A late surge by the Vernon Vipers meant the Clippers had to settle for a single point in an 8-7 overtime loss on Family Day. (Image Credit: Damon James/Island Images Photography)

By Dan Marshall

15 Goal Game

Clippers lose in OT in wild Family Day game in Vernon

Feb 16, 2026 | 9:54 PM

VERNON — The Clippers went back and forth with the Vernon Vipers on Family Day and picked up a point in an 8-7 overtime loss.

Vernon came out to a fast start with former Clipper Garin Ludwig scoring a goal 16 seconds into the game.

Hayden Fechner tied the score less than 30 seconds later but then the Vipers tallied twice more on markers by Evan Sundar and Aaron Zulinick.

Tanner Bruender picked up a goal in his sixth straight game to bring the score to 3-2 after 20 minutes.

Nanaimo exploded in the second period getting a power play goal from Patrick Fortune and two off the stick of Jack Rimmer.

15 Goal Game

Clippers lose in OT in wild Family Day game in Vernon

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Harrison Boldt also scored, giving the Clippers what seemed to be a comfortable lead,

Deagan McMillan bunted home a power play goal early in the third period and Dmitrii Kubantsev pulled the Vipers within one also on a man advantage.

Owen Davies got the Clippers back up by two goals but Vernon was able to mount a late rally.

With six attackers and two Clippers in the penalty box Kubantsev siphoned through a backhand and then with just over a minute to play Davids Livsics knocked home a rebound with Nanaimo still down a man.

Vernon controlled much of the play in overtime and McMillan ended the game on a breakaway.

Despite the loss the Clippers took five out of six points in a three game weekend and have a record of 6-0-2 in their last eight games.

The final shots finished 57-37 in Nanaimo’s favour with the Clippers going 3/11 on the man advantage and the Vipers finishing 4/8.

Nanaimo heads back home to face the Chilliwack Chiefs on Friday Feb. 20.

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