The Nanaimo Clippers suffered their first and second losses of the playoffs as the BCHL finals got underway.
The Penticton Vees beat the Clippers 4-1 in Game 1 of the best-of-seven series at the South Okanagan Events Centre on Friday, May 13, and also took Game 2 there by a 3-1 score.
In Friday’s series opener, Kai Daniells scored Nanaimo’s only goal on the first shift of the second period to make it a 2-1 game, but that was as close as the Clippers could get. Clippers goalie Cooper Black made 36 saves as his team was outshot 40-20.
Luc Wilson, who is from Vancouver Island, was first star of the game with a goal and two assists for the Vees. Casey McDonald, Ryan Hopkins and Bradly Nadeau also tallied. Kaeden Lane earned the win in goal with 19 saves.
In Game 2, it was Daniells again with Nanaimo’s lone goal, while Beanie Richter, Owen Simpson and Jackson Nieuwendyk scored for Penticton. Lane made 18 saves for the win and Black made 29 saves in defeat.
GAME ON … The series shifts to Nanaimo’s Frank Crane Arena for Games 3-4 on Tuesday and Wednesday, May 17-18. For ticket information, visit www.nanaimoclippers.com.
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editor@nanaimobulletin.com
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