Nanaimo Clippers scored all the goals they needed in the first period en route to a 6-3 win over Powell River Kings on Friday, January 10.
The Clippers jumped out to a 2-0 lead 1:10 into the game, added a third goal midway through the first period and completed a dominating opening 20 minutes, during which they outshot the visiting Kings 14-3, with the eventual game winner on a power play 54 seconds before intermission.
Kings responded with a strong effort in the second period, outshooting the Clippers by a 19-7 margin and scoring the only goal, Wyatt Davis' fourth of the BC Hockey League (BCHL) season, which was set up by Jace Harder.
Goals five minutes apart by Niccolo Mansueto (assisted by Max Jelavic and Noah Samanski) and Jake Westhaver (from Brendan Giles) early in the third period brought the Kings to within one goal, but that was as close as they would get. Clippers restored a two-goal lead 55 seconds after the Westhaver marker, then added an empty-net goal with 15 seconds left in the game.
Final shot total was 34-32 in Powell River's favour. Attendance at Frank Crane Arena was 1,137.
Kings travel to Victoria to face the Grizzlies on Saturday, January 11. Game time is 6 pm.
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