September 5th, 2025 Recap
The Nanaimo Clippers kicked off their 2025-26 preseason with a dominant 5-2 victory over the Victoria Grizzlies at Frank Crane Arena. The Clippers came out strong, taking an early 2-0 lead in the first period, with goals from Elliot Perreault and Charles Beland. Beland added another in the second, while Owen Davies extended the lead to 4-1 in the third. Despite a late push from Victoria, which saw them cut the deficit to 4-2, Nanaimo sealed the win with an empty-net goal from Justin Collins. The game also saw its share of physicality, with both teams exchanging rough play and penalties throughout.
The Nanaimo Clippers came out flying in front of their home crowd, piling on early pressure and registering 10 shots in the opening minutes. A net-front scuffle led to coincidental minors, and shortly after, the Victoria Grizzlies found themselves shorthanded again, handing the Clippers a 4-on-3 power play. Nanaimo capitalized midway through the frame, with Elliot Perreault breaking the deadlock. Just under four minutes later, Charles Beland doubled the Clippers’ lead, finishing off a strong offensive sequence to make it 2-0. The momentum stayed with Nanaimo as back-to-back penalties from Victoria gave the home side an extended 5-on-3 opportunity. Despite the prime chances, the Clippers couldn’t extend their lead further. After 20 minutes, Nanaimo held a 2-0 advantage and led in shots by a margin of 18-11.
The intensity picked up in the second period, sparked by a spirited dust-up between Nanaimo’s Harrison Boldt and Victoria’s Tayjon Street, which had the crowd buzzing. The energy quickly shifted to the penalty kill, as the Clippers were whistled for interference, but they successfully killed off the penalty to keep the 2-0 lead intact. Six minutes into the period, Charles Beland put the Clippers up 3-0, capitalizing on a chaotic net-front scramble. The goal was briefly reviewed for potential interference but was ultimately upheld. The Grizzlies thought they had responded with a goal of their own shortly after, but their tally was waved off due to goalie interference. Victoria did manage to break through late in the period, finally getting on the board to cut the deficit to 3-1 as the teams headed into the intermission.
The third period was marked by a noticeable increase in physicality, with tempers flaring early. Callas Pierce of the Clippers drew a cross-checking penalty, prompting Mitch Patrick to step in and defend his teammate. However, Patrick’s response resulted in a roughing penalty, giving Victoria a chance to capitalize. Nanaimo stood firm, killing off the penalty without incident. Shortly after, Owen Davies made it a 4-1 game, scoring a crucial goal to put the Clippers up by three. The rough play continued, leading to more coincidental minors as both teams exchanged physical blows. The Clippers were handed another power-play opportunity after Tayjon Street viciously slashed a Nanaimo skater in front of Victoria’s net. However, despite the man advantage, the Clippers were unable to add to their lead. With 8 minutes remaining, the Grizzlies trimmed the lead to 4-2, keeping the game within reach. But Justin Collins sealed the win for Nanaimo with an empty-net goal in the final moments, securing a 5-2 victory. The Clippers held on to their lead throughout, with a final shot count of 41-27 in their favor.
The Clippers second line swept the 3 stars of the game. Charles Beland, Elliot Perreault, and Mitchell Patrick took home first, second, and third star. ForitsBC Energy Player of the Game was given to Harrison Boldt for his spirited tilt.
The Clippers are in action again on Saturday when they face the Powell River Kings. Tickets can be purchased at tickets.nanaimoclippers.com or the Frank Crane box office on gameday.
-Malcolm Cooke
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