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BCHL: Grizzlies claw back against Bulldogs

Alberni Valley Bulldogs headed back to Victoria for Game Five
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Bulldogs’ forward James Orban avoids a check from Grizzlies’ forward Alex Newhook. ELENA RARDON PHOTO

The Alberni Valley Bulldogs aimed for a series sweep on home ice against the Victoria Grizzlies on Wednesday, Mar. 7.

Unfortunately for the almost 1,400 Bulldogs fans in attendance, Victoria took the game, 4-1.

The Grizzlies took the lead with authority, scoring just seven seconds into the game with an unassisted goal from forward Ethan Nother. Defenceman Dayne Finnson added another a few minutes later.

The Bulldogs were able to cut that lead in half with a powerplay goal from forward Michael Sacco later in the period. Sacco is the only player who has scored in every game this series.

However, the Grizzlies made it 3-1 less than a minute into the second period with a powerplay goal from Cameron Thompson, and BCHL top rookie Alex Newhook netted his first playoff goal near the end of the second.

Neither team scored in the third, and the Grizzlies are headed back to Victoria after the 4-1 win.

Despite 10 powerplay opportunities in the game, the Bulldogs were only able to score one powerplay goal. Goaltender John Hawthorne saved 36 of 40 shots, including a penalty shot from Grizzlies’ forward Marty Westhaver. Victoria netminder Kurtis Chapman stopped 33 of 34 shots.

Game 5 will take place in Victoria at the Q Centre on Friday, Mar. 9. With a 3-1 series lead, the Bulldogs still have a chance to finish the series with one more win.

elena.rardon@albernivalleynews.com



Elena Rardon

About the Author: Elena Rardon

I have worked with the Alberni Valley News since 2016.
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