The Nanaimo Clippers came close against one of the B.C. Hockey League’s best teams, but couldn’t pick up any points.
The Clips were defeated 2-1 by the Penticton Vees on Friday night at Frank Crane Arena.
“I thought we matched them in territorial play and chance for chance, I thought we were right there,” said Bill Bestwick, Clippers coach.
After a scoreless first period, the Vees got a lucky deflection goal to open the scoring in the second, then added another later in the frame. Clippers forward Andrew Gladiuk made it a one-goal game with five and a half minutes left in the third period, and the Shipmen had opportunities to even the score.
“We had some good puck possession in their end,” Bestwick said. “We might have to be a little bit hungrier around the net from time to time.”
Charles-Alexy Premont suffered the loss in goal as his team was outshot 26-23.
GAME ON … The Clippers play on Tuesday (Feb. 1) in the Interior against the Merritt Centennials. Charles-Andre Pelletier is slated to get the start in that one. The Shipmen will then face the Vernon Vipers on Wednesday in the Okanagan.
sports@nanaimobulletin.com