The Penticton Vees host the Alberni Valley Bulldogs, the second worst team in the BCHL, to the South Okanagan Events Centre Saturday at 6 p.m.
The Bulldogs are now 13-20-5-2 after losing to the BCHL’s top dog, the Wenatchee Wild 4-1 in Wenatchee on Friday. The Vees are coming off a 3-2 loss to the Centennials in Merritt Friday.
The Bulldogs are one of six teams to defeat the Vees this season, handing them their first loss in the Vees’ third game back on Sept. 16.
READ MORE: Vees pick up first loss in BCHL season in Alberni Valley
The Bulldogs roster, like the Vees, has changed since then. The Bulldogs made a move prior to the BCHL’s Jan. 10 trade deadline adding forward Nicholas Rasovic from the Vernon Vipers in exchange for future considerations. Other deals the Bulldogs made since then include trading away Tyler Lenz, acquiring Darren Rizzolo from the Vipers, moving Tate Coughlin, Quinn Syrydiuk and adding Keith Anderson.
The ’Dogs are currently without Malik Kaila and Braydon Nelson who have sustained injuries according to the Alberni Valley News.
The Bulldogs have won two of their last four games. Their leading point producer is Trevor Cosgrove with 38 points in 35 games, while rookie Jake Witkowski is their top goal scorer with 17 in 40 games. Brody Claeys is their top goalie with nine wins in 30 games to go with a 2.99 goals against average and .920 save percentage.
The Bulldogs have five wins away from home ice.
Saturday is Valley First’s annual Feed the Valley Night as fans are asked to bring a non-perishable food item to the game, in exchange for a $5 ticket. All donations are going to the Salvation Army Food Bank. Tickets are available at the Valley First box office (at the SOEC).