The Lions have their work cut out for them when the best-of-seven series resumes tomorrow, Friday, in the Université Saint-Anne Arena. The game begins at 8:15 p.m., and game 4 goes Saturday at 7:45 p.m.
On Sunday in Chester, the Clippers scored seven unanswered goals in the second period on their way to a 10-2 shellacking of the Lions.
Justin Norris, Corey Young and Alex Armstrong each scored twice, with singles coming from Brandon Snow, Jack Strowbridge, Josh Shatford and Jona Gould.
The Clippers outshot the Lions 39-28, with goalie Olafr Schmidt getting the win for the Clippers.
Lions’ goals were scored by Dylan Saulnier and Rejean Deveau, while Nick Comeau got the loss between the pipes.
Sunday’s afternoon loss followed a 5-1 drubbing the previous night, also in Chester.
The Clippers took charge of the game early and held the Lions off the scoreboard until the third period when Jean Marc d’Entremont scored on a power play.
The Clippers, who won the Central Division after going undefeated through the season, got a pair of goals from Corey Young, and singles from Brock Hamilton, Brandon Snow and Wes Beaton.
Nick Comeau took the loss in goal for the Lions, allowing the five goals on 32 shots, while the Clippers’ Ben Bailey turned away all but one of the 20 shots he faced.
Games five, six and seven—if necessary—are scheduled for Bedford, Yarmouth and Bedford.
Clare and Chester met last season for the West Division championship in a tightly contested series eventually won by Chester.
The Clippers switched this year to the Central Division, and were undefeated in the regular season.
The Junior C Hockey League awards were handed out March 13 with the Clippers picking up most of the hardware. Brandon Snow was named the league’s leading scorer as well as the most sportsmanlike player. League MVP honors went to Justin Norris, while top defenseman was Mathieu Bourgeois, and top goaltender was Olafr Schmidt.
Fundy Phantoms received two awards: rookie of the year Nathan Letcher and coach of the year Chris Sprague. Avon River Rats picked up executive of the year.
Clare Lions earned the Justin Kenney trophy for winning the Western Division championship.
