Nanaimo, B.C. (June 26, 2024) – The Nanaimo Clippers of the BCHL are thrilled to announce the hiring of former NCAA and professional player Evan Richardson as Assistant Coach for the upcoming 2024-25 season.
Richardson, 30, born and raised in Nanaimo, joins the team after spending the last three seasons with the North Shore Winter Club as Assistant Director of Hockey.
“We’re extremely excited about what Evan brings to the Clippers given his sensational playing career,” said Clippers head coach and general manager Colin Birkas. “Adding a Nanaimo local who shares our organizational commitment to player development will only enhance the experience for our entire roster.”
“With Evan, we are bringing in a young, hungry coach who as a player has experienced what all of our players strive for. Evan is a professional who shares our goals and vision for the Clippers program. Along with Gaelan Patterson, Evan gives us an extremely strong staff,” Birkas added.
After leading the BC Major Midget League in scoring in 2009-10 with the North Island Silvertips, Richardson dressed in 149 games in the BCHL, recording 146 points with Alberni Valley, Victoria, and Powell River.
With Powell River, he was twice named to Team Canada West at the World Junior A Challenge, winning gold in 2011 and silver in 2012; he also led the Kings in scoring in 2012-13.
He subsequently played four years of college hockey at Boston College and the University of Connecticut, before a three-year pro career in the United States and Europe.
“I’m looking forward to getting going with a team I grew up watching,” said Richardson. “It’s an honour to now be a part of that organization. I can’t wait to get started, and to contribute to our guys improving their games for the next level.”
The addition of Richardson completes the Clippers’ coaching staff for the upcoming season, helmed by head coach and general manager Colin Birkas, who enters his sixth season with the team. The staff also includes second-year assistant coach Gaelan Patterson, athletic therapist Kelly Parker, and equipment manager Gary Dorland.
“Evan is a key addition to our staff,” Brad Kwong, Managing Partner, added. “He has excelled in the BCHL and at the NCAA level and will be an asset to our players just by sharing his experience and expertise alone.”
Season tickets for the Clippers’ 2024-25 campaign are on sale now. Secure the best possible pricing and exclusive member perks at tickets.nanaimoclippers.com.