The Alberni Valley Bulldogs came close to coming all the way back from a three-goal deficit, but ultimately dropped a 6-5 decision to the Nanaimo Clippers on home ice Friday night.
Ryan Miotto and Dawson Tritt both scored in the first period to give the Bulldogs an early lead, but Nanaimo scored just 27 seconds into the second period and added three more goals in the frame. Josh Zary netted his first BCHL goal late in the period to draw the Bulldogs back within two.
Michael Hodge drew the Bulldogs within on less than six minutes into the third, but the Clippers restored their two-goal lead on a controversial play where it appeared a Nanaimo forward interfered with John Hawthorne in the Alberni crease. The goal stood but Grayson Valente replied for the Dogs, who pressed for an equalizer but couldn’t beat Jordan Naylor with the goalie pulled late in the game.
The Bulldogs are back in action on Sunday afternoon when the West Kelowna Warriors visit the Multiplex for a 2:00 PM faceoff.
