The Clippers got down 3-0 and were unable to come all the way back in a 4-2 loss to the Alberni Valley Bulldogs. (Gary Dorland)

By Dan Marshall

Slow Start

Clippers start 2023 with 4-2 home loss to Alberni Valley

Jan 6, 2023 | 10:27 PM

NANAIMO — It was a slow start to the new year for the Clippers in a 4-2 setback to the Bulldogs.

In the first period Nanaimo got down 2-0 on goals by Matthew Maltais and Nicholas Beneteau.

Alberni Valley also outshot Nanaimo 11-2 in the opening frame.

A Brandon Buhr power play goal early in the second put the road team up 3-0.

The Clippers put on a strong push in the back half of the period with a Kai Daniells rebound goal and a Michael Craig tally on a four on three power play.

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With the game sitting 3-2 in the Bulldogs favour and Nanaimo on a man advantage early in the final period, Will Elger blazed down the ice to cash in on a shorthanded breakaway to give Alberni the insurance they needed.

Nanaimo had nine minutes in power play time in the third including a five minute advantage but failed to score.

Overall the Clippers went 1/6 on the man advantage and 3/4 killing penalties

The final shots finished 32-23 for the Bulldogs with Hobie Hedquist getting the win over Aidan Campbell.

The Jan. 6 three stars were:

1) Nicholas Beneteau 2) Will Elger 3) Michael Craig

Nanaimo still has a 4-1 lead in the season series with two games to play.

On Jan. 7 the Clippers travel to Victoria to take on the Grizzlies at 7 p.m.

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