(Photo: Garrett James)
The Alberni Valley Bulldogs jumped out of the gates with an early 2-0 lead just over 5 minutes into the 1st period. Unfortunately for the Bulldogs it was the Express from there in a 5-3 loss.
The Bulldogs are quickly running out of time to control their own destiny in regards to clinching the top seed in the Coastal Conference heading into the BCHL playoffs which begin April 1st at the Multiplex. The Bulldogs head to Langley tonight to take on the Rivermen in their final game of the regular season.
Leading 2-0 after the 1st period, a 4 goal 2nd period was the Bulldogs ultimate undoing against the Express. Coquitlam entered the game red-hot and didn’t let the early 2-0 hole get to them. The Bulldogs were 24-1 when scoring 1st. They are now 24-2.
Scoring for the Bulldogs were Ethan Bono (16), Stephen Castagna (20), and Brandon Buhr (22).
The Bulldogs outshot the Express 41-29 in the game. Carter Woodside was sharp in goal for Coquitlam as he made 39 saves. Hobie Hedquist took the loss stopping 24 of 29.
The back to back losses mark the 1st time since November 13th to 18th that the Bulldogs have dropped back to back games in regulation.
Tonight the Bulldogs have their 3rd chance to close out the conference when they take on the Rivermen. The Bulldogs will also be doing some scoreboard watching as the Clippers face Cowichan Valley tonight and the Express tomorrow in Nanaimo.
