PORT ALBERNI- The Alberni Valley Bulldogs season is over after a heartbreaking loss to the Nanaimo Clippers in Game 4 of the Island Division Semi-Finals.
The Bulldogs came out flying in the first period with a number of great scoring chances but couldn’t solve Clippers goaltender Jordan Naylor. The game would remain scoreless after the first. Shots were 11-10 for the Clippers.
The Bulldogs would pounce on the Clippers in the second period to take a 1-0 lead. Mattias Dal Monte would walk in from the the blue line and rifle home his first as a Bulldog at the 6:01 mark. Tommy Bannister and Mitch Deelstra picked up the assists.
The Bulldogs would hold lead until 33 seconds to go in the period when the Clippers would strike to tie the game at 1-1. The Bulldogs out shot the Clippers 16-10 in the middle frame.
In the third, the Clippers would score four minutes into the period to grab a 2-1 lead. Despite a frantic effort by the Bulldogs late in the game, the Clippers would hold on for the 2-1 and take the series in 4 games over the Bulldogs.
Luke Pearson turned away 36 shots in the loss.
A big thank you to the City of Port Alberni for making the Dawg Pound loud all season long.
