By contributor Reid Eccles

The Nanaimo Clippers have the best power play in the British Columbia Hockey League (BCHL) when playing in front of a home crowd. With a success rate of 29.82 per cent at Frank Crane Arena, the Clippers boast the most effective home power play in the league.

The Clippers played seven home games in October and put on a special team’s clinic. They won six of seven, outscored opponents 21 to 12, and potted 12 power play goals—at least one per game.

The power play has become the driving force of the Clippers’ offense because of what it offers: open space for the Rempal-line to move the puck.

Every man advantage presents an opportunity for the top three Clipper forwards, Sheldon Rempal, Matt Hoover, and Devin Brosseau to cycle the puck with Yanni Kaldis on the point, who is second in defenseman scoring, and his 17 power play assists are the most in the BCHL. Once Rempal and Brosseau have room to skate, their chemistry becomes apparent. Their passing plays are on point, and with the addition of Hoover’s offensive prowess this year, the Rempal-line is even deadlier.

The Clippers’ league-leading 30 goals with a man advantage make up 38.5 per cent of the team’s total 79 goals. Rempal, Hoover, and Brosseau have tallied 21 of the Clippers’ 30 power play goals, which makes sense since the Clippers’ top line has scored over 50 per cent of the team’s total goals of the season.

Veteran sniper Rempal’s 19 goals make up 24.1 per cent of team scoring, centreman Hoover’s 15 goals make up 19 per cent, and Clippers captain Brosseau’s 11 goals make up 13.9 per cent. In total, the Clippers’ top three have combined for 57 per cent of the Clippers’ goals so far this season.

Zach Court, Chris Dodero, and Corey Renwick are tied at four goals apiece, making them the next highest scorers on the Clippers team.

Away games have been a different story. The Clippers are coming off a two-point road trip to start off November. They won one of five on the road and had next to no power play success, going five for 38 with a man advantage, a mere success rate of only 13.1 per cent.

While the Clippers are still ranked the third best power play with an overall success rate of 23.62 per cent, the road trip surely left their locker room sour.

Now the Clippers are back at the Frank Crane Arena for four games with memories of last month’s success. They’ll be looking to capitalize on every opposing infraction, and the Rempal-line will be looking to add to their point totals both on and off the power play.

There are two more chances to catch Clippers home games this month: Wednesday, November 18, and the following Friday, November 20.

Tickets for Clippers games can be purchased at the box office at Frank Crane Arena starting an hour before puck drop. Tickets are only $10 for VIU students, and a free beer is included with admission.