Mackenzie Merriman tipped in the game winner in Nanaimo's 2-1 win over the Silverbacks. (Gary Dorland)

By Dan Marshall

Clippers Beat Silverbacks

Clippers get late winner to beat Salmon Arm 2-1

Dec 6, 2019 | 10:12 PM

NANAIMO – The Clippers overcame a slow start to beat Salmon Arm 2-1.

Jordan Naylor made 37 saves and was Nanaimo’s best player until they found their offense late in the second period.

The game stayed 1-0 for Salmon Arm well into the second period after Lucas Breault opened the scoring midway through the first.

Newcomer Josh Kagan, who was acquired from Merritt earlier in the day, and who arrived just minutes before the game, evened the score late in the second period.

If that wasn’t the turning point, then certainly a fight between Scott Mahovlich and Keiran Ruscheinksi at the end of 40 minutes was.

stranger attacks

Man viciously beats Nanaimo security guard and attacked stranger in Campbell River

3h ago

no snow

Chances of a white Christmas for Nanaimo 'quite remote'

16h ago

vehicle damage

Over 40 vehicles damaged during late-night Nanaimo vandalism spree

23h ago

Mahovlich won a short lived scrap which gave the home team an extra jolt going into the third.

A deflection goal by Mackenzie Merriman with four minutes to play lifted the Clippers to the 2-1 victory.

It was Nanaimo’s seventh straight home ice win and put the team into a five point lead for first place in the Island Division.

Dec. 7 the Clippers will hold their annual Teddy Bear Toss game against the Surrey Eagles.

Fans are encouraged to bring a new or gently used stuffed animal to the game to be throw out after the first Nanaimo goal.

dan@nanaimonewsnow.com

On twitter: @danmarshall77