The Nanaimo Clippers got a lead, protected it, and came up with a win over a divisional foe.
The Clips defeated the Victoria Grizzlies by a 5-1 score on Wednesday at Frank Crane Arena.
Nanaimo led 2-0 after one period and 3-1 after two, and were never really threatened the rest of the way.
“We played pretty well,” said Troy MacTavish, Clippers forward. “We stuck to the game plan and got pucks deep on them and tried to make it hard on their D to play in their D zone and it worked out for us.”
Mike Vandekamp, Clippers coach, said his team played a “pretty clean” game in the third period to secure the win, but might have sat back a bit too much.
“We were kind of playing half-court hockey, where you get it out, you get up to centre and then you’re back in your end probably a little more than you want to be,” he said.
MacTavish opened the scoring late in the first period with first B.C. Hockey League goal, as he came off the bench, got a pass out of the corner and was able to bury it. Sheldon Rempal scored twice and Zach Court and Nolan Aibel also tallied. Devin Brosseau had two assists. Evan Johnson made 30 saves for the win as his team was outshot 31-27.
The Clippers will try to carry over positives from Wednesday’s win as they get ready for games Friday (Nov. 20) at home against the Trail Smoke Eaters and Saturday on the road against the Cowichan Valley Capitals.
“We’ve got to roll…” Vandekamp said. “Roll into Friday confident and come out in our building and play well.”
GAME ON … The Clippers and Smokies face off at 7 p.m. Friday at Frank Crane Arena. Tickets will be available at the door, or for advance tickets, please phone 250-751-0593 or visit www.nanaimoclippers.com.
sports@nanaimobulletin.com
