Dogs lose in Victoria, host Warriors tonight.

The Dogs dropped a 6-3 decision last night to the Grizzlies in Victoria. It was a 1-1 game to the halfway mark of the second, when the Grizzlies scored twice in 1:04 to blow the game open to lead 3-1. They built that to 4-1 before the second was out, and 5-1 early in the third. The Dogs appeared to lose their fight after the 3rd goal, although they did dig in when it was 5-1 to get a couple back to trim the gap to 5-3. The Grizzlies would add one quickly afterwards though to go up 6-3 to end the Dogs comeback hopes there.

The Dogs host the red hot Westside Warriors tonight, winners of three straight to open the month. They have lost just once since laying a 9-3 beating on the Dogs January 16th in Westside. This one will be no picnic. In fact, I'll predict that if the Bulldog team that I saw against Prince George doesn't show up to play tonight, this one could get ugly. The Dogs need to find a consistent desperate hard working game again. When they don't bring it, it's glaringly obvious. It can't be easy to match teams fighting for their playoff lives and playoff byes when you are out of the race, but the coaching staff has told these guys that they are playing for themselves and their community and a chance to play here next year. So I hope some motivation is found tonight!

Click the image below to enlarge the CHEAT SHEET for tonight.
My second intermission guest tonight will be former Bulldog, now Northern Michigan Wildcat- Brian Stewart. Who I affectionately call "Brian The Dog" or "STEWIE" Family Guy fans will get it!

Have a happy HOCKEY DAY IN CANADA today. I have had major flashbacks of my time as the play-by-play voice of the OCN Blizzard lately, as the host city for the day today is Winkler, Manitoba, home of the Winkler Flyers of the MJHL. The Blizzard and Flyers were big rivals back in the day, meeting in several league championship series. What a barn there in Winkler. The play-by-play guy broadcasts from the top of a shed at the end of the rink. No kidding.

Enjoy the day today, the HOCKEYDAY, and hopefully we'll see you at the Pound tonight or at the very least talk to you from there!

Hammer