By Malcom Cooke
The Nanaimo Clippers fell 6-2 at home to the Cranbrook Bucks on Monday. Originally scheduled for Friday night, the game had to be delayed until Monday after a series of unfortunate events befell the Bucks. A broken-down bus and a power outage at The Frank gave way to a rare Monday night matchup. Despite outshooting the Bucks 40-31, the Clippers could not crack Bucks goalie Nathan Airey. The two Clipper goals came from Tyler Wishart and Kai Daniells.
The Clippers came out hot to start the first period. 2:25 into the game Pound Ridge, New York’s Tyler Wishart won a scramble in front of the net and potted his second goal of the season. The lead did not last long as less than thirty seconds later the Bucks scored off an offensive zone face-off to tie the game at 1-1. Halfway through the first, the Bucks would score again on a 2-on-1 to take a 2-1 lead. The Clippers managed 13 shots to Cranbrook’s 10 in the first, but the majority of play was spent in the Clippers' zone.
The Bucks added to their lead three minutes into the second period, making it 3-1. After fumbling the puck behind the net Nanaimo netminder Shane Shelest flashed the glove in front of the empty net to keep the game 3-1. Fan favourite Brody Waters managed to get under the Bucks' skin and draw a penalty. The Clippers' powerplay could not generate any offence. Midway in the second, Kai Daniells scored his team-leading 11th goal of the season to put the Clippers within one goal at 3-2. Nanaimo had another powerplay chance late in the second, but could not capitalize. Heading into the second intermission the score would remain 3-2.
The third period saw an onslaught of Clipper penalties. Six in total, including multiple 10-minute misconducts. The Bucks added to their lead early to make it 4-2. With a plethora of power-play chances, they added two more throughout the third to make it 6-2. A combination of over-aggressive play and not clearing the front of the net was the downfall of the Clippers on Monday.
The Bucks swept the three stars of the game. Brody Waters earned FortisBC Energy Player of the Game for his ferocious play in the losing effort.
The Clippers look to bounce back quickly from the loss. Playing again at home on Wednesday against the Cowichan Valley Capitals. Tickets can be purchased at Nanaimoclippers.com or the Frank Crane box office on game day.
