The Alberni Valley Bulldogs overcame a deficit to pull out a thrilling 4-3 win in their B.C. Hockey League home opener against Powell River Kings on Saturday. But they will have to stop giving up so many goals if they want their winning ways to continue, says head coach Kevin Willison.
The Bulldogs overcame a 2-0 deficit midway through the game to pull out a 4-3 victory. Chris Schutz scored with 1:36 left in the game to give Alberni the win. it was the third game in a row where the Bulldogs were down several goals.
“We certainly don’t want to be digging ourselves out of that kind of a hole each and every game,” Willison said.
The Bulldogs will need to settle down on the blueline if they are to keep winning. “The goals we gave up were bad puck decisions when we had total control,” Willison said. “It just seemed like we were making rookie mistakes and it’s not the rookies making the defensive mistakes.”
The Bulldogs have given up 13 goals in their first three games, and the four-goal average isn’t a number that impresses Willison. “That means we hav to score five to win. That’s a lot of pressure,” he said.
One positive is the team is taking a lot of shots on goal, which is translating into quality scoring chances. “That’s one of the reasons we are having the combacks is they’re getting the puck on the net.”
Bulldogs add grit to offence
The Bulldogs on Wednesday strengthened their roster with the addition of Western Hockey League veteran Scott Cooke. Coaching staff say Cooke will bring energy, experience and grit to the ‘Dogs’ lineup.
Cooke will play on a line with team captain Mitch Makin and St. Paul Academy standout Drew Blackmun.
ICE CHIPS…The Bulldogs host Victoria Grizzlies on Saturday, Oct. 4 at 7 p.m. Follow them on the road with 93.3 PEAK FM.
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