Sweep! Clippers Take Series Against Trojans

by Alex and Jeremy Demoskoff

Like the Godfather part 2, the sequel surpassed the original as the Clippers ground out a thrilling 5-4 overtime victory in Saturday afternoon's rematch against the SAIT Trojans.

Fresh off a 4-0 victory the night before, Briercrest looked to get the sweep to climb towards home ice advantage with their playoff spot already clinched. Although matchups with SAIT are always intense and physical affairs, the Clippers looked like they were following Michael Corleone's advice: "Never hate your enemies. It clouds your judgment."

Down 2-0 early in the second period and with plenty of talk coming their way from the visitors, Briercrest kept their noses to the grindstone and started chipping away as goals from Alex Pellerin and Brandon Kelly closed the deficit to 3-2 going into the third.

Trey Doell tied things up moments after play resumed, and Caleb Grandfield and SAIT's Zach Cox traded goals as neither team was able to pull away in regulation. A timely backcheck by Halen Cordoni as well as several incredible glove saves by Dominik Tmej brought on overtime, where Jacob Arsenault picked the top corner to seal the 5-4 win.

Trey Doell and Dylan Schives were awarded player of the game honours.

"We're feeling pretty good," said Grandfield afterward. "Those were two big wins that we needed." 

Added Doell: "SAIT's a top team- we played simple, hard hockey and we didn't quit."

Briercrest wraps up their regular season next weekend on the road at Portage College, while SAIT will have their bye before playoffs begin.