The Nanaimo Clippers left no doubts about the outcome, won their first-round series and are moving on.
The Clips defeated the Alberni Valley Bulldogs 7-3 on Friday night in Game 5 at Frank Crane Arena to win the best-of-seven series, four games to one.
“We came out and we buried our chances, something we didn’t really do in the other games,” said Corey Renwick, Clippers alternate captain. “Kind of sloppy at times, but we pulled through.”
The Shipmen led 2-0 after one period and then after the Bulldogs got one back in the second, Nanaimo upped its game and line after line kept the pressure up to build a 6-1 lead going into the third.
“We just didn’t take our foot off the pedal there,” said Nolan Aibel, Clippers forward. “All four lines were rolling and when you can have that, it takes pressure off all the lines and you can just keep rolling and keep getting fresh legs out there.”
Aibel scored twice and Chris Dodero, Sheldon Rempal, Will Reilly, Devin Brosseau and Renwick were Nanaimo’s other scorers. Evan Johnson earned the win in goal as shots were 35-27 in favour of the Clippers.
Alberni got goals from Eric Margo, Paul Meyer and Tristan Bukovec and Brody Claeys suffered the loss in net.
“Credit to those guys, they played a great series, but we’re really happy to be moving on and getting another challenge…” Aibel said. “We’re looking forward to that.”
Blake Clement, Clippers assistant coach, said his team got better in different areas as the series went along. He said finishing off the opponent in five games gives his team some extra rest that it will use to its advantage.
“It’s nice that we got the job done early, we didn’t let them hang around and we’re just going to build from there…” Clement said. “We’re very happy for the guys, but really, it’s just one series. We’ve still got a lot of work to do. But it’s a good start.”
GAME ON … The Clippers will play either the Powell River Kings or the Cowichan Valley Capitals in the Island Division finals starting Friday (March 18) at 7 p.m. at Frank Crane Arena.
sports@nanaimobulletin.com
Nanaimo Clippers beat Alberni Valley Bulldogs 7-3 in Game 5. Clippers are moving on to Round 2… #BCHL @Ev_Johnson35 pic.twitter.com/Kfyt9Iy5CZ
— Greg Sakaki (@BulletinSports) March 12, 2016
A few more photos from tonight’s Nanaimo Clippers playoff game… #GoClippers pic.twitter.com/hDNY5lnTjk
— Greg Sakaki (@BulletinSports) March 12, 2016
