The Clippers gave up 70 shots and lost out 9-2 to the Penticton Vees. League scorers Josh and Bradly Nadeau combined for 11 points in the contest. (Gary Dorland)

By Dan Marshall

Problems in Penticton

Clippers lose battle of division leaders 9-2 to the Vees.

Mar 18, 2023 | 12:18 AM

NANAIMO — The Clippers were dealt two major blows on the same day.

A mid afternoon announcement from the team on March 17 explained head coach and general manager Colin Birkas had been temporarily suspended from his duties pending a third party investigation under Hockey Canada’s discipline and complaints policy.

That sent the Clippers into a matchup against the league’s best team the Penticton Vees with assistant coaches Bob Beatty and Tyler Gow running the bench.

The Vees came out strong looking to build on a 23-0 home ice record.

Frank Djurasevic scored two and a half minutes into the game and Aydar Suniev, Nic DeGraves and Josh Nadeau tallied before the first intermission.

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Suniev and Nadeau both scored on the man advantage with the Vees outshooting the Clippers 26-4.

Suniev scored another power play goal early in the middle frame before Ethan Mistry got the Clippers on the board.

Thomas Pichette and Bradly Nadeau extended the lead to 7-1 through 40 minutes.

Josh Nadeau completed a hat trick in the third with two goals while Jake Hewitt continued a five game goal scoring streak with a Clippers power play marker.

Josh Nadeau finished with three goals and two assists while Bradly Nadeau ended the night with a goal and five helpers.

Both Nanaimo goalies Aidan Campbell and Shane Shelest played half a game with the Vees outshooting the Clippers 70-18.

Penticton went 4/7 on the power play and Nanaimo finished 1/4.

Despite the setback the Clippers inched closer to clinching first place in the Coastal Division.

Heading into to their next game March 18 in West Kelowna any combination of one Nanaimo point gained and one Surrey Eagles point dropped will win the Clippers the division title.

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