The Nanaimo Clippers weren’t at full strength, and weren’t able to earn any points on the weekend.
The city’s B.C. Hockey League team lost 6-1 to the Victoria Grizzlies on Friday down the Malahat, then fell 4-3 to the Powell River Kings the next night at Frank Crane Arena.
“We were dealing with quite a bit of adversity throughout the week with the club, health-wise,” said Mike Vandekamp, Clippers coach.
The matchup with the first-placed Grizz was 1-1 after one period, but the home team scored four times in the second period. Victoria finished 4-for-6 on the power play.
“We took too many penalties,” said Vandekamp. “We didn’t kill the penalties, I guess, was probably the biggest problem.”
Kyle Kramer scored on the PP for Nanaimo, while Victoria’s Gerry Fitzgerald scored a hat trick against his former team.
Jayson Argue suffered the loss in goal as his team was outshot 42-22.
The next night, Nanaimo’s effort and focus were much better, said Vandekamp.
“Unfortunately you feel like you played well enough to win and still didn’t. That will happen sometimes,” he said.
Kramer, Reid Sturos and Josh Bryan scored for the Clippers and Argue was tagged with the loss as Nanaimo outshot Powell River 27-21.
GAME ON … The Clips have just one game this coming weekend, at home Sunday (Dec. 9) against the Surrey Eagles. Faceoff is at 3 p.m. Tickets will be available at the door or in advance; visit www.nanaimoclippers.com.