For the second night in a row, the Alberni Valley Bulldogs came back from behind to force overtime against their opponents. But this time, the Bulldogs emerged victorious.
Just a day after opening the 2020-21 B.C. Hockey League’s pod season with a shootout loss against the Victoria Grizzlies, the Bulldogs took to the ice to face the Cowichan Valley Capitals on Saturday, April 3.
Bulldogs forward Josh Van Unen opened scoring early in the first, but the Capitals tied it up just before the period came to an end.
In the second period, the Capitals jumped out in front with a 3-1 lead, then added another goal in the third. But the Bulldogs answered back. Defenceman Darren Beattie had his first of the season, followed by a powerplay marker from forward Lukas Jirousek. Rookie Brady McIsaac sent the game to overtime in dramatic fashion, notching his first-ever BCHL goal with three seconds left on the clock.
Bulldogs forward Adam Jeffery ended the game just over a minute into overtime with an assist from Brandon Buhr, and the Bulldogs were able to pick up their first win of the regular season. Goaltender Luke Pearson made 24 saves throughout the night.
“We’re really excited about the win, and excited to be back playing hockey again,” said head coach Joe Martin after Saturday’s game.
He offered up kudos to the BCHL for their return to play plan, and offered a thank you to the City of Port Alberni for allowing the Bulldogs to host the Island division “pod” at the Alberni Valley Multiplex.
“It’s been fantastic,” he said. “There are 25 guys in the room smiling right now with a win.”
The Bulldogs will take the ice again on Monday night (April 5) with a rematch against the Victoria Grizzlies. Puck drop is at 7 p.m. Games can be watched on www.hockeytv.com with a subscription, or tune into 93.3 The PEAK FM for play-by-play.
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Alberni Valley Bulldogs forward Adam Jeffery fires a shot past Capitals forward Kahlil Fontana. (ELENA RARDON / ALBERNI VALLEY NEWS)
Bulldogs forward Brady McIsaac gets tangled up in front of the Capitals net. (ELENA RARDON / ALBERNI VALLEY NEWS)
Bulldogs forward Ethan Bono carries the pick into the Capitals zone during a Saturday, April 3 game. (ELENA RARDON / ALBERNI VALLEY NEWS)
The Alberni Valley Bulldogs celebrate Josh Van Unen’s goal in the first period of a game against the Cowichan Valley Capitals on Saturday, April 3. (ELENA RARDON / ALBERNI VALLEY NEWS)
