The Clippers final game before the Christmas Break showed that some time off is much needed.
As the game went along Nanaimo lost both Vincent Millette and Jamie Collins and were playing short manned against the Centennials.
For a road weary hockey club it was more than the Clippers could overcome playing their third game in two and a half days.
Nanaimo had a strong start, going up 1-0 on a goal by Brady Lynn from the slot and taking that lead into the intermission.
Brendan Schneider tied the score early in the second period, before Brad Belisle restored the Clippers lead with a blast from the right wing.
Matthew Kopperud evened the score for the Cents with a turnaround backhander to leave the game tied heading into the third.
Zach Zorn got the winner just past the mid way point of the period and the Clippers couldn’t muster the tying goal.
Schneider recorded his second of the game into an empty net with under ten seconds to play, to secure the Merritt victory.
Former Clipper Austin Rodeo got the win over Taz Burman, although Nanaimo did outshoot Merritt 38-35.
On special teams neither team could hit the score sheet with the Clippers having three attempts and the Centennials going to the man advantage five times.
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Sunday’s Three Stars
1. Zach Zorn 1g 2a
2. Nicholas Wicks 1a
3. Matthew Kopperud 1g
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The Clippers are off until December 29th when they visit the Powell River Kings for a first place showdown in the BCHL’s Island Division.
