The Nanaimo Clippers aren’t unbeatable under a new head coach, but they’re winning more often than not.
The city’s B.C. Hockey League team saw its four-game win streak come to an end Saturday with a 4-3 loss to the West Kelowna Warriors.
Nanaimo outshot West Kelowna by a 47-24 margin, but made mistakes that ended up the back of their net.
“When you put 47 shots on a guy, that probably tells you their goalie was pretty good…” said Darren Naylor, Clippers coach, adding his guys “worked hard tonight, they just didn’t get rewarded.”
video
Naylor said he likes the way his team has been playing, especially considering it’s been challenged with guys out of the lineup.
“So a gutsy effort [Saturday]. Sometimes you get the bounces, sometimes you don’t and we didn’t get them tonight.”
He said there have been some adjustments to the team’s play since he took over as head coach at Christmas.
“We’re just trying to get a little more offensive, let them jump into the play a little more,” Naylor said.
Preston Brodziak, Lucas Vanroboys and Parker Colley scored for Nanaimo and Noah Featherstonehaugh Gowe made 20 saves in goal.
The previous night, the Clippers had blitzed the Alberni Valley Bulldogs by an 8-3 scorer. Brandon Marinelli scored twice in that one and other scorers were Cal Babych, Brad Belisle, Tristan Crozier, Max Crozier, Josh Bourne and Brodziak. Taz Burman only needed to make 15 saves for the win.
tweet
GAME ON … The Clippers visit the Victoria Grizzlies tonight, Jan. 9, then return to Frank Crane Arena for games Saturday, Jan. 13 at 6 p.m. against the Powell River Kings and Sunday, Jan. 14 at 2 p.m. against the Salmon Arm Silverbacks. For ticket information, call 250-751-0593.
signature
