The Clippers dropped a 5-4 decision to the Express in their first loss of 2024. (Gary Dorland)

By Dan Marshall

One goal short

Clippers unable to overcome third period deficit in 5-4 loss to Coquitlam

Jan 6, 2024 | 9:55 PM

NANAIMO — The Clippers ran into a team a little more desperate than themselves in a 5-4 loss to the Express.

Coquitlam brought a high battle level as they looked to end a three game losing streak.

The teams traded first period goals with Joel Plante scoring for Nanaimo early and Jackson Krill responding for the Express late.

It was the second period where Coquitlam made their push.

Jake Manfre put the Express up 2-1 in the first minute with a power play tally.

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After former Express Emmett McHardy tied the game 2-2, fast goals by Drew Garzone and Kasper Walther-Sneve put Coquitlam ahead to stay.

Luke Buss did get a goal back late in the middle frame to draw the game to 4-3 at the intermission break.

In the third Matthew Frost scored his first BCHL goal vaulting the Express into a two goal lead before Connor DeTurris capped the scoring with a late marker for Nanaimo.

Nanaimo outshot Coquitlam 32-28, including a 13-4 margin in the third period.

The Clippers ended the night 0/5 on the power play and 2/3 killing penalties.

With the loss and a Victoria Grizzlies win over Chilliwack the Clippers have dropped into third place in the Coastal Division standings.

Nanaimo and Victoria have a massive home and home series coming up Jan. 12 and 13 starting at Frank Crane Arena.

The Grizzlies go in with 39 points to the Clippers 38.

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