NANAIMO – A newly formed line of Spencer Hewson, Vincent Millette and Jamie Collins led the Clippers to a 5-4 win over the Cowichan Valley Capitals on Friday.
There was some controversy on the first goal around Matt Kowalski possibly playing the puck after losing his visor, but Vincent Millette’s power play goal was allowed to stand to give Nanaimo the lead.
Myles Cunningham also scored a power play goal before the intermission break.
In the second period Michael Montambault scored an early goal to cut the lead to 2-1 but Jamie Collins scored a pair of goals including one on the power play and put the Clippers in the drivers seat heading into the third.
The game looked out of reach when Taylor Karel scored on Adam Marcoux, who replaced Lane Michasiw for the third period, but the Clippers would have to survive a rally.
Chris Harpur and Alec Zawatsky scored just over a minute apart to make it 5-3 and then Jared Domin beat Evan DeBrouwer on a Capitals power play with just over five minutes left.
Cowichan was pressing with their goaltender out in the final minute when the Clippers were called for knocking their own net off.
Max Newton was awarded a penalty shot, but could beat Evan DeBrouwer.
Nanaimo’s win was their first since November 6th ending a streak of 0-6-1-2.
The victory also evens the season series at 2-2.
The Clippers outshot the Capitals 40-24, with the power plays 3/6 for the Clippers and 1/3 for the Caps.
Their weekend series continues Saturday with a game at the Island Savings Centre in Duncan.
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Friday’s Three Stars
1) Jamie Collins 2g
2) Vincent Millette 1g 2a
3) Ryan Hogg 1a
*** Photo Credit – Dom Abassi
