(Image: Chaisson Creative)
The Alberni Valley Bulldogs delivered two very different performances over the March 20–21 weekend—opening with a dominant shutout before running into a high-powered response the following night.
Friday, March 20 — Bulldogs 8, Surrey 0
It was complete control from start to finish.
The Bulldogs wasted no time setting the tone, striking just 35 seconds in and never looking back. Kai Matthew – back in the lineup after injury and making an immediate impact, led the charge with a hat trick and four-point night, while Teague McAllister added a goal and two assists in a relentless offensive display.
Alberni Valley rolled through all three periods, scoring three in the first, two in the second, and three more in the third, showcasing depth throughout the lineup. Contributions came from up and down the roster, including goals from Jackson Lackas, Wyatt Black, Alex Payie and Roy Chung.
On the back end, Derik Brouillard was perfect, turning aside all 26 shots for the shutout.
Special teams and discipline told a big part of the story. The Bulldogs capitalized twice on the power play, while Surrey unraveled with a string of penalties, including a major and multiple misconducts late in the game—allowing Alberni Valley to dictate both the pace and tone throughout a one-sided contest.
Saturday, March 21 — Bulldogs 3, Chilliwack 6
The script flipped the next night.
Despite a strong start that saw the Bulldogs trade chances in a back-and-forth opening period, Chilliwack capitalized late to grab momentum heading into intermission with a 3–2 lead.
Goals from Kye Benoche and Wyatt Blace kept Alberni in it early, and Wyatt Davis pulled them back within one late in the second.
But discipline and special teams became the difference.
A five-minute major in the second period opened the door for Chilliwack to extend their lead, and they never looked back. The Bulldogs were unable to convert on their own chances, going 0-for-2 on the power play, while Chilliwack made theirs count.
Derek Brouillard faced a heavier workload in this one, stopping 28 shots, but the Bulldogs couldn’t generate enough offense in the third, managing just five shots in the final frame as the game slipped out of reach.
A split weekend ultimately reinforced both the promise and the pressure points for Alberni Valley. When their pace, structure, and scoring depth are firing—as seen Friday—they’re a difficult team to contain. But Saturday served as a reminder that discipline and execution in key moments will be just as critical as offensive firepower in the games ahead.
All eyes now turn to the final weekend of regular season play, as the Bulldogs return home for back-to-back games March 27 and 28 at the Dawg Pound with Fan Appreciation Weekend set to close out the schedule.
Reminder early bird season tickets sales end March 28th!
