By Ian Holmes

Buccaneers vets step up as Nanaimo grabs 2-0 series lead on Generals

Feb 22, 2018 | 9:57 PM

NANAIMO — The Buccaneers veteran players rose to the challenge in the third period to defeat the visiting Oceanside Generals 4-2 and take a 2-0 lead in the first round VIJHL playoff series.

Cam Nickerson scored twice, including the eventual game winner in the third period, while Clayton Peace and Trent Bell notched third period tallies for Nanaimo.

Elijah Goyer and Kyle Boshier responded for the Generals, who find themselves in a hole in the best-of-seven series.

Nickerson said it felt good to contribute the way he did.

“I’m just trying to shut them down and not let them get anything offensively, if I can put a couple pucks in the back of the net that always helps,” Nickerson told NanaimoNewsNOW. “We’re just going to keep doing what we’re doing and shut them down.”

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Nickerson, a former General, and linemates Wyatt Selva and Trey Watson had an effective night as a checking unit. They blanketed Oceanside’s top line, anchored by the dangerous Brodie Smith.

Bucs veteran Clayton Peace unlocked a 1-1 tie early in the third period by roofing a point shot past Oceanside goaltender Jacob Sweet on the power-play. Nickerson would add to the lead with 5:27 remaining on the clock.

Generals head coach Jesse Hammill made a bold move with just under 3 minutes left in regulation when he pulled Sweet at the beginning of an Oceanside power-play. The risk didn’t pay off  — Nanaimo’s Trent Bell didn’t waste much time firing the puck into the empty net to build up a 4-1 lead.

Bucs head coach Curtis Toneff said he liked how his club responded after being on the ropes in the second period.

“Our guys know that our second period wasn’t good enough and for them to bounce back and have that third period was a positive sign and we’ll build on that,” Toneff said.

Derek Krall made 26 saves for the victory, while Sweet kicked out 24 shots.

Nanaimo’s power-play has been a huge factor in the series. 5 of the Swordsmen’s 9 goals have come with the man advantage. The Generals have collected 3 power-play goals in the series.

The Bucs were without forward Brandon Roberge for the game 2 victory and will be without his services for game 3 Saturday night in Parksville. Roberge is serving a 2 game suspension for a hit-from-behind in the series opener.

Nanaimo won the series opener 5-4 Tuesday night.

Game 4 is slated for Monday night at Oceanside Place, while game 5, if necessary, would happen Thursday, March 1 at the Pirate Ship.

ian@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @reporterholmes