The Alberni Valley Bulldogs staged a comeback from a 3-0 deficit during Game 6 against the Victoria Grizzlies on Saturday, Mar. 10.
But it was too little, too late.
The Grizzlies opened scoring early in the first period with a goal from Lach Hadley, then doubled their lead with a goal from captain Drayson Pears. Ryan Nolan added another early in the second.
Nolan’s number was quickly answered by Bulldogs’ affiliate Stephen Castagna, assisted by Paul Selleck and Jackson Doucet. Doucet notched a goal of his own early in the third, assisted by Castagna.
But the Bulldogs were unable to complete the comeback, as Cameron Thompson found the empty net with less than two minutes remaining. Victoria took the game, 4-2.
Victoria goaltender Kurtis Chapman made 31 saves, while Alberni netminder John Hawthorne saved 35.
The Bulldogs have one final chance to make it to the next round. Alberni and Victoria are now even, at three wins each. Game 7 will take place Sunday, Mar. 11 at the Q Centre at 2 p.m.