Two goals by Michael Murtagh and 43 saves from Tyler Hodges led the Clippers to a 5-3 win over the Victoria Grizzlies. (Gary Dorland)

By Dan Marshall

Fourth Place Showdown

Clippers take over sole possession of fourth place with 5-3 win over the Grizzlies

Mar 9, 2024 | 11:24 PM

COLWOOD — The Clippers won their fourth place showdown with the Victoria Grizzlies.

After a 5-3 win at the Q Centre, Nanaimo has 55 points in the Coastal Division standings, two points more than fifth place Victoria,

The Clippers got off to a good start with an Isa Parekh goal a minute and a half into the game and a Michael Murtagh power play marker mid way through the first period.

Nanaimo also outshot the Grizzlies 21-12 in the opening 20 minutes.

Murtagh and Remi Gelinas put the Clippers up 4-0 in the middle frame but a power play marker by Malcolm Green cut the lead to 4-1 before the intermission.

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Reegan Hiscock continued the rally just over a minute into the third and then Nanaimo got into some penalty problems.

Sam Boisvert was assessed a controversial goalie interference call and moments later a bench penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct led to a Grizzlies five on three power play,

Nathan King pulled the game to within one but the strong goaltending of Tyler Hodges kept Nanaimo in front until a Luke Buss empty netter capped the scoring at 5-3.

Victoria outshot the Clippers 46-43 while Nanaimo finished 1/2 on the man advantage and 2/4 killing penalties.

At the conclusion of play on March 9 the Clippers were not only two points ahead of the fifth place Grizzlies but just two points back of the third place Alberni Valley Bulldogs.

Nanaimo concludes a busy three game in three day weekend with a home game against the Surrey Eagles at 4 p.m. on March 10.

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