The Bantam A Bulldogs, who are
sponsored by Sure Span Construction and Dave Koszegi/Remax Realty,
will advance to the Vancouver Island semi-final after completing the
North Island play off series on Saturday February 6. In spite of
losing 2-4 in Powell River, Alberni stayed close enough to move on.
The series ended in a three way tie that had to be decided on a
calculation of goal average. That puts Campbell River Tyees in first
place and Alberni Valley Bulldogs in second, and means that Alberni
will be scheduled to play Juan de Fuca Grizzlies in a cross-over game
in Victoria next weekend.
The first period went end to end
until Powell River scored with 4:28 left. As the period ended, Marino
Somerville came out of the penalty box, picked up an outlet pass
behind the Powell River defence and broke in alone to even the score.
Powell River went ahead again as the second period started. Then on
power play Nathan Read passed to Somerville at the side of the net.
When jamming it in at the post did not work, Somerville pulled the
puck back and got it past on the other side.
The 2-2 tie held until late in the
third period. Facing elimination, Powell River poured on the offence
and held the Bulldogs in the defensive zone for most of the period.
Bryce Dirocco had to make a lot of saves, but with four minutes left
one got by. Then, the Powell River coach, knowing more goals would be
needed to avoid elimination, took the unusual step of pulling the
goalie in a winning game. The result was one more goal, but it was
not enough to keep Alberni out of the next round of play-offs.
from Simon Read 250-724-3822
