The Nanaimo Clippers are proud to announce, Curtis Toneff, as the team’s new Assistant Coach and Interim Head Coach. Toneff, age 30, has a long history on Vancouver Island having grown up in the Nanaimo hockey system and having played for the North Island Silvertips U18 AAA team from 2008-2010. Toneff commenced his coaching career on the island in 2014 and returned to Nanaimo in 2017-2019 when he was the Head Coach and General Manager of the VIJHL Jr. B Nanaimo Buccaneers.
“I am incredibly excited for the opportunity to be joining the Nanaimo Clippers as an Assistant Coach. The Clippers are one of the iconic teams in the BCHL and it is an honour to be a part of the organization” stated Curtis, “
Toneff is no stranger to the BCHL having worked with the Trail Smoke Eaters as an Assistant Coach from 2015-2017 and with the Merritt Centennials as their Head Coach and General Manager the last two seasons. Toneff brings a resume of success dating back to his time coaching with the VIJHL Campbell River Storm where he assisted in coaching the team that won the Brett Patterson Championship, Cyclone Taylor Cup and Western Canadian Championship. At the BCHL level, he led the Centennials to a 400% improvement in their win-loss record.
“I want to thank all of the staff and ownership for making me feel welcome right off the bat,” Curtis said with appreciation, “It’s fantastic to have the opportunity to coach in my hometown and I am looking forward to working with all our talented players, as well as, getting to know the great fans that pack the Frank Crane Arena each night.”
Brad Kwong, Managing Partner of Northern Lights Hockey Canada stated “Curtis brings an extensive hockey resume to the Clippers. We feel very fortunate to bring a coach with his experience to help lead the development of our players. It’s a bonus that he is a product of
Nanaimo given our goal of becoming a greater part of the community.”
Curtis will lead the Clippers as Interim Head Coach while the team awaits a decision from Hockey Canada on the status of General Manager and head Coach, Colin Birkas.
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