Michael Craig had the only Nanaimo goal in the Clippers 5-1 Game 2 playoff loss to Langley. The first round best of seven series is tied 1-1. (Island Images Photography)

By Dan Marshall

Series Knotted

Clippers and Rivermen series even at one win apiece after 5-1 Langley victory

Apr 1, 2023 | 10:17 PM

NANAIMO — The Clippers couldn’t match their strong Game 1 effort in a 5-1 setback against the Rivermen.

Their first round best of seven playoff series is tied 1-1 with each team recording a four goal win.

Langley had a strong start with a Dominick Rivelli power play goal at the three minute mark.

Brody Waters had a penalty shot attempt fifteen minutes into the game but failed to score.

Just 10 seconds later Keeton Oakley struck on a Rivermen two on one to put the Clippers behind the eight ball.

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Early in the middle frame Jake Hewitt had a glorious chance on a bid for the top corner but he was robbed by a sprawling Ajeet Gundarah.

Minutes later Langley upped the lead to 4-0 thanks to goals by Nik Hoogendorn and Garrett Valk on a man advantage.

Nanaimo’s only goal came late in the second period on a four on three power play when Michael Craig snapped a quick shot to the stick side.

Gundarah was named the game’s first star with a 33 save performance, outduelling the Game 1 first star Nanaimo netminder Aidan Campbell.

The Clippers had loads of attack zone time in the third period but couldn’t find a breakthrough thanks to a strong Rivermen defensive effort.

Brett Ursulak notched an empty net goal with four minutes left to seal the Langley victory.

Nanaimo outshot Langley 34-26 but lost the special teams battle going 1/3 on the power play and giving up goals on both Rivermen man advantage chances.

Both teams were missing key players due to injury with Brett Merner on the sidelines for Nanaimo and Owen Kim sitting out for the Rivermen.

The series continues on Monday April 3 and Tuesday April 4 in Langley with Game 5 set for Frank Crane Arena on April 6.

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