NANAIMO — The hockey preseason is off and running for the Clippers with a 4-1 over the Alberni Valley Bulldogs.
Booker Chacalias opened the scoring less than two minutes in on Saturday night, but Nanaimo goaltender Conor Klaers was stingy the rest of the way – not allowing another shot to get by him.
The Clippers tied the game on a screened point shot by Max Crozier on the power play to tie the game heading into the second period.
Mid way through the second the Bulldogs switched goalies, bringing in Gabriel Couture for John Hawthorne.
Jamie Collins converted a Brad Belisle pass just after the swap was made giving Nanaimo a 2-1 lead.
Two quick goals off faceoffs capped off the scoring in the third period with John Grealish and Preston Brodziak finding the back of the net shortly after offensive zone draws.
Nanaimo is 1-0 to start their exhibition schedule with games coming up Tuesday in Cowichan, Wednesday against Victoria, Friday they host Cowichan, and Saturday the Clippers visit the Grizzlies.
The Clippers first regular season game is Friday September 8 against the Alberni Valley Bulldogs.
