The Clippers fell just short on Saturday in a 4-3 home ice loss to the West Kelowna Warriors.
The team was looking for their first five game winning streak of the year but the Warriors held on despite being outshot 47-24.
In the first period Nanaimo jumped in front on a power play goal by Preston Brodziak but the Warriors answered back with goals by Michael Lombardi, and a tip in on the man advantage by Cavin Tilsley to take a 2-1 lead into the second period.
Lucas Vanroboys got the only goal of the second to even up the game.
Lucas Cullen off a turnover in the third period put West Kelowna up 3-2 but Parker Colley would again tie it.
Cullen scored again on the power play to put the Warriors up 4-3 and that was the way it ended.
Nanaimo put on a press in the game’s last few minutes with numerous chances – but couldn’t beat goaltender Cole Demers.
Noah Featherstonhaugh Gowe took the loss for Nanaimo in net.
On special teams the Clippers were 1/6 on the power play, West Kelowna clicked at 2/5.
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Saturday’s Three Stars
1) Lucas Cullen 2g 1a
2) Lucas Vanroboys 1g
3) Michael Lombardi 1g 1a
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The Clippers are in Victoria Tuesday with an opportunity to up their lead in the Island Division to four points.
Nanaimo is in first place with 49 points while the Grizzlies, and Kings both have 47.
