COREY RENWICK REMEMBERS HIS TIME WITH THE CLIPPERS


Submitted by Kait Burgan.

The Nanaimo Clippers Junior A Hockey Team is a significant part of life in Nanaimo. Since the franchise was founded in 1972, players, coaches, volunteers and fans alike have memories and never-before-told stories that contribute to the fabric of the team we cheer for today. We will share some of those stories in what we are calling “Legends & Locals.” 

This week, we catch up with Parksville’s own, Corey Renwick.

Back in town for summer break, former Clipper forward, Corey Renwick, (2012 – 2016) is now playing for the Div 1 NCAA Alaska Anchorage Seawolves, in the WCHA. He’s on scholarship, taking Finance, and has made the dean’s list twice. Corey is enjoying the academic side of things but, his heart belongs to the game, and he’s thriving with the high caliber of play he’s experiencing with the Seawolves. He misses Frank Crane and is genuine when he says Nanaimo is a great place to play hockey. 

“I really miss the hometown fans, and my parents being able to watch every game, and for sure I miss those home-cooked meals my mom would make before the games.”

       

And the games are where, of course, the coaches are in charge. It’s no secret that one aspect of a coach’s job is to challenge the players and it’s the challenge he received from Mike Vandekamp, in part, that Corey attributes to his success. 

“I was with the Nanaimo Buccaneers and doing the little things right,” Corey recalls. “Vandy saw that there was potential in me and he liked the way I played. I wasn’t a goal scorer or a fancy player; I was a meat and potatoes kind of player. I just did the little things right, and he saw that in me. Things transpired to get the scholarship in the NCAA, so I’m forever thankful for Vandy’s eye for hockey.”

Corey Renwick is back home, working and spending time with family and friends for the summer. In the fall, he’ll return to the Seawolves for another three years. If he gets a break for Christmas, you can bet he’ll be catching a Clipper’s game back home at Frank Crane.

Photos by: Gary Dorland

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For more information on the Nanaimo Clippers, and to become a member of the Clippers Hockey Society, visit www.nanaimoclippers.com. 

“Suddenly, it’s not out of reach to own a hockey team!”