The Nanaimo Clippers bantam Tier 1 boys kept winning at the most important stage of the season.
The rep hockey team won the Island championship on Saturday, beating the Victoria Racquet Club 5-2 on the road to complete a two-game sweep.
The win was all the more impressive considering that due to injury and suspension, Nanaimo was down to 10 skaters by the end of Game 2.
“It was just a gut check for the kids and it was exciting,” said Zed Malenica, the team’s coach.
Liam Giroux was the winning goalie in both games and top scorer Nic Gomerich was an offensive leader, but the coach credited every player.
“All the kids stepped it up and everyone brought something special to the table,” said Malenica.
Provincials are in Abbotsford March 20-25.
Midget squad extends series
The Nanaimo Pacific Boat Brokers Clippers gained more big-game experience in advance of provincials later this month.
The midget Tier 1 team, which will host the B.C. championships, tied its Island final series with Comox at one game apiece after a 5-4 overtime win Sunday at the Nanaimo Ice Centre.
Brayden Hughes scored the game winner early in OT. Garrett Dunlop and Cole Newman each had two-goal games and Denon Maximchuk was the winning goalie.
The rubber match will be played at Comox on Sunday (March 6).
Nanaimo teams play for titles
At least one other Island championship will be decided in Nanaimo this weekend as the Nanaimo Clippers peewee Tier 1 boys are hosting Game 3 of the finals against Cowichan on Saturday (March 5) at 2:15 p.m. at the Nanaimo Ice Centre.
The peewee Div. 4 boys are slated to host Game 1 of their Island final against Comox on Friday (March 4) at 6:15 p.m. at the NIC.
Nanaimo’s midget Div. 3 boys play for an Island crown Saturday at Comox.