Post Game Recap – Mar. 14th, 2026

The Nanaimo Clippers put on an offensive display at home, defeating the Coquitlam Express 8–3. Before puck drop, the team honoured their billet families in a pre-game ceremony recognizing the important role they play in supporting the players throughout the season. Nanaimo jumped on the scoreboard early and never looked back, building a commanding lead in the first period. Despite a brief pushback from Coquitlam in the middle frame, the Clippers continued to capitalize on their chances and control the pace of the game. Jack Rimmer led the way with a pair of goals, while contributions came from across the lineup as Nanaimo secured the win in front of their home crowd.

The Clippers wasted no time getting on the board as Hayden Fechner scored just one minute into the game to give Nanaimo an early 1–0 lead. Shortly after the goal, Charles Beland was sent to the penalty box, and Coquitlam capitalized on the power play to even the game at 1–1. Nanaimo responded with a pair of power play opportunities of their own following the Coquitlam goal, converting on the second chance when Beland made up for his earlier penalty by restoring the Clippers’ lead.
Momentum continued to swing Nanaimo’s way later in the period during 4-on-4 action when Will Subject broke in on a partial breakaway and was hauled down from behind, earning a penalty shot. Subject made no mistake, slowing his approach before wiring a shot past the goaltender to make it 3–1. The Clippers kept their foot on the gas, as Jack Rimmer scored shortly afterward to extend the lead to 4–1 through the opening 20 minutes.

Coquitlam made a goaltending change to start the second period after Nanaimo’s four-goal outburst in the opening frame. The Express appeared frustrated early, taking several penalties as tempers began to flare. In the middle of the chippy play, Coquitlam managed to strike and cut Nanaimo’s lead in half, bringing the score to 4–2.
The Clippers answered back before the period was out, as Jack Rimmer scored his second goal of the night to restore Nanaimo’s three-goal advantage. The physical play continued late in the frame, with more post-whistle scrums leading to coincidental penalties. As a result, the final two minutes of the period were played at 4-on-4, with Nanaimo set to begin the third period on the power play.

Nanaimo was unable to convert on the carryover power play to start the third but continued to generate chances. The Clippers were handed two more opportunities shortly afterward as Coquitlam took penalties in quick succession. Tanner Bruender finished off a beautiful tic-tac-toe passing play to extend the lead.
The Express nearly found a response after a giveaway in the Nanaimo defensive zone, but the shot rang off the post. Later in the period, Landon Pappas streaked down the half wall and wired home a goal to make it 7–2. Coquitlam added a late tally, but Elliot Perreault quickly answered to seal an 8–3 Nanaimo victory on home ice.

Jack Rimmer, Tanner Bruender, and Will Subject earned the three stars of the game. FortisBC Energy Player of the Game was given to Patrick Fortune.

The Clippers are back in action next weekend for the final home stand before the playoffs. Tickets can be purchased at nanaimoclippers.com or the Frank Crane box office on game day.

-Malcolm Cooke

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