The Nanaimo Clippers are thrilled to announce the commitment of Cooper Wilson. Wilson, a right-handed defenseman currently playing for the Vancouver HW Hawks U18 AAA team, has already made an impact on the team as an affiliate player, recording an assist in his Clippers debut while playing up with the team this past Sunday.
With his impressive performance as an affiliate player with the team, Wilson has already demonstrated a sliver of the impact he's anticipated to make on the team. Head Coach and General Manager, Colin Birkas, echoed this sentiment, stating “he’s going to be a very good Clipper over the next few years. He has the physical characteristics to make an impact right away and his leadership qualities are evident.”
Wilson’s commitment to continually improving his game is also a key aspect of his success as a player. When asked about how his current program has helped him prepare for the next level, Wilson said, “It’s my second year playing U18 and I’ve grown more as a player. This season has really helped me develop." Specifically, he noted that “my defensive zone play has improved, I’m better at picking up the puck, and my gap control has gotten better”. He also acknowledged the role of his coaches in helping him round out his game, saying “they’ve helped me work on my offensive abilities. I play a more defensive style and they’ve really helped me get better offensively.”
Wilson’s decision to commit to the Nanaimo Clippers was motivated by the team’s reputation for player development and their commitment to creating a winning culture. When asked why he chose Nanaimo, Wilson said, “They’re a top-notch organization and they have a top-notch junior program.” Wilson currently has 2 goals and 23 assists, totalling 25 points through 35 games with the Hawks.
