Highlights BCHL Bulldogs 2-1 Win at Nanaimo, Sept.18.2026

Newly minted Captain Grady Magner scored the eventual game winner, as the visiting Alberni Valley Bulldogs (1-0) came from behind to edge the Nanaimo Clippers 2-1, to open up their 25th campaign. “I'm impressed with our team.” said Bulldogs Head Coach and GM Joe Martin after defeating the club that ousted Alberni in the opening round of this past post season. Clipper's forward Charles Beland opened the scoring in the first period on a penalty shot, to take 1-0 lead to the dressing room. Bulldogs Russian striker Gleb Semenov drew the visitors even heading to the third, before defenceman Magner struck late in the frame. Forward Brady Kudrna drew 2 assists. There were notable shot blocks in the game, especially late with a pair by Leim Smith, and Brendan Defeo. “That felt more like a playoff game, it was a tight game, with bumps and bruises.” quipped Martin. After being out shot 13-9 in the first period Alberni Valley built momentum as the game went along. “We had a great second period, we got a little bit better with the puck, breaking out and got a couple of good scoring chances but only got the one goal, but they did stick with it and we got stronger throughout the game in all spots.” added Martin Netminder Dayton Kitchener earned the win stopping 30 of 31 shots in his Bulldog debut, while Hugo Laring allowed 2 goals on 35 attempts. “I thought he was great,” said Martin about his goaltender, “That's a very impressive first game in our jersey. He found ways to make saves in difficult situations, and smothered pucks when he could and got us whistles – that's a veteran goalie right there. That was a great hockey game. ” While the Bulldogs didn't strike on their power play with their 3 opportunities, they got more dangerous as the contest went along. “I'm happy with it, they're doing a good job with maybe a week of specials teams practice.” said Martin as he spoke with Marlon Martens on the Peak post game show. The club was disciplined, only allowing the Clippers one man advantage, and effectively shutting it down. Up next Alberni Valley returns to the Multiplex for their 25th home opener Saturday September 19th, as they face the Victoria Grizzles (1-0) at 6pm. “25 years is quite impressive, through all the different ownership groups, to the current one, and the fans too, having that level of hockey in the Valley is a special thing.” admired Martin post game, “I'm proud of this group right now, it's only one game but tomorrow is going to be a special time that only comes around once. Victoria is coming in and they're a good hockey team so it's going to be exciting – this year is going to be exciting.” Text Scoring Summary: Alberni Valley Bulldogs 2 at Nanaimo Clippers 1 - Status: Final Friday, September 18, 2026 - Frank Crane Arena Alberni Valley 0 1 1 - 2 Nanaimo 1 0 0 - 1 1st Period- 1, Nanaimo, Béland 1 5:21 (PS). Penalties-Okovita Nan (tripping), 16:38; Semenov Av (interference), 17:33. 2nd Period- 2, Alberni Valley, Semenov 1 (Kudrna, Dimitrov), 14:15. Penalties-O'Dell Av (unsportsmanlike conduct), 3:15; Carrier Nan (checking from behind- major, game misconduct), 3:15. 3rd Period- 3, Alberni Valley, Magner 1 (Kudrna), 14:43. Penalties-St James Nan (interference), 7:14. Shots on Goal- Alberni Valley 9-14-12-35. Nanaimo 13-8-10-31. Power Play Opportunities- Alberni Valley 0 / 3; Nanaimo 0 / 1. Goalies- Alberni Valley, Kitchener 1-0-0-0 (31 shots-30 saves). Nanaimo, Laring 0-1-0-0 (35 shots-33 saves). A-1,846 Referees-Steve Brown (12), Evan McKinnon (35). Linesmen-Isaac McDonald (73), Matt Caillet (79).