Nanaimo went 2-1 in their final three games to conclude the Island Cup round robin. The Clippers play the Alberni Valley Bulldogs Nov. 16 in the tournament semifinal. (Dan Marshall/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By Dan Marshall

Cup Bound

Clippers punch ticket to Island Cup finals

Nov 16, 2020 | 12:59 PM

NANAIMO — The Clippers had three games in five days to wrap up their Island Cup round robin schedule.

They went 2-1 to clinch second place in the standings and a semi final date with Alberni Valley on Monday, Nov. 16. The winner will face the Victoria Grizzlies in the Island Cup final on Tuesday, Nov. 17.

Coach Darren Naylor felt Nanaimo’s defensive play improved significantly over the past few games.

“The structure we have here is complex and it can take some time to figure out for guys coming from programs that haven’t had success in the past. We’ve also added some key players recently as well.”

Goaltending has played a large role in getting the goals against numbers down. The BCHL’s minutes played leader Jordan Naylor stopped 75 of 79 shots he faced in his last two starts and rookie Ethan Neitsch earning a 45 save win in the round robin finale.

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The Clippers will get a small taste of playoff action with either one or two games this week.

Normally do or die games don’t happen until the BCHL post season in March but Naylor will get an early glimpse into the character and resolve of his group.

“We’re not an easy team to play against, and I like to play a playoff style during the season. This cup comes a little earlier but I really like our group and I like our chances.”

CLIP NOTES:

Nanaimo finished the round robin of the Island Cup with a 9-5 record and 18 points. They were one point behind the Grizzlies.

The Clippers acquired 2001 born forward Tristan Fraser from the Langley Rivermen in a deal that saw Tyler Schleppe move to Langley. Fraser had 13 goals and 21 assists in 56 games for the Rivermen in 2019-20.

With a two goal and two assist performance in the final game of the round robin forward Sean Donaldson finished in tie for fifth in Island Cup points with eight goals and nine assists.

dan@nanaimonewsnow.com

On twitter: @danmarshall77