CLIPPERS DOMINATE CAPITALS WITH 8-3 ROAD WIN

NANAIMO — The Clippers are 2-0 after a convincing 8-3 road win over the Cowichan Valley Capitals on Saturday.

There were eight different goal scorers for the visitors who outscored their opponents 13-6 in two games to open the BCHL season.

Nanaimo was actually down 1-0 when Hadyn Hopkins scored on an early two on one but that triggered an onslaught of Clipper goals – six in a span of nine minutes.

Jamie Collins, David Melaragni, Jack MacNab, and David Silye scored within four minutes of each other and then Jake Harris and Tristan Crozier added quick power play goals less than a minute apart with Nanaimo on a five on three, and then five on four power play.

Brad Belisle extended the lead to 7-1 early in the second period before a Ty Pochipinski got one back for the Capitals on a man advantage.

The teams traded third period goals with Yuri Davis-Martel cashing in on a Cowichan power play and new Clipper Cal Babych capping off a three point night by walking out of the corner to build up the 8-3 scoreline.

The shots finished 35-35 and both teams had four power plays, with Nanaimo scoring once and Cowichan connecting twice.

Next the Clippers face the two top teams from the Island Division from a year ago.

Powell River visits Frank Crane Arena on Friday and the Victoria Grizzlies come to Nanaimo on Satuday.

Saturday’s Three Stars

1) Jamie Collins 1g 1a

2) Collin Heinold 1a

3) Caleb Franklin 0pts