Clippers Nominate and Finalist for 2023
Two people with the Nanaimo Jr. A Clippers have been announced as finalists for the 2023 Nanaimo Sport Achievement Awards.
Director of Business Operations, Robb Hunter, is a finalist in the Sports Administrator of the Year and Former Forward Sean Donaldson, is up for the Male Team Athlete of the Year.
The Nanaimo Sport Achievement Awards were established in 2006. The awards champion those within the sports community who, during the course of the year, have made a significant contribution to the community culture and promoted the spirit of sport.
The award recipients over the years have helped demonstrate the important value and benefits of sport within Nanaimo and abroad. Finalists are being honoured at the awards gala Friday, February 24th. The categories include recognizing athletes, teams, coaches, officials, volunteers, administrators, and local sports news stories. In addition to consideration of their success in their respective sports through their achievements, nominees have also demonstrated the significant role that sports can play in developing role models and ambassadors, promoting the value and benefits provided by sports participation.
During his two seasons with the Clippers, Sean Donaldson was a standout player on the ice and an impactful member of the community off the ice. He recorded an impressive 94 points in 91 games over his time with the Clippers. During the 2021/22 season, Sean was instrumental in the Clippers’ run to the BCHL finals, contributing 19 points in 16 games. His exceptional skills and leadership made him a fan favourite, and his nomination for Male Team Athlete of the Year is well-deserved recognition of his talent and work ethic.
Since leaving the Clippers, Donaldson has continued to excel in his athletic pursuits, currently playing for the prestigious Cornell University hockey team.
Robb Hunter has sparked new life with the Clippers organization after surviving the fallout of the pandemic. With his diverse background, he led the Clippers to have significant financial growth which created pathways for them to become Coastal champions. “I am quite honoured and humbled by this nomination,” shares Hunter. “Hockey and community are my passions and I truly appreciate being included in this high=calibre group of people. Congratulations to all of the finalists and I look forward to celebrating the sporting achievements of my fellow nominees.”
Under Hunter’s guidance, Clippers’ business accomplishments in 2022 include:
Navigating COVID restrictions including reduced seating capacity and vaccine passports.
As restrictions were lifted and the team made its way to the Fred Page Cup Final crowd sizes continued to grow culminating in sellout crowds at the Frank Crane Arena.
Overall ticket revenue increased even over pre-COVID levels.
Maintained and fostered relationships with sponsors. Helped promote local businesses through sponsorship and promote them by buying local.
Developed a close working relationship with the Canadian Military in creating a Hockey Hall Of Fame worthy jersey tribute to the HCMS Nanaimo.
Worked closely with Nanaimo Minor Hockey to build and strengthen the relationship between the two organizations.
Active participants in Nanaimo Chamber of Commerce events, including the Chamber Business Expo and September 30th Reconciliation events.
Implemented digital, and online, 50/50 raffles, which follow BC Gaming regulations, significantly increasing funds raised and the amount that can be given back to the community.
Steadily improving the game-day experience for fans.
Increasing the amount of community involvement of our players to levels not seen in Nanaimo in years.
The Nanaimo Clippers are proud to have Sean and Robb as members of our organization, and we congratulate them on their well-deserved nominations. We wish them the best of luck at the upcoming awards ceremony and look forward to their continued success in their respective fields. Their hard work and dedication are an inspiration to us all.
