Austin Spiridakis scored a dramatic game winner on a third period penalty shot as the Bulldogs topped the Island Division-leading Victoria Grizzlies by a 2-1 score at the Alberni Valley Multiplex on Saturday night.
The game remained scoreless until late in the second period, when Bulldogs forward Mitch Deelstra scored on a breakaway, beating Victoria netminder Kyle Dumba with a nifty backhand deke that sent hundreds of teddy bears flying from the stands. But the Grizzlies replied quickly following a long teddy bear-related delay, as Ryan Nolan was sent in alone and scored high over the blocker on Bulldogs netminder John Hawthorne to knot the score at 1-1.
The teams traded chances in the third period until Spiridakis was brought down on a breakaway, and the rookie made no mistake on the ensuing penalty shot. All alone on Dumba, the 16-year old shot five hole and found the back of the net to put the hosts ahead.
Victoria had a number of late chances but Hawthorne made a series of big stops to preserve the win. He finished with 27 saves on the night. The Bulldogs outshot the Grizzlies 34-28.
The Bulldogs are back in action Sunday afternoon when the Nanaimo Clippers visit. Puck drop is set for 2:00 PM.
