By Shaelee Dombrowski
Chilliwack, B.C. – A midweek game at the Chilliwack Coliseum saw the Chilliwack Chiefs take on the Nanaimo Clippers for just the second time this season. The first matchup back in November saw the Chiefs secure the home ice win, which they looked to replicate on Wednesday night. Chilliwack’s lineup has seen some additions since their last home game on January 3rd and will see goaltender Vladislav Bryzgalov make his home ice debut with forward Koby Francis and defenceman Gabriel Anctil making their Chiefs and BCHL debuts.
The Chiefs had a strong first period. Nico Grabas opened the scoring at 8:12 with his team-leading 19th goal of the season. Reese Shaw and Arjun Bawa collected assists on Grabas’ goal. Just 30 seconds later, Jack Plandowski got his 18th of the season, from right out front, with assists from Boris Borin and Dustin Renas. Chilliwack ended the 1st period up 2-0.
Chilliwack scored their 3rd of the game with a goal from Boris Borin just 1:18 into the 2nd period as he patiently outwaited the Nanaimo defender, who went down in an attempt to block the shot. Nico Grabas and Jack Plandowski got the helpers on Boris’ goal. Less than a minute later, at 2:09, Nanaimo got its first of the game with a goal from Hayden Fechner, making it 3-1. Nanaimo was next to score at 10:20 with a power play goal from Charles Béland. The third period ended with Chilliwack up 3-2.
Nanaimo tied up the game just 0:29 into the 3rd period with an unassisted goal by Jack Rimmer. A power play goal by Nanaimo’s Caden Okovita at 4:51 put the Clippers in the lead for the first time this game at 4-3. Chilliwack’s Milan Mrsic tied the game back up at 4-4 with his 4th goal of the season after getting his own rebound after his first shot was blocked and putting it in the back of the net at 8:24. Easton Schlender and Luke Pilkington were credited with the assists on Mrsic’s goal. Neither team was able to close it out in the 3rd period, and extra time was needed to decide the game.
A hooking penalty by Nanaimo’s Tanner Bruender just 1:05 into the extra period gave Chilliwack the opportunity to secure the second point with the man advantage. Reese Shaw, in his first game back from injury, netted his 10th of the season on the power play at 2:15 to secure the Chiefs’ win. Nico Grabas and Boris Borin got the assists on the game-winning goal after some great passing to set Shaw up as he beat Nanaimo’s goalie, who was forced to stretch across the crease.
It was a successful Winter Beach Party night for the Chilliwack Chiefs as they ended the night with two points. The Chiefs are back at home this Saturday, January 24th, as they face off against the Langley Rivermen for the third time this month. Saturday’s game has a 6 PM puck drop and is the Chiefs’ Retro Night presented by Mark’s.
Photo credit: Darren Francis
