(image: Chaisson Creative)
The Alberni Valley Bulldogs are playoff bound.
Friday night’s thrilling 5–3 comeback victory over the Victoria Grizzlies not only showcased the Bulldogs’ resilience — it officially clinched their spot in the postseason.
Trailing 3–2 after 40 minutes, Alberni Valley exploded for three unanswered goals in the third period, outshooting Victoria 18–10 in the final frame and 39–28 overall to secure the milestone win on home ice.
Victoria opened the scoring at 10:02 of the first, as Maddux Martin found the back of the net to give the visitors a 1–0 lead. The Bulldogs generated chances and held an 8–7 edge in shots but couldn’t break through in the opening 20 minutes.
The Bulldogs responded early in the middle frame. Just 2:03 in, Wassim Rabbath buried his first of the season off a setup from Hugo Daniel and Wyatt Blace to even the game at 1–1.
Victoria answered at 5:23 to retake the lead, but the Bulldogs capitalized on the power play at 8:02 when Kye Benoche ripped home his 19th of the year, assisted by Kai Matthew and Brandon Gill, tying the game once again.
The Grizzlies grabbed a 3–2 advantage late in the period on Martin’s second of the night, sending Alberni Valley into the intermission needing a push.
The Bulldogs delivered when it mattered most.
At 4:06 of the third, Wyatt Davis (14) evened the score, finishing a play from Caden Tremblay (20) and Benoche (22) to set the stage for a dramatic finish.
With the clock winding down and the building buzzing, Grady Magner netted the eventual game-winner at 18:19, converting a feed from Kai Matthew and Hugo Daniel to send the crowd into celebration mode.
Roy Chung sealed both the game — and the playoff berth — with an empty-net goal at 19:31.
Derik Brouillard turned aside 25 of 28 shots to earn the victory, while Victoria’s Mikus Vecvanags made 34 saves in defeat.
Alberni Valley went 1-for-2 on the power play and held Victoria scoreless on two opportunities.
Magner (1G), Benoche (1G, 1A), and Martin (2G) were named the game’s three stars, while Ryan George earned FortisBC Energy Player of the Game honours.
With the comeback win, the Bulldogs punched their ticket to the playoffs in dramatic fashion — a statement victory fueled by depth, discipline, and a relentless third-period surge.
What a way to start Bulldogs Parents Weekend! Next game at the Dawg Pound is this Sunday February 22nd with a 4pm puck drop.
