The Nanaimo Clippers can’t be beaten these days.
The city’s B.C. Hockey League team won both its weekend games and has now won five straight and nine of its last 10. The Clippers skated circles around the Prince George Spruce Kings in a 5-1 win Saturday night at Frank Crane Arena, then beat the Powell River Kings 4-1 the following afternoon on the road.
“That game against Prince George was probably our best game of the year,” said Brendan Taylor, team captain. “We had a great start which we continued on through the second and third.
“And then going into Sunday, I know the guys were kind of tired but we didn’t use it as an excuse, we played well again.”
In Saturday’s game, the Shipmen outshot the visitors 24-5 in the first period, took a 2-0 lead into the first intermission and coasted to victory over the Mainland Division-leading Sprucies.
Brendan Taylor had two goals and an assist and Anthony Rinaldi, Devin Brosseau and Edwin Hookenson were the other goal scorers. Guillaume Decelles only needed to make 19 saves as shots ended up 59-20.
The next day, Jake Jackson snapped a 1-1 tie early in the second period and added another marker early in the third. Brett Roulston and Rinaldi were other goal scorers and Decelles earned the win in net as shots were 30-28 for Nanaimo.
GAME ON … The Clippers visit the Victoria Grizzlies on Wednesday (Oct. 22) at 7 p.m. at the Q Centre. The Clips then host the West Kelowna Warriors on Friday at 7 p.m. at Frank Crane Arena and play another home game Sunday at 2 p.m. against the Surrey Eagles.
sports@nanaimobulletin.com