GAME PREVIEW: BULLDOGS at KINGS

           (11-7-1-1 5th)                                                      (17-4-1-1 1st)

Radio: 95.7 SUN FM  TV: BCHL PPV

Last 10: Alberni Valley 5-4-0-1 Powell River 9-1-0-0

Season Series:  Tonight marks the third of six meetings this season between the two clubs. Powell River beat Alberni Valley 3-0 at the Hap Parker Arena on Sept 11th. The 'Dogs took the rematch 3-1 at the Weyhauser Arena in Port Alberni on September 30th. The two teams split last seasons six meetings with each team winning twice in the other team's building.  The two teams also faced each other in a thrilling Coastal Conference Final that saw the Kings rally from a three games to one deficit and take the series in Game Seven at the Dog Pound. 

Big Story: This is a busy week for the Alberni Valley Bulldogs with four games in five days. The Dogs dropped a 3-1 decision to Cowichan Valley on Wednesday at home. The Bulldogs go to Langley tomorrow then it's on to Coquitlam for a Sunday matinee affair. The Kings will look to extend their winning streak to six games with a victory over Alberni Valley. Matt Garbowsky is riding a modest two game goal scoring streak but has scored four goals over that span.

Team Scope:

Bulldogs: The 'Dogs will look to snap a two game losing streak tonight. Their last win came November 4th, eight days ago, a 3-2 OT win over Nanaimo. Since then, they have lost to Victoria (6-5) and Cowichan Valley (3-1).

Third Periods have been troublesome for the Bulldogs as of late. Victoria put four past Frank Slobowski last Saturday for a come from behind win. Then on Wednesday, Cowichan's only shot was into an empty net to seal the victory.

Kings: If it ain't broke don't fix it. Powell River is riding a five game winning streak and have won 9 of their last 10. The Kings haven't dropped a home game since October 15th and have collected at least a single point in every game since Septmber 19th. The Kings own the second best home record (10-2-0-1) in the BCHL and  will look to capitalize on a Bulldog team that has only won twice in seven games away from the Dog Pound.

Who's Hot-- Justin DaSilva is riding a three game assist streak for the Kings. Steven Schmidt has scored 3 goals in his last four games. Craig Dalrymple's 2 goals on Saturday gives him 6 on the year which leads all blue-liners for the Kings...Casey Bailey has scored in two straight games for Alberni Valley.

Injury Report: Teagan Waugh and Dan Schuler remain out for the Kings...Tanner Hicks is out until mid December for Alberni Valley.

Stat Pack: Powell River is 14-2-1-0 when they score first and have scored the first goal in 9 of their last 10 games. Alberni Valley was 2-1-0-0 in Powell River last season.

Puck Drop: Frank Slubowski starts for the Bulldogs. This is Slubowski's first start since surrendering 6 against Victoria. Mike Garteig is back in goal after splitting last weekend with Sean Maguire. Garteig ranks first in the BCHL in Goals Against Average (1.63) and Save Percentage (.933).