The Clippers dealt with the adversity of being short manned to get a point in a 3-2 overtime loss in Vernon. Luke Buss also continued a five game goal scoring streak with a goal against his former team. (Gary Dorland)

By Dan Marshall

Earning a Point

Clippers fight for a road point in 3-2 OT loss to Vipers

Mar 16, 2024 | 11:01 PM

NANAIMO — Battling through injury and illness the Clippers earned a point in a 3-2 overtime loss in Vernon.

The game was played in front of just a couple of hundred people on the secondary ice sheet at Kal Place North because of an ice chiller issue with the Vipers regular arena.

Almost all the scoring was done in he first period, starting with a power play goal by Vernon’s Hank Cleaves three minutes into the game.

Luke Buss tied the score just 30 seconds later playing in his first game against his old team.

It was the fifth consecutive game with a goal for Buss.

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Nanaimo took a 2-1 lead on an Isa Parekh solo effort mid way through the opening 20 minutes.

But the Vipers scored another power play marker on a one timer from Owen Kim to once again even the score before the intermission break.

The Clippers Tyler Hodges and the Vipers Colin Reay were perfect through the rest of regulation time.

A minute and 15 seconds into overtime Vernon notched the game winner on a rebound effort by Julian Facchinelli.

The shots finished 46-42 in the Clippers favour while Nanaimo went 0/3 on the power play and 2/4 killing penalties.

Team captain Brett Merner played only half the night but remained on the bench in the third period.

He was dealing with an illness and also suffered an undisclosed during the game.

With four games left in the regular season the Clippers have 56 points.

They are three points behind third place Alberni Valley and two points ahead of the fifth place Victoria Grizzlies.

Nanaimo is back on the road for their next games March 22 and 23 in Surrey and Langley.

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