The Alberni Valley Bulldogs defeated the Chilliwack Chiefs 3-1 on Friday night to open the Coastal Conference Semifinals on the right note. With the win, the Bulldogs snap the Chiefs 4 game playoff winning streak and now lead the best of 7 series 1-0.
The Bulldogs got goals from some likely sources, and an unlikely one too! That’s usually a nice recipe for playoff success.
Hayden Stavroff (6th), Matt Kursonis (2nd), and Ryan Buckley (1st) all scored in the win. Grayson Badger chipped in with a pair of assists, while Stavroff also added a helper on the Buckley goal.
Leading 2-1 after 40, the Buckley iced the game early in the 3rd for the Bulldogs as Chiefs goaltender Austin McNicholas couldn’t handle a heavy shot from Stavroff and Buckley was Johnny on the spot to put it home just 41 seconds into the 3rd. The goal certainly sucked the life out of the Chiefs.
The Bulldogs were 0 for 2 with the man-advantage while the Chiefs were 0 for 1.
For the 3rd straight game, Callum Tung was named the games 1st Star. That’s no small feat considering 2 of the 3 games were in hostile territory. Tung won his 3rd straight playoff game as he stopped 29 of 30 against the Chiefs. In his past 3 games, Tung has stopped 107 of his past 110 shots directed his way, good for a casual .972 save % in those contests.
Game 2 is set for tomorrow night at 7pm. The scene shifts back to Port Alberni for games 3 & 4 this coming Tuesday and Wednesday. The box office is open 10am to 5pm tomorrow, or you can buy your tickets online.
