On the heels of a three-game losing streak, the Nanaimo Clippers needed a top-notch effort to turn their December fortunes around. And they got exactly that on Saturday night, topping the Alberni Valley Bulldogs 4-3 in overtime.
Eric Filiou's tally 24 seconds into the extra frame ended the game and capped a Clippers comeback. Captain Russell Goodman, who had earlier notch an assist on Nanaimo's opening goal, scored on the power-play midway through the third to knot the game at 3-3.
Zack Mazo contributed a pair of assists for the Bulldogs, who threw 37 shots in the direction of Clippers netminder Evan Smith. Colin Rundell stopped 27 shots in a losing effort.
Elsewhere around the Coastal Conference:
- The Cowichan Valley Capitals won their third consecutive game, topping Burnaby 5-3 on home ice. Alex Gellert and Chris Zaires each scored and assisted for the Caps, who received 39 saves from netminder Chris Rawlings.
- A 30-save effort from Anthony Grieco led Victoria to a 3-2 win over Powell River in a battle of the Island and Mainland division leaders. Cody Bremner led the Grizzlies with two points, while Chad Niddery and Erik Vos replied for the Kings.
- Three unanswered goals were the difference in a 4-2 Langley Chiefs win over visiting Surrey. Derek Grant scored and added two assists for the Chiefs, while Milos Gordic and Chris Ickert each recorded a pair of points.
Meanwhile, the Trail Smoke Eaters withstood a two-goal effort from Brodie Reid and defeated Penticton 3-2 in double overtime. Travis St. Denis scored the clinching goal for the Smokies, while Sean Nugent and Graeme Strukoff added the other markers for the home team.
Paul Barclay earned first star honours for Trail after allowing just two goals on 42 Vees shots, including a half-dozen in overtime.
In other Interior Conference action:
- The Salmon Arm Silverbacks scored early and often in a 10-0 win over Quesnel. Mark Zengerle and Ashford McMaster each scored four points for the home squad, while Tony Ierfino turned aside 19 Mills shots to record the shutout.
- Sean Ambrosie and Sam Muchalla each contributed a goal and an assist in Prince George's 5-1 win at Merritt. Jordan Soquila replied for the Centennials, who were outshot 45-38.
There are a trio of games on the BCHL schedule on Sunday, including:
- Quesnel at Vernon, 2:00 PM
- Langley at Burnaby, 2:30 PM
- Prince George at Salmon Arm, 4:00 PM
Catch all the action with BCHL Web TV or in streaming audio in the Fanzone.
