The Clippers built up a three goal lead but had to hang on to win 5-4 in a scrappy game against the Alberni Valley Bulldogs. (Gary Dorland)

By Dan Marshall

Winning the War

Clippers outlast Bulldogs 5-4 in emotional Island battle

Dec 10, 2022 | 12:14 AM

NANAIMO — The intensity of the Clipper and Bulldogs rivalry was on display in Nanaimo’s 5-4 win in Port Alberni.

The game had a tame start with Lukas Klemm scoring on a long bounce shot two minutes into the game.

Alberni Valley tied the score on a late first period marker by Will Elger.

Nanaimo’s offence came alive in the second period with Jeremie Payant and Willyam Gendron scoring on breakaways and Gendron and Brody Waters adding power play goals.

Caden Tremblay also scored for the Bulldogs in the middle frame but the Clippers led 5-2 heading into the third.

just keep swimming

'I'm celebrating the little things:' Nanaimo water polo player returning to the pool

19h ago

Starting Up

Nanaimo box lacrosse season getting underway for three Timbermen teams

22h ago

grave theft

'It's a senseless act:' over a dozen memorial vases stolen from Cedar cemetery

May 17, 2024

A skirmish at the end of the second period led to six players being penalized and included a game misconduct to Clippers captain Michael Craig in his fight with David Sacco.

The loss of Craig added to an already short bench in the final 20 minutes.

Nanaimo was already playing a man down with Nick Sajevic, Grant Babcock and Rylan Yates out of the lineup.

Zeke Nicholson tightened the game to 5-3 seven minutes into the third and a power play goal credited to Chase Klassen brought Alberni Valley to within one.

Nanaimo players and coaches were livid with the final Bulldog goal after a goalmouth scramble that continued for several seconds with bodies from both teams lying in the Nanaimo goal crease.

The Clippers hung on for their fourth straight victory over Alberni Valley and upped their overall record to 21-4.

The final shots were 41-29 for the Bulldogs with Aidan Campbell getting the win over Hobie Hedquist.

Nanaimo was 2/4 on the man advantage and 1/2 killing penalties.

On Sunday, Dec. 11 the Clippers will return to the ice at Frank Crane Arena to host Coquitlam at 2 p.m.

Join the conversation. Submit your letter to NanaimoNewsNOW and be included on The Water Cooler, our letters to the editor feature.

info@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @NanaimoNewsNOW