After upsetting Saanich 6-5 in the semi-final, a determined Powell River team stole the Island Midget Tier 2 Banner from Alberni Valley in two close games February 20 and 21.  Both games went to double overtime. 

Playing at home on Saturday the Bulldogs enjoyed a narrow 2-1 lead for most of the second period on goals by Andre Savard and Colby Lim.  Then Powell River scored twice.  There were only 20 seconds left when Keenan McConnell, with assists from Sheldon Trees and Jeff Dagg tied it at 3-3.  It took 30 minutes of overtime for the next goal and unfortunately it was for Powell River. 

On Sunday in Powell River the Bulldogs pulled out to a 3-0 lead early in the second period, before Powell River started to come back.  The Kings switched goalies at the half way point.  The Bulldogs lead was 5-2 at the mid-point, including a hat trick scored by Jeff Dagg.  It was 5-4 at the end of the second period and tied at the end of regulation time.  Once again it took two overtime periods for Powell River to get the sixth and final goal.   

Despite the disappointment of losing the Tier 2 championship to a team they had beaten four times previously, the Midget Bulldogs had a successful season and won the Vancouver Island Division 2 Banner for Alberni.  The team thanks Coach Brent Demerais and his assistants Bryce Abbot and Dave McConnell, as well as conditioning coaches Dave and Jill Sherwood for their many hours of work and training over the season.  Thanks also to Team Manager Brenda Read and Safety Person Sonia Somerville for their hard work, and to all the other parents for their support.  Thanks also go to team sponsors HFN Forestry and Rain Coast Erosion Control for helping to cover expenses. 

The Midget Bulldogs will take a short break before preparing for the Ridge Meadows tournament at the end of March.

 written by Simon Read