Nanaimo Clippers defenceman Sean Buchanan, right, keeps the puck in the Alberni Valley Bulldogs zone during a game earlier this season. The teams meet tonight (Jan. 27) at Port Alberni.

Nanaimo Clippers defenceman Sean Buchanan, right, keeps the puck in the Alberni Valley Bulldogs zone during a game earlier this season. The teams meet tonight (Jan. 27) at Port Alberni.

Clippers can clinch playoff spot

The Nanaimo Clippers are close to clinching a playoff spot, but the team has its sights set higher than that.

The Nanaimo Clippers are close to clinching a playoff spot, but the team has its sights set higher than that.

“That wasn’t a factor in any discussions or anything right now,” said Mike Vandekamp, Clippers coach, earlier this week. “We’re just trying to play good hockey.”

Going into this week’s action, the Shipmen were undefeated over their last five games, with four wins and a tie over that span.

Most of the attention the rest of the way will be on divisional games, as the Clippers close out the regular season with nine of their last 10 games against Island foes.

Nanaimo can clinch a playoff berth with a win or a tie against the Alberni Valley Bulldogs tonight (Jan. 27) at Port Alberni’s Weyerhaeuser Arena.

GAME ON … Nanaimo hosts the Victoria Grizzlies on Friday (Jan. 29) at 7 p.m. at Frank Crane Arena, then plays a rematch against the Grizz on Sunday on the road.

Nanaimo News Bulletin