With the exception of the first minute, and the last minute, it was a great effort that fell short for the Alberni Valley Bulldogs in a 2-1 loss to the Cranbrook Bucks in front of 1257 fans at the Alberni Valley Multiplex.
The Bucks struck early and late. Jack Silich scored his 11th of the year just :30 seconds into the first and Donovan Frias got the game winner with just :54 seconds remaining in the game to give the Bucks the win.
Will Elger scored his 3rd of the year at 4:09 of the 3rd period to pull the Bulldogs even and get the crowd back into the contest.
Campbell Arnold made his BCHL debut in goal after joining the Bulldogs from the Victoria Royals of the WHL. In his first start in a month, Arnold earned 1st Star honours as he stopped 29 of 31 shots.
The loss drops the Bulldogs to 7-7-1-0 on the year, while the Bucks improved 8-5-1-0 with the victory.
Up next for the Bulldogs is a home and home set with their Island rivals from Nanaimo. The Bulldogs are on the road Friday, and return home on Saturday. Puck drop is 7:00 pm.
