Alberni opens Exhibition Season with loss

The Alberni Valley Bulldogs opened their Exhibition season with a 6 – 2 loss against the Nanaimo Clippers Saturday August 26 at Weyerhauser Arena.

The game was played in front of over 1000 fans. 

The game was overshadowed by 103 penalty minutes between the two teams with Nanaimo taking 62 minutes and Alberni 41 minutes.  The teams were still adjusting to the new rules that the BCHL has taken from the NHL.

The Bulldogs 1st goal was scored by Brad Harding, assisted by Harry Zolnierczyk at 9:31 of the second period.

The Bulldogs 2nd goal was scored on the power play by Port Alberni?s Tyler Ruel, with assists going to Nathan Westover and Maury Edwards at 18:01 of the 3rd period.

Ryan Lafferty, who was recently acquired from the Wellington Dukes started in goal for the Bulldogs.  He looked strong and registered 15 saves from 17 shots.  Ryan played 29:31 minutes.  Partway through the second period, Dan Lewis entered and played to the end of the game.  Dan registered 15 saves off 19 Nanaimo shots.

During the third period an entertaining fight between ex Clipper Regan Smiley and former teammate Joe Bitz erupted.  Both exchanged strong punches before the linemen separated the two.  The fight was close but the decision has to go to Smiley.

Nanaimo?s goals were scored by Cody Danberg, Kyle Ostrow, Eric Belanger, Russell Goodman (2) & Brendan Mason.

The final shots on goal were 36 – 36.

The next game is versus the Cowichan Valley Capitals.  That game is at home at the Weyerhaeuser Multiplex on August 30 at 7PM.  Tickets are available at the Bulldogs Ticket office just outside the Multiplex.