Port Alberni is buzzing with excitement and pride as their beloved hockey team, the Alberni Valley Bulldogs, have made history.
The hockey team is advancing for the first time to a BCHL final, and the incredible run has left fans on the edge of their seats.
The junior hockey team beat their rivals, the Chilliwack Chiefs on Wednesday night, 3-2, winning the BCHL’s Coastal Conference trophy and advancing to the Fred Page Cup Final.
The Bulldogs and Chiefs were knotted at two, until Bulldogs’ forward Ethan Bono scored the series-clinching goal with just 29 seconds left in the third period of game four.
“It means a lot to the community. We’re so proud of the Alberni Valley Bulldogs,” said Bulldogs fan Kaicee Trott.
“This is really special when you look at the response that these players get. This doesn’t happen in most markets in the BCHL. The way this community has embraced us is just spectacular,” said David Michaud, president of the Alberni Valley Bulldogs.
Their opponent hasn’t been decided yet, as the defending champion Penticton Vees lead the Salmon Arm Silverbacks 3-1 in their best of seven Interior Conference Final. Game five and a chance for the Vees to claim the series is May 5 in Penticton.
If the Vees take the series, game one of the best of seven Fred Page Cup Final will be in Penticton. If the Silverbacks rally to beat the Vees, the Bulldogs will host game one of the championship round.
RELATED: Langford lineman Dontae Bull selected first overall in CFL draft
Skye Ryan
