BCHL’s Clippers sold to ‘competitive’ Los Angeles-based businessman Tkachenko
The BCHL Board of Governors has approved the majority ownership sale of the Nanaimo Clippers to Roman Tkachenko, a Los Angeles-based businessman, as well as a minority share to former NHL player Oleg Tverdovsky.
Tkachenko has been part of several successful business ventures across the world, while Tverdovsky played professional hockey for 19 years, including 11 in the NHL where he won two Stanley Cups.
“Oleg and I are extremely excited to join the BCHL and hope to contribute greatly to the Nanaimo Clippers future success,” said Tkachenko. “We are both competitive and want to bring championships to Nanaimo, but we also believe in the player development path the BCHL offers and want to help future players move onwards and upwards in their careers.”
Current Clippers owner Brad Kwong, who purchased the team in 2022, will remain part of the ownership group and will continue to act as a team governor.
“I first would like to thank my exiting partners, Joe Carrabino and Brett Barakett, who have been extremely supportive these past four years,” said Kwong. “Going forward, Roman and Oleg bring a fresh perspective and a passion for the sport of hockey. Their investment, which will be much more than just financial, is a huge positive for the Clippers players and the program.”
The Clippers debuted in the BCHL during the 1972-73 season. They have won five championships in their franchise history and appeared in the league finals 10 times, including two of the past five seasons.
The BCHL Board of Governors approved the sale after a board meeting last week.
“The BCHL is happy to welcome Roman and Oleg to the league,” said Rich Murphy, chair of the BCHL Board of Governors. “With their collective business and professional hockey experience, they should make a great addition to our group of owners.
“We are also pleased that Brad Kwong is staying on board. He has done a tremendous job with the franchise since taking over in 2022 and we look forward to continuing to work closely with him.”
— Nanaimo Clippers Staff
(September 1, 2026)
