The Alberni Valley Bulldogs defeated the Powell River Kings in front of one of the biggest crowds of the season at the Alberni Valley Multiplex on New Year’s Eve. The final score was 4-2.
The victory was the Bulldogs second consecutive win to close out 2022 and it gives them points in 3 straight games as they look to build momentum towards 2023.
The offence came from an unlikely source on Saturday as Tristan Taylor, typically a defenceman was moved up front to play forward after David Sacco was held out of the game due to injury. Taylor responded to the challenge by scoring his 1st and 2nd career BCHL goals in the win.
Also scoring for the Bulldogs were AJ Vasko with the game winner in the 3rd period, and captain Chase Klassen with the insurance marker as the clock expired on the game.
Hobie Hedquist earned the win in goal for the 2nd straight night as he stopped 27 shots. Hedquist was particularly strong late in the 3rd as Powell River pushed for the equalizer. Hedquist made a handful of acrobatic stops in quick succession to keep the Bulldogs in the lead.
The red- hot power play was cooled as they went 0 for 5 on the night, while the penalty kill was perfect on the weekend as it went 2 for 2 against Powell River.
The victory improves the Bulldogs record to 12-15-2-1 as they now prepare for another big weekend with a stop in Nanaimo Friday night, before they welcome the Wenatchee Wild to the Dawg Pound on Saturday night.
From the Bulldogs Organization, we’d like to wish all of our fans and supporters a very happy new year!
