The Clippers are off to a hot start with a 2-0 record. They have a tough test coming with the defending league champion Penticton Vees coming to Frank Crane Arena on Sept. 29. (Gary Dorland)

By Dan Marshall

Strong Start

VIDEO: Clippers out of the gate with back to back wins

Sep 27, 2023 | 10:05 AM

NANAIMO — The Clippers quest for a second straight Coastal Division regular season title has gotten off to a good start.

Nanaimo won back to back games on over the Cowichan Valley Capitals to complete a successful opening weekend.

Veteran forward Michael Murtagh scored in both games, and while he’s happy with the result he admits there’s a lot to work on.

“Both games we came out a little flat I think. But we came away with the victories which is good. We know we have things to improve.”

With three points in two games Murtagh is the leading scorer on the team.

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Both of his goals have been on Nanaimo’s power play.

“It’s always fun being out there on the power play and getting those opportunities. It’s been good so far and I’m looking forward to what the future has.”

Luke Bibby is a new Clipper after spending last season with Brooks of the AJHL.

He scored his first goal of the season on Saturday, Sept. 23 in Cowichan but is still getting used to his new team and teammates.

“It’s felt really good. It’s been nice to play and get used to new systems and new guys on the team. There’s more new guys than returners this year. It’s good to gel with the guys and start to build chemistry.”

Nanaimo’s home opener on Friday, Sept. 22 was Bibby’s first regular season game at Frank Crane Arena.

The game drew 1891 fans and Bibby felt the crowd was a factor in the victory.

“It was amazing. The city of Nanaimo really had our backs in the first period and they stayed with us throughout the whole game cheering us on. It was a great atmosphere and really fun to be a part of.”

The Clippers next games are against the BCHL playoff finalists from 2023.

Nanaimo will host the two time defending Fred Page Cup champions from Penticton on Friday Sept. 29 and then visit the other team in last year’s finals, the Alberni Valley Bulldogs, on Sept. 30.

Murtagh knows both teams very well is excited for the challenge ahead.

“There’s a bunch of excited going around the room right now. The energy is pretty high with Penticton coming into the building on Friday. It’s going to be a good test this weekend. We know Penticton is a really good team and we’re prepared for them too so I think it’s good to be a good matchup.”

CLIP NOTES:

The Sept. 29 game against Penticton will be the first time the Vees have played a game in Nanaimo since they won the Frank Page Cup on Frank Crane Arena ice on May 18, 2022.

Nanaimo won 6-3 and 3-2 over the Capitals in their first two games. Fifteen different Clippers scored at least a point in the season opening contests.

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