Blackfalds Bulldogs 2025/2026 season comes to an end
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The Blackfalds Bulldogs’ playoff run has come to an end after a 5-3 road loss to the Sherwood Park Crusaders in Game 6.
The loss follows a 4-0 shutout win against the Crusaders on Friday night at the Eagle Builders Centre — the Bulldogs’ second win by that margin in the best-of-seven series.
Sunday in Sherwood Park, Bulldogs forward Nikita Meshcheryakov got the team on the board with an early power play marker.
However, the Crusaders tied it with Bode Sampair scoring on a one-timer just a few minutes later.
Sherwood Park took the lead less than two minutes later on a deflection from Braeden O’Keefe.
After the first period, the Crusaders led the shot count 9-8.
In the second, the Bulldogs responded with a goal from captain Joey Melo at the 7:06 mark.
Less than two minutes later, Matthew Croxall scored on a wraparound, with Luke Dahlen and Melo picking up assists, giving the Bulldogs a 3-2 lead.
However, just before the end of the period, the Crusaders tied it again, with Nathan Kydd scoring with 33 seconds remaining.
In the third, Michael Mikan scored on a tap-in to give the Crusaders a 4-3 lead.
The Bulldogs pressed late but couldn’t find the equalizer. Crusaders forward Ryan White added an empty-net goal to make the final 5-3.
The Crusaders advance to the second round to face the Brooks Bandits after winning the series 4-2.
“I thought we’d be playing more hockey, but unfortunately, that’s how this game goes,” says head coach Ryan Tobler. “I’m very proud of this group overall.”
The Bulldogs went 5-1-1 against the Crusaders in the regular season.
Final game for key players
For the Bulldogs, the loss marks the final game for a number of top players including Braydan Smith, Alex Bosland, Thomas Neu, Nikita Ivashchenko, Nikolaj Rupi, Noah Mertz, Nikita Meshcheryakov and captain Joey Melo.
“We had such a great leadership group, and they were such a great part of our success,” says Tobler, who credits the players with being not only great teammates, but also incredible role models and community ambassadors.
He adds, the team shared an emotional moment after the game 6 loss, realizing the core leadership group is moving on after this season.
Coach pleased with 2025/2026 season overall
Despite the early playoff exit, Tobler says it was a successful 2025/26 overall.
Right from the start of the season, he credits the team with coming together and working well as a group.
The chemistry and commitment to teamwork bore fruit on the ice, he says, as the Bulldogs led the BCHL in regular season goal differential at +84. They allowed the second-least goals (135), and were fifth in goals for (219).
However, a few bumps in the road included losing starting goalie Carson Mertz from the lineup; although, Tobler credits Olivér Király with stepping up valiantly.
Tobler also points to the neck-and-neck battle with the Brooks Bandits to secure the Interior East Division title. Thanks to a late-season winning tear, Tobler says the Bandits were able to edge the Bulldogs out for top spot.
Looking ahead to the off season
After a chance to process the loss, Tobler says the focus will soon shift to the offseason.
“Our ultimate goal here is to win,” he says. “We’re already looking forward to the offseason and getting these guys ready.”
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