Greetings from Highway 4 and the Bulldog's Bus. Yes, I have to step away from the U17's as the Dogs return from their Christmas Break with a meeting tonight at the Bear Mountain Arena, home of the 2009 RBC Cup host Victoria Grizzlies.
Catch the pregame show at 6:55 tonight on 933 The Peak FM and our website at www.933thepeak.com with the puck drop at 7:10.
The Dogs are looking for their fourth win in a row for the first time this season, and also their first win against the Grizz this season, who have won the previous 8 contests.
It's tough to step back from the U17's just as action REALLY heats up, but knowing I'll be back for the Bronze and Gold Medal games tomorrow makes it ok!
So who will play for those medals? That will be decided today with the Semis going at 3pm and 7pm.
Semi Final #1 sees the unbeaten Team Ontraio facing off against Team Canada West at 3pm. Semi Final #2 sees the "host" team, Team Canada Pacific taking on the unbeaten American squad. The chatter around the rink has Team Pacific written off already, as they lost to Team USA 11-0 in Exhibition Action before the tournament opened. I would't be writing the BC and Alberta boys off just yet, especially in a single game elimination. Home ice advantage at the Alberni Valley Multiplex needs to be HUGE tonight. As does Kent Simpson, if he gets the start in goal again. Team Pacific has NOT played a full 60 minute game yet. If they can do it today, they just might be playing for Gold tomorrow.
Both games will be broadcast on SHAW TV today.
The Bronze Meda game goes at NOON tomorrow, with THE PEAK being the only broadcaster covering the game. Ian Holmes will have the play-by-play while I will do colour. For the Gold Medal Game at 5pm, TSN will broadcast from Coast to Coast, while we will also have the game for you on your radio or on your computer with our Internet Broadcast through our homepage at www.933thepeak.com I will call the play-by-play while Ian Holmes will provide the colour.
It was a neat experience to interview Dave Randorf of TSN yesterday. What a polite and personable individual he is....I was in the Media Room getting ready for the broadcast when I asked Media Director Stefanie Weber if there was any chance that I could interview Mr. Randorf. She turned to Jason LaRose from Hockey Canada and asked the same question. Jason then fired up the BlackBerry, called Dave, and 10 seconds later he said "yep, you're good to go with Dave" Cool. The only stipulation was that I couldn't ask about specific players as Dave had just arrived and he didn't have a chance yet to see much of the action.
SO I asked about broadcasters instead, to see if he remembered sharing press box with a 21 year old ME at the 2002 Royal Bank Cup in Halifax. While he didn't remember me, he did remember the game and everything came flooding back.
What a cool job this guy has, he's living my dream and I'm not shy to admit I'm beyond jealous!
It was pretty funny when one thing led to another and Dave recalled the 2001 RBC in my hometown of Flin Flon. He even said it was in his Top 5 all time games, with the atmosphere in the crowd and the MOOSE LEG (yes, Moose leg) that they throw on the ice.
SO I started thinking....Once upon a time they threw Salmon in Port Alberni. We are the Salmon Capital of the World and all! It's been a couple years since we've seen one on the ice, but I think it's time again tomorrow. YES YES I know there are rules about throwing things on the ice, and safety issues.
I also know that you need to take advantage of the FIRST and maybe ONLY time you will get 2 plus hours of National Exposure on TSN to leave an impression and send a message. What better way to say "Come with your friends and family to visit the Alberni Valley, The Salmon Capital of the World" than by throwing one on the ice on National TV?
Dave Randorf remembers it 8 years later from Flin Flon, so it obviously worked for them. Not sure how many people go Moose Hunting there now of course, but people remember!
Just my 2cents.
Nap time on the bus now, I will talk to you from Victoria tonight.
Hammer
1 comment:
Just as long as the Salmon isn't thrown on the ice when we're in your barn.
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