The Blackfalds Bulldogs delivered a commanding performance yesterday at the Eagle Builders Centre, defeating the visiting Trail Smoke Eaters by a decisive 5-2 score in BCHL action. The hometown squad shook off the visitors’ earlier-season success against them—where Trail had taken both prior meetings—and flipped the script with a balanced attack and strong defensive effort in front of an enthusiastic local crowd. Goals came from key contributors including standout forward Nick DiPaolo, who earned second-star honors, as the Bulldogs built momentum through the periods to secure the victory and improve their strong position atop the Interior East division. Assistant Coach Cam Maclise praised the team’s execution post-game, highlighting the collective grit that propelled Blackfalds to overcome a talented Trail side. With this win, the Bulldogs showed why they’re a force to be reckoned with this season, sending fans home happy after a gritty, well-earned triumph over the Smoke Eaters. Also with Trail coming to town marks the return of Smoke Eater super girl fan Big Ethel at the game cheering her beloved Smoke Eaters on. She wasn’t as loud and or as annoying this game as there was not much to cheer for.
Nikita Meshcheryakov scores his 9th goal of the season at 18:35 of the first period to make it a 1-0 game for the Bulldogs. The assist on the goal went to Nikolaj Ruppi.
Shots on goal in the first period were 12-8 for the Bulldogs
Nicholas DiPaolo scores his 11th goal of the season on a short handed breakaway at 5:47 of the second period to make it a 2-0 game for the Bulldogs.
Former Bulldog, Okotoks Oiler, Swift Current Bronco and now Trail Smoke Eater Otto Hanson cuts Trails defecit to 1 when he scored his 6th goal of the season at 12:58 of the second period. The assists on the goal went to 20 year old Welland, Ontario native Dylan Lariviere and German Import Matthias Pape.
Joey Melo made it a 3-1 game for the Bulldogs at 18:58 of the second period with the assist on the goal going to Alex Bosland.
Shots on goal in the second period were 12-5 for the Bulldogs
St. Lawrence commit and German native Max Hense scores his first goal of the season to get the Smoke Eaters within one at 3:26 of the third period while on the Power Play. The assists on the goal went to Dylan Lariviere and Matthias Pape.
Thomas Neu gives the Bulldogs a 4-2 lead at 17:24 of the third period getting the Bulldogs second short handed goal of the night! The assists on the goal went to Nicholas DiPaolo and Krisjanis Sarts.
Joey Melo scored his 15th goal of the season shorthanded into the empty net to make it a 5-2 game at 18:59 of the third period. The goal was unassisted.
Shots on goal in the third period were 11-5 for the Bulldogs. The Bulldogs outshot the Smoke Eaters 35-15 in the game.
Carson Mertz stopped 13 of the 15 shots that he faced for his 17th win of the season. For the Smokies former Spokane Chief Cooper Michaluk stopped 30 of the 34 shots that he faced.
Three Stars of the game were 1) Joey Melo 2) Nicholas DiPaolo 3) Dylan Lariviere
Attendance in Blackfalds was 1022
Bulldogs next game is Friday February 20th in Vernon against the Vipers.
