Nanaimo, BC – The Clippers returned home Friday, after two weekends of lengthy road trips, to face the Chilliwack Chiefs. Prior to puck drop, Clippers forward Sean Donaldson was presented with a 2022 BCHL All-Star Game jersey for his exceptional season. The Clippers fell to the Chiefs 5-0.
The first period got off to a chippy start, with four penalties being awarded in the first 10 minutes of game play. Fourteen minutes in, Chiefs forward Chad Muller scored his first of three goals in the game to break the deadlock. The first period concluded with more after the whistle action, but neither team was able to capitalize on the powerplay. The Chiefs took a 1-0 lead into the first intermission. Clippers affiliate goalie Merik Erickson stopped eight of nine shots to keep the Clippers within striking distance.
More of the same physical intensity continued in the second period. The Clippers used the forecheck to generate a scoring chance five minutes into the second. The puck bounced off forward Brody Waters’ stick and went harmlessly into the corner. The Clippers had 2 power play opportunities, despite multiple chances they were shut out by Chiefs goalie Riley Grant. The Chiefs scored again halfway through the second frame to take a 2-0 lead. They held onto a two-goal advantage for the remainder of the period.
Clippers forward Sean Donaldson got the third period started with a thunderous hit on a Chiefs player. The hit resulted in a scuffle that saw Clippers forward Max Itagaki and Chiefs defender Abram Wiebe get coincidental roughing minors. The Chiefs added to their lead two minutes later for a 3-0 lead. Itagaki broke away from the crowd, but was unable to beat Grant, who kept the shutout intact. The game ended on back-to-back Chad Muller goals to complete the hat-trick and put the Chiefs up 5-0.
Clippers forward Walker Erickson was awarded the FortisBC Energy Player of the Game.
The Clippers looked for a quick bounce back Saturday night against the Victoria Grizzlies at Frank Crane Arena. The Clippers have 6 home games throughout the month of March and tickets can be purchased at the box office on game day or online at nanaimoclippers.com.
Written by Malcom Cooke
Recap presented by NextGen Automation.
