The Nanaimo Clippers were backstopped into the B.C. Hockey League’s Coastal final by their starting goalie, and his efforts were acknowledged this week.
Cooper Black was chosen the BCHL’s First Star of the Week after earning two wins in two games, one of them a shutout in a decisive Game 4 as his Clippers swept the Chilliwack Chiefs. Black’s save percentage over those two games was .986 and his goals-against average was 0.46.
“Most goalie stats are team stats,” Black said after the Coastal semifinals, adding that most of the shots he was facing were from the outside.
He credited his teammates for blocking shots and keeping opponents away from the crease, and also coaches for implementing systems that have been working.
“The way Cooper Black was playing in that last game, we could have played five overtime periods and I’m not sure we would have got one past him,” said Brian Maloney, Chiefs coach. “It was special to watch for sure.”
Clippers forward Sean Donaldson was BCHL First Star of the Week the week before.
GAME ON …The Nanaimo Clippers and Langley Rivermen will play Game 1 of the Coastal final on Friday, April 29, at 7 p.m. at Frank Crane Arena and Game 2 on Saturday, April 30, also a 7 p.m. faceoff at Frank Crane. For tickets and more information, visit www.nanaimoclippers.com.
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