The Alberni Valley Bulldogs (18-13-0-0) welcome the Salmon Arm Silverbacks (19-9-0-2) to the Dawg Pound for their one and only trip to Hockey Valley this season. Tonight’s game is presented by Port Alberni McDonald’s.
The Bulldogs are coming off a hard fought 5-3 win over a stubborn Coquitlam Express club. Much like December 2nd when the Bulldogs held a 4-2 lead late, only to watch Coquitlam roar back for the win, last night had a similar feel. After Wyatt Blace made it 4-2 with little time remaining, the Express pulled the goalie and got back to within one. Unlike the last game, the Bulldogs got the insurance marker they needed when Fischer O’Brien found the empty net for his 10th of the year.
Other goal scorers included Grayson Badger with his 7th and Matt Kursonis with his 3rd since returning. Philippe Lalonde, Lucas Buzziol & captain Nicholas Beneteau each recorded a pair of assists on the night. Beneteau continues to lead all BCHL players in assists with 30 on the campaign.
Callum Tung was solid in goal earning his 12th win of the year as he stopped 30 of 33 shots.
Turning the page to tonight, the Silverbacks will pose a strong challenge to the Bulldogs as they come in as one of the top teams in the Interior Conference. The Backs dropped a 2-1 decision last night in Nanaimo.
If the Silverbacks have a kryptonite, it might very well be playing away from home. The Silverbacks are an impressive 12-1-0-1 at the friendly confines of the Shaw Centre, but just 7-8-0-1 away from home.
Bulldogs fans will remember Eli Pulver from his time with the Surrey Eagles. Pulver has started 4 straight entering tonight, and stopped 21 of 23 shots from the Clippers in the 2-1 loss. Pluver is once again amongst the top BCHL goalies with a record of 13-7-0-1 with a 2.32 GAA and a .922 save %. Expect Callum Tung to get the start again tonight for the Bulldogs.
These two clubs obviously don’t see each other often. The Bulldogs earned a win in Salmon Arm last season, but thanks to the pandemic this is just the 2nd time in 5 years the Silverback are making the trip to the Dawg Pound.
Don’t forget, tonight is your FINAL chance to see the Bulldogs in January! The Box Office is open now, or you can skip the trip and purchase your tickets online by CLICKING HERE
Doors open at 6pm with Dog Mountain Brewing Happy Hour!
