(Photo: Nanaimo Clippers)
The Alberni Valley Bulldogs (13-15-2-1) host the Wenatchee Wild (14-15-1-2) tonight at the Alberni Valley Multiplex. Puck Drop is 7:00 pm.
Alberni Valley will be looking for their 4th straight win of 2023 as they’re coming off and emotionally charged 4-2 win over the Nanaimo Clippers on Friday night at the Frank Crane Arena. The Clippers / Bulldogs rivalry seems to be reaching a fever pitch as the game saw a fight, and multiple ejections along with some beautiful goals from Matthew Maltais and Will Elger in particular. Hobie Hedquist was tremendous in goal again as he stopped 21 of 23 on the night, but was particularly solid in the 3rd period as he turned aside all 12 Clippers shots as they attempted to mount a comeback.
Wenatchee is coming off an impressive OT come from behind win in Powell River. Wenatchee trailed 5-1 after 40 minutes before staging a frantic comeback in the 3rd period. Cade Littler led the way with his 16th and 17th goals of the season. The Calgary Flames draft pick and Mankato commit is a player to watch tonight for Bulldogs fans.
Wenatchee is making their 1st visit to the Dawg Pound since October of 2019. The Wild are largely considered one of the top organization in all of junior hockey, and despite their sub .500 record, they will provide a stiff contest for the Bulldogs. The Bulldogs are 2-2-1-0 in the last five years head-to-head with the Wild including a win and loss here at the Multiplex.
The Bulldogs line-up got a big boost with the return of Matthew Maltais last night. The Nebraska-Omaha commit opened the scoring just minutes into his return. It was the first game since December 3rd for Maltais. Ethan Bono also snapped a point drought last night picking up an assist on the goal and seem reinvigorated playing alongside Maltais. Brandon Buhr joined the line and had his first multi-point game since returning to the club with a goal and an assist.
Tickets for tonights game can be purchased by visiting the Bulldogs Box office all day, or by CLICKING HERE.
