For the final time in the regular season, The Alberni Valley Bulldogs (23-12-3-1) will face the Cowichan Valley Capitals (11-25-3-1). The game is presented by the Vancouver Canucks / Toyota Tundra Tour. Former Canuck “King” Richard Brodeur will be at the Multiplex tonight.
The Bulldogs head into this one coming off a 6-2 win last night over the Coquitlam Express, while the Caps had the night off.
These two clubs last saw each other on Wednesday night in Duncan where the Capitals pulled off a 5-3 win over the Bulldogs. Cowichan benefitted from a pair of short-handed goals in the game to stun the Bulldogs.
Despite the loss on Wednesday, the Bulldogs have a 6-2 advantage in the season series as the clubs play each other for the last time tonight. The Bulldogs have outscored the Caps 34-21 in the season series.
Cowichan Valley is a team desperate for wins to stay in the Coastal Conference playoff race. They owe the Bulldogs a thank you, as the Express are the team they hope to reel in and sneak into the playoffs. The trouble for the Caps is the fact that Coquitlam has played 4 less games and already are in the drivers seat. Another win over the Bulldogs, and a win over the Express on Sunday in Duncan would have the Caps feeling hopeful to say the least.
Watch for Hayden Dunford to get his very 1st start at the Dawg Pound tonight. Dunford has started against the Caps 3 twice before and has been nothing short of dominant. Dunford is 2-0-0-0 with a 0.44 GAA and a .975 save percentage. He made 19 saves on Jan 1st as he earned his 1st BCHL shutout.
Brandon Buhr has tormented the Caps so far in the season series. Buhr has 8 goals and 5 assists in 7 games head-to-head. Josh Zary, Stephen Castagna, Matthew Maltais and Josh Van Unen are also averaging at least a point per game head-to-head with Cowichan this season.
The Bulldogs players did a wonderful job of introducing their parents to the community last night and will no doubt look for a Parents Weekend sweep with their families in attendance.
As of this morning, approximately 100 remained available for sale. With the Vancouver Canucks / Toyota Tundra Tour in the house, along with the families, it’s expected to be a great night. Fans in attendance can check out the new 2022 Tundra, chat with Canucks Alumni Garry Bromley, and enter to win some tremendous prizes from the Canucks, including a signed jersey, game tickets, Canucks merchandise and possible a deluxe game experience for two in the Canucks Champion Club Suite.
