. He was a player we wanted last season but weren’t able to make it happen. Michael is a smooth skating d-man who likes to jump into the rush contributing offensively. He has a high hockey IQ enabling him to read the layers and frequently intercepting passes breaking up other teams plays. I am very excited about this acquisition.”
