The Alberni Valley Bulldogs opened the 22-23 BCHL season with a 3-2 shootout victory on Friday night at the Q Centre in front of 1371 fans.
The rookies led the way on Friday as both Raoul Boilard and Jax Wismer scored their 1st career goals. For Boilard, he was just getting started as the 16-year old freshman scored the lone goal of the shootout to deliver the victory.
Hobie Hedquist picked up right were he left off last season as he stopped all 5 Victoria shooters in the skills session to earn 2nd star honours on the night.
Alberni Valley was 1 for 4 with the man-advantage, and 1 for 1 on the penalty kill.
The game was scoreless after 20 minutes, and the Bulldogs led 2-1 after 40 minutes. The Grizzlies got the only goal of the 3rd period as Oliver Picard got his 2nd of the game to force OT.
The Bulldogs will next face the Cowichan Valley Capitals tomorrow night in Duncan. The Caps dropped a 2-1 decision to the West Kelowna Warriors tonight.
