The Clippers erased a late deficit and completed a dramatic comeback to defeat the Chilliwack Chiefs in overtime. After trading goals in a tightly contested opening period, the Clippers carried a one-goal lead into the intermission before Chilliwack responded with a quick pair in the second to swing momentum. Special teams played a pivotal role throughout, with the Clippers killing off multiple penalties to keep the game within reach. Despite several near-misses in the third, including a post from Indiana Grossbard and late pressure with the net empty. Samuel Boisvert delivered in the clutch, scoring with 20 seconds remaining to force overtime. In the extra frame, Tanner Bruender turned defense into offense, blocking a shot before finishing a partial breakaway to seal the win. The result capped a resilient, back-and-forth effort defined by timely saves, key sacrifices, and late-game execution. With the victory, the Clippers vaulted into second place in the division.
Chilliwack nearly struck first, ringing a shot off the post early before capitalizing when a Clippers defender was tied up in the corner to take a 1–0 lead. Captain Will Subject answered, finishing a sharp setup from Miller Kay to even the score at 1–1. After successfully killing their first penalty midway through the frame, the Clippers surrendered a goal shortly after the advantage expired as the Chiefs reclaimed the lead. Tanner Bruender responded to tie the game 2–2, continuing the early momentum swings. Late in the period, Drew Roeloefs scored his first goal as a Clipper to give his team a 3–2 edge. Chilliwack nearly pulled even in the final seconds when a loose puck slid along the goal line, but it was cleared away to preserve the lead heading into intermission.
The Clippers were tested early in the second period, facing their second penalty kill of the night and then another shortly after. Both units stood firm, turning aside sustained pressure to keep the game level. Moments after exiting the penalty box, Caden Okovita was sprung on a breakaway but was denied on both his initial shot and the rebound attempt, missing a key opportunity to shift momentum. Chilliwack capitalized midway through the frame, tying the game before striking again just 21 seconds later to take a 4–3 lead. Late penalties on both sides set the stage for four-on-four play to open the third period.
Four-on-four play to open the third period produced chances at both ends, but neither side could break through as the pace intensified. Tempers flared later in the frame when several Chiefs skaters jabbed at Elliot Seguin Lescarbeau after a whistle, sparking a scrum in the corner. The sequence resulted in a four-minute power play for the Clippers, but they were unable to convert despite extended zone time. Indiana Grossbard came close to equalizing, ringing a shot off the post and then being turned aside by the Chiefs goaltender on a prime opportunity during consecutive shifts. Caden Okovita also had a look from the top of the crease, but his shot sailed wide as time dwindled. With the goaltender pulled for an extra attacker in the final seconds, Samuel Boisvert delivered the equalizer, finding the back of the net with just 20 seconds remaining to tie the game and force overtime against the Chilliwack Chiefs.
Overtime was played at a frantic pace, with chances exchanged in both directions as each side looked to end it. Tanner Bruender preserved the tie with a spectacular diving shot block in the defensive zone, sacrificing his body to deny a clear scoring opportunity. The puck caromed free to Landon Pappas, who quickly transitioned the other way and spotted Bruender breaking up ice. Pappas delivered a precise feed to spring him on a partial breakaway, and Bruender made no mistake, burying the winner to secure the victory for the Clippers over the Chiefs.
The three stars of the game were given to Bruender, Chilliwack forward Markuss Seiradzkis, and Elliot Perreault. FortisBC Energy Player of the Game was awarded to Samuel Boisvert.
The Clippers are in Surrey on Sunday to face the Eagles. The next home game is Friday, Feb. 27th when the Clippers face-off against the Victoria Grizzlies. Tickets can be purchased at nanaimoclippers.com or the Frank Crane box office on gameday.
-Malcolm Cooke
