The Clippers dropped back to back games against 2023 BCHL finalists Penticton and Alberni Valley. The players and coaches are using it as a learning experience for upcoming games against the Powell River Kings and a rematch with the Bulldogs. (Gary Dorland)

By Dan Marshall

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NANAIMO —The Clippers suffered a pair of setbacks against Penticton and Alberni Valley in their second weekend of the season.

Forward Emmett McHardy who is entering his third BCHL season, and first in Nanaimo, saw a lot of positives despite the results.

“I think we’ve looked good so far. The Penticton game we played well, built a lead but a couple of bounces didn’t go our way. In Alberni Valley we had a pretty good game going into the third tied. But we’re hoping to build on leads instead of letting things slip away.”

The Clippers lost 4-3 in overtime to the Vees on Friday, Sept. 29 and dropped a 6-2 decision in Alberni Valley on Saturday, Sept. 30.

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Coach Curtis Toneff called the weekend a learning lesson.

“We had great starts in both games. We expected our guys to be ready to go and they were both nights. We controlled the games at the start and both games in the third period I thought we were the weaker team.”

Toneff believes the Clippers still have room to up their compete level.

“If we can compete that extra ten percent harder maybe that turns into an extra power play or two over an evening and sometimes that can win you a hockey game.”

Ahead of matchups against Powell River on Oct. 6 and Alberni Valley Oct. 7, Toneff is trying some new forward line combinations.

“We have mixed them up a little bit. There’s not as much gel in the top six as we were hoping four. We split the young guys up to see if they can get a couple of our other lines going.”

McHardy has only been a Clipper since Sept.16 but as he continues to adjust to his new team he believes he can add valuable leadership.

“There’s a lot of differences in the systems around here versus Coquitlam but the guys, the coaches and everyone made it pretty easy helping me out on and off the ice. I think I can help the young guys just knowing the grind and the work it takes to succeed as a team in this league and bringing it day in and day out whether it’s practice, workouts or games.

CLIP NOTES:

Forward Michael Murtagh has tallied three power play goals in the first four games of the season. He and newcomer Cole Lonsdale are the co-leaders in Clipper goalscoring with three apiece.

Nanaimo will play three of their next four games against the Powell River Kings. Nanaimo had a 4-3 record versus the Kings last season.

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