LUNAR NEW YEAR GAME Eagles VS Bulldogs January 24

The Alberni Valley Bulldogs come to the Nest for the second time this season for another rematch of the Fred Page Cup semi-final and the Eagles’ Lunar New Year game. The only other meeting this season was a 4-1 win for the Eagles on December 20th. The Eagles were outshot in that game 42 to 38; however, some offensive brilliance from Gavin Rocha (2G), along with a stellar performance from goaltender Aidan Fischer, was enough to propel them to victory. Surrey enters this game 7-3 in their last 10, with one more road game against Prince George before they face Alberni. The Eagles just played a heated back-to-back versus the division-leading Chilliwack Chiefs, where they split the series, one game apiece, putting them just one point above Alberni in the standings. They will need to maintain that momentum heading to Kopar before returning to defend the Nest against Alberni. Look for the Eagles to continue their high-flying, high-scoring ways, as they have scored 21 goals in their last 5 games.

The Bulldogs are on a bit of a skid to start the new year, having lost four straight, but they will look to bounce back after nearly two weeks off before facing Surrey. The absence of leading scorer Grayson Badger has been felt tremendously by the Bulldogs. Badger hasn’t played since December 14th, when he recorded three points against Cowichan Valley, leading the Bulldogs to a 5-4 win. Since then, without Badger, Alberni is 1-4-1. The Bulldogs desperately need to find scoring, as they currently have the second-least goals for in the division. Goaltender Colin Winn will also need to rediscover his early-season form, as he has lost his last three starts. However, this could be more of a case of fatigue, as he has played the second-most minutes of any goalie in the BCHL while still maintaining good numbers. Look for the Bulldogs to throw everything—and the kitchen sink—at the Surrey Eagles as they try to get back into the win column and overtake Surrey in the standings.

 

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