By Malcom Cooke
The Nanaimo Clippers refused to go quietly in Game Four, rallying from a two-goal deficit to earn a season-saving 5-2 win over the Cowichan Valley Capitals on Wednesday night. Luke Lavery had a three-point night to give the Clippers their first win in the opening round of the 2025 BCHL playoffs.
The Nanaimo Clippers came out strong, controlling the pace early and generating several quality chances, but Capitals goaltender Dylan Krick stood tall to keep the game scoreless. Cowichan Valley opened the scoring eight minutes into the frame, capitalizing on a chance against the run of play. A penalty to the Capitals gave the Clippers a power-play opportunity, but they were unable to convert. The Capitals would strike again in the latter half of the period to extend their lead to 2-0. Despite outshooting Cowichan Valley 8-6 through 20 minutes, Nanaimo found themselves trailing after the first period.
Nanaimo found themselves shorthanded early in the second but handled the penalty kill with confidence. Moments later, Chazz Nixon came up with a highlight-reel glove save to keep the game at 2-0, and the momentum swung from there. Hudson Gill got the Clippers on the board shortly after, trimming the Capitals’ lead to 2-1. Jack Rimmer nearly tied it shortly after, but Dylan Krick turned him away with a sharp blocker stop. Persistence paid off late in the frame as Luke Lavery buried the equalizer — his second point of the night — sending the game into the intermission tied 2-2. Nanaimo held the edge in shots again, outshooting Cowichan Valley 12-10 in the period.
The final frame opened with tight checking and limited chances, with just four shots combined through the first ten minutes. Then, Makaio Van Tassel broke the deadlock, taking a pass from Lavery and flying down the left wing before ripping home his first of the playoffs to give the Clippers their first lead of the night. From there, Nanaimo locked things down defensively, frustrating the Capitals and protecting the one-goal edge. Carson Lesiuk and Patrick Fortune sealed the win with a pair of empty-net goals, securing a 5-2 victory and keeping the Clippers' playoff hopes alive.
The three stars of the game were awarded to Luke Lavery, Makaio Van Tassel, and Carson Lesiuk. FortisBC Energy Player of the Game was earned by Chazz Nixon for his series saving stops.
Game Five is on Friday night in North Cowichan. Game 6, if necessary, will be on Saturday night at the Frank Crane Arena. Game times are 7 pm. Tickets can be purchased at the Frank Crane box office on game day or at tickets.nanaimoclippers.com.
