WILD CLIPPED BY NANAIMO
The Wenatchee Wild ventured west to kick off a three game road trip beginning with a visit to Frank Crane Arena to face the Nanaimo Clippers on Friday night. The Wild put up a strong fight but a late empty net goal for the Clippers cemented a 3-1 win for the home team.
The first period was fairly even with shots on goal narrowly favoring Nanaimo 9-8. The scoreless tie was broken on a Clippers power play goal in the final minute of the period. Goalie Andy Vlaha made a solid stop but the Clippers shoveled home the rebound and took a 1-0 lead into the locker room.
Wenatchee had two power play chances in the middle frame which helped them to a 9-5 shot advantage but the Clippers 1-0 lead stood through the first 40 minutes. Owen Bohn knotted the score at 1-1 with a power play strike at 7:48 of the third, finishing off a textbook crossing pass, assisted by Cade Littler and Landon Parker. Nanaimo reclaimed the lead midway through the final stanza on crossing pass wired home on a crisp one-timer. A late empty netter as the Wild opted for the extra attacker to try to tie game provided the final 3-1 margin. The Wild outshot the Clippers 29-21, which indicates both a solid defensive performance and good offensive zone pressure.
The Wild (2-5-4) continue the road swing Saturday at Victoria, and Langley on Sunday. Live coverage available on bchltv.com, NewsRadio 560 KPQ (Saturday 7:00 pm) and 1340 The Hawk (Sunday 2pm).
Follow the Wild on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Official website: wenatcheewildhockey.com
