The Nanaimo Clippers got haunted by the Alberni Valley Bulldogs on Halloween.
The Clips had a chance to sweep their week, but had to settle for two wins and a loss after falling 4-2 to the Alberni Valley Bulldogs on Saturday at Port Alberni. Nanaimo had defeated the Victoria Grizzlies 5-4 on Wednesday and shut out the Bulldogs 3-0 on Friday at Frank Crane Arena.
“With the shutout and everything, we were happy with that, and then I guess we let it get into our heads a bit and didn’t come out ready to play, and it didn’t turn out the way it was supposed to,” said Sean Buchanan, Clippers defenceman.
In Saturday’s setback, Matthew Hoover and Buchanan scored for Nanaimo. The Clips were down by a goal going into the third period but the ’Dogs struck early in the frame and held on. Evan Johnson made 29 saves in defeat for the Shipmen.
The night before it was Jonathan Reinhart tending goal and earning the shutout with 33 saves. Nanaimo scored three first-period goals, one from Chris Dodero and then two from Sheldon Rempal.
“I felt really in that zone; everything seemed to be hitting me,” Reinhart said. “I was able to see the puck and track it all night long and it made it really easy.”
GAME ON … The Clippers head off on the road this coming weekend (Nov. 6-8) to play the Trail Smoke Eaters, Penticton Vees and West Kelowna Warriors.
sports@nanaimobulletin.com
