The Blackfalds Bulldogs celebrate a second period goal by captain Brett Meerman in the first game at the Eagle Builders Centre on Nov. 19, 2021. (rdnewsNOW/Josh Hall)

By Josh Hall (Twitter: @Vancan19)

great first impressions

Blackfalds Bulldogs win first game at new Eagle Builders Centre

Nov 19, 2021 | 11:08 PM

In their inaugural home game at the brand new Eagle Builders Centre, the Blackfalds Bulldogs knocked off the Calgary Canucks by a final score of 4 to 2.

The Bulldogs had played three home games already this AJHL season, but due to construction delays, they were forced to host opponents in Red Deer and Lacombe, plus they were the home team for one game at the AJHL Showcase in Brooks.

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Unofficial attendance for the big debut in Blackfalds was 1,245.

The home team drew first blood at 14:04 of the first as Carter Yarish (5th) finished off a shorthanded two-on-one. It was 1-0 after 20 minutes of play.

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In the second period, special teams clicked again for the Bulldogs, with captain Brett Meerman (4th) capitalizing on the power play, and jamming home a rebound at 10:20.

With a two-goal lead to start the final frame, Red Deer native (7th) Tye Carriere added to the fun, scoring another power play marker at 5:37.

Calgary finally got on the board with a man-advantage goal of their own at 6:16, Blake Setter (4th) scoring to cut the lead to 3-1.

Nicholas Magis (6th), however, restored the three-goal lead for Blackfalds at 8:37.

With 55 seconds on the clock, the Canucks’ Quintin Unreiner (1st) roofed one over the shoulder of Lucas Massie to make it 4-2, but that was as close as they’d come.

Post-game, inaugural home arena goal scorer Yarish, who is from Prince George, B.C., told rdnewsNOW the anticipation of waiting to play in their new digs was unbearable.

“Doug’s (Coach Quinn) been really keen on us working on our work ethic,” said Yarish, also encouraging the fans to keep on coming back. “Our back pressure and forecheck was great tonight, and I think that’s what led us to the win.”

Assistant Coach Al Parada also spoke after the victory, calling the atmosphere electric and thanking fans for their energy.

“Our guys performed well all night. We’ve seen growth in our players and we want them to continue getting better,” he said. “Our last 11 games, we’re 7-4, so we’ve really turned it around and we’re moving in the right direction. Guys are committing to roles and everybody’s buying in.”

AJHL Commissioner Ryan Bartoshyk was on hand Friday for the ceremonial puck drop, and stuck around for the game.

“It’s a tremendous night for the team and community. It’s been a long time coming,” said Bartoshyk. “We’re really proud of what they’ve been able to do here, and we’re excited about what it means for the AJHL.”

In Friday’s game, the Bulldogs’ Massie stopped 22 of the 24 shots he faced, and was named home star. A native of Claremont, California, Massie is 7-7-0 on the season with a 3.41 GAA and .892 SV%. He’s also won his last four straight starts.

Blackfalds was 2/7 on the PP, and Calgary (6-16-3) went 1/6. Blackfalds outshot Calgary 29-24.

Next up for Blackfalds (9-12-0) is another tilt at the Eagle Builders Centre on Saturday, Nov. 20 against the Camrose Kodiaks (14-7-2). Puck drop is at 6 p.m.