Buccaneers Power Play Breaks Game Open in 5–1 Road Win Over Glacier Kings

Comox Valley, B.C. — January 9, 2026

The Nanaimo Buccaneers delivered one of their most complete road performances of the season Friday night, defeating the Comox Valley Glacier Kings 5–1 at the Comox Valley Sports Centre. Special teams proved decisive, as Nanaimo converted four power‑play goals, controlled shot volume, and steadily pulled away following a pivotal second‑period sequence.

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Game Summary

After a measured opening period, Nanaimo established early control and refused to give momentum back once they gained it. The Buccaneers finished the night 4‑for‑11 on the power play, outshot Comox Valley 54–34, and leaned on composed puck management to close out the win.

While Comox Valley briefly drew level in the second period, extended penalty trouble decisively swung both the flow and the scoreboard in Nanaimo’s favor.

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Scoring Breakdown

First Period

Nanaimo struck first late in the opening frame. At 16:50, Tristen Bailey opened the scoring on the power play, finishing a well‑worked sequence from Madden Cruickshank and Nate Barclay to give the Buccaneers a 1–0 lead heading into the intermission.

Second Period

Comox Valley answered at 6:24, when Leon Mikhalchuk converted on the power play off a setup from Cameron Collins, tying the game 1–1 and briefly shifting momentum toward the home side.

That momentum, however, was short‑lived.

Immediately following the tying goal, discipline became the defining factor. Cohen Kallin was assessed a five‑minute major for fighting along with a two‑minute instigator, creating a rare seven‑minute power play for Nanaimo after no offsetting penalties were issued. The extended advantage tilted the ice sharply, and the pressure compounded when Comox Valley incurred another penalty while shorthanded.

With the Glacier Kings down two men, Nate Barclay restored Nanaimo’s lead at 17:27 on the 5‑on‑3, finishing a quick‑moving sequence to make it 2–1. Just over a minute later, Nanaimo struck again on the ensuing 5‑on‑4, as Boston Cripps converted at 18:38 to give the Buccaneers a 3–1 cushion heading into the third.

Third Period

Nanaimo continued to dictate play, sealing the outcome midway through the final frame. Bailey struck again at 8:03 on the power play for his second of the night, extending the lead to 4–1. Lukas Needham capped the scoring at 18:05 with an empty‑net marker to close out the 5–1 final.

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By the Numbers

• Shots on Goal: Nanaimo 54, Comox Valley 34
• Power Plays: Nanaimo 4‑for‑11, Comox Valley 1‑for‑6
• Penalty Minutes: Nanaimo 14, Comox Valley 47

Consistent puck retrieval and sustained pressure allowed Nanaimo to generate repeated opportunities, particularly over long special‑teams stretches.

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Goaltending

Aaron Pichette turned aside 33 of 34 shots, delivering a steady performance that limited Comox Valley to a single power‑play marker. At the other end, Anthony Ganoung faced constant traffic, stopping 49 shots through 59:14 before the Buccaneers added the late empty‑net goal.

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Standout Performances

• Tristen Bailey (NAN): 2 goals, 1 assist
• Nate Barclay (NAN): 1 goal, 1 assist; key presence during extended power play
• Boston Cripps (NAN): Power‑play insurance goal
• Leon Mikhalchuk (COM): Lone goal for the Glacier Kings

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What It Means

The win further reinforces Nanaimo’s momentum and highlights their effectiveness on special teams, particularly in moments where discipline becomes the deciding factor. For Comox Valley, the result underscores the importance of staying structured following momentum swings, as extended penalty trouble proved too difficult to recover from.