The Alberni Valley Bulldogs' recent hot streak has been marked by strong defence and reliable goaltending. But on Friday night in Merritt, the squad broke out offensively with five second period goals on their way to a decisive 9-3 victory over the Centennials.
Mitch MacMillan continued his hot start to the season for the 'Dawgs, scoring a hat trick and tacking on an assist. David Dziurzynski was also efforted a four-point night for the visitors, while Sam Mitchell and Kevin Ross picked up three points apiece.
The Bulldogs actually accounted for nine straight goals between the 14:47 mark of the first period and the 11:48 mark of the third. Five of Alberni Valley's goals were scored on the power play, while MacMillan's second on the evening was a shorthanded effort.
Alex Valenti, Silvan Harper and Andrew Pickering replied for the Cents, while Colton Sobchak picked up a pair of assists. The Merritt netminding tandem of Cole Holowenko and Keith Hamilton saw a combined 57 shots in goal, while Frank Slubowski picked up the victory with a 33-save effort.
The Centennials have another challenging opponent ahead of them on Saturday, as they head to Penticton to face the Vees. Alberni Valley, meanwhile, continues their Interior Conference road trip with a visit to Salmon Arm.
