The Alberni Valley Bulldogs (14-15-2-1) look to make it 5 straight victories as they host the Langley Rivermen (10-19-2-1) in Coastal Conference action tonight at the Alberni Valley Multiplex. The game is presented by Boomerangs and puck drop is 7:00 pm.
The Bulldogs have looked like the club many expected them to be this season since returning from the Christmas break. The Bulldogs have points in 5 consecutive games and have opened 2023 with an increased focus too many areas of their game. The Rivermen are 4-5-1-0 in their past 10 games and are coming off a win over the Trail Smoke Eaters in their last game.
The Bulldogs and Rivermen each have a home win in the season series as the Bulldogs defeated Langley 7-4 back on October 10th, while Langley returned the favour with a 3-2 come from behind OT victory at the Lodge on December 17th. The Bulldogs haven’t lost in their past 5 regulation home games to Langley with a record of 4-0-1-0.
Hobie Hedquist finds himself on a roll for the Bulldogs of late. He’s 5-1-1 in his past 7 games with a .937 save percentage over that time. Hedquist, a finalist for BCHL goaltender of the year last season, is giving the Bulldogs a chance to win each night.
Speaking of being on a roll, Brandon Buhr seems to be settling back into life here in Port Alberni since rejoining the Bulldogs before the Christmas Break. Buhr was a force in a pair of wins last weekend and he posted 2 goals and 2 assists in the 2 games.
The Bulldogs received good news on multiple injury fronts this week, but the good news won’t help in the short term for David Sacco, Caden Trembley and Matt Kursonis. All 3 will remain out of the line-up for the weekend. The Bulldogs will have 20-year old goaltender Campbell Arnold back in the line-up after missing last week.
Tickets for tonight’s game can be purchased by CLICKING HERE
