The Nanaimo Clippers’ long-awaited season opener ended with a winning result.
The Clippers edged the Victoria Grizzlies 4-3 on Saturday afternoon in Port Alberni as the BCHL’s 2021 regular season got underway this weekend.
Nanaimo was led by goaltender Jordan Naylor, who put forth a 42-save effort and stopped all 17 shots he faced in the third period to allow his team to come back and win. The Clippers had trailed 3-2 after two periods, but Thomas Maia and Tristan Fraser scored back-to-back goals in a 12-second span early in the third.
Keighan Gerrie and Luke Lavery were Nanaimo’s other scorers and Michael Palandra had two assists.
Shots were 45-29 for Victoria.
GAME ON … The Clippers play the Cowichan Valley Capitals on Sunday, April 4, at 5 p.m. at the Alberni Valley Multiplex.
READ ALSO: Nanaimo Clippers about to start ‘uncharted’ BCHL season
sports@nanaimobulletin.comLike us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter