The Nanaimo Clippers are hoping history repeats itself Friday (Oct. 29) when the Langley Chiefs come to town.
B.C. Hockey League teams hooked up Oct. 17 at Frank Crane Arena with Nanaimo posting an 11-5 win.
Clippers captain Colton Cyr watched that game from the stands – still recovering from a broken jaw – and saw a few things that should give the home team a chance to win again.
“We knew if we kept it simple and worked hard against them it would give us the best chance to win,” he said. “We got a lot of pucks on net, got some lucky goals and a couple of really nice ones and the next thing you know they’re off their game, got frustrated and took some penalties.”
Michael Olson, Nanaimo assistant coach, expects a better effort from the Chiefs and said the Clippers must be prepared.
“I’m sure they were embarrassed and will come in here, looking for the two points and to save some face,” he said. “We’ll have to match their intensity and match their want-to for a full 60 minutes.”
Nanaimo’s second game of the weekend is Sunday (Oct. 31) with the Alberni Valley Bulldogs visiting Frank Crane Arena.
Olson said there is nothing better than a game against an Island rival and the electricity it brings to the arena.
“Just like a Cowichan game, Alberni is going to be an intense, well-fought battle,” he said. “We’ve been up there twice and lost one in regulation, once in overtime and will be looking to level out the playing field.”
Cyr said the Bulldogs are a hard working team and the Clippers will have match the intensity and stay disciplined.
“We have to keep the puck down low and throw everything at the net,” he said. “One thing we can’t do is make mistakes they can capitalize on.”
Olson said the Clippers are a little banged up with injuries but players have stepped up to fill the void.
“It doesn’t matter who puts on the uniform, they have to be ready for whatever happens,” he said. “They have to be prepared for someone to go down with an injury or come back on the roster.”
GAME ON … The Clippers played the Cowichan Valley Capitals Wednesday after press time. Game time Friday against Langley is 7:10 p.m. and the puck drops Sunday at 3 p.m. against the Bulldogs
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