Port Alberni, B.C. - Hammer's Bulldog Blog

Life on Vanouver Island is rough...

2012-02-13T11:42:00.000-08:00

...but someone has to live it! Amazing day in Port Alberni, couldn't resist the opportunity to get out to the Alberni Golf Club and take advantage of it!

Bruce was in the Pro Shop working on his prep for the Broadcast Wednesday night;)

Hammer

Dogs 10 Grizz 3, Alberni Wrestling Island Champs, Midget and Bantam Dogs win...

2012-02-11T21:16:00.000-08:00

Quite the game, as the Grizzlies jumped out to a 3-0 lead just seven minutes into the game before the Dogs woke up and scored 10 unanswered for the win. Certainly felt for the short-staffed Grizzlies in this one, who didn't quit and battled hard.

Get more on tonight's game, and the entire week that was by reading my "Weekly Recap" article from the Bulldogs website HERE

With the win the Dogs now sit in 6th place in the Coast. Well done fellas, very fun to watch. The Dogs have three more games next week, all on home ice, with the Capitals in town on Wednesday and the Eagles in for a double header at the Dog Pound Friday and Saturday.

Huge congrats to Alberni Wrestling, as they captured both the Male AND Female team titles at the Island Championships this weekend!

Also congrats to the Van Isle Ford Midget Bulldogs, and the Best Western Barclay Hotel Bantam Bulldogs as they picked up big wins today. The Midgets clinched the North Island with a 4-3 win in Powell River, while the Bantams blanked Oceanside 9-0.

Hammer

Dogs vs Grizzlies

2012-02-11T19:08:00.001-08:00

Happy Hockey Day in Canada!

2012-02-11T14:31:00.000-08:00

The great Jim Robson was just interviewed moments ago.

Very cool to hear him talk about his first game working as a teenager in Port Alberni on Vancouver Island. The game was the Port Alberni Flyers versus the Lake Cowichan Bruins on a Sunday morning at the Civic Arena in Nanaimo. Robson tape recorded it and then drove back to Port Alberni to air it later in the day

Hammer

Dogs host Grizz, Postgame Show at Boston Pizza tonight, Frank Riddle interview, Happy Hockey Day in Canada!

2012-02-11T09:25:00.000-08:00

After quite the affair in Nanaimo last night (see below) the Dogs are right back at it tonight when they host the Grizzlies at the Dog Pound. All the shenanigans aside, the Dogs didn't play a full 60 minutes and it showed on the scoreboard. Take away the last 10 minutes of the second and it's anyone's game. However, when you are short on bodies you can't take a single shift off, better yet half a period, so here's hoping the Dogs can bounce back tonight with the same effort they brought Tuesday against Cowichan and in Vernon and Westside last weekend.

Catch the pregame show on Boston Pizza Bulldogs Hockey on 93.3 The Peak FM at 6:45 with the puck drop to follow at 7:00 with Bruce MacDonald and myself. Don't miss the postgame show LIVE at Boston Pizza following the game, as I'll be joined there by Head Coach Kevin Willison while Adam Hayduk and Bruce MacDonald try to keep things going in the Broadcast Booth for those leaving the game as we try to get down there.

Tonight's 2nd Intermission guest is former Bulldog (09-11) Frank Riddle, now with the Wilfred Laurier Golden Hawks.

Frank has a place in the Bulldog and BCHL record books, as he scored the game winning goal the night that the Dogs tied the record for consecutive road wins with 17 in Westside...let the video load and fast-forward to six minutes in, or better yet watch the whole thing for some great memories from 2009-2010!

2010 Bulldogs Playoffs Motivational Video - Part 2 from HammerHockey on Vimeo.

That's all for now! See you/talk to you tonight!

Hammer

Clippers 7 Dogs 2

2012-02-10T23:16:00.000-08:00

Wow, so much to talk about from this game that I don't know where to begin...

For the third straight game the Dogs drew first blood when Yan Kalashnikov went high glove side from the slot on Billy Faust just short of eight minutes in. The Clippers would answer quickly, shortly after at least two very hard net drives resulting in 15 year old Nathan Alalouf taking some very hard hits as his net seemed off its pegs more than on them. Bulldogs Head Coach Kevin Willison wasn't at all happy with the tactic and the lack of protection provided to his goalie by the Referee, and by his own team, saying its something that the Bulldogs will be taking to the league office and the Coaches would take it to their players. As I said on the broadcast, if it appears to be open season on the goalies, games usually get out of hand...but we will get to that later. It was 1-1 less than a minute after the Dogs had taken the lead as Luke Gordon pounced on a turnover and went high blocker side. Just seconds after another hard hit on Alalouf it was 2-1 Nanaimo went Andrew Gladiuk scored on a beautiful shot down the left wing off the crossbar and in high short-side. It was the Dogs turn to answer quickly this time as Trent Dorais one-timed a loose puck in the slot home for a 2-2 tie after 20 minutes.

The score would stay that way until just past the midway mark of the game when the Clippers went up 3-2 on a shorthanded marker off a draw in their end that saw Dan Correale go end to end in just eight seconds to score on the breakaway. That would open the floodgates as the Dogs appeared to stand around while the Clippers were flying and continuing to drive the net hard and getting rewarded for it with goals from Luke Gordon, Mason Blacklock and Trevor Fitzgerald in a span of three minutes to lead 6-2 after two. Near the end of the second period the game was delayed for a considerable time to sort out a skirmish which was noteworthy for the fact that Tryg Strand was given an instigator penalty on the play - while no fight occurred. That's something I have never seen before.

The fireworks erupted again early in the third resulting in another forever-long delay with the Clippers going up 7-2 as Kyle Kramer drove the net and muscled a rebound through Alalouf. Evan Tironese didn't appear to appreciate Kramer in the crease, as he immediately went with him and simultaneous multiple skirmishes erupted into a melee that saw Josh Mitchell and Jesse Neher fight and Trent Dorais throw a handful of glove on shoves on Josh Phillips. When the dust settled the Dogs were down a man for seven minutes with Mitchell and Neher ejected and Dorais given five for fighting and two for instigating along with Kyle Kramer who was given a fighting major. Evan Tironese sat in the penalty box for a good long time while it was all sorted was was sent free with nothing.The thing I can't understand now, and couldn't during the game as I brought it up at the time is this - how do the Dogs end up down a man for seven minutes when there are five minute majors that are even? Fighting to Dorais and Kramer, fighting to Mitchell and Neher. Maybe just honest mistakes. Tironese deserved something, and at the same time Dorais didn't remove his gloves as he has no fights to give towards his season total without further suspension. A further look at an updated box score now shows Daniel Delbianco receiving a penalty for fighting, and also an instigator penalty while I think originally in the rink he just was announced as being given a ten. Now I just wonder who he fought. It's understandable with that much happening on the ice at once that it is quite hard for the officials to try and keep tabs on everything going on, and for everyone down below to keep everything straight and then pass that info upstairs.

There would be no further scoring for the rest of the game.

Final shots favoured the Clippers 44-26.

Unofficial power play stats - Alberni 0 / 4, Nanaimo 0 / 7 with a shorthanded goal.

Next up, a visit from the Grizzlies tomorrow.

Hammer

Sent from my iPhone

Yard Sale

2012-02-10T21:05:00.001-08:00

Dogs @ Clippers

2012-02-10T19:11:00.001-08:00

Dogs line up

2012-02-10T18:57:00.001-08:00

Clips line up

2012-02-10T18:54:00.001-08:00

Dogs @ Clippers, Joe Scali tonight, Harry Zolnierczyk interview audio...

2012-02-10T10:56:00.000-08:00

The Dogs are back at it as they visit the Clippers in Nanaimo tonight, the first meeting since the end of November, which is hard to believe. Catch it all on Boston Pizza Bulldogs Hockey on 93.3 The Peak FM with the pregame show at 6:45 and the play-by-play at 7:00pm with Bruce and myself.

Tonight's 2nd Interview feature guest is former Bulldog (2003-2006) Joe Scali who later went on to play at Cornell before finishing his career last year in the CHL with the Laredo Bucks. He is still involved with the game as he now works for Twist Conditioning

My favorite moment from Joe...

And by popular demand, here's a copy of Harry Zolnierczyk's interview from Tuesday night. Harry might start declining interviews, as it seems every time I talk to him - or only when I talk to him - he ends up being sent down to the AHL. Only a matter time and he'll be back up again, but I can't help but feel it's on me!

As always, Audio is Courtesy and Copyright 93.3 The Peak FM and the Jim Pattison Broadcast Group.

That's it for now - line ups to be posted later. I expect the Dogs to again try to bolster their depleted line up with affiliate players.

Hammer

Dogs 6 Caps 1 vaults Dogs to 6th, Arty tricks, Sabo gets first...

2012-02-07T21:29:00.000-08:00

Just plain WOW.

I was sure hoping that the guys would bring their same level of play that they had at the end of the road trip, but I thought that with such a short bench combined with it being their fourth game in six days that it would be tough to duplicate.

Instead they went the other way and played EVEN better. I shouldn't have been surprised, as what they did on the road seemed to defy logic anyway. Like I said on the post game maybe the key is just having 12 or 13 skaters!?

The Caps had the jump early and the better of the chances, but Max Fenkell was very sharp in goal. The Dogs took the lead past the midway mark of the period on a goal that would be a sign of things to come, as Yan Kalashnikov put a shot on net that was stopped by Dun, but he couldn't get the rebound as Arty fired it off the post and in for a 1-0 Dogs lead after one.

There would be no scoring until late in the second as the game slowed down with plenty of penalties handed out with the game being very intense and chippy. The Dogs would take advantage of one of the penalties as they came out of four-aside hockey and onto the power play and made it 2-0 when Josh Mitchell won a draw that was helped back to the line by Trent Dorais to Walker Hyland who threw one on net that found its way home through traffic with under four to play in the second. The Dogs have now scored a power play goal in eight straight games.

The third period featured lots of scoring, with the Dogs getting it going early when the Caps failed to get the puck out before Trent Dorais found Arty alone in the slot with a backhand pass that he put past the glove of Dun just two minutes in. This would do it for Dun, but neither I or Bruce would notice it (really missing Dan "the statsman" Tisserand in the booth tonight) with the action getting crazy with a Capital goal just a minute later from Brett Knowles followed by a spirited scrap between Marlon Sabo and Keyler Bruce. Just a minute and a half later the Dogs restored the lead to make it 4-1 on a great shift by Strand-Stewart-Lough that saw the new Assistant Captain Lough bury one from the slot on a one-timer. I remember at one point during the action thinking about the goalie when I looked at him for a split second "hey he's not a southpaw" before it got lost in the action again. Thanks to the six or so people that texted me or emailed me to correct me by the way, and sorry for the goof - that's a first for me! And Bruce - you gotta be on that, eh?!

Arty would complete the hat trick with under five to play on a 2 on 1 with Yan setting him up beautifully down the right side and Arty finishing it off just as pretty with a one-timer under the bar to make it 5-1 before Marlon Sabo completed the scoring drilling a one-timer home from the top of the point for the first of his career with just two seconds left for the 6-1 final.

Can't say how happy I was to see Sabo score...if you missed it on the roadie, Sabo blasted yet another one-t from the line on the power play that was deflected in to make it 2-2 in the third period in Vernon. I was saying on the air how Sabo was dearly hoping that it hit a Viper stick, because if it did it would be the first of his career, but the puck was tipped by Hunter Stewart. What I didn't know at the time was that Brian Ceci, the videographer that accompanied the Bulldogs on the trip, had Sabo "mic'd up" for the third period. On the bus home I watched the clip of the goal and at the exactly the same time I was saying that Sabo was hoping it wasn't a team-tip he was celebrating with his teammates on the ice and said "Stewie(Hunter Stewart) please tell me you didn't tip that" to which Stewart replied "sorry I did" and Sabo then replied something along the lines of "aw, shucks!". Great to see him score tonight, on a play that was oddly very similar to the one tonight!

Great game by the affiliates in Keenan McConnell and Alex Grupe. Just an all-out team effort with good special teams, great goaltending, lots of hustle and determination and all those important things when it comes to winning a hockey game.

Final shots 44-32 Caps

Three Stars

3rd) Trent Dorais - he was originally selected the third star and insisted that Marlon Sabo get the honour instead. Quite a move by the Captain. Sabo was very deserving as were many others.

2nd) Max Fenkell

1st) Arty Kalashnikov

Hammer

Just $7 a ticket for all as Dogs host Caps tonight, Zolnierczyk interview, Midget Dogs+Alberni Wrestling recaps

2012-02-07T07:18:00.000-08:00

No rest for the wicked, the Dogs are right back at it tonight when they host the Cowichan Valley Capitals on $7.00 a ticket night at the Pound! Get your tickets at the Dogs office to take advantage.

For more on tonight's game and the rest of the sked this week, check out my "Weekly Preview" article from the Dogs website HERE

The Dogs are coming off a three-in-three road trip to the Interior that saw them battle proudly with just 13 skaters in Vernon on Saturday to finish the trip. I must say, in all my years of covering Junior Hockey - and we're going back to 1998 here - (man I feel old all of a sudden) that Saturday's game is without a doubt the most impressive collective effort with a short bench that I have ever seen. I am always cognizant of the fact that I strive to call the game without bias, yet always "how I see it", so it's a very fine line to walk.

Am I only seeing what I am seeing and forming the opinions I am forming because I ride the bus with these guys, because I share the team meal table with these guys? Would someone on the other side of the puck see things the same way? I always run through those thoughts in my head. I was very happy to see after the game in Vernon Saturday that I wasn't alone in saying how impressive the Dogs effort was. It was mentioned on the Vipers site, on the Vipersdiehardfan blog, on the Message Board, and the Dogs Coaching Staff even passed along a story of an 80-ish Viper fan (apologies if you aren't that old, and you are welcome if you are older) who went out of their way after the game on Saturday to approach the Coaches to say how impressed they were with the effort that the short-staffed Dog brought, and how they wished they had seen the team play with a full roster. Great stuff. Great things happen when EVERYONE brings their all for a full 60 minutes, when everyone is prepared, when everyone comes together and plays as a TEAM. Keep it going gents.

Catch the pregame show on Boston Pizza Bulldogs Hockey on 93.3 The Peak FM tonight at 6:45 with Bruce and myself, with the play-by-play to follow at 7:00.

Former Bulldog and current Philadelphia Flyer Harry Zolnierczyk will be my 2nd Intermission show. Many thanks to Harry, as no matter how busy he's been with his rookie NHL season he just always has time to catch up with me and his Bulldog roots!

Here's the results from Alberni Wrestling's 29th Annual Invitational over the weekend...outstanding!!

Local results of the 2012 Alberni Invitational Wrestling Tournament ….

Local wrestlers had an exceptional weekend at the 29^th Annual Alberni Invitational Wrestling Tournament. Port Alberni had 12 champions and 26 medalists. A total of 44 valley wrestlers finished in the top 6 of their respective weight classes of Juvenile (Gr 11-12), Cadet (Gr 9-10) and School Age (Gr 6-8). In addition several locals did well in the Open and Grappling Divisions and there were over 100 participants in the Elementary Division. In total there were over 700 participants over the two days of the Invitational.

Gold:

1. Jordan Bodnar – ADSS 43 kg Juvenile Girls

2. Bailey Durning – ADSS 64 kg Juvenile Girls

3. Daley Forbes – ADSS 75 kg Juvenile Girls

4. Jesse Wagner – ADSS 51 kg Cadet Boys ……. * Most Outstanding Cadet Boy of the tournament

5. Jordan Wagner – ADSS 54 kg Cadet Boys

6. Riley Neville – ADSS 90 kg Cadet Boys

7. Courtenay Lescourbeau – Dunn 57 kg Schoolgirls

8. Michaela Dick – Dunn 60 kg Schoolgirls

9. Julia McGowan – Dunn 75 kg Schoolgirls

10. Trevor Barker – Dunn 31 kg Schoolboys

11. Ben Salliter – Neill 73 kg Schoolboys

12. Tyler-Drew Adams – Dunn 90 kg Schoolboys

Silver:

1. Samantha Anderson – ADSS 90 kg JG

2. Cullen Hines – ADSS 78 kg JB

3. Remi Wells – ADSS 51 kg CG

4. Nolan Badovinac – ADSS 70 CB

5. Tristan Schultz – ADSS 78 kg CB

6. Chris Kurucz – ADSS 110 kg CB

7. Kalissa Montgomery – Dunn 34 kg SG

8. Aaron Prest – Neill 78 kg SB

Bronze:

1. Michelle Kurucz – ADSS 60 kg CG

2. Owen Spencer – Neill 31 kg SB

3. Oliver Whitham – Dunn 60 kg SB

4. Quentyn Young – Dunn 90 kg SB

5. Jordan Higgins - Neill 34 kg SG

6. Maryna MacDonald – Dunn 60 kg SG

In the team competition ADSS won the Juvenile Girls and the Cadet Boys while Dunn was second in Schoolgirls and third in Schoolboys. In the overall Club standings the Alberni Valley Wrestling Club took away top honours. The following are the full team results …

Juvenile Girls:
Placing	School		Points
1	ADSS		28
2	Carson Graham		22
3	Guildford		17
4	Ucluelet		13
5	Port Moody		12
5	Timberline		12
7	ST Moore		10
7	Maple Ridge		10

Juvenile
Boys:
1	Burnaby Central		62
2	Rick Hansen		50
3	WJ Mouat		39
4	Yale		34
5	MEI		28
6	Abby Traditional		25
7	Timberline		24
8	Cowichan		21
9	Guildford		20
10	ST Moore		19

Cadet Boys:
Placing	School		Total Points
1	ADSS		81
2	ST Moore		65
3	WJ Mouat		57
4	Terry Fox		39
5	Dover Bay		33
6	Abby Tr		32
7	Esquimalt		28
8	Stelly's		24
9	ST Aquinas		16
10	Van College		15


Cadet Girls:
Placing	School		Total Points		Boys
1	ST Moore		48
2	Phoenix		40
3	Carson Graham		31
4	Port Moody		27
5	Ucluelet		27
6	ADSS		24
7	Dover Bay		24
8	Norkam		16
8	Sentinel		16
10	Terry Fox		10

Schoolgirls:
	Placing	School		Total Points
	1	ST Moore		45
	2	Dunn Middle		41
	3	Phoenix		41
	4	Bonner		21
	5	Carson		18
	6	Neill Middle		17
	7	100 Mile		16
	7	Ucluelet		16
	7	Salt Spring Is.		16
	10	Guildford Park		12
	10	Abby Trad		12

Schoolboys:
	Placing	School		Total Points
	1	Abby Traditional		70
	2	Burnaby Cent		70
	3	Dunn Middle		35
	4	Phoenix		31
	5	Collingwood		28
	6	Carson		28
	7	Queen E		22
	8	Guildford Park		21
	9	Salt Spring Is.		21
	10	Neill Middle		16

Overall Clubs:

Placing	Club	Total Points
1	Alberni Valley WC	251
2	Capilano North Shore	216
3	Campbell River WC	151
4	Victoria Bulldogs	93
5	Abby WC	57
6	Salt Spring Island WC	37
7	Cowichan WC	37
8	Guru Gobind	34
9	Frazer Valley WC	12

MIDGET BULLDOGS WILL PLAY IN ISLAND SEMI-FINAL

The Van Isle Ford Midget Bulldogs started their play off series at home to the Oceanside Generals on February 5th, after a two week break between games. The Generals were facing elimination after losing to Powell River the day before. They came out hard and dominated physically through much of the game, while the Bulldogs looked rusty and made some uncharacteristic errors.

After some back and forth, Beau Wilson opened scoring for Alberni with a wrap around at 7:54 of the first period. Greg Tuckerman assisted. Oceanside replied with a quick goal at the beginning of the second period.
Wilson got the lead back late in the period, taking a feed from Colby Lim and Ryan Buse and snapping a backhand through five hole. The Alberni power play stumbled at the start of the third period, allowing Oceanside to even it up with a short handed goal.

After that the Bulldogs got into penalty trouble with 5 minor penalties in ten minutes. The Generals used a two man advantage to edge ahead 3-2.After that minutes ticked off the clock while 200 home town fans watched
anxiously.

Coach Brent Demerais took advantage of the versatility on the team to switch up some forward and defence roles. The strategy paid off in the tying goal with only 3:08 left. Colby Lim slammed the puck under the goalie from the high slot, assisted by Wilson and Nathan Read in front. Exactly 10 seconds later Cory Beecroft slapped a rebound from the top of the circle which went off the goalie stick and over his shoulder to put the Bulldogs on top. Lim potted an empty netter for a 5-3 final score.

The win guarantees that Alberni Valley will be in the Vancouver Island semi-final against a South Island team, either Saanich or Juan de Fuca.Their next play-off game in Powell River on February 11th will determine
ranking and home ice advantage for the North Island teams going into the cross-over.

Before the game the team entered the dressing room to find a surprise gift of customized sports bags from sponsor Will Pulford of Van Isle Ford. They want Will and Van Isle Ford to know how much they appreciate the bags and the sponsorship of the team.

1861KM later...

2012-02-05T11:21:00.001-08:00

...Home! And bussie needs a nap! Well done Will!

Hammer

Vipers 5 Dogs 2

2012-02-04T21:37:00.001-08:00

Gutsy effort by the Dogs at the end of a trip tonight as they iced just 13 skaters but fought hard all night in a losing cause, 5-2. Read all about it, and about the whole trip on the Dogs website through my "Weekly Recap" by CLICKING HERE

Got a bus to catch, gotta run!

Hammer

Vipes line up

2012-02-04T18:54:00.001-08:00

Dogs line up

2012-02-04T18:53:00.001-08:00

Apologies for the shadows, they have the lights turned off in here!

Dogs visit Vipers to finish trip...

2012-02-03T23:24:00.001-08:00

Hello from Vernon, as the Dogs bussed here last night after the 4-2 win in Westside to face the Vipers tonight. Catch the pregame show on Boston Pizza Bulldogs Hockey on 93.3 The Peak FM at 6:45 with the play-by-play to follow at 7:00

Tonight's 2nd Intermission guest is former Bulldog Tye Lewis, now playing at Sacred Heart

Talk to you tonight!

Hammer

Dogs 4 Warriors 2

2012-02-03T21:29:00.001-08:00

As Coach Kevin Willison said on the post game show "the boys went to battle tonight", and did they ever as the game got nasty at times as the Dogs topped the Warriors 4-2 tonight at Royal LePage Place.

The Dogs didn't appear fazed by the long day of travel as they had their legs from the outset after a long bus trip from Grand Forks. While the Dogs carried the play they trailed the game after one with Travis Blanleil converting on a 2 on 1 rush. The Dogs also dodged several bullets with the Warriors hitting the post several times.

The Dogs came out with the same energy in the second and were rewarded when Tryg Strand banged in a rebound off a Turner Popoff point shot. The game remained tied with the Dogs failing to beat a stellar Daayne Rodrique on back to back power play chances. Shortly after the power play elapsed they found the net anyway when the Kalashnikov brothers set up Brandon Halls on the rush as he snapped one high glove side to make it 2-1. A big turn of events later in the period saw a high hit by Chase Van Allen go un called, and the Dogs actually go to the power play with the Warriors sent to the box for unsportsmanlike conduct. A bench minor for the same then resulted in the ejection of Warriors head Coach Rylan Ferster and a full two-minute 5 on 3 that they connected on with the eventual game winner as Evan Tironese fired one through the legs of Rodrigue.

The Dogs built the lead to 4-1 early in the third on another power play as Hunter Stewart roofed a rebound in front. The game would then erupt in fireworks several times, the first being when Turner Popoff picked up a 5 minute major for kneeing when he stepped up at centre ice. He would be challenged and respond with a spirited scrap. Later in the period Chase Van Allen was victim of a high hit that dislodged a tooth and resulted in Trent Dorais challenging Matt Berry. As that fight was going on Ryan Lougj was jumped but the lineman intervened. During the ensuing 4 aside hockey off the Popoff hit and major penalty cancelled by the instigator to Westside the Warriors made it 4-2 when Brett McKinnon banked a wrap around home. The Warriors came on strong late in the game and had several great chances to make it a one-goal game but Matt LaRose came up huge to protect the lead.

Final shots 40-27 Bulldogs

The Dogs went 2 for 7 on the power at while the DWarriors went 0 for 5

Three Stars
3)Hyland
2)McKinnon
1)Tironese

The Dogs are on their way on a happy bus to Vernon to face the Vipers

Dogs @ Warriors

2012-02-03T19:41:00.000-08:00

Dogs @ Warriors, Alberni Invitational today and tomorrow, Midget Dogs at home Sunday

2012-02-03T11:56:00.000-08:00

The Dogs are back at it tonight as they try to break a four game losing streak when they visit the Westside Warriors at Royal LePage Place. Catch the pregame show on Boston Pizza Bulldogs Hockey on 93.3 The Peak FM at 6:45 with the play-by-play to follow at 7:00

Vernon Vipers play-by-play voice Todd Miller will be my 2nd Intermission feature guest.

The already short-staffed Bulldogs (Adams, Hepso and Berkholtz didn't make the trip) lost another body last night as Justin Morello was lost due to injury in the second period, playing his first game back since being injured on a hit from behind in the first game of January in Coquitlam. A positive sees Trent Dorais coming back into the line up. The Bulldogs will need to tighten up defensively tonight first and foremost. While they only scored twice last night, offense wasn't the problem as they gave up at the very least four breakaways and had untold giveaways, SEVEN in fact in the first 60 seconds of the game.

Outlandish prediction - I know I don't make predictions - but I predict that Chilliwack will win one of the next two games against the Vees to deny them either tying or breaking the BCHL's consecutive wins record.

Don't forget to get to the Multiplex today and tomorrow to check out the Alberni Invitational, admission is free and the set up and athleticism will blow you away!

The 29^th Annual Alberni Invitational Wrestling Tournament is scheduled for the Alberni Valley Multiplex February 2-4, 2012. The Invitational will bring over 600 competitors from all over B.C. to the Valley for three days of intense wrestling action in five different age groups plus another 200 in categories such as the Open, Elementary and a new Grappling division. .

The Alberni Invitational is widely considered the most prestigious high school wrestling tournament in B.C. and has received recognition across Canada. The tournament begins on Thursday, February 2^nd with weigh-ins for boys and girls in the secondary aged divisions at 6:00 p.m. at Glenwood.

The Alberni Invitational tournament action will run all day on Friday, February 3^rd from 9:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Alberni Valley Multiplex. This year the Friday will be divided into age group sessions. The Cadet (grade 9-10) and Juvenile (grade 11-12) will run Friday morning from 9 am to noon.. There will be a short lunch break before they run the Elementary (grades 3-5) and School Age (grades 6-8) divisions from 12:30 to 3:30 pm. The Cadet and Juvenile divisions run again from 3:30 – 5:30 pm before a short dinner break. School Age, Cadet and Juvenile start up again at 6 pm along with the Open division.

Friday night at 7:00 p.m. will feature the ever-popular semi-finals. Friday night will also feature the Open division where alumni and college wrestlers can test their skills. The conclusion of the rest of the preliminary matches in the age class divisions will begin Saturday morning at 9:00 a.m. Medal matches will start at about 10:00 a.m. Saturday morning. The finals in the Schoolboy/girl division (grade 6-8) and Cadet (gr 9-10) will start at noon on Saturday. The Juvenile (grade 11-12) finals start at 2:30 pm on Saturday and wrap up by 3:30 p.m. There is not cost for spectators for the preliminaries and the finals are by donation.

Returning to this year’s Invitational will be the Grappling division that will run on Saturday. Grappling is another variation of wrestling that is now sanctioned by the Canadian Amateur Wrestling Association. It combines many of the techniques and actions of wrestling with various martial arts disciplines. Alberni Wrestling has partnered with Dragon Martial Arts once again offer this dimension to the Alberni Invitational this year..

Registrations for grappling are open to all interested participants of all ages. Registration and weigh-in for grappling will take place Thursday night at Glenwood or Friday night at the Multiplex at 7:30 pm with grappling action starting soon after 9 am Saturday morning. There will be a grappling official’s clinic Friday evening at 7:30 am and an athlete’s rules clinic at 8:30 am Saturday. Make sure you come out to watch this exciting new action.

Not only do local fans have an opportunity for some great competition at the Invitational, you also will once again see very competitive Alberni wrestlers. The ADSS Boys team is currently ranked #6 in the province and will likely battle it out with over 60 other schools for the team title in the Juvenile and Cadet divisions. These teams include #1 ranked Burnaby Central and # 2 ranked Guildford Park of Surrey and other top teams such as Abby Traditional, John Oliver, Burnaby South and WJ Mouat Secondary of Abbotsford.

In the Juvenile Girls division ADSS is ranked # 2 or 3 in BC with Carson Graham of North Vancouver #1. Yale and Terry Fox round out the top 4 girl’s teams. In the Schoolboy/girl division Alberni will have strong teams from Neill and Dunn Middle Schools and both schools should be in the top 10. Ucluelet Secondary will also have wrestlers in most age divisions.

The AV Times will feature pictures and write ups next week on all the top local wrestlers to watch at the 2012 Invitational. It will be an exciting few days of wrestling action in the place many observers call

“The Wrestling Capital of Canada – Port Alberni! “

For more information contact Tournament Director

TOM McEVAY--- Phone home:724-0577 or work: 723-3744; email tmcevay@sd70.bc.ca

Last but not least get to the rink Sunday at 5pm as the Van Isle Ford Midget Rep Bulldogs play Game 1 of their playoffs as they host Oceanside - admission is FREE! Go Dogs!

Hello everyone:

It’s that time of year again, Very Exciting, the Alberni Valley’s Van Isle Ford Midget Rep Bulldogs start their 1^st play-off game at HOME. It’s a big one. We need to invite hockey fans to fill the stands and cheer on our Midget Boys and enjoy a free game of great fast ice hockey.

We would appreciate your assistance in inviting all Alberni Valley hockey fans to come out and support our team for this next crucial game. It will be at the Alberni Valley Multiplex starting at 5 PM on Sunday Feb 5^th vs Oceanside, Admission is free.

Thank you

Brenda Read

Manager Van Isle Ford Midget T2 Bulldogs

Smoke Eaters 6 Bulldogs 2

2012-02-03T00:41:00.001-08:00

The Dogs had plenty of offensive chances, but could only bury two of them. At the same time they gave up way too many chances in route to a 6-2 loss tonight in Trail.

Former Smokie Daniel Delbianco made it 1-0 during 4 on 4 action in the first on an Arty Kalashnikov set up. The Dogs kept up the pressure, but we're unable to build their lead before the Smokies tied it on an end-board bounce goal by Erik Cooper tied it. It was 2-1 Trail after one when they connected late in the period when Connor Tiechko found a rebound on the power play and put it home

The Dogs would tie it with a power play goal of their own, also off an end board bounce back as Ryan Lough scored to tie it at 2-2 just five minutes into the second. Another Smokies goal saw them lead 3-2 after two when Brent Baltus tipped in a point shot, again on the power play.

Matt Larose would come up with a breakaway save on Tanner Clarkson early on the third, his fourth of the game - but the Dogs couldn't tie it up as a Josh Mitchell shot hit the bar and stayed out. Moments later it was 4-2 when the Dogs failed to get the puck out and Craig Martin scored on the breakaway. It was 5-2 just two minutes later when Brent Baltus scored his second on a rebound off a scramble, before Tanner Clarkson scored when he went high short-side walking down the right wing for the 6-2 final.

Shots favoured the Dogs 34-32. The Smokies went 2 for 5 on the power play while the Dogs went 1 for 6.

Three Star:
3) A. Kalashnikov
2) L. Stanwood
1) Bren Baltus

Next up, Westside tomorrow.

The Bulldogs are already without Brandon Adams, Lars Hepso and Tyler Berkholtz. You can add Justin Morello to that list as he was hurt in the the second and wont return, but they will get Trent Dorais back for tomorrow's game

Hammer

Sent from my iPhone

Dogs @ Smokies

2012-02-02T19:31:00.000-08:00

Cominco Memorial Arena

2012-02-02T17:36:00.000-08:00

Neat mural on the end wall

Pregame Meal...

2012-02-02T14:48:00.001-08:00

Here at the old Train Station in Grand Forks

Game day skate in Trail...

2012-02-02T11:34:00.001-08:00

Videographer Brian Ceci getting shots of the action...

Game Day Skate in Grand Forks...

2012-02-02T10:45:00.001-08:00

Road Trip Diary #6, Weekly Preview Article...

2012-02-01T23:31:00.000-08:00

We have made it to our final destination of Grand Forks for the evening, the former home of the Kalashnikov brothers who played here last year for the KIJHL's Border Bruins.

The Dogs will have a game day skate here tomorrow before making the drive to Trail to face the Smokies tomorrow night.

For more, check out my "Weekly Preview" article on the Bulldogs website by CLICKING HERE

Bed time!

Hammer

Road Trip Diary #5

2012-02-01T19:49:00.001-08:00

Team Dinner at Spirit Ridge Vineyard Resort & Spa in Osoyoos home of Josh Mitchell!

Nice to run into the Mitchell's here!

Hammer

Road Trip Diary #5

2012-02-01T13:47:00.001-08:00

After a stop for lunch in Vancouver we are off to Grand Forks.

Pacific Coliseum is on the right, former home of the Vancouver Canucks, current home of the WHL's Vancouver Giants.

Hammer

Road Trip Diary #4

2012-02-01T11:57:00.001-08:00

Approaching Horseshoe Bay/Vancouver...lovely day for a boat ride!

Hammer

Road Trip Diary #3

2012-02-01T10:40:00.001-08:00

On the Queen of Cowichan, leaving Departure Bay bound for Horseshoe Bay

Road Trip Diary #2

2012-02-01T08:33:00.001-08:00

Update #1, and we aren't even out of town yet - breakfast for the bus from Timmie's!

Road Trip Diary #1

2012-02-01T08:31:00.000-08:00

Will the Bus Driver has been replaced!

Kidding of course, thats my little guy Griff, coming to say "Good Luck" to the Bulldogs!

Dogs head on the road for three, "Road Trip Diary" back again, $7 a ticket Tuesday, Marlon Sabo article in BCHL Magazine, Alberni Wrestling hosts Invational this weekend!

2012-02-01T00:43:00.000-08:00

The Dogs are on the bus today as they make their way to the Kootenays to face the Smokies in Trail tomorrow before heading to the Okanagan to face Westside Friday and Vernon on Saturday.

I will be bringing back the "Road Trip Diary" on the blog again to keep you all up to date. For those that didn't follow the team last year or years previous, it's pretty simple - I update throughout the day/night etc where we are and what we are doing. I did the same thing last year on the longer roadies and got some great feedback from the families and fans so I will do it again even though I fear my phone bill already!

The Dogs will head back home Sunday, and host Cowichan Tuesday and the Dogs are doing their best to pack the shack with $7.00 TICKETS! Read more...

We are rolling back the price!

PRESS RELEASE
January 30, 2012

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Port Alberni, BC – We are rolling back the prices on the 7th of February when your Alberni Valley Bulldogs host the island rival Cowichan Valley Capitals! All ticket prices, Senior, Adult, and Students will be just $7.00!

“Come out and enjoy a night of great entertainment and great Jr. A Hockey action,” said director of sales and marketing Laurie Smilie. “The Bulldogs have been playing with a lot of energy as of late and this is a game that is sure not to disappoint.”

Game tickets can be purchased in person at the Alberni Valley Bulldogs office located at 3737 Roger Street or by phone at 250-723-4412 Tuesday to Friday between 10am and 4pm.

Game time happens to also be at 7pm.

For more information contact Director of Marketing and Public Relations Laurie Smillie
at 250-723-4412, 250-735-3647 or lsmillie@albernivalleybulldogs.ca.

Very cool story here from the Bulldogs on Facebook regarding Marlon Sabo being featured in the latest issue of the BCHL's "Smart Hockey" magazine in their "Academic All-Stars" edition. Check out Page 14 online by CLICKING HERE

That's it for now, off to the bus tomorrow AM with plenty of updates throughout the day from the road!

One of the problems with the Alberni Invitational being hosted in the Alberni Valley Multiplex is that more often than not the Bulldogs are a long ways away on the road as the building is unavailable, and as such I can't catch all the action and I have to miss the spectacle, just like this year.

In my 9 years in Port Alberni I have been able to see the Invitational ONCE as a couple of years ago the Bulldogs were on the road but just on the Island. I was blown away with the set up, the organization, and last but not least the quality of wrestling. I even had the opportunity to call the finals on SHAW TV with Charles Mealey and Ryan Dvorak, which was a very cool experience. Sadly I won't be able to see it this year. I urge you to get down to the Multiplex and check this great event out if you haven't before! It is something else!

PRESS RELEASE

ALBERNI INVITATIONAL WRESTLING TOURNAMENT

GEARS UP FOR FEBRUARY 2-4, 2012

“The Wrestling Capital of Canada – Port Alberni! “

For more information contact Tournament Director TOM McEVAY--- Phone home:724-0577 or work: 723-3744; email tmcevay@sd70.bc.ca

Hammer

Kings 4 Dogs 3 Double OT

2012-01-29T21:39:00.000-08:00

Another tight game between the top team in the Coast and the bottom team Sunday in Powell River, with the Kings winning it on a Cohen Adair penalty shot.

Read my full recap from the Dogs site HERE

Off the bus, and now off to bed, the 5am wake up tomorrow for the 93.3 The Peak FM Morning Show comes early!

Hammer

Line Up

2012-01-29T14:00:00.000-08:00

Kings 5 Dogs 4, rematch this afternoon at 1:30

2012-01-29T00:39:00.000-08:00

A gutsy effort for the Dogs, almost digging out of a 5-2 hole after 40 minutes only to lose 5-4 to the top team in the Coastal Conference.

It was 1-0 Dogs early when Lars Hepso converted a breakaway on a nice pass from Chase Van Allen, but the Kings got it back on a Cohen Adair goal just past the midway mark of the period, a goal that the Dogs argued shouldn't have counted as their net was dislodged. It was 2-1 Kings after two when J.P. Villeneuve was left all alone in front.

The Dogs started the second period very flat with the Kings getting the better of the chances with the Dogs on the power play. A Kings power play made it 3-1 minutes later on an Evan Richardson goal, followed by a Daniel Schuler marker on a very pretty power play set up late in the frame. The Dogs appeared to have life when Hepso scored his second of the game after a Brandon Adams drive to the slot 1:14 later on the power play to make it 4-2, but a bad giveaway just half a minute later made it 5-2 Kings after two on Villeneuve's second of the game on a slap shot from the high slot.

The Dogs started the third much better than the second as Ryan Lough picked off a pass at the Kings line and raced in on a breakaway to make it 5-3. It was 5-4 with seven minutes gone in the period when the same line struck again as Hepso fed Adams down the left wing on a 2 on 1 that he ripped off the post and in to make it a one-goal game.

That's as close as the Dogs would come though, with the best chance the rest of the way again coming from the trio of Adams, Hepso, and Lough as they hemmed the Kings in their zone before Hepso was found all alone in the slot where he rang a shot off the post.

Shots favoured the Kings 35-19 with Sean Maguire and Max Fenkell being the goalies of record. The Kings went 2 for 6 on the power play while the Dogs went 1 for 5.

Three Stars:
3) Hepso
2) Waugh
1) Villeneuve

The two teams go back at it today with the pregame show kicking off at 1:15 and the play-by-play to follow at 1:30.

For now, time to hit the hay.

Hammer

Dogs Line Up

2012-01-28T19:18:00.000-08:00

Dogs Line Up

2012-01-28T19:13:00.001-08:00

Kings Line Up

2012-01-28T19:13:00.000-08:00

Dogs head to Powell River for two, Alumni Interviews - Stewart and Reppucci, Dave Campbell blog, Black Sheep Tournament, Variety Raffle...

2012-01-28T01:07:00.000-08:00

The Dogs are back at it tonight as they visit the Kings in Powell River for a double header. Catch the pregame show on Boston Pizza Bulldogs Hockey on 93.3 The Peak at 7:15 with the puck drop at 7:30.

Check out my "Weekly Preview" article from the Dogs site by clicking HERE

Tonight's 2nd Intermission guest is former Bulldog Brian Stewart, don't miss it! Jeff Reppucci is the 2nd Intermission guest tomorrow afternoon!

Get a very cool behind the scenes look on how things go with the Bulldogs with Trainer Dave "Soupy" Campbell's blog here - Alberni Valley Bulldogs 24/7

The Black Sheep Rugby Club are also in action today....

Cowichan and Nanaimo will be coming up to our facilities this weekend to participate in an exhibition tournament this Saturday. It appears that the weather will be more co-operative this time. The start times are listed below.

NOON PABS VS. NANAIMO

1:00 PM PABS VS. COWICHAN

2:00 PM NANAIMO VS. COWICHAN

Please help advertise and spread the word:

Angel has a busy week of fundraising ahead as she works on raising the final $900 of her $100K fundraising goal for Variety's Kids. You can find her selling raffle tickets at Buy Low Foods this Friday and Saturday, 2 -5pm. Stop by her Variety table to say hello and buy a $2 ticket on Angel's Raffle for Variety's Kids.

sincerely, Cheryl Magnussen on behalf of Angel

Angel's Raffle for Variety's Kids

Tickets Available at: The Flooring Depot, Castle One Carpets (Parksville), Trends Design Team, Alberni Valley News, Alberni Valley Bulldogs office, Alberni Valley Times, and Taylors Flowers

Prizes are as follows:

FIRST PRIZE - Autographed (Alberni Valley Bulldog Alumni) #29 Harry Zolnierczyk Philladelphia Flyers Jersey
SECOND PRIZE - 5 x 8 Area Carpet donated by The Flooring Depot - retail value $562.00
THIRD and FOURTH PRIZE- certificate for 1 nights accommodation for 2 at the Sandman Hot...el Downtown Vancouver (valid now until April 30th and October 1st til December 30th 2012) -donated by the Sandman Hotel Downtown Vancouver

Ticket Price -$2 each

2000 tickets will be sold with all proceeds going to Variety the children's charity of BC

Draw date is February 11th, 2012, 9pm at the Alberni Valley Multiplex

Hammer

Best Western Barclay Hotel Pee Wee "A" Bulldogs Island Champs...

2012-01-26T13:30:00.000-08:00

In case you missed the news from earlier this week - a HUGE CONGRATS to the Pee Wee "A" Bulldogs, following up the Midget Bulldogs from the weekend before. Pretty good Minor Hockey here in the Valley, wouldn't you say? Thanks as well to Stef for the great update.

Hammer

The Best Western Barclay Hotel Peewee A Bulldogs are the 2011 – 2012 Island League Division 2 Champions. The Peewee Bulldogs posted a strong 9 and 1 record in league play which began in late October and wrapped up this past weekend.

To start the season Alberni posted 7 – 6 and 4 -3 victories over Powell River followed by 2 – 0 and 12 – 0 decisions against south island opponents the Victoria Icehawks and Peninsula Eagles. Alberni claimed a 5^th straight win, 7 – 1 over Oceanside, before taking their only loss in league play, a tight 2 – 1 game against Kerry Park.

The month of January saw the Peewee A team round out their 10 game league schedule with 4 more wins, posting a 4 - 2 victory over Victoria, an 8 – 6 decision against Kerry Park and wins this past weekend, 2- 1 on Saturday versus the Generals A team in Oceanside and 5 – 2 at home over the visiting Peninsula Eagles on Sunday.

The Peewee A Bulldogs would like to thank their sponsors, The Best Western Barclay Hotel, GDM Boom and Sort and Smittys Restaurant for their ongoing support this season. The team will now step into the hunt for a berth at the 2012 provincial championships. Alberni’s playoff quest begins in Oceanside on Feb 5^th and the team will see their next home action at the Multiplex at 1230pm on Sunday February 12^th when they take on the Campbell River Tyees.

Photo credit: Anna Jack

In the photo – left to right

Kneeling Tanner Doucette, Jaysen MacLean

Front Row Colton Lloyd, Nico Somerville, Tynan Smyth, Wyatt Selva, Nick Sexton

2^nd Row Austin Marling, Shay-lee McConnell, Matthew Netzer, Noah Fatur, Jayden Moss, Brennan Locke, Foster Martin, Ezra Paddock, Ayden Brossoit, Coach Greg Smyth

Back Row Coach Dan Sexton, Ethan Jack, Connor Sabiston, Coach Dave McConnell

Thanks to Dennis Jonsson Motor Products!

2012-01-23T14:59:00.000-08:00

Behold the Orlando, my new ride for the next couple of days courtesy the fine folks at Dennis Jonsson Motor Products!

As soon as my little guy wakes up from his nap we will be out and about on the streets and highways testing it out, so I can give a full report on the vehicle tomorrow on my 93.3 The Peak FM Morning Show just after 7:30am! Be sure to tune in!

Thanks again to Dennis Jonsson GM, pretty cool!

Hammer

Eagles 6 Dogs 3

2012-01-21T22:45:00.000-08:00

A great effort but a bad result tonight at the Pound as the Dogs fell 6-3 to the Eagles. While the Dogs out shot Surrey 54-28 they struggled to bury their chances while the Eagles seemed to capitalize on ever chance the Dogs gave up. A disallowed goal that would have made it 4-3 in the third ended any Dogs comeback hopes.

Read all about it in detail through my "Weekly Recap" article on the Dogs website HERE

Hammer

Dogs host Eagles, Mark MacMillan interview, Variety game night...

2012-01-21T12:08:00.000-08:00

How about this great picture of last night's thrilling finish! Great shot

The Dogs are back at it again on home ice tonight as they finish a four-game home stand with the Surrey Eagles making their first visit to the Dog Pound this season after the last visit was postponed due to inclement weather. The Eagles will be trying to bounce back from a 3-2 overtime loss in Nanaimo last night while the Dogs will be trying to win two in a row for the first time since they won five straight to end October and begin November.

Catch the pregame show on Boston Pizza Bulldogs Hockey on 93.3 The Peak FM at 6:45 with the puck drop at 7:00.

Tonight's 1st Intermission guest is Dogs D-man Walker Hyland while former Bulldog and current UND Fighting Sioux and Montreal Canadiens draft pick Mark MacMillan will join me in the 2nd Intermission show.

The Alberni Valley Bulldogs are teaming up with Angel and hosting a Variety Game Night on Saturday January 21st.

Stop by the Variety table on your way into the game and purchase a puck for the first intermission puck toss. First prize is a Pink Alberni Valley Bulldogs Jersey and Second Prize is a Family Game Night Package. Pucks are $2 a piece or three for $5.

Angel will also be at the Variety Table during the first and second intermissions awaiting your visit in hopes that you will purchase a Star Wars Variety Gold Heart Pin for $3 or purchase a $2 ticket on Angel's Raffle for Variety's Kids.
Raffle Prizes are as follows:
first prize - Autographed (Alberni Valley Bulldog Alumni) #29 Harry Zolnierczyk Philladelphia Flyers Jersey
second prize - 5 x 8 Area Carpet donated by The Flooring Depot - retail value $562.00
third prize and fourth prize - certificate for 1 nights accommodation for 2 at the Sandman Hotel Downtown Vancouver ( valid now - April 30th, 2012 and October 1st - December 30th, 2012 ) -donated by the Sandman Hotel Downtown Vancouver

Raffle draw date: 11 Feb 2012

With your help this is the year that Angel will meet her goal of raising $100K for Variety's Kids. At last count she was only a few thousand short of this goal.

Sincerely, Cheryl Magnusssen on behalf of Angel.

Hammer

Fantastic finish, Dogs 3 Cents 2 UPDATE - VIDEO of winner....

2012-01-20T21:32:00.000-08:00

What a finish at the Dog Pound Friday night!

The Dogs led 1-0 after one on a Turner Popoff power play goal, and 2-0 after two on a Trent Dorais marker.

The Cents came out with a great third period, making it 2-1 on a pretty goal by Evan Stack in-alone with just over six minutes gone in the third. They would get the equalizer on another pretty play by Stack as he drove the net with speed on the power play and tucked in his own rebound to tie it up with 6:49 to play.

The Dogs then took a late penalty to put the Cents on the power play with 2:15 to play in the third but killed off a late penalty with several big shot blocks and a couple big saves by Cameron Large. As the penalty was ending a shot block in the slot saw the Dogs get the puck and then race up ice and net the winner in highlight reel fashion when Ryan Lough slipped a check with a pretty move before getting a pass over on a second effort to Walker Hyland, who scored the winner coming out of the penalty box and finding the back of the net for a 3-2 Dogs lead with 3.2 seconds left on the clock.

Special thanks to Bulldogs Assistant Coach Adam Hayduk for getting the video up so fast, the fans certainly appreciate it and I certainly do as well!

In all the Bulldogs games I have called, I can't remember the team ever netting a winner so late in regulation. It was nice to see and hear the Pound erupt like that. As Bruce MacDonald said, it seemed like the good ole' days, and the boys needed it, the town needed it, and the Pound needed it. Well said and great effort and an amazing ending.

Shots favoured Merritt 40-35 with both teams going 1 for 4 on the power play.

Three Stars:

3) Lino Chimienti

2) Evan Stack

1) Cameron Large

Next up, the Surrey Eagles tomorrow.

Hammer

Dogs host Cents, Dorais to SAIT, BIG changes to BCHL, Variety Game Night vs Eagles tomorrow

2012-01-20T07:46:00.000-08:00

The Bulldogs are back on home ice tonight as they host the streaking Merritt Centennials. Get it all on Boston Pizza Bulldogs Hockey on 93.3 The Peak with the pregame show at 6:45 and the play-by-play to follow at 7:00 on 93.3 The Peak FM

Tonight's 2nd Intermission guest is former Bulldog Johnny Rogic, now at RPI. Mark MacMillan will join me in the 2nd Intermission tomorrow.

Still remember that blazing Rogic speed, as displayed on this OT winner....

Huge congrats to Trent Dorais who is off to SAIT next season!

PRESS RELEASE
January 19, 2012

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The Alberni Valley Bulldogs are very proud to announce that 91 F and team captain Trent Dorais has committed to a hockey scholarship at Southern Alberta Institute of Technology. The SAIT Trojans play in the Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference.

SAIT, located in Calgary, Alberta, is one of Canada’s leading polytechnics. SAIT provides relevant, skill oriented education to more than 71,000 registrants each year. The Trojans play in The Trojans Arena at SAIT
that features an NHL-size surface. “We are very excited for Trent,” said Alberni Valley Bulldogs’ Head Coach Kevin Willison. “Trent has been working very hard this season both on and off the ice so that he could reach the goals he set for himself. For the short time that I’ve known him, Trent has displayed character and strong leadership abilities making him a great fit for the SAIT Trojans hockey progarm.” Dorais will be joinging fellow Alberni Valley Bulldogs alumni Sam Mitchell (2008-2011) at SAIT for the 2012/13 season.

“We are very excited that Trent has committed to a hockey scholarship at SAIT,” said SAIT Men’s Hockey Coach Ken Babey. “He is a very good player with strong leadership skills, physical play, speed and work ethic,” added Babey. “These attributes will fit nicely into our team’s style of play. We expect Trent to have a positive impact on our team.”

“I’m very excited for the opportunity to play next season for such a well respected hockey program,” said Trent Dorais. “I look forward to reunite with my old teammate and line mate Sam Mitchell. I would like to take this opportunity to thank my coaches, the entire Alberni Valley Bulldogs organization, Tom McEvay,
my billet parents Wade and Tammi Nicklin, and everyone in the community for helping me reach my goals.”

The Alberni Valley Bulldogs would like to congratulate Trent for achieving his goal of earning a hockey scholarship. He will be missed in the Alberni Valley but we know he will have continued success with his future endeavors.

For more information please contact Assistant Coach Adam Hayduk at
250.723.4412 or adam@albernivalleybulldogs.ca.

Some interesting decisions came out out of the Governors meetings...read more below.

January 19, 2012
For immediate release:

The British Columbia Hockey League passed a number of significant motions Thursday at the league’s semi-annual governors meeting in Richmond. The changes will take effect in the 2012-13 season.

To allow more fans to attend games, governors voted to lower the number of regular season games from 60 to 56. This will decrease the number of mid-week games when fans are less able to attend. Now, a greater percentage of home dates can be held on the prime nights of Friday and Saturday.

Also, a showcase event will be held Sept. 7 to 9 at a site yet to be determined. The showcase is similar to events held in the Alberta and Saskatchewan Junior Hockey leagues where college and professional scouts are invited. Showcase results will count in the regular season standings. Each BCHL team will play two games at the event meaning all teams, except the host of the showcase, will then have 27 home dates in the 2012-13 season. Any revenues from the showcase will be split up amongst the league’s 16 clubs. Teams are being asked to submit by Feb. 1 their bids to host the event.

Another motion that passed was the decision to move the start of the regular season to Sept. 14, 2012. This will mark the date that the standard BCHL regular-season format shall commence though by that point, two regular season games will have been played at the showcase event by each team.

The season will end March 10, 2013 which means the coming season is two weeks longer than normal. This also will allow more games to be scheduled on prime nights rather than mid week.

With respect to the alignment of the conferences, there will be now be 10 teams in the Coastal Conference and it will be split into two groups called the Island Division and Mainland Division. The Island Division will include Victoria, Cowichan Valley, Nanaimo, Alberni Valley and Powell River. The Mainland Division will include Coquitlam, Surrey, Langley, Chilliwack and Prince George.

Prince George will be given the option to return to the Interior Conference after the conclusion of the 2013 playoffs. With Prince George and Chilliwack set to join the Coastal Conference, the new Interior Conference will include the remaining teams: Merritt, Trail, Penticton, Vernon, Salmon Arm and Westside.

“These decisions were not made in haste and came only after lengthy debate by our governors,” said BCHL commissioner John Grisdale. “The BCHL considers itself an innovator and model for Junior A hockey in Canada and these decisions, not all of them unanimous, have been made with the intention of ensuring the long-term viability of our league.”

Each club has been asked to submit new playoff format ideas to the BCHL office by Feb. 1, 2012. After that, a decision will be made and announced.

Brent Mutis
Communications director
British Columbia Hockey League

Help Angel raise much needed funds for Variety AND win some great stuff while you are at it tomorrow night!

The Alberni Valley Bulldogs are teaming up with Angel and hosting a Variety Game Night on Saturday January 21st.

first prize - Autographed (Alberni Valley Bulldog Alumni) #29 Harry Zolnierczyk Philladelphia Flyers Jersey
second prize - 5 x 8 Area Carpet donated by The Flooring Depot - retail value $562.00
third prize and fourth prize - certificate for 1 nights accommodation for 2 at the Sandman Hotel Downtown Vancouver ( valid now - April 30th, 2012 and October 1st - December 30th, 2012 ) -donated by the Sandman Hotel Downtown Vancouver

Raffle draw date: 11 Feb 2012

With your help this is the year that Angel will meet her goal of raising $100K for Variety's Kids. At last count she was only a few thousand short of this goal.

Sincerely, Cheryl Magnusssen on behalf of Angel.

Bulldog Alumni Interviews - Slubowski, Hatch, Dziurzynski, Kremyr Smeltzer...

2012-01-18T08:59:00.000-08:00

By popular demand, here's some recent interviews with former Bulldogs for your enjoyment.

Remember, all audio is courtesy and copyright 93.3 The Peak FM and the Jim Pattison Broadcast Group, LP.

David Dziurzynski Interview by Hammer's Bulldog Blog

Matt Hatch Interview by Hammer's Bulldog Blog

Jordan Kremyr Interview by Hammer's Bulldog Blog

Isaac Smeltzer Interview by Hammer's Bulldog Blog

Frank Slubowski Interview by Hammer's Bulldog Blog

Slubowski wins CCHA Rookie of the Week

2012-01-17T11:35:00.001-08:00

http://www.wmubroncos.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=4600&ATCLID=205362657

Sent from my iPhone

Midget Dogs clinch Island Banner in thrilling fashion

2012-01-15T19:19:00.000-08:00

Huge congrats to the Van Isle Ford Midget Rep Bulldogs, who clinched the Island Banner tonight with a thrilling 3-2 come-from-behind win over Cowichan Valey, erasing a 2-0 deficit with three unanswered goals late!

Way to go boys!

Sent from my iPhone

Kings 7 Dogs 0, Midget Dogs host Cowichan tonight at 5pm

2012-01-15T00:53:00.000-08:00

A tough night at the Dog Pound as the Kings scored five in the second period to blow the game open. Check out my "Weekly Recap" for more HERE

Please get out to the rink tomorrow night if you are able to as the Van Isle Ford Midget Bulldogs are hosting Cowichan Valley at 5pm. There is nothing on the line besides a BANNER.

If you missed what's up earlier, read below.

Hello Peak staff:

Back in October the AVMHA Midget Bulldogs hockey team achieved a major goal by qualifying to play in Division 1 of the Vancouver Island Hockey League. They have led the division all season and are now poised to make history by winning it, which is a huge achievement for a team from a small town. The Midget Bulldogs are in control of their destiny this Sunday, as they will face off against Cowichan Valley  - the only team with a mathematical chance of catching up to them to win the banner.

We would appreciate your assistance in inviting all Alberni Valley hockey fans to come out and support our team for this crucial game.  It will be at the Alberni Valley Multiplex starting at 5 PM on Sunday January 15th.

Admission is free.

Thank you

Dogs 6 Grizzlies 3, Dogs host Kings tonight, David Dziurzynski interview

2012-01-13T21:19:00.000-08:00

The new look Bulldogs topped the almost totally different look Victoria Grizzlies 6-3 last night at the Dog Pound to pass the Langley Rivermen for 7th in the Coastal Conference in a game that saw both teams ice three lines coming off Tuesday's Trade Deadline.

Max Fenkell was great all night and big early in the game when the Grizz had the best of the early chances while shorthanded, most notably a Coltyn Hansen breakaway off an intercepted a D to D pass that Fenkell turned away. The Dogs drew first blood when Brandon Adams kept the puck on a 3 on 1 down the right wing and snapped one high short-side. A skirmish after the goal saw the Dogs go to the power play where they connected to make it 2-0 when Hunter Stewart scored in his Dogs debut by deflecting a point shot over Garrett Rockafellow. Exactly one minute later Arty Kalashnikov potted a rebound created when Evan Tironese walked to the slot for a 3-0 Dogs lead after one.

The lead was built to 4-0 on another deflection when Ryan Lough tipped an Evan Tironese point shot top corner from the doorstep eight minutes into the second. The Grizz got on the board to make it a 4-1 game after two periods when they connected on the power play when Alex Holland went top corner, far side from the slot on a Hansen set up on the power play.

Victoria struck again to make it a two goal game just short of five minutes into the third when Max Fenkell came up with the initial save on a 2 on 1 rush, only to be beaten anyway when Michael Sandor showed great hand-eye coordination by batting the rebound out of the air to make it 4-2. The Dogs would answer back in short order to retake the three goal lead though as Trent Dorais drove the puck in on a wrap around from down low less than two minutes later. It was a 6-2 Dogs lead less than a minute later as Hunter Stewart stole the puck behind the net with a great second effort and found Arty Kalashnikov in who one-timed it home for his second of the game. The only goal the rest of the way came on a pretty power play set up by the Grizzlies on a 5 on 3 when Chase Kaiser drilled a cross-ice one timer home to make it 6-3 with just over five to play.

The Dogs out shot the Grizz 38-35 and went 1 for 3 on the power play while the Grizzlies went 2 for 5.

Three Stars:

3) Ryan Lough

2) Arty Kalashnikov

1) Hunter Stewart

The Dogs are right back at it tonight as they play game two of a four game home stand with Powell River paying the Dogs a visit. Catch all the action on Boston Pizza Bulldogs Hockey on 93.3 The Peak with the pregame show at 6:45 and the puck drop at 7:00

Former Bulldog David Dziurzynski, now with the AHL's Binghampton Senators will be my 2nd Intermission guest, don't miss it.

Hammer

Dogs host Grizz tonight, Hunter Stewart makes debut, Josh Bonar interview, Midget Dogs home Sunday for 1st

2012-01-13T13:28:00.000-08:00

The Dogs are back on home ice tonight as they host the Victoria Grizzlies at the Dog Pound, the first time Victoria has paid a visit since September. Catch the pregame show on Boston Pizza Bulldogs Hockey on 93.3 The Peak FM at 6:45 with the play-by-play to follow at 7:pm.

Ace is off catching some sun rays on sandy beaches, so Alberni Golf Club Head Pro Bruce MacDonald will join me back in the booth once again to provide colour commentary and analysis. I'm jealous of Ace, and very happy to have Bruce back! And by the way, once again a special thanks to Bulldogs Public Address Announcer Charles Mealey for joining me in Duncan on Wednesday night! Charles does a great job, and I received lots of positive feedback. It is always nice to not call a game solo just to be able to have someone else to talk for a spell, to offer a different opinion and view on the game, or just to be a backboard to bounce things off of so I'm not just talking to myself...or just all the listeners - is how I try to think about it when I am a one man show.

New Bulldog Hunter Stewart will make his Bulldog and Dog Pound debut, and also his radio debut as he will be my 1st Intermission guest. Hunter will wear number 18. I told him it is a jersey that is very familiar to the locals. For the new Bulldog fans - it was once worn by former Bulldog Captain and then Brown University Bear Captain Devin Timberlake.

Congrats to three Bulldog prospects who will play in the BCMML All Star game tonight! Read more HERE

Speaking of locals, Josh Bonar joins me in the 2nd Intermission, all the way from Hungary where he plays for the Miskolci Jegesmedvek Ice Bears.

Best of luck to the Van Isle Ford Midget Bulldogs, doing my best to get a big crowd out for them on Sunday night! Here's the email we at got at 93.3 The Peak from Simon Read. We have been pumping this up since Monday - please help share the word and get out Sunday night if you can!

Hello Peak staff:

Back in October the AVMHA Midget Bulldogs hockey team achieved a major goal
by qualifying to play in Division 1 of the Vancouver Island Hockey League.
They have led the division all season and are now poised to make history by
winning it, which is a huge achievement for a team from a small town.  The
Midget Bulldogs are in control of their destiny this Sunday, as they will
face off against Cowichan Valley  - the only team with a mathematical chance
of catching up to them to win the banner.

We would appreciate your assistance in inviting all Alberni Valley hockey
fans to come out and support our team for this crucial game.  It will be at
the Alberni Valley Multiplex starting at 5 PM on Sunday January 15th.
Admission is free.

Thank you

More later!

Hammer

Caps 5 Dogs 2

2012-01-12T01:14:00.000-08:00

A late start due to Zamboni issues equalled a bad start for the Dogs as the Caps came out flying taking a 3-0 lead three minutes into the game on goals by Troy Paterson in the first minute, Vinny Muto two and a half minutes in and then Brett Knowles on the power play less than a minute later. The Caps continued to dominate to build the lead to 4-0 on an Iacobellis goal just short of nine minutes in, followed by a Matt Brown tally less than two minutes later to make it 5-0.

You wouldn't have believed it at the time but that would be it for the Caps offence on the game as they didn't find the net again while they certainly had their chances and several near misses.

The Dogs deserve credit for taking it in the chin BIG TIME but simply not quitting and just continuing to plug away no matter what. While the Caps no doubt took their foot off the gas with the big lead, they by no means quit. While the Dogs won the final 50 minutes they lost the first 10 badly enough that they couldn't dig out of the hole as Turner Popoff (with the first of his career) and Lars Hepso scored power play goals in the second and third to account for all the offense and the 5-2 final score.

Off to bed for a short nap and the 93.3 The Peak FM Morning Show at 6am tomorow!

Hammer

Dogs @ Caps

2012-01-11T20:35:00.001-08:00

Also Steen Cooper gets his Team BC 16 ring from Adam Hayduk

Late start...Zamboni Issues...

2012-01-11T18:44:00.000-08:00

MacMillan bros together again at UND, Midget Dogs top Island, full list BCHL transactions...

2012-01-11T14:06:00.000-08:00

I'm now able to officially announce that Mitch MacMillan will be joining younger brother Mark at the University of North Dakota to suit up for the Sioux after leaving St. Cloud State last month. Mitch is at UND right now and can do everything with the team except play until December 2012.

Here's just a small example of what the brothers did in Bulldog sweaters...if they can duplicate the same at UND fans of the Sioux will be in for a treat.

MIDGET BULLDOGS STILL ON TOP

The Van Isle Ford Midget Bulldogs collected 3 out of 4 points on the road
last weekend to maintain their position on top of Division 1 of the Island
League.  On Saturday they held off a late surge to tie Peninsula Eagles 2-2
and on Sunday battled to a gritty 3-2 win over Juan De Fuca Grizzlies.

On January 7 at Panorama Arena the game went end to end with no clear
advantage through the first period until Greg Tuckerman used his long reach
to wrist one past the Eagle goalie with 46 seconds on the clock.  Tyler
Wilhelm and Brett Williscroft assisted.  Early in the second period Nathan
Read out-muscled the defence in front of the net and snapped in a loose puck
for a two goal lead.   Peninsula continued to press and was able to tie the
game early in the third period.

The next day at Bear Mountain both teams came out hard.  The Grizzlies
claimed the first goal at 12:06.  The Bulldogs evened it up a minute later
when Corey Beecroft wristed a shot from the right point that found the mark.
Spencer Pierce and Brandon Antonichuk assisted.  Much of the second period
was played in the Alberni zone, and at 2:51 Juan de Fuca went up 2-1.  The
Bulldogs took over in the third period.  At 16:48 Beecroft lobbed a puck
high towards the net and as the goalie turned the wrong way Cameron MacAdams
seized the moment to put the puck behind him.  Chase Gaudreault also
assisted.  Then at 11:22 it was MacAdams from Beecroft again for the game
winner.  Alberni controlled the play for the remainder of the game to secure
the win.   Coach Brent Demerais said "It was good to see the hard work along
the boards on Sunday.  Being physical helped. The other team kept coughing
up the puck."

With two games left in the regular season Alberni Valley leads the league
with 17 points (8 wins, 1 loss and 1 tie).  This is a remarkable achievement
for a team from a small association.  The Midget Bulldog's impressive
performance is not going unnoticed.  Coach Brent Demerais noted the presence
of several WHL scouts at the weekend games and said they have been talking
to him about several players from the team.

Mathematically there is only one other team left with a chance to take the
Division 1 banner.  That team is Cowichan Valley which is 5 points back with
three games to go.  The Bulldogs only need one win to clinch the banner.  

That win could come at their next home game of the season next Sunday,
January 15th when they host Cowichan Valley.  Game time is 5:00 PM at the
Multiplex.  Let's get lots of fans out and make some noise for our Alberni
boys.  Admission is free.

A full list of the transactions yesterday can be found on the BCHL site HERE

Man I gotta go I have a bus to catch!

Hammer

Dogs visit Capitals tonight, Matt Hatch Interview tonight

2012-01-11T09:03:00.000-08:00

The Bulldogs are back in action tonight as they visit the Capitals in Duncan for the fourth time already this season. Catch all the action on Boston Pizza Bulldogs Hockey on 93.3 The Peak FM with the pregame show at 6:45 and the play-by-play to follow from the "Big Stick" at 7:00.

I will have some assistance in the booth - or "landing" as we call it in Duncan - as Bulldogs Public Address Announcer Charles Mealey will make the trip down to provide Colour Commentary and Analysis.

For more details on tonight's game and the games Friday and Saturday, check out my "Weekly Preview" article on the Bulldogs website by CLICKING HERE

For those that missed Kevin Willison and Adam Hayduk on The Peak Morning Show today regarding the trade deadline - I will replay it tonight during the 1st Intermission show.

In the 2nd Intermission show, more Bulldog Alumni, as Matt Hatch will be my guest!

That's it for now, more later!

Hammer

Dogs flip Odenaal, add Hunter Stewart, done dealing now, Kevin Willison and Adam Hadyuk on 93.3 The Peak FM 8:10 tomorrow...

2012-01-10T23:08:00.000-08:00

Just got word from the Bulldogs that they made one more move and that they are now officially finished dealing in advance of the Trade Deadline.

The Bulldogs have flipped Kirsten Odendaal, acquired along with future consideration in the Dylan Nowakowski trade with the Brooks Bandits, to the AJHL's Olds Grizzlys in exchange for '93 born F Hunter Stewart

Bulldogs Coach Kevin Willison is familiar with Stewart, coaching him not only with Olds but with the Edge Academy as well. Welcome to the team Hunter!

Catch Bulldogs Head Coach Kevin Willison and Assistant Coach Adam Hayduk on 93.3 The Peak FM tomorrow morning just after 8:10 am as they will join me to talk about the moves.

Hammer

Bulldogs move Puddifant

2012-01-10T21:08:00.000-08:00

From the BCHL website under transactions, the Bulldogs have moved 20 year old Mike Puddifant to the Fort McMurray Oil Barons of the AJHL for future considerations.

A Press Release from the Bulldogs is forthcoming.UPDATE - here's the Bulldogs Press Release

All the best to Mike, and thanks for your efforts in a Dogs uni!

Hammer