Grizzlies take over Island division lead with a 4-1 win in Nanaimo Wednesday.
The Victoria Grizzlies scored two second and third-period goals and knocked off the Nanaimo Clippers 4-1 Wednesday night.
The win improves the Grizzlies’ record to 10-6-1-0 for 21 points to take over sole possession of the Island division lead.
Victoria is one point ahead of the Powell River Kings, although the Kings hold three games in hand.
The contest was scoreless after one and the Clippers would open the scoring with a marker from David Melaragni for his third goal of the season.
The Grizzlies would respond with goals from Lach Hadley and Cole Noble, both with their first of the year.
Victoria would pad their lead in the final 20 minutes as Ethan Nother notched his eighth and Lucas Clark added his fifth, both on the power play.
The loss was the first in three games for Nanaimo and drops the Clippers’ record to 7-8-0-1 for 15 points, tied with Alberni Valley for third in the Island division.
The Grizzlies out-shot the Clippers 36-31. Zachary Rose earned the win in goal for Victoria, Taz Burman took the loss in the Clippers’ crease.
The Grizzlies went 2-for-3 with the man-advantage, while the Clippers were 0-for-1.
The next four games for the Grizzlies are at home, starting Saturday night against Chilliwack.
The Clippers will play back-to-back games in Powell River Friday and Saturday.
Andy Neal
