Nanaimo and Victoria play their first BCHL playoff series since 2017. The Grizzlies have home ice advantage as the higher seed but the Clippers won the regular season series 5-2. (Gary Dorland)

By Dan Marshall

Playoff Bound

VIDEO: Clippers begin post season journey against Victoria Grizzlies

Apr 4, 2024 | 9:53 AM

NANAIMO — The Clippers and Grizzlies will play in the only all Vancouver Island series in the first round of the BCHL playoffs.

It’s Nanaimo’s first series against an island club since a first round matchup against Alberni Valley in 2020.

The Clippers and Grizzlies last went head to head in the post season in 2017 when Victoria took an opening round series in five games.

Nanaimo finished fifth in the Coastal Division standings with 58 points, three behind the fourth place Grizzlies.

Clippers assistant coach Gaelan Patterson said the team is embracing starting on the road.

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“It’s a mentality that we have to have and treat it like it’s do or die right away. It doesn’t matter whether you start at home or on the road. There’s not a whole lot of travel with it being on the island and we’ll be ready.”

Nanaimo had some difficulties in March with a 3-7-1 record but Patterson and his team are ready to hit the reset button for the post season.

“There’s lots of excitement around here. As coaches it’s all about preparation and we’re on top of it. There’s a lot of discussion about game plans and what we’re going to do. It’s a fresh start in the playoffs.”

Veteran forward Michael Murtagh says the team will have lots of confidence after earning a 5-2 head to head record against the Grizzlies in the regular season.

“We like our matchup in that series. If we play good hockey I think we can definitely take this series. We play the best when we’re playing with speed and pace in our offense. That’s something we have to take advantage of with our offensive abilities entering the zone.”

Grizzlies coach Rylan Ferster hopes to gain an advantage with an experienced group as Victoria has an older roster than Nanaimo.

“Experience is something you like to have on your side. So hopefully that does pay dividends. If you look even in the NHL generally older teams seem to have success.”

The first two games in the series are Friday, April 5 and Saturday, April 6 in Victoria with Nanaimo hosting the Grizzlies on Tuesday, April 9 and Wednesday, April 10.

If necessary, the remaining games will be played April 12 and 15 in Victoria, with an April 13 game scheduled in Nanaimo.

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