The game between the first-placed Langley Chiefs and the seventh-placed Nanaimo Clippers was indeed a mismatch. But it was a mismatch in favour of Nanaimo.
The Clips clubbed the Chiefs 11-5 on Sunday afternoon at Frank Crane Arena. Nanaimo went 6-for-9 on the power play as the visitors turned to rough stuff to take out their frustrations.
“They probably disrespected us with our record and theirs,” said Bill Bestwick, Clippers coach. “And our team was looking forward to the opportunity to play a top-end team and prove that we’re a better team than our record.”
Clippers veteran Andrew Gladiuk did much of the damage, scoring four goals and adding two assists, and Ryan Stanimir had a goal and five helpers. Defenceman Graeme McCormack was named first star – he recorded a Gordie Howe hat trick plus more, tallying two goals, an assist and a fight as he tangled with former Clipper Matt Ius.
Gerry Fitzgerald, Kyle Kramer, Zach Martin and Yannick LaFlamme had Nanaimo’s other goals. Charles-Andre Pelletier earned the win in relief of Charles-Alexy Premont. Shots were 50-36 in favour of the Shipmen.
ICE CHIPS … The Clippers lost 5-2 to the Victoria Grizzlies on the road Friday night. Kramer and Sam Labrecque had the goals and Pelletier suffered the loss in net. Shots were 35-29 for the Grizz in that one … Defenceman Mike Dopko sustained a lower-body injury in the Victoria game and may be out of the lineup until December … Nanaimo's next game is Friday (Oct. 22) when the team hosts the Cowichan Valley Capitals at 7:10 p.m. at Frank Crane Arena.
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