The Clippers dropped their eighth loss of the season in a tight 3–2 defeat to the Langley Rivermen. The game opened with a defensive, low-chance first period in which Langley struck late to take a 1–0 lead. The Rivermen added two more goals in the second, capitalizing on Nanaimo’s struggles to generate sustained pressure. Indiana Grossbard’s second-period marker finally put the Clippers on the board and sparked a stronger push. Nanaimo hit multiple posts throughout the night, including one early in the second and another during their surge after scoring. A full two-minute 5-on-3 late in the middle frame carried into the third, but the Clippers couldn’t convert. Grossbard added his second of the game in the final minutes, finishing a 2-on-1 with Tanner Bruender to cut the deficit to one. Nanaimo pressed with the goalie pulled and nearly tied the game, but Langley held on for the win.
The opening frame was defined by tight, defensive hockey from both sides. Neither the Clippers nor the Rivermen were able to generate much sustained pressure, with most chances limited to the perimeter. Sam Boisvert had the best look for Nanaimo, jumping on an opportunity only to fire the puck just wide. The Clippers’ defense stood out early, getting in lanes and blocking multiple shots to keep Langley to the outside. Late in the period, the Rivermen finally broke through, capitalizing on a chance to take a 1–0 lead. A late Langley penalty handed the Clippers their first of what would become four power plays, but they couldn’t convert before the intermission. Shots were even at 6–6 after twenty minutes.
Nanaimo opened the period with 30 seconds left on their power play and came close to tying the game when a shot beat the goalie but clanged off the post, keeping Langley ahead 1–0. The Rivermen quickly took advantage of the momentum, adding to their lead early in the frame. The Clippers continued to have trouble sustaining offensive pressure, and Langley extended the gap to 3–0 after a net-front scramble midway through the period. Nanaimo finally broke through when Indiana Grossbard wired home his third goal of the season, giving the Clippers some life. The goal sparked a stronger push, and Nanaimo generated more zone time, including hitting another post that nearly cut the deficit to one. Late in the period, two Langley penalties gave the Clippers a full two-minute 5-on-3 advantage, with the power play carrying over into the third.
Nanaimo began the final frame with the remaining seconds of their 5-on-3 advantage, but the power play expired without a goal, finishing the night 0-for-4. Shortly after returning to even strength, the Clippers came inches from scoring, but the net was dislodged before the puck crossed the line. Coincidental minors sent the teams to 4-on-4, opening up the ice but yielding no immediate change on the scoreboard. In the closing minutes, Indiana Grossbard and Tanner Bruender connected on a clean 2-on-1 rush, with Grossbard burying his second of the game to bring the Clippers within one. Nanaimo pressed hard with the net empty in the final minute and nearly forced overtime, but Langley held on to secure a 3–2 win.
The three stars of the game went to Aaron Reierson (Langley), Indiana Grossbard, and Dylan Johnson (Langley). FortisBC Energy Player of the Game was awarded to Tanner Bruender.
The Clippers return home on Friday, December 5 in a matchup with the Cowichan Valley Capitals. Tickets can be purchased at nanaimoclippers.com or the Frank Crane box office on gameday.
-Malcolm Cooke
