NANAIMO 3
VICTORIA 0 (Series tied at 1-1)
Much to the chagrin of the Victoria Grizzlies’ fans, this series is very much alive.
The Nanaimo Clippers evened up the opening best-of-seven affair at 1-1 against the Island Division champions, stealing a 3-0 victory over the stunned host Grizzlies on Saturday night.
With that, the Clippers have also stolen home-ice advantage as they head back to Frank Crane Arena for Games 3 and 4 on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Victoria has just one goal to show for its efforts, or lack thereof, in two home games.
“They’re retreating to the front of the net when we have possession and we’re struggling to find windows,” said Grizzlies GM and head coach Craig Didmon. “We did get 17 shots in the second period, unfortunately none of them went in. We’re getting frustrated and that’s showing, but we have to realize this is playoff hockey and the emotions are high. We have to check the ego at the door and get back to work.”
Nanaimo took the lead on a tic-tac-toe passing play which Tristan Crozier finished off on a power play at 7:27 of the opening period. Matt Creamer added a second goal on another man advantage 12 minutes into the second, which left the crowd stunned and silent. Jamie Collins added an empty-net goal.
The Victoria power play is struggling, going 0-for-6 last night after a 0-for-5 outing in Friday’s 1-0 win. The Grizzlies have flopped on faceoffs and their best players have not answered the bell.
It was another forgettable night offensively for the Grizzlies as Clippers’ goalie Evan DeBrouwer stopped all 32 shots he faced. Victoria’s Matthew Galajda had 29 directed his way.
“It’s a good start to the series for us,” said Clippers GM and head coach Mike Vandekamp. “We’re not going to get too far ahead of ourselves here, but I liked the way we played tonight and I liked the way we played [Friday], too.”
In the other Island Division matchup, the Powell River Kings took a 2-0 series lead on the Cowichan Valley Capitals with a 4-3 win Saturday that followed Friday's 4-2 triumph. The matchup now moves to Duncan for Games 3 and 4 on Tuesday and Wednesday and, if necessary, Game 5 on Thursday.
Meanwhile, the BCHL announced that the defending league and national champions, the West Kelowna Warriors, will be staying put next season, quashing previous stories that the club would be moving for 2017-18.
Owner Mark Cheyne has received support from the community and has found local partners to assist with the franchise’s operations.
mannicchiarico@timescolonist.com
Twitter/tc_vicsports
