The Nanaimo Clippers’ pre-season record, said the coach, wouldn’t cut it in the regular season. So there’s a lot to be done in the final week of practice.
The Shipmen finish the B.C. Hockey League pre-season with a 1-2-1-1 record after losing a pair of games to the Victoria Grizzlies on the weekend. The Grizz beat the Clips 6-5 in double overtime on Friday at Frank Crane Arena, then shut out Nanaimo 4-0 the next night in Sooke.
Clippers coach Mike Vandekamp said Friday’s game was an “entertaining” one.
“It was kind of a see-saw affair, as close as a game could get, really,” he said. “Lots of goals scored at both ends … We’re always going to have work to do defensively at this time of year.”
The difference, he said, was that the visitors capitalized on a chance in double OT when the home team couldn’t.
In Saturday’s game, the Clippers were worn down.
“We’re just banged up so bad that we were leaking oil by that game,” said Mike Vandekamp.
Goal scorers for Nanaimo on Friday were Brayden Jaw, Brodie Jamieson, Andrew Gladiuk, David Iacono and Jared Chinn. Chris Eiserman tended goal Friday; Billy Faust played on Saturday.
Vandekamp said three forwards and two defencemen were unavailable on the weekend due to injury, and some will miss opening night on Friday (Sept. 23) at Powell River.
Vandekamp said the rash of injuries will complicate roster decisions.
“We’re probably going to have to keep some more bodies around here than we originally intended…” he said. “We’re going to have to do some creative carding to make sure that we can ice a healthy enough lineup to start the regular season.”
GAME ON … The Clippers play the Kings Friday (Sept. 23) and Saturday at Powell River to open the BCHL regular season. Nanaimo's home opener is Sept. 30 when the Cowichan Valley Capitals visit Frank Crane Arena for a 7 p.m. game. For season ticket information, please call 250-751-0593.
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