BCHL approves sale of Nanaimo Clippers to Northern Lights Hockey

The sale of the Nanaimo Clippers of the British Columbia Hockey League (BCHL) to Northern Lights Hockey Canada investment group was approved by the league’s Board of Governors in a vote last week.

The franchise was originally put up for sale in February of 2021 by then-owner Wes Mussio, citing loss of revenue during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Northern Lights Hockey Canada is an investment group headed by Brad Kwong – current owner of the Dubuque Fighting Saints of the United States Hockey League (USHL) and former captain of the Harvard University NCAA hockey team. Kwong also formerly served as the chairman of the USHL’s Board of Governors.

The ownership group will take over operations of the franchise immediately.

Founded in 1972, the Clippers are one of the oldest BCHL franchises still in operation. They have won the Fred Page Cup on five separate occasions, and most recently in 2007.

The team finished the 2021-2022 season at the top of the Coastal Conference standings and would make it all the way to the finals before losing to the Penticton Vees in four games.

They will begin their first season under the new ownership this fall.