The Alberni Valley Bulldogs closed out their regular season home schedule at the Dawg Pound with a weekend that delivered everything—emotion, recognition, and a strong response on Fan Appreciation Night as the team now turns its attention toward the playoffs.
With Friday featuring graduating player recognition and Saturday highlighting player awards as part of Fan Appreciation Night, the Bulldogs gave their home crowd an emotional and competitive finish to the regular season on home ice.
Friday, March 27 | Surrey 4 – Alberni Valley 1
Emotion High, Chances Plenty, Finish Elusive
Friday night opened with a special pregame ceremony honouring the Bulldogs’ graduating players, setting an emotional tone inside the Dawg Pound.
That energy carried into the game as Alberni Valley came out flying, outshooting Surrey 17–5 in the first period and controlling long stretches of play.
Despite the strong start, it was Surrey that struck first and built momentum from their opportunities, opening the scoring midway through the first and adding a power-play marker later in the frame to take a 2–0 lead before extending it further in the second period.
The Bulldogs generated sustained pressure and plenty of quality chances, but were repeatedly denied by the Surrey netminder, with looks finding traffic, bodies, or the crest rather than the back of the net.
Special teams proved to be the difference, with Surrey finishing 2-for-6 on the power play while the Bulldogs were held scoreless on five opportunities.
Alberni Valley did break through in the third period when Leim Smith (5) scored a shorthanded goal to spark life into the building and earn FortisBC Energy Player of the Game honours, but Surrey responded quickly to restore their cushion and close out a 4–1 final.
Despite the result, the Bulldogs generated 46 shots and showed strong five-on-five pressure throughout, just unable to find the finishing touch.
Saturday, March 28 | Alberni Valley 6 – Cowichan Valley 1
Connected, Creative, Complete
If Friday was about emotion, Saturday was about execution.
In front of a lively Dawg Pound crowd as part of Fan Appreciation Night and following pregame team awards, the Bulldogs delivered one of their most complete performances of the season in a dominant 6–1 win over the Cowichan Valley Capitals.
From the opening shift, Alberni Valley looked sharp, playing fast, connected hockey with crisp puck movement and excellent pace. Their passing was clean, their support was constant, and their ability to move the puck through all three zones set the tone early and never let up.
Even after Cowichan Valley opened the scoring just 46 seconds into the game, the Bulldogs responded immediately through Teague McAllister (19), who buried a shorthanded goal to swing momentum back in Alberni Valley’s favour.
From there, the Bulldogs took control and never looked back, dictating play with strong puck possession, creativity, and pace. Jackson Lackas led the offence with a three-point night, scoring twice and adding an assist, while Brandon Gill (13), Alex Payie (4), and Wyatt Blace (12) also found the back of the net to round out the six-goal outburst.
It was a complete team performance built on execution and detail, with the Bulldogs consistently breaking Cowichan Valley down through smart puck movement and strong support play.
In goal, Jack Hirshorn was outstanding, turning aside 35 of 36 shots and providing the calm, steady presence that allowed the team to play confidently and aggressively.
McAllister (1G, 1A) earned FortisBC Energy Player of the Game honours.
Three Stars:
- Jack Hirshorn (AV) – 35 saves on 36 shots
- Jackson Lackas (AV) – 2G, 1A
- Kye Benoche (AV) – 2A
Weekend Takeaway
Friday showed the heart. Saturday showed the standard.
When the Bulldogs are playing fast, connected, and creative hockey, they are a difficult team to play against.
Fan Appreciation Night wrapped up the regular season home schedule at the Dawg Pound. Now it’s time to be Unleashed.
Playoff opponent and schedule will be confirmed early next week once Sunday’s remaining games finalize the standings—don’t forget to secure your season tickets for next year.
