The Alberni Valley Bulldogs always seemed to be playing catch up in Powell River on Friday night, twice bouncing back from one-goal deficits but ultimately dropping a 3-2 result to the Kings.
Ben Thomas opened the scoring when he rifled a centring pass over the shoulder of Cole Demers, but the Bulldogs replied with a Josh Zary power-play marker and the first period ended 1-1.
Ethan Schmunk restored the Kings’ lead six minutes into the second period, but it took only 15 seconds for Michael Hodge to put Alberni back on even terms after taking a feed from Evan Googins and beating Mitch Adamyk over his glove.
BCHL goals leader Ryan Bridgett gave Powell River the lead for good when he tipped home a point shot midway through the second. The Bulldogs had a number of chances but couldn’t beat Adamyk for another equalizer.
Demers was strong in goal for Alberni, stopping 27 shots on the night.
The Bulldogs will now travel to Cowichan Valley for their final road game of the season on Saturday before returning home to face the Kings on Sunday in their regular season finale.
