Post Game Recap – Jan. 31st, 2026
The Nanaimo Clippers picked up a 5-3 victory over the Coquitlam Express on Pride Night at Frank Crane Arena. The game saw an energetic start, with Caden Okovita opening the scoring for the Clippers before Elliot Perreault quickly doubled the lead. Coquitlam responded late in the first period, scoring twice to close the gap to 3-2 heading into the break. The Clippers had a chance to extend their lead in the second period but struggled on the power play, while the penalty kill generated offense of its own with a shorthanded goal from Tanner Bruender. The game became more physical in the second, with Charles Beland’s scrap with James Odyniec sparking both teams. In the third, Jack Rimmer netted his 15th goal of the season to make it 4-2, and while Coquitlam pulled one back late, the Clippers held on for the win.
The Clippers earned an early power play after former Clipper and current Express forward Carson Lesiuk was called for slashing, but Nanaimo was unable to capitalize with the man advantage. Midway through the opening period, Caden Okovita opened the scoring with his second goal as a member of the Clippers. Just over a minute later, Elliot Perreault redirected a shot from Finn Kallay to give the home side a 2-0 lead. Late in the first, the Clippers took their first penalty of the night, and Coquitlam made it count. After an initial shot rang off the post, the Express buried the rebound to get on the board. With less than 10 seconds remaining in the period, Coquitlam struck again to cut the lead to 3-2 heading into the intermission. As the buzzer sounded, the Express were assessed their second penalty of the game, setting Nanaimo up to start the second period on the power play.
The Clippers’ power play struggled to find its rhythm coming out of the intermission, and the opportunity expired without a goal. Shortly after returning to full strength, Nanaimo was whistled for too many men on the ice, sending Coquitlam to the power play. The Clippers’ penalty kill answered in a big way. Not only did they shut down the Express, they generated offense of their own. Tanner Bruender finished off a shorthanded two-on-one, burying a crisp pass from Jack Rimmer to extend the lead. Moments later, the Frank erupted after Charles Beland was hit hard in the offensive zone. The play sparked a fight between Beland and Express defender James Odyniec, resulting in an instigator penalty to Beland and his ejection from the game. Nanaimo made quick work of the ensuing penalty, killing it off with ease. Late in the period, Hayden Fechner was sent in alone on a breakaway after a seeing-eye pass from Blake Jones, adding another dangerous scoring chance as the Clippers pushed the pace heading toward the third.
The Clippers earned their third power play early in the third period but were unable to add to their lead. Coincidental minors later in the frame led to extended four-on-four action, though neither side could find the back of the net. Just over eight minutes into the period, Jack Rimmer capped off a high-energy shift by scoring his 15th goal of the season, giving Nanaimo some breathing room. Coquitlam responded late with a goal of their own to make it 5-3, but the Clippers held firm down the stretch to close out the win.
Three Stars of the Game
1st Star: Jack Rimmer – With a goal and two assists, Rimmer was a driving force in the Clippers’ victory.
2nd Star: Elliot Perreault – Perreault was instrumental in the Clippers’ early offense, scoring twice in the first period.
3rd Star: Caden Okovita – Okovita opened the scoring with his second goal as a Clipper and provided a spark to the team in the first period.
Fortis BC Energy Player of the Game
Charles Beland – Beland was recognized for his fiery presence on the ice, especially after a hard hit in the offensive zone that led to a spirited scrap.
-Malcolm Cooke
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