Crusaders Take Game One

Playoff hockey returned to Blackfalds on Friday night with the Blackfalds Bulldogs hosting the Sherwood Park Crusaders in Game 1 of the opening round of the Rogers BCHL Playoffs. 

The Bulldogs came out of the gates with energy and controlled most of the possession in the opening frame, as well as a 14-3 lead in shots on goal. Ultimately, the Bulldogs were unable to capitalize on any chances. The playoff brand of hockey was felt as there were some heavy hits thrown in the first period, as well as the remainder of the game. 

The first goal wouldn’t happen until late in the second period. With 1:53 to go in the period, the Crusaders would strike with Cooper Sharp finding the back of the net. Quincy Supprien and Braeden O’Keefe picked up the assists on the play. Shots on goal in the second period favoured the Bulldogs 6-4.

In the third, the Bulldogs were still looking to get on the board and pressed late in the game to once again open up the shot margin. The Bulldogs would outshoot the Crusaders for the third straight period, this time 13-2. However, Blackfalds was unable to solve the Sherwood Park netminder Filip Vavro, who turned aside all 33 shots and was named first star for his efforts. Cooper Sharp was named the second star with the only goal in the game for the Crusaders. The third star was Nicholas DiPaolo for the Bulldogs, as he generated quite a few quality looks. 

The Bulldogs were 0/2 on the Power Play, while Sherwood Park was 0/1. The final shots on goal were 33-9 for Blackfalds.

The Bulldogs will look to bounce back in Game 2 against the Crusaders tonight with puck drop at 6:00 pm.

Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.showpass.com/202526-bulldogs-single-game-ti-26-04-08-21-7374/seating/