By Malcom Cooke
The Nanaimo Clippers fell to the Alberni Valley Bulldogs 5-3 on Friday night. The Clippers traded goals with the Bulldogs late in the first period with goals from Carson Lesiuk and Cole Lonsdale leaving the game tied after one period. The Bulldogs pulled away in the second and didn't look back. James Lyver scored his first goal as a member of the Clippers in the second to cut the lead to 4-3. That would be as close as the Clippers would come.
The game opened with an electric start as Makio Van Tassel capitalized on an early Bulldogs turnover, nearly converting on a breakaway opportunity. Despite sustained pressure from Nanaimo, Alberni Valley goaltender Ryder Shea stood tall, turning away several quality scoring chances as the Clippers buzzed around the net. At the other end, Clippers' netminder Chazz Nixon responded in kind, matching Shea save for save to keep the game scoreless through the early stages. Midway through the period, the Clippers earned their first power play but were unable to convert it. Late in the frame, Nanaimo found themselves shorthanded, and the Bulldogs took advantage. Alberni Valley struck on the power play to open the scoring and take a 1-0 lead. Anthony Biakabutuka drew a penalty to give the Clippers a chance to respond with the man advantage. Carter Lesiuk capitalized, scoring from in tight to tie the game 1-1. With the momentum swinging, Cole Lonsdale dazzled the crowd by dancing around a Bulldogs defender and netting his 11th goal of the season to give Nanaimo a 2-1 lead. However, the Bulldogs answered immediately, finding the back of the net to even the score at 2-2. This flurry of scoring action took part in the final four minutes of the period.
The Bulldogs wasted no time regaining momentum in the second period, scoring just moments in on a crafty goal from behind the net to take a 3-2 lead. Minutes later, Alberni Valley struck again, extending their advantage to 4-2 and prompting the Clippers to make a goaltending change, with Otto Nuto replacing Chazz Nixon in the net. Despite the setback, the Clippers pushed back, generating a golden opportunity as Dylan Kinch and James Lyver broke in on a 2-on-0. However, Ryder Shea continued his stellar play, turning them aside to maintain the Bulldogs’ lead. Lyver wouldn’t be denied for long, though, as he scored shortly after to bring the Clippers within one, making it 4-3. The Clippers carried the play for much of the period, outshooting the Bulldogs 9-5, but the Bulldogs’ defence and Shea’s goaltending ensured they held onto their one-goal lead heading into the final frame.
The Clippers faced adversity early in the final frame when Julian Brown was sent to the box for high-sticking. Goaltender Otto Nuto stood tall during the penalty kill, making several key saves to keep the game within reach at 4-3. As the clock wound down, the Clippers mounted a late push, pressuring Alberni Valley with sustained offensive efforts. Despite their determination, the Bulldogs’ defence held firm, and Ryder Shea continued to frustrate the Clippers' attack. With the Clippers’ net empty in the final moments, Alberni Valley capitalized, scoring an insurance goal to secure a 5-3 victory.
The Bulldogs swept the three stars with Grayson Badger, Caden Trembley, and Zeke Nicholson earning the honours. FortisBC Energy Player of the Game went to James Lyver.
The Clippers are back in action on Saturday night when they face the Victoria Grizzlies. Tickets can be purchased at the Frank Crane box office on game day or at tickets.nanaimoclippers.com.
