BULLDOGS PULL AWAY FROM EXPRESS IN 3RD

Express celebrate parents weekend - Photo courtesy of Damon James

Alberni Valley struck three times in the third period to break open a tight game en route to a 4-2 win over the Express. Click for boxscore

Josh Bruce had a power play goal
Photo courtesy of Damon James

The win salvaged the final game of a three game road trip for the Bulldogs.

It was a penalty filled affair in the first period. Mitchell Oliver opened the scoring for the Bulldogs by beating Brock Hamm with a one timer for a power play goal.

The Express had a lengthy first period two man advantage that buzzed with plenty of chances in the Bulldogs zone but they couldn't finish their chances.

Then on the fourth power play for the Express in the first period Josh Bruce tipped home a pass from Eric Linell to tie the game at one. Troy Robillard made a great play on the goal to hustle and hold the puck in the Bulldogs zone.

Poor ice conditions made for some pretty sloppy hockey for both teams all afternoon long.

The game remained deadlocked until Keaton Mastrodonato beat Brock Hamm with a wrist shot from the right wing midway through the third period.

Less than two minutes later the Express pressed for the equalizer and found it when Doug Scott jumped into the play and found a loose puck in front of the Bulldogs net and poked home his first BCHL goal at 11:37.

That didn't phase the Bulldogs who kept up their attack in the third period. Ryan Steele re-stored the Bulldogs lead just 2 and a half minutes later to make it 3-2. That goal was followed by Jackson Doucet who beat Brock Hamm with a wrist shot up over his glove just 1:18 after Steele's goal at 15:23 to seal the win for Alberni Valley. That goal capped a 17 shot third period for the visitors.

The shots finished 41-28 in favour of Alberni Valley.

Up next for the Express they have a pair of games next weekend up in Prince George.