An early 3-0 deficit was too much for the Clippers to overcome in a 5-3 loss to the Smoke Eaters. (Gary Dorland)

By Dan Marshall

Comeback Falls Short

First period deficit costs Clippers in 5-3 loss to Trail

Oct 29, 2021 | 11:04 PM

TRAIL — The Clippers surrendered three goals in the first nine and half minutes and spent the rest of the game playing catchup against the Smoke Eaters.

Nanaimo lost 5-3 to begin their two game eastern Interior Division road trip.

Cooper Black started the game but was pulled in favour of Jayden Shull halfway through the first period.

From there Nanaimo began to crawl back into the game.

Tristan Fraser scored a power play goal in the opening minute of the second period to bring the score to 3-1.

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In the first minute of the third Sean Donaldson cut the deficit to 3-2.

Trail responded 30 seconds later with a goal by Charlie Strobel to restore a two goal lead.

The goal proved to be the winner but Donaldson’s second goal of the night on a mid period power play set up a furious finish.

However Brady Hunter tallied an empty netter with just two seconds to play to end any hope of a comeback.

Nanaimo outshot Trail 38-30 but couldn’t even the score thanks to the play of first star Evan Fradette in net.

The Clippers had a strong night on special teams going 2/4 on the man advantage and they killed off their only power play against.

At the conclusion of BCHL action on Oct. 29 the Clippers, Grizzlies, Vees and Spruce Kings were all tied for first overall with 12 points.

On Oct. 30 Nanaimo will make their first ever visit to play the Cranbrook Bucks at 6 p.m..

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