Didmon must wait for 100th win as Grizzlies go down in Nanaimo

Victoria Grizzlies general manager and head coach Craig Didmon went searching for his 100th B.C. Hockey League win on Saturday night in Nanaimo, but the Clippers weren’t in a giving mood.

Not after getting hammered 9-1 the night before by the Powell River Kings.

The Clippers took out their frustrations on the Grizzlies, scoring twice in the first period and never looking back, defeating Victoria 5-2. Last season, the Grizzlies won seven of the eight regular-season games played between the two teams, but Nanaimo takes Game 1 this season.

The Clippers, who outshot the Grizzlies 34-21, got goals from VIJHL call-up Lucas Vanroboys, Parker Colley, Jake Harris, Jamie Collins and Vincent Millete.

Ethan Nother, with his third of the season, scored early in the second period for the Grizzlies. Captain Lucas Clark added a power-play marker in the third.

Shawn Parkinson made his first start of the season in goal for the Grizzlies, who fall to 2-2 on the year. Noah Featherstonhaugh Gowe picked up the win in goal for the Clippers, who improve their record to 3-1.

The Grizzlies return home to prepare for next weekend’s BCHL Showcase in Chilliwack. Victoria will take on Prince George at Prospera Centre on Saturday and Coquitlam on Sunday. The Grizzlies don’t play their home opener until Sept. 29, when the Vernon Vipers visit The Q Centre.