Nanaimo Clippers Defeat Alberni Bulldogs 4/2 in Hockey Playoffs

by Barbara McPherson | March 12, 2010 at 05:18 pm

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Nanaimo Clippers junior hockey team defeated the Alberni Bulldogs 4/2 in the third game in a seven game series Thursday night in a home game. The second tier of playoffs in the Coastal Hockey Division saw the Nanaimo Clippers chalk up their second win of the series.

The Alberni Bulldogs bit first with an early goal in the first period. Their organized play and crisp passes looked like trouble for the Nanaimo Clippers. Nanaimo's team answered back late in the first period and led for the rest of the 60 minutes.

The play became more intense as the clock ticked down. Few penalties were called, but some were costly. Both Alberni Bulldogs and Nanaimo Clippers gave up goals on the power plays. Nanaimo was sitting out some top players due to injuries and it wouldn't be surprising to see more on the sidelines due to the rough play.

An interesting twist in the contest between the two BCHL hockey teams is the battle of the coaches. Nolan Graham, now coach for the Alberni Bulldogs, was assistant coach to the Nanaimo Clippers coach, Bill Bestwick, until last year. Under Nolan Graham the Bulldogs have climbed to top ranking in the BCHL coastal division.

Nanaimo Clippers Next Home Game

Saturday March 13 at the Frank Crane Arena against the Alberni Bulldogs.