The Blackfalds Bulldogs earned a convincing 7-3 victory over the Chilliwack Chiefs last night in Blackfalds, Alberta. The Chiefs’ roster featured several players with ties to the Bulldogs’ past, including forwards Jack Plandowski, Connor Dick, and Dominic Grieco, each of whom previously suited up for Blackfalds during their AJHL days. Adding further intrigue, Chilliwack’s lineup included Vladislav Bryzgalov (son of former NHL goaltender Ilya Bryzgalov) in goal, along with Nicklas Numminen (son of longtime NHL defenseman Teppo Numminen), and former Red Deer Rebels forward Arjun Bawa. Despite these notable connections and talents, the Chiefs were unable to overcome the Bulldogs’ offensive output. As a historic franchise in the BCHL with a strong legacy, Chilliwack has struggled this season and currently sits fourth in their division standings.
Nikita Meshcheryakov gets the Bulldogs on the board first at 7:59 of the first period finishing off a 2 on 1 with his USSR buddy Nikita Ivaschenko. The guys are almost like Ivan Drago clones from the Rocky Movies.
Chiefs captain and Burnaby, BC native Nico Grabas ties the game up for the Chiefs while on the Power Play at 10:15 of the first period. The assists on the goal went to former Bulldog Jack Plandowski and Russian Boris Borin.
Shots on goal in the first period were 13-9 for the Bulldogs.
Nikita Ivashchenko gives the Bulldogs a 2-1 lead at 3:55 of the second period. The assist on the goal went to Joey Melo.
Danny Hussa, who has been on fire lately scored again for his 4th straight game makes it a 3-1 game for teh Bulldogs at 6:58 of the first period. The assists on the goal went to Noah Mertz and Krisjanis Sarts. Sarts is still sporting a full cage from getting smacked in the face with a stick during the World Junior Championships.
Alex Bosland harmlessly fired the puck towards the net probably hoping for a rebound, instead the puck just found its way into the back of the net to make the game 4-1 at 11:35 of the second period. The goal was unassisted and was Bosland’s third of the season.
Former Bulldog and Alaska Fairbanks commit Jack Plandowski scored for the Chiefs at 13:08 of the second period. The assist on the goal went to Colorado College commit Adam Boatter. The Bulldogs have had lots of players come and go over the few seasons, Plandowski is one that I really wish they would of kept.
Shots on goal in the second period for 10-6 for the Bulldogs
Nikita Meshcheryakov makes it a 5-2 game getting his second goal of the night in almost the same fashion he got his first with Nikita Ivashchenko setting him up on a 2 on 1. This time Dean Toskos was also involved with the second assist. Time of the goal was 17 seconds into the third period. That also got the Picollo’s Pizza hot minute.
Joey Melo scored his 12th goal of the season at 6:48 of the third period while on the Power Play. The assists on the goal went to Nikita Ivashchenko and Noah Mertz.
Danny Hussa scored his second goal of the game at 15:55 of the third period short handed and unassisted. It almost mirrored the goal he scored in the dying moments in the game against Brooks the previous night.
Former Bulldog Connor Dick scored for the Chiefs at 16:31 of the third period while on the Power Play. Hardly anyone in the building noticed as they were still announcing the Hussa goal. The assists on the goal went to former Camrose Kodiak A.J Schaff and Adam Boatter.
Shots on goal in the third period were 22-10 for the Bulldogs. The Bulldogs outshot the Chiefs 45-22
Oliver Kiraly made 22 saves on the 25 shots he faced for the win for the Bulldogs. For the Chiefs Vladislav Bryzgalov made 38 saves on the 45 shots he was peppered with all night.
Three Stars of the game were 1) Nikita Ivashchenko 2) Nikita Meshcheryakov 3) Joey Melo
Attendance in Blackfalds was 803
Bulldogs next game is Saturday January 24th in Trail against the Smoke Eaters.
Chilliwack, B.C. – The Chilliwack Chiefs are proud to announce that forward Jack Plandowski has committed to the University of Alaska Fairbanks and will join the Nanooks for the upcoming season.
Plandowski’s commitment marks a significant milestone in his hockey journey, earned through years of dedication, consistency, and strong performance at every level of the game.
“I’m proud of Jack for all the hard work he’s put in,” said Chiefs Head Coach and General Manager Brian Maloney. “He’s produced at every level and has come into this league and proven that he can compete at a higher level. He has a great work ethic, and the Nanooks are lucky to have him next season.”
“I’m extremely proud and excited to be joining the Alaska Fairbanks Nanooks this upcoming season, as it’s an honor to be part of such a respected program,” said Plandowski. “I’m grateful for the opportunity and can’t wait to work hard, grow as a player, and represent the Nanooks with pride.”<SNIP> LINK
Bulldogs never posted their lineup on twitter last night. The Chiefs never do so I pulled the folded sheets out of my pocket and took a picture🤣Maybe Chilliwack is like Langley and doesn’t use twitter as they have liberal owners whose feelings are hurt from the bad words said on twitter🤔
The three starting forwards that the Chiefs used this game all played in the same exhibition game 2 and half years ago here. Well before the Bulldogs left the AJHL
