Morning Star Staff
Vernon’s Harlan Orr pulled the hat trick as the Alberni Valley Bulldogs upset the host Coquitlam Express 6-4 in B.C. Hockey League action Friday night.
Orr, an 18-year-old forward who started the season in Salmon Arm, has six goals and 10 points.
Orr made it 2-0 in the first before Corey Mackin got the Express on the board. Goals from former Express Justin Georgeson, Ryan Buse and the winner from Hunter Stewart put the ‘Dogs up 5-1 after two.
In the final frame, Coquitlam drew within a pair on goals by Bo Pieper and Joey Santucci but Orr iced it with his hat-trick goal into an empty net. Marc Biega had a late reply for Coquitlam.
The Dawgs went to 4-13-2-1, tying them with the Trail Smoke Eaters for last overall.
The Smoke Eaters welcomed new head Nick Deschenes by tying the visiting Victoria Grizzlies 4-4.
Affiliate Jackson Purvis opened the scoring in the first with Storm Wahlrab replying late in the opening frame for the Grizz.
Trail went up a pair on goals from Travis Stephens and Bryan Basilico, but Cole Pickup and Dante Hahn responded for the Grizz. Trail’s Jake Kauppila and Victoria’s Myles Fitzgerald exchange goals in the third.
Nanaimo Clippers clipped the host Powell River Kings. 4-3.
