Round 2 FINALLY HERE, Alberni Wrestling Awards Night

FINALLY round two is here.

Does it feel like anyone else that we've been through what feels like an entire off season, just to get from one round to the next?

I guess that's what happens when you sweep though.

My round one predictions - Not bad. I lost out on only two series - On one it was a major upset, on the other, I PREDICTED a major upset. I guess I was just a little off on which top seed in the West I thought that would be knocked off.

Here's a link to my round one predictions. Not bad not bad..

On to the present...

FINALLY round two. From the Canucks website, here's the GAME PREVIEW and GAME NOTES

Of course you can get it all on THE PEAK, part of the Canucks Radio Network...We've got your pregame show at 5:30, with the puck drop and play-by-play shortly after 6:00pm.

Should be a beauty!

My prediction?

Well, I don't see the 'Nucks clinching the series in Chicago. So I'm thinking Nucks in 5 or 7 games. A coin flip says Nucks in 7. Final answer!

The other series? Wow, there are some beauties.

Wings vs Ducks - Ducks in 6

Caps vs Pens - Caps in 7

Bruins vs Canes Bruins in 5



Alberni Wrestling had their annual awards night last night. I think I have attended 5 or 6 of these nights now, and every year it's the same thing. I'm blown away with how well run and accomplished the club is, and how deep their history is. Another year, another feather in their cap, this time it was Olympian Travis Cross. The full awards list is below.

Congrats to all the athletes, coaches, volunteers, executive, parents, and on and on and on. It's a huge group!

2. Appreciation and Announcements

Coaches – ADSS -John McDonald, Richelle McKenzie, Ryan Dvorak,

Dunn - James Messenger, Russ Bodnar, Alex Magnusson

Neill - Erin Anker, Grant Coates, Jason Wolff, Brandon Coates

NIC - Ivan Diaconu, Travis Cross

NAIG – Preston Charles, Aaron Keitlah

Club - Chris Bodnar, Ashley Cross, Joe Kalugin

Recognition of Olympian Travis Cross

Travis Cross Speaks

Special Coaches Recognition – Gene Spencer and John McDonald

Executive – Tom McEvay, Stu Messenger, Darral Clark, Deb Coates,

Richelle McKenzie, Hubert Vanderlee

Officials Recognition – Patrick McEvay and Richelle McKenzie

3. Middle School Team Awards (Certificates)

Dunn Middle School recognition- won the Valley Dual Meet Challenge

Neill Middle School recognition.

4. Grade 8 Graduates (Certificates)

EJ Dunn

Cody Bauml, Jordie Bodnar, Anthony Fred, Colin Simister, Casey Davidson,

Dakota Sutton

AW Neill

Jonathan Spencer, Graham Villette, Hailee Becket, Shelby Oxley,

Preston Antonelli, Cody Charles, Michael Ferguson, Danika Geddes,

Austin Jaworski, Leviticus Samson, Colton Walton

5. Coaches Recognition (Certificates)

ADSS - Wes Boris, Dustin Haddad, Ashton Lommen-Clayton

Dunn - Lucas Bitter, Nolan Badovinac, Wes Frank, Michel Kurucz,

Corey Rasanen, Nathan Sutherland

Neill- Michael Ferguson, Colton Walton, Leviticus Samson, Austin Jaworski,

Jacob Arcus Jared Beckett, Vanessa Beckett, Bryce Feltrin, Clayton Henderson,

Caden Smith-Stephens Nicholas Young, Lynson Neilson, Cody Charles

6. Masterful Match of the Year (Certificate) – Cody McEvay

7. Comeback of the Year (Certificate) - Kyle Plaunt

8. Top Grade Awards (Certificates)

Grade 6 – Remi Wells, Emma Vanderlee, Russell David

Grade 7 - Rhea Wing, Jordan Wagner, Jesse Wagner

Grade 8 - Jordie Bodnar, Dakota Sutton

Grade 9 - Daley Forbes, Cullen Hines

Grade 10 - Brianne Charles, Isaiah Taylor

Grade 11 - Savannah Toth, Cody McEvay

Grade 12 - Michael Cappus

9. Rookies of the Year (Certificate) – Dustin Haddad, Preston Antonelli, Riley Kuxhaus

10 Dark Horse (Certificate) - Austin Evans

11. Diamonds in the Rough (Certificates)

Norman David, Alec Delcourt, Sky Daoust, Brittany Henderson, Colin Simister

12. Service (Certificates)

Kraig Doskotch, Danika Geddes, Cody Charles, Michael Ferguson, Dustin Haddad,

Travis Carey, Emma Vanderlee, Nolan Badovinac, Wes Boris

13. Most Improved Junior (Plaques and Scholarship) - Dakota Sutton

14. Most Improved Senior (Plaque and Scholarship) – Norman David

15. Gold Pin Awards (Team Total 130 )

Austin Evans (20) - Runner-up Isaiah Taylor (17)

Daley Forbes (16) - Runner-up Savannah Toth (14)

16. BC Summer Games (Certificate)

Cullen Hines, Kyle Plaunt, Isaiah Taylor, Jory Cole, Josh Readshaw, Austin Evans

Brittany Henderson, Tasis Pynn, Daley Forbes, Brianne Charles, Kyle Geddes

17. B.C. Placers (Certificates)

Michael Cappus – Gold 70 kg

Jordie Bodnar - Gold 40 kg

Daley Forbes - Silver 69 kg

Kyle Plaunt - Silver 57 kg

Cody McEvay - Bronze 66 kg

Isaiah Taylor - Bronze 78 kg

Austin Evans - 4^th 54 kg

Kraig Doskotch - 6^th 51 kg

18. Special BC’s Award – Michael Cappus (6 times BC placer)

19. National Placers (Certificates)

Cadet - Isaiah Taylor - Gold 76 kg … plus photo and Taylor Scholarship

Daley Forbes – Silver 70 kg

Juvenile - Michael Cappus – Bronze 69 kg ; Savannah Toth – 5^th 65 kg

Collegiate - Isaac Wing – Gold 65 kg CIS

Senior - Travis Cross – Gold 84 kg ; Ashlea McManus – 4^th 74 kg

20. International Honour Roll

Summer Olympic Games (Beijing, China) – Travis Cross

Senior World Championships (Baku, Azerbaijan) – Travis Cross – 8^th 84 kg

North American Indigenous Games (Cowichan, Canada)

Isaiah Taylor – 1^st 70 kg

Brianne Charles – 1^st 60 kg

Preston Charles – Coach

Aaron Keitlah – Coach

Wilma Keitlah - Manager

21. Attendance (Certificates)

College – Travis Carey

Sr. – Norman David, Savannah Toth

Jr. – Remi Wells, Lauren Barker, Jonathan Spencer, Cody Bauml, Anthony Fred

22. Junior Honor Roll (Certificates)

AWN: Chelsey Charlesworth, Jessie Geddes, Sarah Edmonds, Nickolas Young

Lynson Nielson, Rhea Wing, Michael Ferguson, Graham Villette, Danika Geddes

EJD: Nolan Badovinac, Barry Fred, Eric Gill, Enya Graham-Fred, Andrew Quach,

Sophie Vanderlee, Emma Vanderlee, Riley Kuxhaus, Jordie Bodnar, Dean Leyland,

Lyndsey Taylor

23. Junior Academics/Athletics (Plaque and Scholarships)

- Danika Geddes, Eric Gill

24. Senior Honor Roll (Certificates)

ADSS : Daley Forbes, Austin Evans, Cody McEvay, Savannah Toth, Sky Daoust,

Michael Cappus, Christian Hansen

25. Senior Academics/Athletics (Plaque and Scholarships)

– Michael Cappus and Cody McEvay

26. Junior Sportsmanship (Plaque and Scholarship) - Jonathan Spencer

27. Character (Plaque and Scholarhip) - Christian Hansen

28. Knights of the Armada (Plaques)

Michael Cappus, Kyle Plaunt, Christian Hansen

29. Special Appreciation (Plaques)

Jack Gilbert, Anne Cappus, Dave Cappus, Buy Low Foods David Turner

30. Leadership (Plaque and Scholarship) – Brandon Coates

31. Most Outstanding North Island College (Plaque and scholarship) – Travis Carey

32. Most Outstanding Juniors (Plaques and Scholarships)

– Jordie Bodnar, Jesse Wagner, Jordan Wagner

33. Most Outstanding Seniors (Plaques and scholarships)

– Daley Forbes, Savannah Toth, Michael Cappus

Hammer


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NHL releases schedule, broadcast schedule, for 2nd round of playoffs

The NHL has finalized their second round schedule. All times are EASTERN. Of course all Canuck games can be heard on 93.3 The Peak FM, with our pregame show beginning 30 minutes before game time.

Here is the complete schedule for the Eastern and Western conference semifinals:

SERIES I	#1 vs. #6	NETWORK
Fri, May 1	at Boston, 7:30 p.m.	VERSUS (JIP), TSN
Sun, May 3	at Boston, 7:30 p.m.	VERSUS, TSN
Wed, May 6	at Carolina, 7:30 p.m.	VERSUS (JIP), TSN
Fri, May 8	at Carolina, 7:30 p.m.	VERSUS (JIP), TSN
*Sun, May 10	at Boston, 7:30 p.m.	VERSUS, TSN
*Tues, May 12	at Carolina, 7:00 p.m.	VERSUS, TSN
*Thur, May 14	at Boston, TBD	TSN
SERIES J	#2 vs. #4	NETWORK
Sat, May 2	at Washington, 1:00 p.m.	NBC, CBC, RDS
Mon, May 4	at Washington, 7:00 p.m.	VERSUS, CBC, RDS
Wed, May 6	at Pittsburgh, 7:00 p.m.	VERSUS, CBC, RDS
Fri, May 8	at Pittsburgh, 7:00 p.m.	VERSUS, CBC, RDS
*Sat, May 9	at Washington, 7:00 p.m.	VERSUS, CBC, RDS
*Mon, May 11	at Pittsburgh, TBD	VERSUS, CBC, RDS
*Wed, May 13	at Washington, 7:00 p.m.	VERSUS, CBC, RDS
SERIES K	#2 vs. #8	NETWORK
Fri, May 1	at Detroit, 7:00 p.m.	VERSUS, TSN2
Sun, May 3	at Detroit, 2:00 p.m.	NBC, TSN
Tues, May 5	at Anaheim, 10:30 p.m.	VERSUS, TSN
Thurs, May 7	at Anaheim, 10:30 p.m.	VERSUS, TSN
*Sun, May 10	at Detroit, 5:00 p.m.	TSN
*Tues, May 12	at Anaheim, TBD	VERSUS, TSN
*Thurs, May 14	at Detroit, TBD	VERSUS, TSN
SERIES L	#3 vs. #4	NETWORK
Thurs, April 30	at Vancouver, 9:00 p.m.	CBC, VERSUS
Sat, May 2	at Vancouver, 9:00 p.m.	CBC, VERSUS
Tues, May 5	at Chicago, 8:00 p.m.	CBC, VERSUS
Thurs, May 7	at Chicago, 8:00 p.m.	CBC, VERSUS
*Sat, May 9	at Vancouver, 10:30 p.m	CBC, VERSUS
*Mon, May 11	at Chicago, 9:00 p.m.	CBC, VERSUS (JIP)
*Thurs, May 14	at Vancouver, TBD	CBC, VERSUS

* - if necessary

Canucks to face Hawks. RBC Cup begins this weekend, WHL final set, Game 7's tonight,

By virtue of the Anaheim Ducks win over the San Jose Sharks, and the Chicago Blackhawks win over the Calgary Flames, the second round is set, as the Wings will play Anaheim and the Nucks will have home ice advantage when they play the 'Hawks.

Read more from the Vancouver Province and this write up by Gordon Mcintyre.




The 2009 RBC Cup gets going this weekend at the Bear Mountain Arena. As is the case for any Hockey Canada event, the Hockey Canada website is your source for all things happening at the RBC Cup

I caught the overtime last night of the WHL's Western Conference Final Series between the Vancouver Giants and the Kelowna Rockets. A pretty odd situation as the Rockets scored in overtime, and the play went to video review. The second I saw it go in I knew it was going to be an interesting one. That's a pretty big video review, with the Rockets holding a 3-2 series lead and the Vancouver Giants season hanging in the balance. In the end, the goal stood, the Rockets won and the Giants had their season come to an end. A pretty tough call for me watching the game. The SHAW camera work on the broadcast couldn't provide an angle where you could see what the puck hit on Mikael Backlund, and where it hit either. The broadcast crew also weren't able to definitively say what the referee's call on the ice was. I'm not even sure the referees knew what their call was.

In the end, game over, series over, and the WHL finals will see the Calgary Hitmen take on the Kelowna Rockets for the right to go to the Memorial Cup. More great hockey to watch on your TV as SHAW will certainly have the series covered.

(image: capitals.nhl.com)

Two NHL series will be decided tonight, with the Capitals and Rangers along with the Devils vs the Hurricanes going to a deciding game seven. Read all about it FROM NHL.COM HERE

GO CAPS GO.

And I'm not even sure who I'm cheering for in the other series. Go.......QUADRUPLE OVERTIME!

A great site to follow the Capitals, is owner Ted Leonsis' blog - You can click the link to it on the right -------->, or you can click this link RIGHT HERE if that's more convenient!

Golf Golf Golf, 'Nucks still waiting, Capitals and Hurricanes force Game 7

Hello and Happy Monday!

All about the golf for a minute. Hey, I hit the links for 10 straight days with my dad out here visiting. What else do I have to talk about?!

We had a great time Friday late on the course - Thanks to Dennis See for the great picture below. From left to right - My dad Cal, The Big Dog Les Doiron, myself, Shawn Elder, Brandon Ford, Dennis See.

I *ahem* shot the best round. ahem.


Saturday I was proud to be the guest speaker at the Alberni Golf Club's Junior Open House. There were dozens of young Tiger Woods and Annika Sorenstam's running around. What a great time and a great opportunity for the kids.

Special thanks to the sponsors, Tim Hortons and Buy Low Foods! The kids had chipping, putting, and full-swing instruction from the pros. Cool stuff. See the pictures below.


The Vancouver Canucks continue to wait to see who they will face in round two. With the San Jose Sharks scoring in OT to force a game 6, everything is still up in the air. If the Ducks win that series, the Canucks will play the winner of the Flames-Hawks series. If the Sharks win, it's the Canucks vs. the Wings. Go Ducks!

Anyone counting Calgary out yet after a shellacking of the Flames by the Hawks in Game 5? I'm not counting them out, but I don't exactly like their chances. Here's hoping the Ducks down the Sharks, and Calgary and Chi-town go 7 games. The more bumps and bruises, the better for the Canucks. Yes, I'm somewhat concerned like the rest of the fan base that too much rest sometimes isn't always the best. But everyone being hurt and tired is worse!

I'm fired up that the Washington Capitals have forced Game 7 against the New York Rangers after a 5-3 win yesterday at MSG.

What do you all make of John Tortorella getting suspended? I'm Switzerland on the issue. At the same time, what's good for the goose is good for the gander. Don't scratch Avery for a lack of discipline saying that it would not only lose a game, but the series, and the next game get a suspension yourself. Yes, I know easier said than done in the heat of the moment.

I don't really care either way between the Carolina Hurricanes and the New Jersey Devils, but I was happy to see the 'Canes force Game 7. Game 7's are just plain fun to watch. As are the Canes cheerleaders, LOL. I was watching some of the first period yesterday, what a crowd in Carolina. For the same reasons I like Washington, I think I'll pull for Carolina in Game 7. Crazy fans. They stood and roared for most of the first period when I was watching. Impressive.

I got a pretty good laugh out of this one - the Canes are having a "beard a thon" for the playoffs. Check it out here

Hammer


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Breaking News - Taylor Pyatt rejoins Canucks.

I'm happy to hear this. The game and the team can be therapeutic in a time like this. Here's hoping Taylor will get some comfort in this tough time being back with "the boys"

TAYLOR PYATT STATEMENT

Vancouver, B.C. – Vancouver Canucks forward Taylor Pyatt returned to team activities today and issued the following statement:

“I would like to thank my teammates, coaches and the entire Canucks organization for their tremendous compassion and support during this very difficult time for myself, my family and the entire Bragnalo family. I would also like to thank the passionate fans of the Canucks for their support and the media who have given us the respect and time to grieve in private. I loved Carly very much. My family and I will forever miss her. At this difficult time for our families it is my wish to not speak about our loss publically. Thank you.”

UPDATE - Kevin Ross Audio from THE PEAK morning show today, I'm "On Location" at McDonalds today, Gold in The Net Golf Tournament!!

Alberni Valley Bulldog D-Man Kevin Ross will joined me on THE PEAK morning show today at to talk about winning the RBC National Scholarship Award

If you missed it, you can listen to the interview by CLICKING THIS LINK TO THE AUDIO, which is, as always, courtesy and copyright 93.3 The Peak FM and the Jim Pattison Broadcast Group.

Also - I will be on-location for THE PEAK today at the Johnston Road McDonald's location from 3pm to 5pm giving away free coffee and other stuff while telling you about McDonald's new premium blend coffee!

This is putting a major dent in my golfing plans ;)

Speaking of GOLF - The 4th Annual Gold In The Net Golf Tournament in support of the Aaron C Cornwell Memorial Scholarship Fund is coming up soon....Please click the images below to enlarge..The tournament not only supports a great cause, it's also a tonne of fun!

I was happy to attend and MC the event last year and I'll be back again this year.

A special shout out from Gold In The Net President and Director of Operations Perry Elderbroom goes out to Gord Unger in Port Alberni - You said you were entering a team Gord, so we expect to see you there!




Hammer

Vipers off to the RBC, Nolan Graham off to Merritt, Alberni Golf Club Junior Open House

A huge congrats goes out to the Vernon Vipers after their 5-2 win last night over the Grand Prairie Storm to secure a berth in the 2009 RBC Cup in Victoria. Pretty cool that the BCHL will be represented twice at the tournament.

The BCHL website has a recap on last night's game four RIGHT HERE

____________________________

The Peak held our Administrative Professionals Appreciation luncheon yesterday at the Alberni Golf Club. I was the MC for the event, and everything went off without a hitch.

Congrats goes out to Alberni Valley Bulldogs Head Coach and GM Nolan Graham, winner of the Grand Prize, a trip for 2 to Merritt Mountain Music Fest, courtesy of THE PEAK.

We did a "reverse draw" as everyone attending was assured a prize. The last name left in the draw box won the grand prize. When it was down to Nolan and just one more person, I suggested that as Nolan and I would be spending a lot of time together this season working with the Bulldogs, that we should "bond" ahead of time to ensure a great working relationship and that he should take me to Merritt with him!

Doubtful that this will happen...But congrats to Nolan none the less!

Speaking about the Alberni Golf Club again, don't forget about the Junior Open House this Saturday from 1pm to 3pm. Again this is a free event open to any kids 18 and under. You'll get professional instruction on chipping, putting, and full swings. To sweeten the pot, kids will also get a burger/dog and drink when it's done.

Parents are also welcome to come out and watch the event and have a bite to eat as well, courtesy of the Alberni Golf Club Junior Program.

The Alberni Golf Club wants to thank their sponsors for the event, Tim Horton's and Buy Low Foods!

That's it for now!

Hammer


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OK an extra bonus today. Some youtube candy!

Canucks sweep Blues, Olympic Torch in Port Alberni TODAY

Nah Nah Nah Nah, Hey Hey Hey, goooooooooooood byeeee.

See ya St. Lou. Best of luck in the future. You have a lot of young talent there and a bright future. But thanks for going away in four games.

How about Roberto Luongo? Wow. Alex Burrows? Wow.

The Canucks move on to face....who knows. Right now they rest up and heal up and try to stay sharp for round two.






The Olympic Torch comes to Port Alberni today...COOL. You can also meet an Olympian, Field Hockey player Anthony Wright. I've heard things about those Field Hockey-ers, LOOK OUT :)

Here's me with another RBC Olympian, Adam Kreek. Thanks to RBC for bringing these athletes - and now the TORCH to our community!

RBC BRINGS 2010 OLYMPIC TORCH TO PORT ALBERNI

PORT ALBERNI April 15, 2009 – RBC is celebrating the spirit of the Olympic Flame by bringing the 2010 Olympic Torch to Port Alberni. A free public event will be held on April 22, 2009 9:30 – 11:00 am at the RBC Port Alberni branch at 2925 3^rd Avenue, where community members will be invited to have their picture taken with the torch.

RBC Olympian Anthony Wright – Field Hockey will also be at the branch celebration for photographs and autographs.

What: 2010 Olympic Torch visits RBC branch in Port Alberni

When: April 22, 2009 9:30am – 11:00am

Where: 2925 3^rd Avenue, Port Alberni

RBC and the 2010 Olympic Torch Relay

RBC is proud to partner with Coke and VANOC to bring the Olympic Torch Relay to millions of Canadians in hundreds of communities across Canada. More than 12,000 torchbearers will carry the Olympic Flame as it travels 45,000 km from coast to coast to coast over 106 days. To be an Olympic Torchbearer and participate in the Relay, RBC is inviting Canadians to help create a better Canada by making a personal pledge to do something in their daily life to make Canada a better place to live. Enter today at rbc.com/carrythetorch.

Don't forget to hug an Administrative Professional today! Yes, send them out to the Alberni Golf Club for THE PEAK'S ADMINISTRATIVE PROFESSIONALS APPRECIATION LUNCHEON!

We'll see you there!!

AND HAPPY EARTH DAY!

Hammer

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Kevin Ross winsRBC Scholarship!

Thanks to my good friend Eddie Gregory for the heads up..More info to come shortly I'm sure. Congrats to Kevin and the Bulldogs organization!

To read the full release, check out the story on the Bulldogs Website HERE

Way to go Rossie!

Hammer


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Canucks visit Blues, Bruins take 3-0 lead, Capitals and Flames fight back, MORE AT THE ALBERNI GOLF CLUB!

For the first time in team history, the Vancouver Canucks have a 3-0 series lead in a best of seven series.

Wait a minute, can that be true? Yes. Really?! Yes. An email from Team 1040 and Canucks play-by-play voice Joey Kenward yesterday told me so.

I just found that a little hard to believe with all the years the Canucks have been in the dance, but it's indeed true.

Catch all the action on 93.3 The Peak FM today with the pregame show getting underway at 4:30 with the puck dropping shortly after 5:00pm.

Again from the 'Nucks site - Here's the GAME PREVIEW AND GAME NOTES

No word yet on whether Marvelous Mats Sundin will be in the line up.

I didn't even get to watch the games due to golf and slo pitch, but there were a couple big ones last night in the NHL playoffs. The Habs are officially on life support, down 3-0 to the Bruins...Too bad, I would have loved the Habs to have done well with the energy that the Bell Centre brings. At the same time, I like the Bruins with former BCHL'er Milan Lucic - even though he was a little naughty to get suspended for game 3. Anyway, it's 3-0 Beantown. The Washington Capitals went into what had to be a crazy MSG to beat the Rangers 4-0 to get back in that series, and the Calgary Flames beat the Hawks on home ice 4-2 to get back in the series as well, now down 2-1. I did get to see the final 20 minutes of that one last night. Nice and nasty. Gotta love the playoffs!

I have been posting for the last couple of days about 93.3 The Peak's Administrative Professionals Appreciation Luncheon tomorrow at the Alberni Golf Club. Yes, TOMORROW, so get on it TODAY bosses and send those that really make your business go to a nice LONG lunch break!

Doors open at 1130, with lunch to follow (and it will be OUTSTANDING) Lance Lapointe will provide live entertainment, I will be your event host, and we'll have a host of prizes to give away. Get tickets at THE PEAK - 3296 3rd Avenue 250-723-2455 or the Alberni Golf Club, Cherry Creek Road, 250-723-5422

And there's even more happenings at the Alberni Golf Club this weekend. Yes, I know, I talk a lot of golf....But what's a hockey guy supposed to do when he's not calling hockey??!!

That's right - GOLF!

And the station and the course have a great relationship with the Alberni Golf Club, and all the people out there are incredibly good to me....

Back to your regularly scheduled programming...

This Saturday, the Alberni Golf Club hosts the pros of the future with their Junior Golf Open House.

This one should be lots of fun for the kids and the adults.

ANNNNND the price is right. Yes, it's all FREE. So get the kids out to the course and bring yourself and have a great time. Here's the gist of it, from an email from Assistant Pro Brian Rands....

The Alberni Golf Club Junior Open House goes this Saturday from 1 to 3pm.

All kids aged 18 and under are welcome to attend.

We will be doing some putting, chipping and full swing hitting followed by a hot dog or burger with a beverage.

The parents are welcome to attend and have a bite courtesy of the AGC Junior club.

We are having a wonderful guest speaker, Evan the Hammer Hammond, the voice of the Bulldogs.

The gist of the open house is to get some kids out here and show them what the golf course is all about and of course hitting the ball with some instruction. We have volunteers lined up to help along with Head Pro Bruce MacDonald and myself.

The sponsors are Tim Horton's and Buy Low Foods, and they have stepped up to help out.

We will do some door prizes for the little people as well.

We currently have 150 junior members and we are developing some very good players and people through this program.



Way to go Alberni Golf Club...Sounds cool!


Hammer




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Bulldogs Prospect Camp ends, Vipers lead Doyle 2-0, Former BCHL'er Zabotel in the WHL, Canucks up 3- zip.

Hello and Happy Monday!

My apologies for not firing up the blog over the weekend, I thought about it about 50 times and tried to post about 10 times but I've just been too busy!

With my dad out visiting from Manitoba there has been plenty of time spent golfing and watching hockey and just plain visiting!

The golf went good for a couple of days...But the last couple haven't been too good as my game has slipped. I might need a little one-on-one time with the pros out at the Alberni Golf Club, Bruce McDonald and Brian Rands.

It's great to hear that the increased blog and radio golf talk has been working. The people at the course have had great feedback, as have I!

It's back out there today to get 18 more holes in. May the best hacker win!

As I'm talking golf, I'll remind you again about 93.3 The Peak's Administrative Professional Appreciation Day out at the Alberni Golf Club this Wednesday. There will be live entertainment, a great meal, and a fun time to be had at the Alberni Golf Club. Get your tickets at the club, or at The Peak!

The Alberni Valley Bulldogs finished the second version of their prospects camp yesterday in Osoyoos. Speaking to Bulldogs Head Coach and GM Nolan Graham today, he was pleased with the quality of play, and especially pleased with the up and comers of the future.

Someone recently asked on the blog why there were no signings announced out of the Alberni version of the prospects camp. Now - before the same question is asked about Osoyoos, let me nip this in the bud.

Teams right now can "sort of" announce signings and commitments for the upcoming season. I say "sort of" because nothing can officially be done at this time because teams haven't received their player cards yet.

I anticipate the Bulldogs making announcements about player commitments in the future!


For those that are fans of the BCHL, they are happy to see the Vernon Vipers "hold serve" to take a 2-0 series lead over Grand Prairie in the Doyle Cup as it now heads to Alberta.

To read up - check out the BCHL site here.

Go Vipers!

______________________________

It's been quite the year for former BCHL'er Casey Pierro-Zabotel. He led the WHL in points, he was just named the WHL Western Conference Player of the Year, and just yesterday, he scored the overtime winner for the Vancouver Giants as they evened the Western Conference Final series at 1-1 with the Kelowna Rockets.

Always great to see a former player in this league, a guy you used to watch on the ice here that would make the price of admission worth it, to move on and have success!

_________________________________

Last but certainly not least - How about those Canucks? A 3-0 lead over the Blues after yesterday's gutsy 3-2 win..

I feel for the Blues, just because they have been RIGHT THERE and have nothing to show for it.

Am I alone when I enjoy and appreciate the support in St. Louis. It's one thing to have a hockey program going in the right direction again. It's another thing to have a city realize it and get on board and PACK THE SHACK like they have in St. Lou. Good fans there, and a GOOD NHL city with some great hockey history.

I have always liked Andy Murray and John Davidson. No, I don't know them or anything like that! I just have for some reason liked and respected them. Here's to a bright future in St. Louis, just not until next season, and not at the expense of the Nucks!

That's it for today!

Hammer

Canucks host Blues for Game 2 on THE PEAK, Roger Millions OOPS, shut up Pierre, The Peak's Administrative Professional's Day

The Canucks look to take a 2-0 lead over the Blues tonight with the puck dropping on game two at GM place just after 7pm. As always, catch all the action on 93.3 The Peak FM with our pregame show at 6:30.

From the Canucks website - check out the GAME PREVIEW HERE and the GAME NOTES HERE

OK, PROFANE/OBSCENE LANGUAGE WARNING ON THE FOLLOWING CLIP.
NOT FOR THE KIDS PLEASE, OR THOSE EASILY OFFENDED BY PROFANE LANGUAGE.

Roger Millions of Sportsnet made a little boo-boo recently, uttering a word at the end of taping a stand-up in front of the United Center in Chicago. It's the golden rule of broadcasting, that I learned the HARD way - a long long time ago - that you never say anything that could get you in trouble around a microphone or in front of a camera. You never know when your producer is going to drop the ball or you are going to make a mistake and play the wrong thing or just leave a mic on or something...So the golden rule is just NEVER say anything bad. Roger said something bad. I find it extremely funny, but I also feel for Roger and for whoever is responsible for messing up and letting it get on the air....



Ok, on a much lighter note now - one of my all-time favorites....



Just a 5 second detour here, because he doesn't deserve any more of my typing time than that....Does ANYONE who reads this blog actually LIKE Pierre McGuire doing analysis during the game? I'm not bashing you if that's the case, to each their own, I always say. I'm just curious, that's all. I feel so sorry for Chris Cuthbert, as he is one of the premiere play-by-play guys in the business. They put him with Pierre, and for more than 50% of the actual game, there isn't any PLAY BY PLAY, because Pierre NEVER SHUTS UP. I think I should watch a full game with a stop watch and see how much actual play-by-play announcing happens, compared to Pierre going on and on and on and on and on and on and on and on and on and on.....Really, I don't have anger issues....I'm actually pretty level headed. But I need to remove all items that ARE NOT bolted down to the floor from my reach if I ever try to stomach watching a game that he's working, because if I didn't, I'd throw them through the TV.

Finally - A suggestion to thank those that REALLY make your business go, but maybe don't get a lot of credit -
This is a super cool idea. It's The Peak's Administrative Professionals Appreciation Luncheon out at the Alberni Golf Club.

The event goes down next Wednesday, April 22nd with the doors opening at 11:30am.

There will be door prizes, live music by Lance Lapointe, and radio personalities. (No idea who that is)

And there will be an outstanding lunch served to get everyone back to work on a full stomach!

If you haven't eaten at the Eagle's Nest Restaurant, you haven't lived! OK - I might be sucking up a tiny-little bit because I want the special fries....but the food is always excellent out there and the service is just as good!

Tickets are just $25.00, available at the Alberni Golf Club and 93.3 The Peak on 3rd Avenue.

It's a perfect way to say THANKS to your valuable support staff by sending them out for lunch!

For more details call THE PEAK at 250-723-2455 or the Alberni Golf Club at 250-723-5422.

AND GO NUCKS GO!

Canucks take game 1, other series open tonight

Well I didn't see more than a couple minutes of it, but I certainly heard most of it as the Canucks took game 1 last night 2-1 over the St. Louis Blues.

So far, so good. Game 2 goes tomorrow at GM place.

Am I the only one that misses WHERE THE STREETS HAVE NO NAME?

Some great games to watch tonight as the other series kick off with Montreal at Boston on CBC, and then the second half of the double-header sees the Ducks at the Sharks.

On TSN, it's Columbus at Detroit, then Calgary at Chicago.

I'm not sure exactly how TSN is airing both games, as they start 90 minutes apart...but there ya go! Maybe TSN 2?

I'm off to the Alberni Golf Club with my dad. Let the battle of the Hammond's begin!

Hammer

Canucks open playoffs tonight on THE PEAK, Vancouver Giants advance, Golf Talk..

FINALLY, the second season is here, as the 2009 Stanley Cup Playoffs open up tonight!

Four series open this evening with the Rangers at the Capitals, Carolina at New Jersey, Philly at Pittsburgh and last but not least - the St Louis Blues visit the Vancouver Canucks
Of course 93.3 The Peak will be bringing you the play-by-play of all Canuck playoff games

Check out the preview from the Canucks website HERE

As for my thoughts on the series..... First off, don't expect it to be easy because no series will be easy, there is just too much parity in the NHL. Especially don't expect it to be easy as St. Louis has been extremely hot down the stretch and almost as hot since the All-Star break. And playoffs start from the goalie out. Well Chris Mason is a goalie that can be very hard to beat.

I actually wish that the 'Nucks were playing anyone BUT the Blues.

It isn't that I fear the match up, it's that I am a big fan of what's going on in St. Louis. I have always been a fan of John Davidson, and it's nice to see how quick he turned them around and got them back into the post season. It's also nice to see the fan support they have had there, with a loud and sold out building down the stretch. Canuck fans that haven't paid any attention will certainly see what I mean when the action shifts to St. Lou. The barn has been packed to the tune of 19,500 people I think, and it has been crazy loud.

I like seeing teams have success when their cities are 100% behind them, as opposed to teams winning when their own buildings aren't even sold out and their cities couldn't even care about the NHL or hockey in general.

They care BIG TIME about the Blues and the NHL in St. Louis again.

Anyway.

CANUCKS in SIX.

The rest of my predictions -

Capitals in SIX.

Carolina in SEVEN.

Pittsburgh in FIVE.

Blackhawks in SIX.

Bruins in SEVEN. I had Habs in seven, but chickened out.

Blue Jackets in SEVEN.

Sharks in FIVE.

Wow, what a Game 7 last night as the Vancouver Giants and Spokane Chiefs took a 0-0 tie into overtime. Coming off double OT in Game 6, and quadruple OT in game 5, I had a feeling that last night's OT would be a short one....That proved to be the case as Nick Ross gave Vancouver the win early in sudden death.

Some sweet pics, off the facebook of my good friend Eddie Gregory. Eddie of course is the play-by-play voice of the Burnaby Express. Check out his blog - the link is on the right - or click this link - Burnaby Expressions

The celebration after the winner....Man you had a great seat for that Eddie.

A great crowd at the Pacific Coliseum

The Giants play the Kelowna Rockets for the Western Conference Championship. No word yet whether SHAW will be carrying that series, or the Calgary Hitmen vs. Brandon WheatKings series for the Eastern Championship. I gotta cheer for the home-province team - GO WHEATIES.

On this side of things, go G-Men!

UPDATE - Gregg Drinnan reports on his blog TAKING NOTE, that SHAW will be staying out West, covering the Kelowna vs. Vancouver series.

GOLF TALK.... A great 9 holes for me yesterday at the Alberni Golf Club. A further tinkering of my swing and equipment has continued to help me. Yesterday was the consistently inconsistent round. I'd hit it huge up the middle, or throw a nice approach shot in there. Then I'd snap hook on in the woods or flub it. So it was a day of several pars (awesome!) and several triples. But all in all a fun day and the course is continuing to get in better and better shape everyday.

Special thanks to CPGA Professional Bruce MacDonald for allowing me to hit some demo clubs to continue to find the one that's right for me.

And a big thanks to assistant CPGA Pro Brian Rands for his help on the weekend getting me some new spikes. It was pretty funny actually, I walked in and tried to buy some spikes, and he said "let me see your shoes" and then he quickly wished that he hadn't asked. The spikes were all worn so bad he could barely get them out and get the new ones in. Long story short, he ended up giving me one of his old pairs of shoes, as he said "They keep giving me pairs, I must have about 15 lying around" THANKS BRIAN! As they say, your swing has to start with a good foundation, or something like that!

My dad is visiting from Manitoba, starting today. Needless to say, he'll be a huge regular out at the course for the next while!

That's it for now.....GO NUCKS GO!

Hammer

The 2009 Stanley Cup Playoffs, Match ups and Broadcast Schedule

SERIES A		#1 vs. #8	Network
Thur, April 16		at Boston, 7:00 p.m.	CBC, RDS
Sat, April 18		at Boston, 8:00 p.m.	VERSUS, CBC, RDS
Mon, April 20		at Montreal, 7:00 p.m.	CBC, RDS
Wed, April 22		at Montreal, 7:00 p.m.	CBC, RDS
*Sat, April 25		at Boston, 7:00 p.m.	CBC, RDS
*Mon, April 27		at Montreal, TBD	CBC, RDS
*Wed, April 29		at Boston, TBD	CBC, RDS
SERIES B		#2 vs. #7	Network
Wed, April 15,		at Washington, 7:00 p.m.	TSN
Sat, April 18		at Washington, 1:00 p.m.	NBC, TSN
Mon, April 20		at New York, 7:00 p.m.	VERSUS, TSN
Wed, April 22		at New York, 7:00 p.m.	VERSUS, TSN
*Fri, April 24		at Washington, 7:00 p.m.	VERSUS, TSN, RDS
*Sun, April 26		at New York, 2:00 p.m.	NBC, TSN, RDS
*Tue, April 28		at Washington, TBD	VERSUS, TSN, RDS
SERIES C		#3 vs. #6	Network
Wed, April 15		at New Jersey, 7:30 p.m.	TSN, RIS
Fri, April 17		at New Jersey, 7:30 p.m.	TSN, RIS
Sun, April 19		at Carolina, 7:30 p.m.	TSN, RIS
Tue, April 21		at Carolina, 7:30 p.m.	TSN, RIS
*Thu, April 23		at New Jersey, 7:30 p.m.	TSN, RIS
*Sun, April 26		at Carolina, TBD	TSN, VERSUS
*Tue, April 28		at New Jersey, 7:30 p.m.	TSN
SERIES D		#4 vs. #5	Network
Wed, April 15		at Pittsburgh, 7:00 p.m.	VERSUS, CBC, RDS
Fri, April 17		at Pittsburgh, 7:00 p.m.	VERSUS, CBC, RDS
Sun, April 19		at Philadelphia, 3:00 p.m.	NBC, CBC, RDS
Tue, April 21		at Philadelphia, 7:00 p.m.	VERSUS, CBC, RDS
*Thur, April 23		at Pittsburgh, 7:00 p.m.	VERSUS, CBC, RDS
*Sat, April 25		at Philadelphia, 3:00 p.m.	NBC, CBC
*Mon, April 27		at Pittsburgh, TBD	VERSUS, CBC
2009 WESTERN CONFERENCE QUARTERFINALS
SERIES E		#1 vs. #8	Network
Thur, April 16		at San Jose, 10:30 p.m.	VERSUS, CBC, RDS
Sun, April 19		at San Jose, 10:00 p.m.	VERSUS, CBC, RDS
Tue, April 21		at Anaheim, 10:30 p.m.	VERSUS, CBC, RDS
Thur, April 23		at Anaheim, 10:30 p.m.	VERSUS, CBC, RDS
*Sat, April 25		at San Jose, 10:00 p.m.	VERSUS, CBC, RDS
*Mon, April 27		at Anaheim, TBD	VERSUS, CBC, RDS
*Wed, April 29		at San Jose, TBD	VERSUS, CBC, RDS
SERIES F		#2 vs. #7	Network
Thur, April 16		at Detroit, 7:00 p.m.	VERSUS, TSN
Sat, April 18		at Detroit, 6:00 p.m.	TSN
Tues, April 21		at Columbus, 7:00 p.m.	TSN
Thur, April 23		at Columbus, 7:00 p.m.	TSN
*Sat, April 25		at Detroit, 7:00 p.m.	VERSUS, TSN
*Mon, April 27		at Columbus, TBD	TSN
*Wed, April 29		at Detroit, TBD	VERSUS, TSN
SERIES G		#3 vs. #6	Network
Wed, April 15		at Vancouver, 10:00 p.m.	CBC, VERSUS, RDS
Fri, April 17		at Vancouver, 10:00 p.m.	CBC, VERSUS, RDS
Sun, April 19		at St. Louis, 7:00 p.m.	CBC, VERSUS
Tue, April 21		at St. Louis, 8:00 p.m.	CBC, VERSUS
*Fri, April 24		at Vancouver, 10:00 p.m.	CBC, VERSUS, RDS
*Sun, April 26		at St. Louis, 8:00 p.m.	CBC, VERSUS, RDS
*Tues, April 28		at Vancouver, TBD	CBC, VERSUS, RDS
SERIES H		#4 vs. #5	Network
Thur, April 16		at Chicago, 8:30 p.m.	TSN, VERSUS
Sat, April 18		at Chicago, TBD	TSN
Mon, April 20		at Calgary, 9:30 p.m.	TSN, VERSUS
Wed, April 22		at Calgary, TBD	TSN, VERSUS
*Sat, April 25		at Chicago, 10:00 p.m.	TSN, RIS
*Mon, April 27		at Calgary, TBD	TSN
*Wed, April 29		at Chicago, TBD	TSN

- * denotes if necessary
- All Times are Eastern Standard Time


If you are a lucky guy like me and you have XM Satellite Radio, you can catch all NHL playoff game broadcasts there!

Hammer

Pattison Radio joins "Superhero Network", "Hey There Iginla" Game 7 in The Dub tonight, NHL playoffs tomorrow

This is cool stuff, and it makes me proud to work for my employers!


Pattison Radio Joins Superhero Network

BC Children’s Hospital Foundation announced today that it has formed a partnership with: The Jim Pattison Broadcast Group. Under the partnership, which will be launched publicly on April 13, 2009, Pattison Broadcast Group stations will support the foundation in its efforts to promote the $200-million Campaign for BC Children around the province. The campaign is urging British Columbians to “Be A Superhero” by supporting the construction of a new BC Children’s Hospital and Child Health BC, a hospital initiative that is improving access to pediatric care for BC children, regardless of their location in BC.


“Many of us know someone who has been treated at BC Children’s Hospital, whether they live in Prince George, Kamloops, Vancouver or Nanaimo,” said Jim Pattison Broadcast Group President Rick Arnish. “This partnership is an important opportunity for the Pattison Broadcast Group to help shape the future of health care for BC’s kids.”


As campaign media partner, Broadcast Group stations will run a series of public service announcements featuring campaign information, as well as featuring children from around the province who have received care at the hospital. “We hope to inspire the listeners of the Pattison stations to participate in the campaign,” said Sue Carruthers, President and CEO of BC Children’s Hospital Foundation. “We need Superheroes to emerge from every corner of the province.”


With 20 stations across BC, the Jim Pattison Broadcast Group gives the hospital access to a host of listeners. More than 67 per cent of the 75,000 children who come to BC Children’s Hospital each year live outside the City of Vancouver. The Pattison stations have enormous potential to provide coordinated radio coverage to reach more of the communities served by the hospital.


BC Children’s Hospital Foundation also has a partnership with Global BC TV, which has been providing news coverage and airing campaign public service announcements since the campaign was launched in April 2008. To date, British Columbians have contributed $80 million toward the campaign goal.

____________________

This is just plain awesome...The talent and creativity of some people blows my mind!

Thanks to Dan the Stats Man for sending me this beauty!



I don't know about the rest of you, but I just plain love playoff hockey. NHL BCHL WHL Junior B C D E F G....When the stakes are raised and the players play with the passion and emotion that come hand in hand with the playoffs, I just love the game. I'd go watch an Mites playoff game and love it.

When you can have it delivered to your living room, even better.

When it's a Game 7, it's just that much more intense.

Tonight the Vancouver Giants and Spokane Chiefs play a seventh and deciding game in their second round playoff series, and you can catch the game on your local SHAW channel - that's channel 4 in Port Alberni.

I love how SHAW gets on board with the WHL playoffs. It's just another playoff hockey game to watch on most nights, which is cool. I really wish SHAW would take a look at covering the BCHL this way, or maybe just the Doyle Cup series? I know the scope of the BCHL pales in comparison to the WHL but there would still be considerable interest and a market for it in my humble opinion.

It should be a good one tonight from Pacific Coliseum - game time is 7pm.

Last but certainly not least, the Stanley Cup Playoffs kick off tomorrow...More on that later today!

And hey - Anyone up for a little golf today out at the Alberni Golf Club? Give me a call/text/email/blog comment etc if you are in!

Hammer

Congrats to the Vernon Vipers..

A huge congrats to the Vernon Vipers, 2009 Fred Page Cup Champions after a 2-1 victory over the Powell River Kings in Game 6 last night in Vernon.

Congrats to former Bulldog James Kerr as well for getting a ring.

Read all about it from the BCHL WEBSITE HERE

I was hoping for the Coast to do well, but at the same time I wanted the series over in six games after the Grand Prarie Storm won the AJHL Championship in just four games. They've had more than enough rest. I'm glad the Vipers will now get some recovery time before opening the Doyle Cup Series Friday in Vernon.

The Vipers are now the BCHL's team.

Hammer

Canucks at Avs today on THE PEAK, Bulldogs Prospect Camp All Star game TOMORROW, Golf and the Masters.

First things first, in less than an hour the Canucks will play the final game of their regular season as they try to sew up the Northwest Division title with a win over the Avalanche.

The pregame starts at 11:30, with the puck drop and all the play-by-play at just after high noon.

As always, catch it all on THE PEAK, part of the Canucks Radio Network.

From the Canucks website, check out the GAME NOTES HERE

__________________________________

I was down at Bulldogs prospects camp for a bit last night and this morning. There is a great mix of young talent and some older talent, and some returning Bulldogs mixed in too. Last night was full on game action, while this morning the goalies were getting a pretty intense work out in a specialized goalie session.

It's a little weird to me to be at the rink this time of year, when it's not for a playoff game. I kind of like to saunter in, and check out things for 20 minutes or so, then get back out into the sunshine and golf or do out side stuff.....Having said all that, if there is one time you should get down to the rink to check out the prospective future Bulldogs that would have to be tomorrow's ALL-STAR game, which goes at 11:15am at the Multiplex. All the best players from the weekend will be playing. The price is right, as admission is free, as it is for the entire camp if you wish to get out and watch.

Last but not least - GOLF. Not the best of forecasts this weekend for Port Alberni sadly, which means I might not be getting out today or tomorrow to swing the sticks. After how I played on Friday, when I got out to the Alberni Golf Club, maybe that's not too bad of a thing?

Yes, GOOD Friday was anything but for me out on the course. The company was at least good though! Thanks to Chris Colclough for the invitation, and thanks to Dave and Larry to for the good games. Now if my game would have actually have been good. Oh well, it was a nice day!

Special thanks as always to those at the Alberni Golf Club, especially Brian and Bruce in the Pro Shop for continuing to work on my game and my equipment. I haven't improved vastly, but I'm sure I can take on my dad Cal when he comes out here next week to visit. HA.

Ah yes, The Masters....What a tourney. At least if the weather is poor, there's hockey at the rink and Masters Coverage on TV.

Go Tiger!

And I love the Kenny Perry story too. It's a great thing about golf, how a 48 year old guy can still be out there tearing it up against the 20 year olds and the everyone in between.

Keep yourself up to date by visiting the official Masters site here.

That's it for now....

Hammer

Bulldogs Prospect Camp, Brad May hits 1000, Canucks host Kings, THANKS CHRYSLER!, REMEMBER VIMY.

Please accept my apologies for not posting yesterday. It was a crazy busy day for me. I finished work, and had a good walk home. I then headed to Alberni Chrysler and spent the next couple of hours finalizing a deal on a vehicle. More on that later.

I then flew out to the Alberni Golf Club at Cherry Creek Road where I played 18 holes. My best 18 of the season by the way, I shot an 89 with only 2 pars all day and no birdies. CONSISTENT. After that, it was off to Softball practice. Finally an after-practice beverage and some supper. And a good nights sleep!

The Alberni Valley Bulldogs prospect camp opens tomorrow - with a twist. Not only will prospective Bulldogs be attending, but half of the returning Bulldogs will be there as well. The other half will attend the upcoming prospect camp in Osoyoos.

For more information on the camp, including a camp schedule - CLICK THIS LINK


MAYDAY MAYDAY MAYDAY

Brad May has just seemed like one of the good-ole hard working honest guys to me. It's nice to see him hit 1000 games. It's especially nice to read a story like this one, where we find out he couldn't even play DOUBLE A hockey. You just never know kids.

Read it HERE

Man I love Rick Jeanneret.



The Canucks host the Kings as they play their final home game of the regular season tonight.

As always, you can catch all the action on 93.3 THE PEAK with the pregame show at 6:30 followed by the play-by-play at 7:00.

From the Canucks website - check out the GAME PREVIEW and GAME NOTES



Now - LAST, but certainly not least. Maybe LEST, as in LEST WE FORGET.

VIMY.
Adults, you know about it. I hope. Kids - If you don't please read more HERE

Or read THIS:

On This Day - April 9th, 1917: Vimy France - Arthur William Currie 1875-1933 leads all four divisions of the Canadian Corps. fighting as a unit for the first time, with one British brigade under Lt.-Gen. Julian Byng, to Easter Monday victory at Vimy Ridge. Using 1,000 guns and a masterful artillery barrage technique developed by Currie and his gunners, they take the German stronghold where the French and British had earlier failed; 4,000 Canadians killed, 6,000 wounded. From that day onward, Germany is on the defensive.

Nothing else to say other than THANKS.


-
Hammer

93.3 THE PEAK - Beat the Box Office for Tragically Hip Tickets! Canucks host Flames on THE PEAK TONIGHT

Away from the hockey stuff for a second...

Ah, the Tragically Hip...Canada's BEST BAND in my humble opinion.

THE PEAK has scooped some tickets to the special SECOND SHOW added at the Save on Foods Memorial Centre in Victoria June 19th. Tickets go on sale Thursday, April 9th.

WE have two pairs of tickets ALREADY that we will be giving away TOMORROW.

It's simple, any time you hear us play THE HIP, get on the phone in a hurry and call 250-723-0933 and we'll enter you in the draw that Jolie will do on the afternoon drive show tomorrow!


What a HUGE game tonight as the Nucks host the Flames. A Flames regulation win, and they clinch the Northwest Division Title. Get it all on THE PEAK with the pre game show at 6:30 and the puck drop and play-by-play shortly after 7:00pm.

From the Canucks website, check out the GAME NOTES HERE and the GAME PREVIEW HERE

Should be a good one!

That's it for today, for now at least!

Hammer

Alberni Wrestling at National Championships, Vipers lead 2-0 heading home

Hello and HAPPY MONDAY. Another successful weekend for Alberni Wrestling, this time at the National Championships. Congrats to all the athletes, coaches, and everyone involved with Alberni Wrestling! here

Alberni Wrestlers Top The National Stage Again

Port Alberni, Alberni District Secondary and the Alberni Valley Wrestling Club were well represented by six athletes who competed at the National Cadet/Juvenile Wrestling Championships in Fredericton New Brunswick over the weekend. The highly respected Alberni Wrestling program had three medalists and four athletes place in the top six to once again make its presence felt on the national scene.

The Alberni contingent was led by the young guns this year. Grade 10 wrestler Isaiah Taylor was simply outstanding winning the gold medal and a National title in the Cadet (15 & 16 year olds) Boys Division at 76 kilograms. Taylor looked sharp all weekend long. In the semi final he had a very tough opponent from Abbotsford to get by and after a great battle Taylor pinned him to reach the final. He dominated his Ontario opponent in the final beating him by technical superiority in two straight rounds.

When asked about Taylor’s win Alberni Coach James Messenger had this to say, “It was obviously great to see Isaiah win the title of National Champion. He is incredibly strong especially when you consider he is only in Grade 10. He has really matured as a competitor this season. His mat awareness and match strategy has really developed. He has obviously benefited from wrestling with the likes of Travis Cross, Ivan Diaconu and Michael Cappus on a regular basis. I am excited about the fact that Isaiah still has two years of high school wrestling left.”

Narrowly missing a gold medal herself grade 9 wrestler Daley Forbes won the silver medal in the 70 kilogram Cadet Girls Division. Forbes had a very strong tournament and showed a lot of determination just to wrestle let alone win the silver medal. Forbes sustained a serious foot injury at the Provincial Championships last month and as her condition failed to get better Forbes was forced to stop training. For the past two weeks she had to walk around on crutches to keep weight off her foot. With her doctor’s and physiotherapist’s clearance Forbes decided to push through the pain and compete. Her only loss all weekend came in a close three round battle with the provincial champion from Saskatchewan.

“We are really impressed with how Daley competed this weekend. To win the silver medal as a Grade 9 especially when having to push through the pain in her foot, is a great accomplishment. I respect the grit and focus she showed.” commented Coach Messenger.

Alberni’s third medal performance came from the team’s grade twelve standout Michael Cappus. Cappus claimed a bronze medal in the Juvenile (17 & 18 year old) Boys 69 kilogram division. Competing in one of the toughest weight classes of the tournament Cappus’ only loss was a hard fought 2-2, 2-2 decision in the semi finals to a returning National medalist from Ontario. Cappus turned heads with the way he came back on the consolation side especially in the Bronze final where he threw and pinned his opponent.

“Michael was disappointed he was not in the final. However, he did not let that affect his focus. He came back and demonstrated his dynamic scoring ability by making great leg attacks and throws in his two final matches. As a Grade Twelve, he is one of the top recruits in the country right now. I know Simon Fraser University is very excited about the commitment he has made to join their team next year,” said Messenger.

Rounding out their top six finishers was Grade 11 wrestler Savannah Toth. Savannah placed fifth in the 65 kilogram Juvenile Girls division. Toth lost two tough 3 round matches which unfortunately knocked her out of medal contention. “Savannah showed mental toughness not to let the disappointment of her losses get the better of her” said Messenger, “ I am really pleased that she battled through and am confident that this experience is going to help her next season. She is only a first year Juvenile so she gets another crack at a medal.”

Wrestlers Cullen Hines and Kyle Plaunt unfortunately did not manage to finish in the top 6 but both wrestlers recorded wins in their competitive weight classes. For Grade 9 student Hines, the National Championships is an important stop along his path to develop into one of BC’s top High School wrestlers. “Cullen is tremendously strong and has worked hard to develop the physical side of his wrestling. Competing at the Nationals will help him continue to develop the strategy and mental focus needed to be a top high school wrestler next year,” commented Coach Messenger.

For grade twelve wrestler Plaunt the tournament marked the end of his high school wrestling career. “Kyle wrestled well but at the national level he is small for the 58 kg weight class. Cutting to the lower weight just wasn’t an option,” commented Messenger. “Right now Kyle is considering his options for next year. We are excited about the fact that he is considering wrestling for North Island College and continuing his education and his wrestling.”

On receiving the news of the latest achievements for Alberni Wrestlers at the National level program Director Tom McEvay had this to say, “We are proud of all of our athletes and our coaches. We are very fortunate to have an amazing group of young people in this community who given the right opportunity will excel in many different areas. We are also blessed with incredible volunteers who give so much of themselves to help these young people follow their dreams. Our wrestling program is but one example of this process that occurs over and over again in Port Alberni.”

McEvay’s words have had great examples from Alberni wrestlers this year. The accomplishments of Olympian Travis Cross are well documented and most people are aware of alumni Ashlea McManus’s achievements on the National and International stage. Recently alumni Isaac Wing won the Canadian Intercollegiate title for Simon Fraser University.

The accolades continue for Alberni wrestlers and alumni. This past year local wrestlers once again excelled at the High School Provincials, the BC Summer Games and the North American Indigenous Games. Alberni coaches have been named to coach BC and National teams and alumni are coaching in many parts of BC. Alumni Patrick McEvay is now one of the top young wrestling officials in the country and drawmaster Richelle McKenzie was recently upgraded to one of the highest rankings in Canada. The list goes on for what is widely considered one of the best developmental wrestling programs in Canada if not the world.

The National Championships marks the official end of the high school and club wrestling season. The wrestlers will enjoy some down time before they gear up for their summer fundraising and camp activities. The wrestlers who travelled to the National Championships would like to thank all the coaches and sponsors who helped them get there. Special mention to School District 70 who supported coach James Messenger as one of Team BC’s National Team coaches.

All Alberni Valley wrestlers will be gathering at their Annual Wrestling Awards Night April 29^th at Echo Center at 7 pm. The night will provide the club and their associated school programs with an opportunity to recognize its athletes, coaches, and volunteers for their achievements over the past year. The night is open to anyone who wants to support a very proud program that is a shining examples of their motto … “Let the Tradition Continue.”

Thanks to Les Toth for the pictures!

The Vernon Vipers lead the Fred Page Cup Series 2 games to 0 after back to back shut out victories by scores of 4-0 and 3-0 Friday and Saturday in Powell River. Are the Vipers that good, are the Kings that average, are the Kings worn out? Just bad "puck luck"? Should be interesting to see what happens in the pivotal game 3. Not a nice position for the Kings to be in, down 0-2 heading to Vernon.

2009 Lester Cup VIDEO, Fred Page Cup Series opens tonight, former BCHL'er Bozak signs with Leafs

Last week I posted about the amazing day that was the "Lester Cup" at Pacific Coliseum. Here is the video I promised I was working on:



The BCHL Finals kick off tonight, with the Powell River Kings hosting the Vernon Vipers.

Read all about it from the BCHL homepage HERE

Predictions? I don't make any. I will say GO COASTAL though. And good luck to former Bulldog James Kerr with the Vipers.

Former Victoria Salsa/Grizzlie Tyler Bozak has signed with the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Click HERE to read more.


That's it for now. Anyone up for GOLF today? It'll be a beauty out at the Alberni Golf Club in Cherry Creek!!

Hammer

OHA/OHS joins the blogging world, Nucks host Ducks on THE PEAK

Hello and happy Thursday!

It seems lately that there's a new blog joining the hockey world on almost a daily basis. The newest addition to the blogging community is a blog started by the Okanagan Hockey Academy. Check it out by clicking THIS LINK

Welcome to the blogosphere guys and gals!

The Northwest Division leading (that sounds almost weird, doesn't it?) Vancouver Canucks are in action tonight, hosting the Anaheim Ducks at The 'Garage at 7pm.

Catch it all on THE PEAK, part of the Canucks Radio Network, with the pregame show getting underway at 6:30 with the puck dropping shortly after 7:00.

Get up to speed with all the info you'll need on the Canucks website with the GAME PREVIEW HERE and the GAME NOTES HERE

A new feature added to their homepage is the "Stretch Drive" an easy way to keep track of who's in and who's out and the road ahead and the road already travelled. Check it out HERE

Hammer

AVMHA Banquet Saturday, Tyler Scofield off to Frozen Four, Maury Edwards update

The Alberni Valley Minor Hockey Association Year-End Banquet goes this Saturday at the Glenwood Center. The doors open at 4:00pm, with dinner served at 4:30 and the awards kicking off at 5:00pm. The HUGE Car Raffle goes at 7:00pm.

The event is open to the public, with a $5.00 charge at the door.

There will be free draws for minor hockey players, a 50/50 draw, a U17 presentation and even a Minor Hockey Slide Show prepared by Anna Jack.

Awards will be handed out to divisions, as well as to the coaches and volunteers of the year. The final cap on the evening will be the recognition of the players graduating out of the AVMHA program.

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A big thanks to Tony Timberlake for this update on former Bulldog Tyler Scofield...

Hi Hammer...


Thought you might want to mention something about ex-Dog Tyler Scofield on your blog.....he plays for Bemidji State in the College Hockey America Conference....

Well Bemidji State has made it to the Frozen Four by pulling off two huge upsets at the NCAA Finals this past weekend.

They beat Notre Dame 5-1 and then Cornell 4-1 to advance to the Frozen Four....Leading the way was Tyler Scofield...he had 2 goals and 1 assist against both Notre Dame and Cornell....total of 4 goals and 2 assists....

Also he was the second leading scorer on the team for the season....34 games.....22 goals....16 assists.....He ripped it up this year (Senior)...

You may know this site already but if not it is a great site for College scores and stats for all the games....also under the drop down menus there is a ton of other info and stats...check it out...its quick and fast....

http://www.collegehockeystats.net/0809/recent/all


Tony T.


Thanks Tony!

A final update on a great season for Maury Edwards...He was named to the Hockey East All Star First team, as well as the Hockey East Championship All-Tournament team. Last but not least - he finished the season as the top scoring D-Man in all of Hockey East. Way to go Eddie!

And thanks Jack for the update! I love hearing how the former Dogs are doing!

Hammer


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April Fools.

Happy April Fools!

I pulled a prank here earlier today. Some got it, some didn't, I hope it was fun for everyone!

NO FOOLIN' - The 2009 RBC Cup hosts will be on the sidelines throughout the Fred Page Cup Final and the Doyle Cup, after the Powell River Kings beat the Grizzlies 4-1 last night in Game 7 at Bear Mountain Arena. Congrats to the Kings, and good luck against the Vipers. Go Coastal!!

Hammer


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