The Van Isle Ford Midget Bulldogs completed their tiering games on the weekend against the Juan de Fuca Grizzlies and Victoria Racquet Club Kings.
On Oct. 15, the Bulldogs battled from behind to finish in a 2-2 tie with the Grizzlies. And on Oct. 16, the Bulldogs overpowered the Victoria Racquet Club Kings 7-0.
The Bulldogs now have six wins, one loss and two ties in the pre-season and are well placed to compete in the top division of the VIAHA Island League. That decision will be made at a league executive meeting next weekend.
In Saturday’s game, the Grizzlies speed allowed them a goal off the opening face-off. It was not until the end of the second period that the Bulldogs were able to even it up.
In the middle of the third period, the Grizzlies went ahead again with a power play goal. Then the Bulldogs lived up to their name, battling back until Ryan White jumped up from the blue line to put one in with five minutes left. The rest of the game was an end to end battle to preserve the tie.
On Sunday the Bulldogs physical play wore down the visiting Kings, who were beaten 7-0.
The Bulldogs defense was sharp. Stepping up their intensity to open the second, D-man Greg Tuckerman, who scored a shorthanded goal.
The final goal came on another power play. Tyler Wilhelm set up Marino Somerville for a hard shot from the half boards.
Bulldogs will be in action again at on Oct. 22 when they host Campbell River.