NANAIMO, BC – The Nanaimo Clippers are pleased to announce that Gaelan Patterson has been named the team’s new Associate Coach.
Patterson returns to Nanaimo after previously spending two seasons behind the Clippers’ bench. He most recently served as an assistant coach with the Vancouver Giants of the Western Hockey League during the 2025–26 season.
Before joining the Clippers, Patterson coached with the La Ronge Ice Wolves of the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League, serving as both an assistant coach and associate head coach.
A former professional player, Patterson played four seasons with the Saskatoon Blades of the WHL before being selected by the Calgary Flames in the seventh round of the 2009 NHL Entry Draft. His professional career included time with the Abbotsford Heat of the American Hockey League, the Utah Grizzlies and Idaho Steelheads of the ECHL, as well as teams in Norway, France and the United Kingdom.
“Gaelan is excellent at developing players, and that is a major part of what we do here,” said Clippers Head Coach and General Manager Colin Birkas. “He understands our organization, connects well with players and will be a valuable addition to our coaching staff.”
Patterson will assume his new role immediately as the Clippers continue preparations for the 2026–27 BCHL season.
