Playing in tight hockey games seems to suit the Nanaimo Clippers just fine. They played with poise in what was a nail biter of a 3-2 win against Surrey on Saturday.
The Clippers gave up the first goal on a nice rush by Logan Mostat, but took the lead into the intermission thanks to a Shawn Guison snipe and a power play wraparound by Tristan Crozier.
Crozier extended the lead with his second shorthanded goal of the season in the second period but Andrew Kemp brought the Eagles back within one after a strong forecheck in the Nanaimo zone.
Nanaimo’s Austin Roden got his third win of the season as he put up a wall in the third, and Marc Audet was also sharp in the Surrey goal the rest of the way.
The final shots were 31-28 for Surrey, with Nanaimo finishing 1/6 on the man advantage and Surrey going 0/4.
Saturday’s Three Stars were 1) Tristan Crozier 2) Ben Solin 3) Jacob Dupont. Crozier has had a wonderful start to his Clipper career with four goals in four games, two on the power play and two shorthanded. As a team Nanaimo looks head and shoulders above the team that started the season nine days ago.
Next up the Clippers are on the road to the BCHL Showcase in Chilliwack and play the Vernon Vipers on Friday at 1 pm.
