The Alberni Valley Bulldogs pushed their season-high winning streak to 8 as they toppled the Victoria Grizzlies 7-3 on Saturday night at the Multiplex. The announced crowd of 1566 was the largest since Dec 11, 2016 when the Bulldogs played in front of 1611 fans.
It was a monster night for Dakota MacIntosh who notched his 2nd hat trick in his first 18 BCHL games. MacIntosh also added an assist for a 4 point night and 1st star honours. A trio of Bulldogs scored their 1st goals of the season in the win as Brady McIsaac, Mason Croucher and Owen Desilets all found the back of the net. Braden Blace (4th) added the other goal.
Hobie Hedquist made 34 saves for the victory, his 16th of the season and 44th of his BCHL career. The final shots favoured the Grizzlies 37-36.
The clubs entered the 3rd period all even at 3-3, before the Bulldogs exploded for 4 goals in the final frame to send the home crowd happy.
This was the last chance the Dawg Pound faithful will have to see the Bulldogs for some time as their next 5 games are all away from home. This week will provide a stiff test as they face Coquitlam, Langley, and Chilliwack in an always tough 3 games in 3 days.
The win moved the Bulldogs past the Grizzlies and into a 3-way tie for 3rd in the Coastal Conference with Coquitlam and Chilliwack. Coquitlam and the Chiefs square off tomorrow at 5:00 pm to break the stalemate. The Bulldogs are now 18-15-2-1 and improved to 11-6-0-1 on home ice. Tonight’s win was their 6th straight at home.
