PORT ALBERNI- The Alberni Valley Bulldogs kicked off parents weekend in dramatic fashion with another OT win Friday night at the Dawg Pound in front of 1100 fans.
The Bulldogs would get the only goal in the opening period when Matthew Grouchy potted his first BCHL goal at the 8:46 mark off a nice pass from Moe Acee. The Bulldogs out shot the Grizzlies 21-11 in the period.
Both teams would exchange some great scoring chances in the second, but no one found the back of the net. The Bulldogs would take a 1-0 lead into the third period.
The Grizzlies would come out firing in the third, scoring two quick goals just 20 seconds apart to take the lead for the first time in the game 2-1. However that lead would be short lived as Ryan Doolin would tie the game at 2-2 with his 16th of the season.
For the second game in a row the Bulldogs would head to overtime and just 30 seconds into the extra frame, Captain Mitch Deelstra would end it with a nice shot over the glove of Grizzlies goaltender Blake Wood. It was Deelstra’s team leading 23rd goal of the season and his 4th game winner.
The Bulldogs out shot the Grizzlies 46-21 in the game. Luke Pearson made 29 saves for the win. With the victory the Bulldogs improve to 24-18-1-2 on the season and have 51 points. The Bulldogs are now tied for third in the Island Division with Powell River. The Bulldogs have three games in hand.
The Bulldogs will be back on the ice Saturday when they host the Langley Rivermen. Game time is 7 PM at the Dawg Pound. The Bulldogs defeated the Rivermen 6-4 on Dec 21st in the two clubs only other meeting this season.
After a solid crowd of 1100 last night, we’re hoping you can come out and join us tonight and show the Bulldogs families the kind of support Port Alberni provides their sons. The atmosphere was so exciting last night with many minor hockey teams joining us. We’re already at 900+ tickets sold for tonight’s game, so we’re hoping for another great night!
Doors open at 6:00 pm and puck drop is set for 7:00 pm.
Photo Credit: Darran Chaisson Photography
