The Alberni Valley Bulldogs ended 2022 on a high note, picking up a 4-2 win against the visiting Powell River Kings on New Year’s Eve.
The game on Saturday, Dec. 31 started with a moment of silence for the late Bill Surry, a long-time Alberni Valley Bulldogs volunteer who passed away at the end of the year.
The Kings opened the scoring in the first period, but the Bulldogs were able to respond. Their offence came from an unlikely source, as Tristan Taylor—typically a defenceman—was moved up front to play forward after David Sacco was held out of the game due to injury. Taylor responded to the challenge by scoring his first career BCHL goal in the first period, then his second career goal in the second period.
Also scoring for the Bulldogs were AJ Vasko and Chase Klassen. Goaltender Hobie Hedquist stopped 27 shots for the win.
The Bulldogs will start 2023 on the road, travelling to Nanaimo on Friday, Jan. 6 to face the Clippers. They will be back at the Dawg Pound on Saturday, Jan. 7 as the Wenatchee Wild come to town. Puck drop is at 7 p.m.