The Nanaimo Clippers junior A hockey team limped its way to the Lower Mainland midweek for matches against the Coquitlam Express and Surrey Eagles and came away with two hard-fought points despite a depleted roster.
The Clips (9-10-1-3) had trouble getting traction against the Express (9-9-0-4) on Wednesday, losing 3-1 after falling behind 3-0 midway through the second period.
Brodie Jamieson scored Nanaimo’s lone goal at the 10:44 mark of the third period on the power play.
Nanaimo outshot Coquitlam 44-22, but was just 1-for-6 on the power play.
Charles-Andre Pelletier took the loss in net for the Clippers.
In a matinée on Thursday in Surrey, Nanaimo fought to a 4-3 overtime win after falling behind the Eagles 2-0 in the first period with tallies from Bradley McGowan and Josh Monk.
Graeme McCormack responded late in the first period for the Clippers on the power play to make it 2-1, and McCormack scored again on the power play at 7:38 of the second to tie the game at 2-2.
Kyle Kramer gave Nanaimo its first lead of the road trip after beating Eagles goalie Karel St-Laurent early in the third to take a 3-2 lead, but the Clips couldn’t hold on through regulation, allowing McGowan to score with just over two minutes left in the game.
Andrew Gladiuk sealed the two points for Nanaimo, beating St-Laurent 3:41 into overtime.
Nanaimo once again peppered the opposing goalie, firing 35 shots while allowing just 18, while going 2-for-6 on the power play.
Nanaimo hosted the Victoria Grizzlies Friday night at Frank Crane Arena after press time.
The Clippers’ next home game is against Quesnel at Frank Crane Arena on Wednesday (Nov. 17). Game time is 7:11 p.m.