(Photo credit: Island Image Photography)
The Alberni Valley Bulldogs opened their Round One playoff series Friday night with a hard-fought 4-3 loss to the Nanaimo Clippers in Game 1 on the road.
The Bulldogs came out flying, striking early to set the tone. Just over three minutes into the game, Brandon Gill opened the scoring, finishing off a setup from Kai Matthew and Teague McAllister. Nanaimo responded soon after, but Alberni Valley continued to push.
Kai Matthew restored the Bulldogs’ lead midway through the first period, capitalizing on a feed from Gill and Caden Tremblay to give Alberni Valley a 2-1 advantage after 20 minutes.
The Bulldogs extended their lead early in the second period, as Jackson Lackas found the back of the net just 1:48 into the frame to make it 3-1. Nanaimo responded later in the period to cut the lead to 3-2, but Alberni Valley carried the one-goal advantage into the third.
In the final frame, the Clippers capitalized on a power play opportunity midway through the period to tie the game, before adding the go-ahead goal late in regulation to secure the 4-3 victory.
Despite the result, the Bulldogs generated strong offensive pressure, outshooting Nanaimo 33-31. Brandon Gill and Kai Matthew led the charge with a goal and an assist each, with Gill landing 2nd star honours.
Goaltender Derik Brouillard made 27 saves in a solid effort between the pipes.
The Bulldogs will look to bounce back in Game 2 as the series continues in Nanaimo, aiming to even the series before it shifts back to Alberni Valley.
