(Photo: Cherie Morgan Photography)
The Alberni Valley Bulldogs dropped Game 2 of the BCHL Championship series on Saturday night in Penticton by a 4-3 score.
With 6:45 remaining in regulation time, the Bulldogs appeared to have netted the goal they needed to bring the game back to even at 4-4. The call on the ice was no goal and after the officials gathered to review on the SOEC’s video review system it became apparent that something wasn’t working based on the time it was taking the officials to reach a decision. When it was all said and done, the Bulldogs were informed the replay system malfunctioned and that the call on the ice stood. The score remained 4-3 Penticton and that was the way the game finished.
“For our organization to be told that the replay system simply didn’t work is a very tough pill to swallow” said Bulldogs president David Michaud. “There were numerous replays throughout the first 2 games, some went for us, and some went against us, that’s hockey. To be told, when we felt we needed the system the most to uphold our belief that we had tied the game that it just didn’t work doesn’t sit well with me.” Michaud continued.
As of Monday at Noon, the BCHL League Office hasn’t made a comment on the incident. “I wish someone would just take responsibility and own up to the mistake and tell us it’s been fixed” said Michaud. “Our players have worked extremely hard to reach the biggest stage in our league, and for something like this, completely out of their control to impact their chances of success is a very hard pill for our organization to swallow.”
The BCHL uses Sporfie as it’s replay review provider. Sporfie works with other leagues such as the AHL and ECHL. The Bulldogs planned on adding replay to the Alberni Valley Multiplex for the 23-24 BCHL season.
Brandon Buhr (8th), Ethan Bono (9th), and Nicholas Beneteau (8th) all scored for the Bulldogs. Campbell Arnold made 34 saves in goal as the Vees outshot the Bulldogs 38-19 on the night.
Game 3 of the BCHL Fred Page Cup Final goes tomorrow night at the Alberni Valley Multiplex. The game is sold out. Doors open at 6pm and puck drop is scheduled for 7:00 pm.
