HOME OPENER
The Nanaimo Buccaneers are gearing up for their home opener on Saturday, September 6, as they take on the Comox Valley Glacier Kings at the Nanaimo Ice Centre. The game is set to start at 7:15 p.m.
WELL WISHES FROM THE BUCS
The Nanaimo Buccaneers would like to thank all people who take the time to follow the team and come to the games. The Bucs would like to welcome visiting supporters and team members from the Comox Valley Glacier Kings. We hope you enjoy the game, our building and our city and we wish you all safe and enjoyable travels.
VIEW FROM THE FRONT OFFICE
According to General Manager and Head of Operations Bill Bestwick, the team is thrilled to have their home opener on a weekend night. “We are obviously very excited about Saturday evening‘s home opener on September 6,” Bestwick said. “In the modern era of this program, there’s never been a home opener on a weekend night. Very exciting and really want to get off to a great start.”
WORDS FROM THE HEAD COACH
Head Coach Tyler Gow is confident that his team is ready for the big game. “We are excited to see our guys step up,” Gow said.
BRETT BESTWICK’S THOUGHTS
Assistant Coach Brett Bestwick added that representing the great hockey tradition of Nanaimo is a big responsibility, but one that the team is up for. “Anytime you get an opportunity to play it’s exciting for the guys,” Bestwick said. “Our guys have a great opportunity. “
INTERESTING STATS
In the 2024-25 season, both teams struggled with shorthanded goal ratios:
– Comox Valley Glacier Kings:
– Scored 6 shorthanded goals (2nd in the division)
– Allowed 8 shorthanded goals against
– Nanaimo Buccaneers:
– Scored 2 shorthanded goals (second-last in the division)
– Allowed 5 shorthanded goals against
POWER PLAY AND PENALTY KILL
– in 2025-2025 Nanaimo’s power play operated around a 21.4% success rate, leading the division, while Comox Valley’s power play hovered around 18.5%.
– Comox Valley excelled on the penalty kill with a success rate around 86%, while Nanaimo’s rate was just over 76%.
INTERESTING FACT ABOUT THE BUCS
The original Nanaimo Buccaneers were founded in 1966-67 by Cliff McNabb and Jimmy Dawes. The current franchise was re-established in 2012 as an expansion team along with the Westshore Wolves.
INTERESTING FACT ABOUT THE G KINGS
The Comox Valley Glacier Kings, nicknamed the “Yetis,” joined the Vancouver Island Junior Hockey League (VIJHL) in 1992, also as an expansion team.
G KINGS OWNERSHIP
Marsha Webb, a major part of athletics in the Comox Valley, has been with the King’s ownership group for over 33 years. Webb, who was also heavily involved as a volunteer with minor baseball and hockey in the community, was extremely complementary of the heartfelt efforts being made by Bucs owner Nicole Brandenburg. Webb stated that she admires the Nanaimo owners “courage” and she fully “supports” Brandenburg and her program.
GAME DETAILS
– Date: September 6
– Time: 7:15 p.m.
– Location: Nanaimo Ice Centre
The Nanaimo Buccaneers are looking forward to a great game against the Comox Valley Glacier Kings. With their new coaching staff and talented players, they’re poised to make a strong impression this season. Fans can catch the action live at the Nanaimo Ice Centre or stream the game on FloHockey.
