The Clippers built up a 4-0 lead and got stellar goaltending from Chazz Nixon in his season debut in a 5-3 win over the Rivermen. (Gary Dorland)

By Dan Marshall

Five Straight

Clippers use strong start to beat Langley 5-3

Dec 15, 2023 | 10:19 PM

NANAIMO — The Clippers built up a 4-0 first period lead and cruised to a 5-3 victory over the Langley Rivermen.

Just 34 seconds into the contest Noah Alvarez put Nanaimo in front and Connor DeTurris had the Clippers up by two before the game was 90 seconds old.

Goals by Emmett McHardy shorthanded and Michael Murtagh on the power play capped off a convincing opening 20 minutes.

At the 33 second mark of the middle frame Morgan Brady got Langley on the board but Willyam Gendron restored the four goal lead a few minutes later.

Late in the second power play goals a minute and three seconds apart by Connor Schneider and Adyn Merrick put the Rivermen in striking distance but there was no scoring the rest of the night.

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Chazz Nixon was very sharp for the Clippers in his debut.

He stopped 35 of 38 shots and showcased an excellent glove hand.

The Clippers scored four goals in 14 minutes on Langley starter Mason Beaupit and put one behind backup Charlie Tritt.

Overall they had 26 shots on the Rivermen tandem.

Nanaimo finished 1/4 on the power play and 6/8 killing penalties.

The game concluded the first half of the Clippers season.

They finished on a five game winning streak with a 16-9-2 record.

That puts them alone in second place in the Coastal Division.

Nanaimo is five points behind first place Surrey and two points up on third place Alberni Valley.

The Clippers wrap up their pre-Christmas schedule in Merritt on Saturday Dec. 16 at 7 p.m.

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