(image: Chaisson Creative)
The Alberni Valley Bulldogs wrapped up a two-game BCHL weekend with a strong response at home, earning a 7–3 win over the Cowichan Capitals on Saturday night at the Alberni Valley Multiplex, after dropping a 5–1 decision on the road Friday in Nanaimo.
Friday, January 30 – at Nanaimo Clippers
The Bulldogs opened the weekend in Nanaimo, where the Clippers jumped out early and capitalized on special teams to take control.
Nanaimo scored just 34 seconds into the game when Samuel Boisvert found the back of the net. Shortly after at 54 seconds, Clippers Hayden Fechner was awarded a penalty shot against Bulldogs’ Hirshorn, but was denied and the score remained 1-0. Nanaimo then added two more first-period goals from Charles Beland at 9:04 and Boisvert again on the power play at 11:24, building a 3-0 lead after 20 mins. The Clippers though extended the margin with two more goals in the second, chasing Bulldogs starter Jack Hirshorn midway through the period.
Alberni Valley showed pushback in the third and finally broke through at 9:39, when Kye Benoche (14) buried a feed from Grady Magner and Ryan George to spoil the shutout.
The Bulldogs finished with 22 shots, while Nanaimo went 2-for-5 on the power play, which proved to be the difference in the game.
Final Score: Nanaimo 5, Alberni Valley 1
Saturday, January 31 – vs Cowichan Capitals
Back on home ice, the Bulldogs bounced back in front of their fans with a dominant 7–3 win over the 1st place Cowichan Capitals.
Alberni Valley opened the scoring in the first period when Teague McAllister (13) scored shorthanded at 4:49, unassisted, before Kye Benoche (15) added another at 13:17, assisted by Ryan Small and Charlie Vincent, giving the Bulldogs a 2–1 lead after 20 minutes.
The second period saw the Bulldogs dominate and extend their advantage, with Samuel Léonard (7) scoring at 7:41, assisted by Wyatt Blace and Leim Smith, followed by Alex Payie (2) at 16:13, assisted by Ryan Small and Kye Benoche, stretching the lead to 4–1.
In the third period, Cowichans Gavin Nemis and Jack McAra found the back of the net for the Capitals but the Bulldogs put the game out of reach with three late goals. Samuel Léonard (8) scored at 16:42 unassisted, Wyatt Blace (7) netted one at 18:10, assisted by Leim Smith and Ryan Small, and Kye Benoche (16) finished the scoring at 18:59, unassisted, for the empty-net goal.
Goaltender Derik Brouillard, making his first full game appearance with the Bulldogs, stopped 33 of 36 shots, earning First Star honors. Kye Benoche was named FortisBC Energy Player of the Game with two goals and an assist, while Ryan Small added three assists and Samuel Léonard contributed two goals and an assist.
Final Score: Alberni Valley 7, Cowichan 3
Weekend Notes
- Record: 1–1
- Special Teams: Bulldogs went 0-for-5 on the power play over the weekend
- Goaltending Highlight: Brouillard stopped 38 of 41 shots across both appearances, making an impressive debut
- Three-Star Performers (Saturday): Brouillard, Leith Hunter, Ryan Small
