Nanaimo, BC – Nanaimo Buccaneers General Manager and Head Coach Lee Stone has announced the signing of 2007-born defenseman Shion Cleave for the 2023/24 Vancouver Island Junior Hockey League season.
“I was immediately drawn to Shion’s game at our ID Camp a couple weekends ago. Going into the camp I knew a little bit about his game but was blown away with what I saw,” Stone commented on his first sighting of Cleave. “His ability to make plays in transition with his head up is astonishing for his age. He fits what we look for in our defensemen in Nanaimo: a smooth skating, intelligent, puck moving defenseman that can join the play offensively,” Stone concluded.
Cleave most recently played with Nanaimo Minor Hockey Association, after spending the 2021/22 season with the North Island Silvertips U15 team tallying 2 goals and 2 assists for 4 points in 21 games played.
“Signing with the Nanaimo Buccaneers is an amazing feeling as I finally get to play with the team I looked up to growing up. The Bues are the right fit for me because Junior Hockey will challenge me as a younger player playing against older players who are bigger and more skilled. I know I have lots of developing to do and am excited to do it here,” Cleave said after signing his letter of intent. “I think I am a wise and fast thinking player that can adjust to any situation. I learn fast and I’m accountable for my actions. My short term goal is to be able to compete with the older guys consistently. My long term goal is to be able to play to play at the Junior A level in the future,” he concluded.
The Nanaimo, BC product will attend the Bues Black and Yellow Showcase Event from July 14-16 at the Pirate Ship and report to Main Camp on August 19. Please welcome Shion to the Bucs family!
