Nanaimo won back to back games over the Grizzlies 5-3 and 4--0 to extend their winning streak to four games, and take sole possession of first place in the Island Division. (Gary Dorland)

By Dan Marshall

Victorious over Victoria

Clippers Weekend Wrap Nov. 8 – 9

Nov 12, 2019 | 9:34 AM

NANAIMO – The month of November has started off perfectly for the Clippers.

Nanaimo has four straight wins to open the month including a pair of Victories of the Grizzlies on Nov. 8 and 9.

On Nov. 8 a season high crowd of 2107 watched the Clippers win 5-3.

The game was scoreless into the second frame but in a wild period that saw two penalty shots (a goal for Liam Ryan and a miss for Mackenzie Merriman), and two goals from veteran Tyler Williams, the Clippers took a 3-1 lead to the locker room.

Travis Walton scored the eventual game winner, but a late Victoria press meant Nanaimo needed an empty netter from Josh Bourne to seal the victory.

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The Clippers ended their weekend by putting a blanket on the Grizzlies at the Q Centre.

They won 4-0 thanks to a 38 save shutout from Zach Bennett and goals by Zack Dallazanna, Josh Bourne, and a pair from Kyler Kovich,

Dallazanna’s goal was his first in the BCHL and proved to be the game winner.

The back to back wins ensured Nanaimo would end the weekend in sole possession of first place in the Island Division with a 15-6-1-1 record.

With two games to go in a run of six divisional contests the Clippers have taken all eight points available.

Their record against the Island Division sits at 8-2-1-1.

Nanaimo will welcome Alberni Valley to Frank Crane Arena on Nov. 13 for an important matchup in the standings, but the evening will also see the return of alumni Matt Irwin to Frank Crane Arena.

The former team captain and current Nashville Predators blueliner will be the first player put up on the new Wall of Honour at Frank Crane Arena.

To end the week the Clipper will visit Victoria on Nov. 15 and host Trail on Nov. 16.

CLIP NOTES:

With five shutouts the Clippers lead the BCHL in that category. The team also has the second fewest overall goals against with 44.

Goalies Jordan Naylor and Zach Bennett are ranked two and four in goals against average and one and three in save percentage among BCHL goalies.

Josh Bourne has five points during a three game point streak.

Travis Walton is tied for first in the BCHL with three shorthanded goals, and tied for third in the league with three game winners.

The Clippers have the fewest power play opportunities in the league with 78.

dan@nanaimonewsnow.com

On twitter: @danmarshall77