The Nanaimo Clippers had just the start they were looking for as the BCHL season got underway.
The Clippers began the 2022-23 B.C. Hockey League campaign on the road against the Powell River Kings this weekend, and won both their games, 4-2 in Friday’s season opener and then 5-4 in overtime in Saturday’s rematch.
Clippers coach and general manager Colin Birkas said the first weekend was a “tough test,” as Power River is always a challenging place to play, travel posed some difficulties and the Kings played well.
“But we did get the job done, so we’ll call it a character-builder,” Birkas said.
In the opener, Joel Plante scored a pair of goals for the Clippers and Willyam Gendron and Kai Daniells also tallied. Aidan Campbell earned the win as shots were 30-27 in favour of the Kings.
The next night, Daniells was the hero as he scored the game-tying goal with four and a half minutes left and then also scored the game-winning goal a minute into overtime.
Brody Waters scored a goal and dished two assists and Rylan Yates and Jérémie Payant were Nanaimo’s other scorers. Campbell made 34 saves for the win.
“Determination to tie it and win it was off the charts and they got it done,” the coach said.
GAME ON … The Clippers’ home opener is this coming Friday, Sept. 30, when the Kings visit Frank Crane Arena for a 7 p.m. faceoff. The Clips are also at home Saturday, Oct. 1, to take on the Victoria Grizzlies at 7 p.m.
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