BCHL Today: Clippers coach Naylor suspended, Grizzlies extend forward Yan’s IR status, former Express goalie Defiel released in the ECHL, and more

Clippers head coach Naylor suspended three games

The Nanaimo Clippers won’t have head coach Darren Naylor behind the bench until Jan. 12 at home against Wenatchee. Naylor, who’s also the Clippers director of hockey operations, received a bench minor and game misconduct at the end of the second period of a 5-4 win over Powell River on New Year’s Eve.

Because the game misconduct is his second of the season, Naylor is now suspended for three games. He’ll miss a home game on Jan. 3 against Cowichan Valley and road games against the Capitals on Jan. 4 and 11.

Grizzlies forward Yan’s stay on IR extended

The earliest that Victoria Grizzlies’ forward Edward Yan will return to the line-up is Jan. 17 for a road game against the Alberni Valley Bulldogs. Yan, who hasn’t played since Nov. 1, had his injured reserve status extended for 15 days by the Grizzlies, retroactive to Dec. 30. The sophomore forward has 5 goals and 6 assists in 21 games with Victoria this season.

Former Express goalie Defiel released in ECHL

Players released today: by @ECHLThunder – D Meirs Moore; by @IndyFuel – G Gordon Defiel.

— ECHL Week (@ECHLWeek) January 1, 2020

Goaltender Gordon Defiel (20-20-2, 3.64 GAA, .888 SV% with Coquitlam in 2013-14) has been released from his contract with the Indy Fuel of the ECHL. The 26-year-old went 0-2-0 with a 5.00 goals against average and an .861 save percentage for the Fuel this season.

Three Stars of the Night

First Star: Penticton forward Liam Malmquist scored the winning goal for the Vees.

Second Star: Vees forward Tristan Amonte opened the scoring.

Third Star: Penticton defenceman Evan McIntyre had the insurance goal for the Vees.

Honourable Mentions: Vernon defenceman Christian Felton had a goal. Vees goaltender Carl Stankowski made 20 saves.

BCHL Trade Tracker (since Dec. 1)