Forward Joey Brehmer broke a 1-1 third period draw for the eventual winner as the visiting Victoria Grizzlies got past the Alberni Valley Bulldogs 3-1 Saturday night, spoiling their 25th home opener.
“We had our chances, we just didn’t convert on them, but I’m still impressed with this group,” said Alberni Valley Head Coach and GM Joe Martin,
“It was a good hockey game, and both goalies were great tonight. It’s unfortunate we didn’t get the win, but it’s a very good opening weekend.”
Netminder Mikus Vecvanags earned the victory and number 1 star honours kicking out 31 of 32 attempts, while Derik Brouillard turned aside 23 of 25 in the loss and his first appearance of the season.
Forward Leim Smith had tied the game for the Bulldogs in the middle frame with the man advantage, after Michael Dowdal scored an early first period goal that had gone to review. William Leonard sealed it with an empty netter. Levi Eiter chipped in with a pair of assists for the Grizzlies.
Both clubs went 1 for 3 on the power play.
There was no update post game on the condition of Bulldogs forward Gleb Semenov, who left the game following an awkward collision.
“We will probably know more by early next week.” said Martin.
Alberni Valley falls to 1-1 on the season, while Victoria improves to 2-0.
Up next is a week of practice and single home date on Saturday September 26th against Surrey at 6pm – who will have played the night before.
“It’s long week of practice, 5 days in a row with only the Saturday game. There will be some things in there that we can clean up a little bit and at the same time making sure that come Saturday, we have to be as fresh as possible, so be so that we can get this going the right way here at home.” assured Martin.
Scoring Summary:
Victoria Grizzlies 3 at Alberni Valley Bulldogs 1 – Status: Final
Saturday, September 19, 2026 – Alberni Valley Multiplex
Victoria 1 0 2 – 3
Alberni Valley 0 1 0 – 1
1st Period-
1, Victoria, Dowdall 1 (Eiter, Hendry), 3:01.
Penalties-Dowdall Vic (roughing), 3:01; Anund Av (roughing), 3:01; Adamyan Av (interference), 5:52; Rutkis Av (boarding), 14:52.
2nd Period-
2, Alberni Valley, Smith 1 (DeFeo, Litterick), 9:32.
Penalties-Poe Vic (tripping), 8:49.
3rd Period-
3, Victoria, Brehmer 2 (Molde, Roy), 7:37 (PP).
4, Victoria, Leonard 1 (Eiter), 19:40 (EN).
Penalties-Poe Vic (slashing), 3:08; DeFeo Av (high-sticking (minor only)), 7:03; Brehmer Vic (slashing), 9:46.
Shots on Goal-
Victoria 6-8-12-26.
Alberni Valley 6-10-16-32.
Power Play Opportunities-
Victoria 1 / 3;
Alberni Valley 1 / 3.
Goalies-
Victoria, Vecvanags 2-0-0-0 (32 shots-31 saves).
Alberni Valley, Brouillard 0-1-0-0 (25 shots-23 saves).
A-1,542
Referees-Steve Brown (12), Matt Caillet (79).
Linesmen-Marko Casavant (53), Isaac McDonald (73).
