Devon Mussio and Josh Bourne each had a goal and an assist in a convincing victory over the Smoke Eaters. (Gary Dorland)

By Dan Marshall

Seven Straight Wins

Clippers overpower Trail 4-1 for seventh straight win

Nov 16, 2019 | 10:27 PM

NANAIMO – A mid season battle between two of the BCHL’s best teams was won 4-1 by the Clippers over the Trail Smoke Eaters.

The defining moment of the game was seven minutes into the first period when Tim Washe threw an open ice hit on the league’s leading scorer Kent Johnson, and Liam Ryan went in on a breakaway to score.

That ignited a spark into the Clippers that they carried though for most of the night.

Nanaimo upped their lead to 3-0 with two more goals in the second period from Tyler Williams, and the first of the season for Devon Mussio.

targeted job action

Striking Nanaimo postal workers disrupt Purolator operations

2h ago

final flight

Massive Philippine Mars waterbomber preparing for final Island departure

6h ago

Skatepark refresh

Town of Ladysmith seeks public insight in reforming skateboard park

21h ago

A third period goal on the man advantage by Josh Bourne lifted the Clippers into full control of the game before a Corey Clifton power play marker gave the Smoke Eaters their only tally of the night.

Both Bourne and Mussio finished the game with a goal and an assist to lead all scorers.

Nanaimo’s victory ended a run of 8-0-0-1 for Trail, while equaling the Clippers own season high winning streak of seven games.

Ironically the Smokies ended the Clippers other seven game winning streak back in October.

Now the season series between the two clubs is concluded with each team recording a 4-1 home ice win.

Nanaimo has two games next week.

First a Nov. 20 home date with the Prince George Spruce Kings and then a Nov. 22 trip to Duncan to visit the Capitals.

The Clippers continue to hold a four point lead on Cowichan for first place in the Island Division and have now moved up to third overall in the BCHL league standings with 38 points.

dan@nanaimonewsnow.com

On twitter: @danmarshall77