(Image credit: Kyle Robinson)
Alberni Valley Bulldogs 11 — Victoria Grizzlies 2
The Alberni Valley Bulldogs opened 2026 with a statement-making road win, cruising to an 11–2 victory over the Victoria Grizzlies in a high-powered offensive display. The Bulldogs were firing on all cylinders, scoring in bunches and showcasing depth across all lines.
From the opening puck drop, Alberni set the tone, striking early in the first period with two goals from Kye Benoche and one from Grady Magner, quickly putting Victoria on the back foot. The momentum carried into the second period, where the Bulldogs added five more goals from Teague McAllister, Wyatt Davis, Kye Benoche, Kai Matthew, and Samuel Leonard, consistently generating scoring chances and keeping the Grizzlies’ defense scrambling.
Victoria managed to get on the board twice, with goals from Artur Gross and Hunter Ashton, but their momentum was halted by a big penalty early in the second period. Victoria’s Vidar Blixt was assessed a five-minute major and game misconduct for an illegal check to the head of Charlie Vincent, giving the Bulldogs a significant power-play advantage that they capitalized on.
In the final 20 minutes, Alberni capped off the night with three additional goals from Kai Matthew, Brandon Gill, and newly acquired Ryan Small, who made an immediate impact in his first game with the Bulldogs, helping seal the commanding 11–2 win.
The Bulldogs never let up, combining relentless offense with tight defense and sharp goaltending. Jack Hirshorn was solid between the pipes, turning aside 21 of 23 shots, while Kye Benoche’s hat-trick and assist earned him first star of the game, Brandon Gill, with a goal and four assists, was named second star, and Kai Matthew earned third star honors. This dominant showing sets the tone for 2026, highlighting the team’s depth, skill, and chemistry, and giving fans plenty to cheer about.
The Bulldogs return home to the Dawg Pound on January 3rd for their first home game of the new year to take on the Surrey Eagles — fans won’t want to miss another high-energy showdown. Ticket office reopens Saturday at 10am.
