The Alberni Valley Bulldogs knew that facing Cowichan Valley twice in four days would be an opportunity to either dig a hole or climb a mountain. And the Bulldogs, who entered play Wednesday four points behind their Island Division rivals, got the initial win they needed with a 4-3 overtime triumph on the road.
Josh Pineiro was the hero for Alberni Valley, beating Cowichan netminder Chris Rawlings with an unassisted effort 2:34 into the first extra frame.Warren Muir added a pair of goals while James Kerr contributed the third period power-play marker that sent the game past regulation.
Bulldogs netminder Matthew Wong stopped 30 shots for his first victory since joining the team in an offseason trade.
Meanwhile, the Trail Smoke Eaters struck first in their back-to-back home set against Merritt. Brandon Clark broke a 4-4 tie with less than two minutes remaining to ensure the win while Paul Forster replied with a pair of goals for the Centennials.
The Smoke Eaters and Merritt will meet again Thursday in the lone BC Hockey League matchup. The puck drops at 7:30 PM from Cominco Arena in Trail.
