The Clippers will carry momentum into the post-season.
The city’s junior A hockey team finished off the BCHL season by sweeping the Cowichan Valley Capitals in a home-and-home series, 3-0 and then 6-3.
The Clippers were dominant in the shutout win Friday night at Frank Crane Arena, outshooting the Caps 42-20.
“We wanted to really focus on our habits,” said Mike Vandekamp, Clippers coach. “Obviously playoffs are right around the corner and these are our last league games to play before then … I thought we forechecked well, played lots in their end and overall we were really happy with the habits that we played with tonight.”
Defenceman Yanni Kaldis said the Clippers maintained offensive-zone play, and in their own end, they blocked shots, boxed out and got pucks out.
“We kept them at 20 shots, I think we got a lot of shots, so I think that was one of our best games of the year,” he said.
Sean Buchanan, Sheldon Rempal and Devin Brosseau scored the goals and Evan Johnson earned the shutout.
The next night in Duncan, Rempal scored a pair and Spence Hewson, Gavin Gould, Matt Hoover and Edwin Hookenson were the other scorers. Jakob Walter tended goal, making 29 saves as shots ended up 32-32.
Rempal wrapped up the regular-season the runner-up in league scoring with 110 points in 56 games and was first in the BCHL in goals with 59. Scott Conway of the Penticton Vees is the 2015-16 scoring champ with 116 points.
The Vees were also winners when it came to BCHL awards, as Tyson Jost was chosen league MVP, Dante Fabbro was picked as Top Defenceman and Fred Harbinson won for Coach of the Year. Rempal, Kaldis and Vandekamp were runners-up in those respective categories.
GAME ON … The Clippers play the Alberni Valley Bulldogs in the first round of the playoffs. The series faces off Friday (March 4) at 7 p.m. at Frank Crane Arena.
sports@nanaimobulletin.com
