The Clippers celebrated a 4-3 win in Game 1 of the BCHL playoffs against Alberni Valley. Nanaimo battled back from a 3-1 deficit and notched the game winner in the final minute of the contest. (Image Credit: Alex Rawnsley/NNN)

By Dan Marshall

Last Minute Win

Clippers pull out late Game 1 victory over Bulldogs

Apr 4, 2026 | 1:01 AM

NANAIMO — It was a thrilling night at Frank Crane Arena in the Clippers 4-3 Game 1 playoff win over the Alberni Valley Bulldogs.

The night started with the Bulldogs building leads but ended in dramatic fashion thanks to a Blake Jones game winning goal in the final minute.

Brandon Gill and Charles Beland traded first period tallies before Kai Matthew put Alberni ahead on a rebound to make the score 2-1 for the visitors after 20 minutes.

Jackson Lackas picked up a rebound tally to put the Bulldogs ahead 3-1 early in the middle frame.

Sam Boisvert drew Nanaimo closer with a second chance opportunity of his own but the Clippers still trailed by a goal heading into the third period.

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A late power play goal from Tanner Bruender and the Blake Jones winner with 48 seconds remaining ensured a Nanaimo 4-3 win in Game 1.

Eliot Seguin-Lescabeau captured the win in in net over the Bulldogs Derik Brouillard with the shots finishing 33-31 for Alberni Valley.

On special teams Nanaimo went 1/2 on the man advantage and killed off both Bulldogs power play opportunities.

The Clippers had not held a lead in a playoff series since the first round of the 2023 post season against Langley.

That was also the last time Nanaimo won a Game 1.

Game two goes on April 4 at Frank Crane Arena at 7pm.

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