Nathan Craft made his return to Prince George last week as a member of the Alberni Valley Bulldogs.
"It's good to be back here," said Craft about his return to the city where he spent two seasons as a member of the B.C. Major Midget League Cariboo Cougars. "This place feels like home to me.
"It's not too friendly on the ice but after the game it's good to talk to them."
The 18-year-old B.C. Hockey League rookie was back in town Friday as the Bulldogs made the trek north to play the Prince George George Spruce Kings. Craft's former MML teammates Skylar Pacheco and Jake LeBrun earned bragging rights in the first meeting between the former Cougars as the Spruce Kings skated to a 6-3 win.
After the game, Craft and Pacheco exchanged friendly greetings.
"It's not to friendly on the ice, but afterwards it's all good," said Craft.
The six-foot, 191-pound Kitimat native has played in all 17 games with the Bulldogs - he played two games with the Spruce Kings last season as an affiliate player - putting up four goals and seven points, but has struggled in recent games. After the loss in Prince George the Bulldogs travelled to Merritt where they were shutout 3-0 on Saturday.
Alberni Valley has dropped six straight games as keeping the puck out of their own net doesn't come as easy as scoring. The Bulldogs have scored 57 goals this season but have given up 73.
"I started off really hot but it's a tough league and you've got to make sure you come out and play every night," said Craft. "I just have to keep working hard and it'll come."
Off-ice, Craft said he's enjoying the new experience of living on Vancouver Island.
"It's a great little hockey community down there with a lot of support behind us, hopefully we can pick up some wins and keep them coming out," he said.
