Luke Buss fed Brett Merner to a complete a comeback from three goals down in the Clippers 4-3 overtime victory against Langley. (Gary Dorland)

By Dan Marshall

Merner Magic

Storybook ending for Merner and the Clippers in 4-3 overtime win against Langley

Mar 30, 2024 | 1:00 AM

NANAIMO — The Clippers Brett Merner is playing his final regular season games for his hometown team.

In game 53 of Nanaimo’s 54 game schedule the captain and three year veteran played overtime hero to complete a dynamic comeback versus the Rivermen.

After the first period the Clippers were down 1-0 on a Tuukka Heiskanen marker.

When the game was 31 minutes old Langley was ahead 3-0 with tallies by Noah MacDonald and then Vitaly Levyy on the power play.

Luke Buss notched his team leading 28th goal of the season shortly after and several elite saves by Clippers netminder Chazz Nixon started a rally.

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It took until eight minutes into the third period for Nanaimo to tie it up.

Two goals in 22 seconds on a Dylan Kinch power play tip in and a Gabriel Westling goalmouth conversion set the stage for overtime.

After some very cautious play Buss stormed down the ice and fed a charging Merner who beat goalie Charlie Tritt to win the game.

The shots finished 43-31 for the Rivermen with both teams going 1/4 on power plays.

Merner’s game winner gave Nanaimo a temporary hold on fourth place in the Coastal Division.

It was also the Clippers first third period comeback of the entire season.

Nanaimo was previously 0-16-0-1 when facing a deficit after 40 minutes.

The Clippers have one game left on March 30 at home against Chilliwack.

With a win Nanaimo will force Victoria to win both of their remaining games to earn fourth place.

The Clippers and Grizzlies will open the playoffs head to head on April 5.

Home ice in the series is still up for grabs.

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