(Image: Chaisson Creative)
In a must-win Game 4 against the Nanaimo Clippers, the Bulldogs erupted for four goals in the final frame—including three in a span of just over four minutes—to secure a 5-2 victory and keep their playoff push alive.
Nanaimo opened the scoring with a goal by Hayden Fechner in a fast paced first period, with both teams generating chances and setting a strong playoff tone early. After a back-and-forth opening 40 minutes, Alberni Valley broke through in the second period on the power play, as Grady Magner finished a setup from Kye Benoche to even the score at 1-1 heading into the third.
Early in the final frame, the Clippers regained the lead with Fechner’s second of the night, putting the Bulldogs in a 2-1 hole. But the response from Alberni Valley was immediate—and overwhelming.
At 7:16, Wyatt Blace, with an assist by Roy Chung, found the back of the net to tie the game. Midway through the period Teague McAllister gave Alberni Valley their go ahead goal with a set up by Blace, and the momentum only built from there. Just 34 seconds later, Kai Matthew buried another to cap off a dominant surge—three goals in 4:02—that brought the crowd to life and put the game firmly in Bulldogs control. Magner added his second of the night later in the period to seal the 5-2 final.
Benoche led the offence with three assists, while Magner’s two-goal performance and Blace’s goal and helper paced the attack.
In goal, Derik Brouillard was outstanding, turning aside 36 of 38 shots to earn first star honours and anchor the comeback victory.
Energy Player of the Game: Wyatt Blace
1st Star: Derik Brouillard
2nd Star: Grady Magner
3rd Star: Kye Benoche
With the win, the Bulldogs claw back in the series, fueled by a defining third period that could shift momentum heading into the next game.
Game 5 of the Playoffs is on the road in Nanaimo on Friday, April 10th.
