The Nanaimo Clippers won again against an Island opponent as they continue to press near the top of the division.
The Clips beat the Victoria Grizzlies by a 4-3 score on Wednesday night at Frank Crane Arena, getting a goal with just over a minute left in the third period to lift them to victory.
Nanaimo led 3-2 going into the third, Victoria knotted things early in the frame, but then Clippers captain Jamie Collins came through, scoring on a wrist shot with 1:17 remaining in regulation.
“We were honestly looking to have tight D zone and maybe capitalize on a chance that they mess up,” Collins said. “We weren’t pressing too hard. We were just kind of playing our game.”
He said he thought the Clippers played a full 60 minutes in the win, and the coach concurred.
“I liked it. I thought from start to finish, we were pretty good with lots of energy,” said Darren Naylor, Clippers coach.
Shots ended up 39-29 in favour of the home team, with Parker Colley, Brady Lynn and Lucas Vanroboys scoring the other goals for the Clippers. It was the second-straight win for Nanaimo against teams it’s chasing in the Island Division.
“They’re comfortable with the way they’re playing right now and getting guys back that are healthy, that’s huge…” Naylor said. “They’re playing hard. It’s coming around.”
GAME ON … The Clippers host the Cowichan Valley Capitals on Friday, Feb. 2 at 7 p.m. at Frank Crane Arena.
sports@nanaimobulletin.com
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