NANAIMO BC – A goal from Corey Cunningham and 42 saves from Jett Alexander was not enough as the Spruce Kings fell to the Nanaimo Clippers 2-1 on a Wednesday night at the Frank Crane Arena in Nanaimo.
In the opening frame at the 5:25 mark, Cole Leal got the puck at the point off the faceoff, took a shot towards the goal and it was tipped in by Corey Cunningham to give the Spruce Kings an early 1-0 lead. Leal was credited with the lone assist. Goaltender Jett Alexander made some big time saves late in the frame to keep the game at 1-0 after the opening frame.
In the second period, the Clippers were able to get one back. Robby Drazner and Sean Donaldson’s shot attempts were stopped by Alexander, but Steven Agriogianis got the last whack at it and made no mistake to tie the game at one. Nanaimo had the majority of chances in the second period, but again, it was Alexander who was solid all period. The game remained knotted up at ones after forty minutes.
In the third, PG began the period with forty seconds of power-play time, however, they were unable to covert. Preston Brodziak had a great opportunity getting a pass inside the blue line in all alone on goaltender Jordan Naylor. Brodziak put the puck through his legs, but Naylor made a sprawling save to keep it out. A few minutes later, a point shot from defenceman Mike Kennedy was redirected by Travis Walton that snuck its way past Alexander to give the Clippers a 2-1 lead. Prince George pressed after the marker but were unable to solve Naylor in the dying minutes. The Clippers were able to hold on and defeat the Spruce Kings 2-1.
Next up for the Spruce Kings are the Merritt Centennials Friday night, at the Nicola Valley Memorial Arena. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:00. You can catch all of the action on 93.1 CFIS FM or on HockeyTV. Pre-game will be at 6:45, with play by play coming at 7:00.
3 STARS
- Steven Agriogianis (1 Goal) (NAN)
- Jett Alexander (42 Saves) (PG)
- Jordan Naylor (38 Saves) (NAN)
FORTIS ENERGY PLAYER OF THE GAME : Tim Washe (NAN)
