(image: Chaisson Creative)
The Alberni Valley Bulldogs wrapped up a hard-fought weekend with a split, dropping a narrow decision Friday night before bouncing back with a gritty overtime victory on Saturday.
Friday, February 6 – Bulldogs fall 3–2 to Coquitlam
Friday night saw the Bulldogs jump out early against the Coquitlam Express. Just 1:46 into the opening period, Jackson Lackas opened the scoring with his second of the season, finishing a play set up by Wyatt Blace and Grady Magner. Coquitlam answered quickly, but Alberni Valley reclaimed the lead at 8:12 when Wyatt Davis buried his 13th, with assists from Kai Matthew and Samuel Léonard.
The Express tied the game late in the first on the power play and scored the eventual game-winner midway through the second period. Despite a determined third-period push, the Bulldogs couldn’t find the equalizer. Alberni Valley had a prime chance to tie the game when Teague McAllister was awarded a penalty shot at 11:35 of the third, but Coquitlam netminder Charles-Antoine Girard came up with the stop.
Jack Hirshorn was strong in goal for the Bulldogs, making 24 saves as the game ended with plenty of emotion and physicality, including multiple misconducts in the final moments.
Saturday, February 7 – Bulldogs edge Surrey 2–1 in overtime
Saturday night was a goaltending battle in Surrey, with both teams locked in a scoreless tie after the first period. The Eagles opened the scoring late in the second, but the Bulldogs answered quickly as Kye Benoche snapped home his 17th of the season at 19:18, assisted by Eric Lund, sending the teams into the third period deadlocked.
With no scoring in regulation, the game headed to overtime where the Bulldogs capitalized. At 7:42 of the extra frame, Grady Magner ended it with the overtime winner, finishing a feed from Wyatt Blace to seal the 2–1 victory.
Derik Brouillard delivered an outstanding performance in net for Alberni Valley, stopping 33 of 34 shots over nearly 68 minutes to earn the overtime win. Magner was named the game’s First Star, while Benoche earned Third Star honours.
Bulldogs have 3 on the road games coming up with back to back vs. Langley Rivermen Feb 13th and 14th before taking on Chilliwack February 16th. They are back at the Dawg Pound to face the Grizzlies on February 20th.
Early Bird Season Tickets are on sale beginning February 11th!
