By Malcom Cooke
The Nanaimo Clippers powered past the Powell River Kings with a 6-3 victory on Friday night, fueled by a dominant start and clutch third-period scoring. Nanaimo jumped to a quick 2-0 lead, forcing a goaltending change for Powell River. The Clippers would add two more goals for a 4-0 lead after one period of play. Despite a strong push from the Kings in the second and third periods, including cutting the deficit to one, Dylan Kinch’s late heroics and Chazz Nixon’s steady goaltending secured the win for the Clippers.
The Clippers stormed out of the gates, setting the tone just 30 seconds in when Cole Lonsdale redirected a point shot to open the scoring. Moments later, Chase Hull capitalized on an early opportunity, doubling the lead to 2-0 and forcing Powell River’s goaltender to the bench after allowing two goals on just three shots.
Despite back-to-back power-play opportunities following the goalie change, the Clippers couldn’t convert initially. However, their offensive onslaught continued, with Patrick Fortune extending the lead to 3-0 midway through the period. On their third power-play chance, Conner Deturris buried a well-placed shot to make it 4-0.
The Clippers dominated the opening frame, outshooting the Kings 14-3 and carrying a commanding lead into the intermission
The Clippers opened the second period with another power-play opportunity but were unable to add to their lead. Midway through the frame, they were tested on the penalty kill and successfully kept Powell River at bay. Goaltender Chazz Nixon stood tall throughout, making a string of key saves to preserve the shutout early in the period.
Powell River eventually broke through in the latter half, finding the back of the net to cut the deficit to 4-1. Late in the period, a penalty to the Clippers ensured they would start the third on the penalty kill.
The Kings found their footing in the second, outshooting the Clippers 19-7, but Nixon’s stellar play kept the game firmly in the Clippers’ control heading into the final frame
The final period began with four-on-four action after a high-sticking penalty sent a Powell River skater to the box. The Kings capitalized shortly after, cutting the Clippers' lead to 4-2. Momentum stayed with Powell River, as they struck again later in the period to make it a one-goal game at 4-3.
With the pressure mounting, Dylan Kinch delivered a crucial goal for Nanaimo, wiring a shot off an offensive zone face-off to restore a two-goal cushion at 5-3. Kinch later sealed the victory with an empty-net goal, securing a 6-3 win for the Clippers.
Despite Powell River’s push, Nanaimo held firm to claim the victory, powered by timely scoring and solid goaltending from Chazz Nixon.
Cole Lonsdale took home the first star of the game. Callas Pierce earned second star for his two-assist night. The third star went to Conner DeTurris. FortisBC Energy Player of the Game was given to Dylan Kinch.
The Clippers are back in action tonight January 11th when they travel down to Duncan to take on the Cowichan Valley Capitals. The Nanaimo Clippers next home game is after the All-Star Break on Wednesday, January 29th, 7 pm, against he Prince George Spruce Kings. Tickets can be purchased at the Frank Crane box office on game day or at tickets.nanaimoclippers.com.
