Hockey fans at Frank Crane Arena got their first look at the re-jigged Nanaimo Clippers on Friday night.
And while the new hands on deck brought some energy – and the home team’s only goal – it wasn’t enough in a 2-1 double-overtime loss to the Cowichan Valley Capitals.
The Coastal Conference’s first-place Caps held an edge in play in a close game, and finally turned a turnover into the game-winning goal a minute into double OT.
It spoiled a standout effort in goal from Billy Faust, who made 52 saves as his team was outshot 54-39.
“It was overall a pretty solid effort tonight, we’ve just got to go that extra mile and find ways to win,” said Trevor Fitzgerald, captain of the Clippers. “We had the chances, we’ve just got to bear down, go to the net.”
Neither team scored a power-play goal, with the Clips going 0-for-5 and failing to capitalize on a man-advantage opportunity in the first OT frame.
“We didn’t bear down on our opportunities. We had plenty. They gave us lots of power plays…” said Faust. “We should have taken the opportunity and finished them off but we just couldn’t get what we needed.”
Brenden Forbes scored Nanaimo’s only goal, on his first shift at Frank Crane Arena since coming to the Clippers at last week’s B.C. Hockey League trade deadline. Taylor Carmola, who came to the Clips in the same trade, assisted on Forbes’ goal.
Even though the home team allowed over 50 shots, they weren’t upset with their defensive play.
“It’s tough. We did a good job of maintaining our structure,” said Michael Olson, assistant coach. “At times they were buzzing, at times, we were buzzing. We did a good job of keeping them to the perimeter. It came down to who was going to capitalize on a bounce or a chance and unfortunately it ended up being Cowichan.”
Earning one point wasn’t much of a moral victory, even against the conference leaders.
“It’s junior hockey so there’s no unreal talent, unreal team that isn’t beatable if we play our best game. Every team’s beatable,” said Fitzgerald. “So it doesn’t really matter if it’s the first-place team, it’s a loss.”
Olson had a similar view, saying it’s that point in the season where every game is crucial.
“Pushing them, it doesn’t matter,” he said. “We need points. We needed the two points tonight and unfortunately we didn’t cash in on that extra one.”
GAME ON … The next action for the Clippers is Friday (Jan. 20) when the Surrey Eagles visit Frank Crane Arena for a 7 p.m. faceoff.
sports@nanaimobulletin.com