NANAIMO — The Clippers won their season opener against Alberni Valley on Friday on the strength of a massive third period.
Despite a good first few minutes Nanaimo was down in the first period thanks a wrist shot by the Bulldogs Cayden Kraus and a power play marker by Julian Benner.
Clippers starter Noah Featherstonhaugh Gowe made some key stops with the first period shots finishing 19-12 for the visitors.
Parker Colley got Nanaimo on the board in the second period with a quick shot from a David Silye pass.
That’s as close as the Clippers would get through 40 minutes, and they faced the daunting task of trying to mount a third period comeback – something they had failed to do all of last seaon.
But in a span of one minute and 13 seconds the scoreline change dramatically.
With under six minutes to play Brady Lynn scored from the side of the net, Tristan Crozier struck from the slot, and Ben Pirko blasted a shot from the point, to put Nanaimo ahead to stay.
Christian Simeone pulled the Bulldogs back to within a goal, but new captain Jamie Collins ended the threat with an empty netter.
The shots on goal finished 38-38 and on special teams Nanaimo was 0/2 with the man advantage and 2/3 on the penalty kill.
Friday’s Three Stars:
1) Parker Colley 1g 1a
2) Tristan Crozier 1g
3) Darren Rizzolo 1a
Saturday the Clippers travel to Duncan to take on the Cowichan Valley Capitals at 7 p.m.
