The Alberni Valley Bulldogs survived a late push from the Grizzlies that included a penalty last minute penalty kill to hang on for a 4-3 win over the Victoria Grizzlies on Wednesday night at the Multiplex. The win was the Bulldogs 9th straight win on home ice.
The Bulldogs built up leads of 3-0 and 4-2, but the Grizzlies refused to go away as Ellis Rickwood pulled them to within a goal with under 5 minutes to play. Jeremy Fontaine took a double minor for high sticking with 1:45 remaining setting up the dramatics of a 6 on 4 advantage to close out the game.
Chase Klassen (5th), Finn Brown (14th), Ethan Leyer (9th) & Josh Zary (21st) all scored for the Bulldogs in the win.
Hobie Hedquist made 24 saves for his 24th win of the year in goal for the Bulldogs.
The win improved the Bulldogs record to 31-13-3-1 and thanks to some help from an old friend in Mirko Buttazzoni, the Bulldogs past the Langley Rivermen to retake 1st in the Coastal Conference. Up next for the Bulldogs is the big game against the Surrey Eagles with TSN in the house. Tickets are going fast and we are encouraging fans to grab their tickets early.
