Carson Lesiuk led the Clippers attack with two goal in a 5-4 road win in Victoria. (Gary Dorland)

By Dan Marshall

Hanging On

Clippers build lead against Grizzlies and survive rash of penalties in narrow victory

Mar 8, 2025 | 10:04 PM

COLWOOD — The Clippers dominated the Grizzlies for 40 minutes but had to hang on in the third period for a 5-4 win at the Q Centre.

Carson Lesiuk gave Nanaimo an early lead before Julian Cull equalized for Victoria.

Elliot Perreault and Patrick Fortune, on a power play, put the Clippers in the drivers seat after the opening period.

Nanaimo lost Tanner Bruender early in the game because of a five minute major penalty for a blow to the head and a game misconduct.

Former Clipper Alex Hebblethwaite brought the Grizzlies closer midway through the middle period but again Nanaimo responded.

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Cole Lonsdale finished a beautiful passing play with Dylan Kinch and
Lesiuk notched his second goal on a quick feed from Nathan Larioza.

Victoria pressed in the third period and were given four power plays, including a five on three for an extended period and a five minute major and game misconduct call handed out to Luke Lavery.

Daniel D’Alessandro and Seamus Latta did grab power play goals, but while holding a 5-4 lead Nanaimo killed all of Lavery’s late game major.

The Grizzlies spent most of the last two minutes in the Clippers end with their goalie pulled for a six on four advantage.

Chazz Nixon stopped 43 of 47 shots, 20 of those in the third period.

Nanaimo posted 40 shots on Grizzlies netminder Kyle Kelsey.

The Clippers finished 1/2 on the man advantage and 3/5 killing penalties.

After dropping the first three games of the their season series with Victoria, Nanaimo went 3-0-1 in the final four matchups.

The Clippers are home to Alberni Valley and Cowichan Valley on Mar. 14 and 15.

They trail the sixth place Bulldogs by one point and the fifth place Capitals by five points.

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