Nanaimo Buccaneers General Manager Bill Bestwick is pleased to announce the return of forward Zach Spafford to the lineup.
The veteran right winger was originally acquired from the Port Alberni Bulldogs at last season’s trade deadline as a future-to-be-named player. Spafford joined the Bucs for training camp in August before heading south to skate with the Utah Outliers in the NCDC. Earlier this week, the Bucs coaching staff learned of his desire to return home and rejoin the yellow, white, and black.
Head Coach Tyler Gow shared his thoughts on the returning forward: “Zach is a gamer, a competitor and a kid who can put the puck in the net. He plays a hard 200′ game – he is an infectious player who is hard to play against.”
Spafford appeared in all 48 games last season, tallying 17 goals and 25 assists, including seven power play goals.
Associate Coach Brett Bestwick added: “Zach is a big strong presence with an excellent shot, nose for the net and a guy who goes for the dirty areas. He has a great attitude and can drive the play”.
Spafford will reunite with former Bombers teammates Yuill, Verbrugge, and Barrett as the Bucs gear up for a key North Island weekend.
On his return, Spafford shared: “Obviously I have been following the boys real close and have heard nothing but great things about the organization. I can’t wait to put on a Bucs jersey.”
He will wear #9 upon his return.
The Bucs hit the road Friday, October 10, to face the Campbell River Storm, before returning home for a Thanksgiving Monday Holiday Matinee matchup with the Oceanside Generals. Puck drop is 12:30 PM — come out and cheer on your Bucs!
