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Team embarks on tough trip

A new month brings the start of a long, tough road trip for the Nanaimo Clippers.

The city's B.C. Hockey League team faces the Merritt Centennials tonight (Feb. 1) to begin a four-games-in-five-nights swing through the Interior. Tomorrow the Clips visit the two-time defending-champion Vernon Vipers, then travel north to play the Prince George Spruce Kings on Friday and the Quesnel Millionaires on Saturday.

"We'd sure like to come home with five or six points," said Bill Bestwick, Clippers coach. "We think it's absolutely imperative that we do."

After falling 2-1 to the Penticton Vees on Friday at Frank Crane Arena, the Clippers had a weekend off to rest up for this week's slate of games. The bus actually rolled out of town Monday night to give the Clips a head start in getting to the desert.

"We should be fresh and excited to play in Merritt," Bestwick said. "You always want to get off on a good start."

The danger will be looking past the Cents to the next night's premiere showdown in the Okanagan against the Vipers. Bestwick said Vernon is a strong, well-coached team that is always well prepared for opening faceoff.

"There's certain games that every team circles on their calendar," said the Clippers coach. "It's one of those games that really tests where your team's at. It's a bit of a barometer and we're looking forward to it."

GAME ON … The game at Merritt tonight and the one in Vernon tomorrow are both 7 p.m. starts … Charles-Andre Pelletier will get the start in goal for the Clippers tonight … Forward Colton Cyr is doubtful to play today or tomorrow as he recovers from an undisclosed injury.

sports@nanaimobulletin.com