NANAIMO — The Clippers have only one loss in their last eight games and a big reason why is the goaltending of Chazz Nixon and Vladimir Nikitin.
Both goalies have a shutout in February, with Nixon playing his best hockey in Nanaimo and Nikitin yet to suffer a defeat this season.
Clippers coach and general manager Colin Birkas is excited to see the team rolling with a 10-2-1 record in 2025.
“You’ve got the defence core that we have and the size that we have and then those guys in net have been unreal. The goaltending has really stabilized since Christmas.”
Birkas believes the Clippers have two number one calibre goaltenders now.
“The addition of Vlad has been huge. Now we have two goalies pushing each other and we have a hungry fresh goalie in net every night. At the same time, we added six or seven new guys right around Christmas, so the team is playing a lot better in front of them.”
Nixon has been on a strong run with four goals against in his last three starts.
“My last three games has been my best stint throughout the year,” Nixon said. “Ever since getting back from Christmas it’s been a good reset for me. I feel in general like I’ve been a lot better and more consistent for the team.”
The one two punch with Nixon and Nikitin has brought the Clippers within two points of fifth place in the Coastal Conference standings.
Me and Vladdy are super tight,” Nixon explained. “It’s unreal having him. He’s a really hard worker and a super humble guy. Him and I have been a problem together for other teams. You see things from your game that would benefit him and I see things from his game that can benefit me.”
With 11 games remaining before the BCHL playoffs Nixon feels he still hasn’t reached his peak.
“I have another level. When I get into those big games that’s when I play well. For me to be at my peak rotating is definitely better but it depends on so many things. When you’ve got me and Vladdy you can go through both of us in to win a game.”
CLIP NOTES:
The Clippers have divisional games Feb. 21 and Feb. 22 at home to Alberni Valley and on the road in Victoria. Nanaimo enters the weekend two points back of both the Bulldogs and Coquitlam Express who sit fifth and sixth in the Coastal Division standings.
Forward Cole Lonsdale has scored in three straight games for the Clippers with five points in that span.
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