Gurkan Double Sees Bulldogs Past Canucks

Photo credit: Xander Holcomb, Blackfalds Bulldogs

Article: Aidan Serra

The Blackfalds Bulldogs are in action at the Eagle Builders Centre in just over an hour. Last night, they met the Calgary Canucks at the Ken Bracko arena. Caden Steinke struck first, giving the Canucks an early 1-0 lead just 80 seconds in, but Jayden Joly’s seventh goal in three games tied it up for Blackfalds going into the second. Kurt Gurkan took over for Blackfalds in the second period, scoring twice, first on a perfect shot past Spencer Borsos’ blocker, and second on a chip shot short side to make it 3-1. Sam Lozinski’s third-period goal made it close, but Blackfalds ultimately prevailed, winning the game 3-2.

For the Bulldogs, the win over Calgary and an Okotoks Oilers loss in Brooks means they’ll have an opportunity tonight to clinch second place in the AJHL’s south division standings. Second place for Blackfalds guarantees home-ice advantage in the first two rounds of the playoffs. As of right now, the most likely outcome is currently a first-round matchup with the Calgary Canucks that would begin Friday, March 10.

The Drumheller Dragons come into Saturday’s game having lost two straight and three of five, but the Bulldogs were beaten by the Dragons in the two teams’ most recent outing, 7-3 in Drumheller back in January. Charlie Zolin picked up the win in Calgary, but it’s Matthew Hennessey’s crease tonight.