With Groundhog Day recently passed, it’s somewhat fitting as the Alberni Valley Bulldogs (23-14-0-0) travel once again to Duncan to take on the Cowichan Valley Capitals (11-23-2-1) in BCHL Coastal Conference action at the Cowichan Community Centre.
One week ago, the Bulldogs defeated the Caps 4-3 to win their 5th straight game over Cowichan in the head-to-head season series. After opening the year with a 4-1 win over the Bulldogs on September 29th, it’s been all Bulldogs. During their 5 game winning streak over the Caps, the Bulldogs have outscored Cowichan by a 31-10 score.
Experts often call these games a “trap game”.
Winners of 5 straight games overall, and a juicy date with Surrey Eagles looming at the Dawg Pound tomorrow, the Bulldogs can ill-afford to look past a Capitals team that will be highly motivated to get a measure of revenge on the Bulldogs for how miserable they’ve made life for Cowichan this season. Points for the Bulldogs at this stage of the season is crucial, especially in games they “should” win.
The Bulldogs enter the weekend in 2nd place in the Coastal Conference standings. The Chilliwack Chiefs are hot on the Bulldogs heels, just a single point back, while the Nanaimo Clippers just 2 points back and the Victoria Grizzlies are 3 points back. Add it all up and 2nd-5th are TIGHT, and if the Bulldogs learned anything last year, home ice advantage come playoff time is crucial.
With 17 games remaining, there is a long way to go, however it’s worth pointing out that if the season ended today, these two clubs would hook up in the 1st round of the BCHL playoffs.
Coming off the Bulldogs 3-1 win over the West Kelowna Warriors last Saturday, it might have been the best effort of the season for the Bulldogs top to bottom. Callum Tung was outstanding as he held the leagues top offence to a single goal, and 20-year old Fischer O’Brien continued his hot-streak as had 1+2 in the win. O’Brien was named the BCHL’s first star of the week and has 9 points in his past 4 games.
As noted, the Bulldogs return home tomorrow for a big game against the Surrey Eagles. The box office will open Saturday morning at 10:00 am or you can skip the trip and buy your tickets online by CLICKING HERE
