(Image: Chaisson Creative)
The Alberni Valley Bulldogs dropped a 4–2 decision to the Langley Rivermen Friday night in Langley in a hard-fought Coastal Conference matchup.
Alberni Valley got off to a strong start, opening the scoring just 1:42 into the first period. Brandon Gill netted his 10th of the season, finishing off a play set up by Kye Benoche and Alex Payie to give the Bulldogs an early 1–0 lead.
Langley responded midway through the frame on the power play, as Sam Allaby capitalized to even the score at 1–1 heading into the first intermission.
The second period saw momentum swing back and forth. Jordan Geike gave the Rivermen their first lead of the night at 9:47, but the Bulldogs answered. Hugo Daniel buried his sixth of the season at 13:27, with Wyatt Davis picking up the assist, tying the game 2–2.
The Rivermen regained the lead just over two minutes later when Cale Colwell found the back of the net at 15:43, sending Langley into the third period ahead 3–2.
In the final frame, Alberni Valley pushed for the equalizer, generating nine shots and finishing the night with 34 overall. However, Langley goaltender Eric Young made 32 saves to secure the win. Zachary Benayon added an insurance marker at 7:51 of the third to extend the Rivermen lead to 4–2.
Despite the final score, there was no quit from Alberni Valley. Jack Hirshorn earned himself a third star for his performance in net, turning aside 32 of 36 shots and keeping the Bulldogs within striking distance throughout a physical contest that saw the Bulldogs kill off five Langley power plays.
The two teams won’t have to wait long for a rematch as the Bulldogs are right back at it tomorrow night, February 14th, when they face the Rivermen again in Langley. With emotions already running high and familiarity fresh, expect another intense battle as Alberni Valley looks to even the weekend series.
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