The Nanaimo Clippers haven’t slumped all season, and they don’t plan to start now.
The city’s B.C. Hockey League club has a chance to get back in the win column this week after losing two out of three on a road trip to the Interior last weekend.
“We always bounce back…” said Sheldon Rempal, Clippers forward. “We’ll just keep working hard all week and be ready for Friday.”
The Clippers host the Cowichan Capitals that night (Jan. 24) at Frank Crane Arena, then play the Salmon Arm Silverbacks on Sunday at Frank Crane.
The Clips are working on their penalty kill and sound defensive play after getting outscored on last weekend’s road trip.
“Off the [opponents’] rush we can be a little more steady and aggressive,” said Kale Bennett, Clippers defenceman. “Having better sticks, not letting guys walk through us.”
The Clippers have had success against the Capitals, winning five of seven meetings so far this season.
“They’re out of a playoff spot, so they’re going to be hungry, and obviously they’re down-the-road rivals,” said Rempal. “We’ll come to the rink and play our game and I think we won’t have trouble.”
As for Salmon Arm, the Silverbacks badly outshot the Shipmen last weekend. This time the Clippers know what key players to keep in check.
“They’re a really aggressive, fast team. They were tough to play against. It kind of caught us off-guard at first,” Bennett said. “So we’re going to have to be ready this time.”
GAME ON … The Clippers play the Capitals on Friday (Jan. 23) at 7 p.m. at Frank Crane Arena. Sunday’s game against the Silverbacks is at 2 p.m. at Frank Crane … On Saturday from 1-3 p.m., the Clippers will be at the Harbourfront Library for Score With Reading. Players will read from their favourite books and play street hockey with kids.
sports@nanaimobulletin.com
