Please visit the links and support my friends and supporters!!!

Please visit the links and support my friends and supporters!!!

Saturday, July 31, 2010

George Laraque to be named deputy leader of Green Party.....

Now George - jerseying someone and dropping the mitts might not go so well in this arena...


I've always had a soft spot for Laraque, from his actions on the ice - I still remember the thrill I got when he scored a big playoff goal for the Oilers a couple years back. And for his actions off the ice - some great things he did in Edmonton for kids and those less fortunate.

Good luck George!


As per TSN - read it here

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=329125


Hammer

Evan Hammond - Morning Show Host 93.3 The Peak FM, Play-by-Play Voice: Alberni Valley Bulldogs Check out my blog www.hammersdogs.blogspot.com Sent wirelessly from my BlackBerry device on the Bell network.

Would you buy a Bulldogs Highlights DVD?

Kind of like the video below - but with mostly VIDEO from the last season and less pictures?

Let me know if you would be interested in purchasing a 'Dogs Highlight DVD via a comment down below, or by sending me an email HERE




Friday, July 30, 2010

Good Morning from the Water

A quick break from the fishing for a short update and a hello...too busy fishing!


Hopefully I'll see you from 12 noon today to 2pm at the Fall Fair Grounds for the Alberni Auto Group Summer Sizzler Sale, as I'll be there on THE PEAK getting the word out.


Come enter your name for a four- ticket package to head up to THE BIG TIME OUT.



The ONLY time to enter - noon to 2pm. At 2pm today, we'll make the draw for 1 of the ticket packages.



TOMORROW morning we do it all again, from 9:30 to 11:30. At 11:30 we will give away ONE MORE ticket package to the BIG TIME OUT for you and three friends. Again, the only way to enter is to get your two feet and a heart beat up to the Fall Fair Grounds in that two hour window!


Jimmy Pelk was on my show yesterday, and he said it took them 7 hours to move all of their Alberni Chrysler and Alberni Toyota New and Used Inventory to the Fair Grounds.



Its an old adage but a true one - they don't want to move them back to the lot...so come get a deal!



And win some great concert tickets!



Hammer



Evan Hammond - Morning Show Host 93.3 The Peak FM, Play-by-Play Voice: Alberni Valley Bulldogs Check out my blog www.hammersdogs.blogspot.com Sent wirelessly from my BlackBerry device on the Bell network.

Thursday, July 29, 2010

Stephen Pattison update - Med School, Student Athlete of the Year, FEMALE HOCKEY FESTIVAL!

Just a great story here on former Bulldog Stephen Pattison, who has decided to hang up his blades and head to Med School. Pretty smart for a D-Man Patti! Kidding of course!

Click here to read "Badgers Pattison the true meaning of a student athlete"

Stephen is currently teaching at a Hockey Academy in Japan. Cool stuff. Bring me back something nice Patti.

On a serious note, congrats on the award, and congrats on making the tough decision to hang up the blades and head to Med School. The Badgers goalies are no doubt saddened at the loss of a D-first, shot-blocking guy such as yourself.



This is pretty cool! The first ever "Female Hockey Festival" is coming to the Valley September 19th. It's a day to raise awareness among the females of Port Alberni and the surrounding area to get them interested and involved in hockey.

It's FREE.

If you don't have equipment, IT WILL BE PROVIDED.

There will be a PANCAKE BREAKFAST.

A member of Canada's Gold Medal winning 2010 Olympic Hockey team WILL BE THERE.

Yes - Gina Kingsbury will be there!



Besides being a member of Canada's National Team, Kingsbury is one of two coaches who lead the female initiatives at the Okanagan Hockey Academy and Okanagan Hockey School


And this is just scratching the surface. The Female Hockey Festival offers a whole bunch more.

As I'm getting tired of the ALL CAPS stuff, I'll just direct you to their great website!  YOU CAN FIND IT HERE

There is also a Facebook page. You can find that HERE

Wednesday, July 28, 2010

Fishing, Golfing,. love Port Alberni in the Summertime!


I have to put a HUGE thanks out there to Wade Nicklin (he and wife Tammi billet Bulldog Forward Trent Dorais) of Fish On Charters, for getting me out Sockeye hunting down the Inlet last week. A couple hours in the boat later, we had our limit and we were back in town in time for Breakfast.

Now THAT is fishing!

If you'd like a fishing adventure yourself, give Wade a call at 250-735-0995

Changing gears big time....


If you are one of the unlucky people who don't live out in Cherry Creek or Beaver Creek, and you are sick and tired of having to wait TWO WEEKS to get your garbage picked up, call Wade again, this time on behalf of his company Nicklin Waste Disposal.

I don't know about you, but I'm not into freezing my garbage with my food. I don't have the money to buy a freezer for my garbage. I don't want all sorts of animals small and large getting into my garbage and my yard. And that's why I'm lucky we have Nicklin's to take care of us - we were a Nicklin's Client BEFORE the garbage went to bi-weekly pick up, it's just that I appreciate them so much more now as I hear all my friends in town complaining (rightfully so) about stinky garbage and once every two week pickups.

SO If you are sick of it too - Nicklin picks up anywhere - give them a call to get added to their list - 250-724-0992

You might have heard Nicklin's HILARIOUS commercial on 93.3 The Peak - it's a hungry bear, angry that Nicklin's beat him to the garbage again - good stuff!

Wade, Tammi, and Nicklin's are big supporters of the Bulldogs and Minor Hockey, and Nicklin's advertises on 93.3 The Peak. And last but not least they are some great people.....Ok last but certainly not least - Wade took me fishing! Of course that's getting on the blog!

 Alright, time to switch over to GOLF! I sadly haven't golfed in over a week. I miss the game very much and I miss the serenity of the Alberni Golf Club even more....I gotta get out there today I think!


The first update comes from the equipment front - It's the Mac Five Golf MID SUMMER SALE right now in the Pro Shop at the Alberni Golf Club. ALL ITEMS are on sale, and there is lots of good golfing weather left so get in to see Bruce and make a deal!


On the condition of the course - Bruce tells me the fairways are firm, and the greens are soft, a perfect combination for shooting career rounds.


And of course the restaurant continues to serve great food. Great food, great service, great view, you don't know what you are missing for lunch or dinner!

And a final golf update, this one in the form of some results - Congrats go out to the Alberni Golf Club Pro-Junior team, who finished 5th at the B.C Pro Junior Competition.

Spencer Rhodes, Jessie McLaughlin, Stuart Murray and Pro Brian Rands combined to shoot 25 under par.


Here's an update from some local wrestlers who competed at the BC Summer Games...

For immediate release ….
Here are the results for the Vancouver Island Wrestling team at the BC Summer Games in Langley this past weekend. The team finished 2nd overall in the zone team competition. Zone three from the Fraser Valley were the gold medal winners and the Vancouver zone were bronze medalists. The team was coached by Josh Brakefield of Victoria and Alberni Wrestling alumni Dallas Nye who now lives and goes to school in Victoria.
Port Alberni was represented on the Island team by five wrestlers …..
·         Jordan Bodnar – gold 47 kg girls
·         Dakota Sutton – silver 57 kg boys
·         Jonathan Spencer – bronze 60 kg boys
·         Austin Jaworski – 5th 66 kg boys
·         Wes Boris – 5th 70 kg boys
·         In addition former Alberni wrestler Alec Delcourt who still trains here as often as he can but lives in Courtenay was a gold medalist at 60 kg. 




The AVMHA is having their Equipment Sale coming up at the Glenwood Centre.




DROP OFF goes on August 11th from 6pm to 8pm witht he SALE (and registration) going the next night from 6pm to 8pm.



That's it for now!


Hammer

Monday, July 26, 2010

I'm baaaaaack!

It's great to be back in action here on the blog and here at 93.3 The Peak FM Studios! 

Here's a digital version of "what I did on my summer vacation" Part 1. Part 2 comes up in August.

I got to head to Vancouver to watch the Lions vs. Alouettes game at Empire Field. What a great facility. The Lions lost, but it was a great game and a great time with my buddy Jade!

An even better view at night. Love the skyline. You don't get that look while inside BC Place, that's for sure!

Even the GREEN MEN were there!


After the game, I got back to town in time for a great wedding out Beaver Creek for my friends Ginney and Steve. Congrats to the Newlyweds, and thanks for the invite. It was a great time!

After that, it was off with family and friends right back out of town and down the Canal for some fishing at Mctush!


As you can see, the fishing was just a little bit OK!

Throw in another fishing trip leaving from the Harbour Quay, combined with my attending the ADSS 10 Year Grad Reunion on Saturday, and it was a pretty busy week off from work!

Last but not least - I got some lake time in! There are few sweeter places on earth than Sproat Lake.


That's it for now. Lots of catching up to do.


Hammer

Sunday, July 18, 2010

Goin' Fishin'

Gone fishing for a couple days! If you need to get a hold of me, jump in a boat, and search the surrounding lakes, rivers, and other bodies of water.


Catch you on the flipside.

Evan Hammond - Morning Show Host 93.3 The Peak FM, Play-by-Play Voice: Alberni Valley Bulldogs Check out my blog www.hammersdogs.blogspot.com Sent wirelessly from my BlackBerry device on the Bell network.

Friday, July 16, 2010

The Call Him...

...The streak!


Evan Hammond - Morning Show Host 93.3 The Peak FM, Play-by-Play Voice: Alberni Valley Bulldogs Check out my blog www.hammersdogs.blogspot.com Sent wirelessly from my BlackBerry device on the Bell network.

Hello from Empire Field!

What a great seat...this place is awesome!

Go Lions!!

Evan Hammond - Morning Show Host 93.3 The Peak FM, Play-by-Play Voice: Alberni Valley Bulldogs Check out my blog www.hammersdogs.blogspot.com Sent wirelessly from my BlackBerry device on the Bell network.

Great Story - "Bulldogs continue to build off turnaround season"


Keep reading below for a great story on the Bulldogs from the BCHL website... 

It's an almost perfect way to head into some days off here on the blog, as it's a nice review on everything that has been done so far this off season to get the team positioned to try and top their 2009-2010 campaign.

I'm off to Vancouver for the Lions game tonight, and then on some Holidays until next week. I'm off to do some camping, fishing, golfing, relaxing and just some simple hanging out with friends and family. And not one single thought or concern about the Black Berry or pretty much anything else...and it's well deserved!

Thanks for your support in checking out the blog, I won't be gone as long as you think, and I might post some things here should the motivation strike me!

Hammer



Bulldogs continue to build off turnaround season

PRESS RELEASE
July 15, 2010

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The Alberni Valley Bulldogs succeeded in finding their way to the top of the British Columbia Hockey League's Coastal Conference over the course of the 2009/10 season. Now, just months removed from falling one game short of a berth in the Fred Page Cup Finals, the Bulldogs have shifted their focus to staying ahead of the pack.

The responsibility for continuing the team's winning ways has fallen to Paul Esdale, who had the 'Assistant' tag removed from his Assistant Coach/Assistant GM title following the departure of Coastal Coach of the Year Nolan Graham to the bench staff at NCAA Division I RPI. Esdale was immediately faced with a number of key departures, including those of 61-goal scorer Mitch MacMillan and Ottawa Senators signee David Dziurzynski.

To fill the void, the Bulldogs have added a number of potential future stars from around Western Canada.
The Alberta „AAA‟ Midget Hockey League has produced a pair of key prospects, as forward Andrew Bergmann and defenceman Kenney Morrison have committed to the club after an impact season with the UFA Bisons and Llyodminster Bobcats respectively. Also making the trip west is blueliner Tanner Hicks, who posted 59 points in 49 games while captaining the Edge School Midget AAAs in Calgary.

“Andrew, Kenney and Tanner were all highly recruited players,” says Esdale. “Fortunately they were really drawn to our community, our program and our educational package. I think all three can come in and help us out immediately, and all three are capable of playing college hockey in the future.”

Alberni Valley has also tapped into the pipeline of talent from the Okanagan Hockey Academy, securing commitments from Penticton Lakers forwards Oliver McCluskey and Lars Hepso. The duo combined for 33 goals and 46 assists as 17-year olds in the Kootenay International Junior Hockey League.

“Both Oliver and Lars had seen us play when we came through Penticton last season and they were familiar with our program through their time with OHA,” Esdale explains. “They‟re both quality kids and they come from playing a very good system with the Lakers.”


A number of experienced Junior A forwards have also been added to the mix, as the Bulldogs swung a trade with the Merritt Centennials for 52-point man Colton Sobchak and signed former Williams Lake Timberwolves playmaker Trent Murdoch on the heels of a 49-point campaign. Esdale is also excited about the addition of Justin Morello, who posted 13 goals and 25 assists in 47 AJHL games split between Drumheller and St. Albert last season.

But the Bulldogs‟ success in the 2010/11 season may ultimately be best influenced by a pair of impact sophomores who made the choice to stay in Alberni Valley. On the heels of an 80-point season that culminated in Coastal Conference Rookie of the Year honours and being drafted by the Montreal Canadiens, Mark MacMillan has committed to the University of North Dakota for 2011/12 and will return for another season with the team.

He‟ll be joined as part of the Bulldogs‟ core by 17-year old defenceman Ryan Renz, who quickly emerged as a top blueline prospect after joining from the KIJHL‟s Castlegar Rebels. Renz posted 20 points in 33 regular season and playoff games despite being one of the youngest players in the league, and has been rewarded with a scholarship to Northeastern University that will see him spend at least one more season with the „Dogs.

“Mark and Ryan are young, but they‟re also tremendous leaders who can be premier players in our league,” says their coach.

Alberni Valley‟s wealth of youthful talent reflects well on Graham and Esdale, but also on the team‟s reputation as have one of the league‟s top educational programs. To that end, Esdale credits Tom McEvay, the team‟s Education Advisor, for taking a leading role in attracting players to the club and fostering their academic development once in the fold.

“Tom is a huge part of our recruiting,” he says. “He does a great job and he does it for all the right reasons – he wants these kids to succeed in hockey, in their schooling, and in life. He‟s really one of the biggest influences in our organization and in the community.”

Submitted by BCHL Media

Thursday, July 15, 2010

Dogs add another, Leos vs Als, Happy Birthday - Dave Killer Carlson, Clive Cussler.


ANOTHER new addition to the Bulldogs roster.

They must know I'm heading away on Holidays soon or something!

This one sounds like another great pick up by Paul Esdale. In Morello, he gets an 18 year old who already has two years of Junior A Hockey under his belt. Here's the official release....


Justin Morello Commits to the Bulldogs





PRESS RELEASE
July 15th, 2010

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


The Alberni Valley Bulldogs would like to announce that 92 F Justin Morello has committed for the 2010-2011 season.


The Spruce Grove, Alberta native played for the Drumheller Dragons of Alberta Junior Hockey League (AJHL) in 2008-09 and posted 8 goals, 13 assists in 43 games. In the 2009-10 season, Morello split time between Drumheller and the St.Albert Steel of the AJHL. Morello posted 13 goals and 25 assists in 47 games between the two teams.

“Justin is a great offensive player that will help create offensive chances in all different situations, “ comments GM/Head Coach Paul Esdale. “We are very excited to have Justin wear the Bulldogs uniform and look forward to him being an impact player immediately for our team,” adds Esdale.


For more information please contact GM/Head Coach Paul Esdale at 250.723.4412
Catch an Interview with Justin on THE PEAK Morning Show just after 8:10am tomorrow morning on 93.3 The Peak FM and online at www.933thepeak.com 


Now onto something that I don't talk about on the blog too often - FOOTBALL.

Yes, Football! Have I gone crazy with a lack of Hockey? Maybe just a little bit. The football talk is because I am very very very excited to head over to Vancouver to Empire Field for the Lions vs Alouettes game tomorrow.

I'm not someone that was part of the history of Empire Field. I didn't grow up watching games there, and neither did my parents or grandparents. Being from Manitoba, maybe they watched a couple Blue Bomber games back in the day.

It doesn't matter for me though, there's just something about Football OUTDOORS. From the moment I heard that the Lions were heading outside for a year, I just HAD to go.

This is what Empire looks like. Not bad for being thrown together in just over 100 days.



And this is my buddy Jade. He's a die hard Lions fan. Maybe THEE die hard Lions fan. He will no doubt be wearing no less than 9 articles of clothing tomorrow that have at least some piece of orange on them. He told me he even has an Orange shirt for me. It'll be fun Jade, I'm looking forward to it buddy!
And a couple HAPPY BIRTHDAYS to wrap it up today.

First off, one I missed yesterday - Happy Birthday Jerry Houser, born July 14th 1952. One of the most fearless customers to play the game. Although not in real life.

Jerry played the iconic Dave "Killer" Carlson in Slap Shot.

"Killer" talking about being out of the line up with a wicked cold. He started his car without wearing a jacket, and it settled into his kidneys, I believe.

Dave's a Killer! Dave's a mess! Bleed all over 'em, let 'em know you're there. The sounds of Slap Shot. The soundtrack to my younger years.

And I almost NEVER talk about books here on the blog, unless they are hockey related. I can't miss the opportunity to celebrate my favorite author -
Mr. Clive Cussler. Google him. You don't know what you are missing!


Hammer

Wednesday, July 14, 2010

Dogs add Bergmann, Interview tomorrow 8:10am on THE PEAK



Andrew Bergmann Commits to the Bulldogs


PRESS RELEASE
July 14th, 2010


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


The Alberni Valley Bulldogs would like to announce that 92 F Andrew Bergmann has committed for the 2010-2011 season.

 Bergmann, originally from Oshawa, Ontario played for the UFA Bisons in the Alberta “AAA” Midget Hockey League. The 6’4”, 200 pound Bergmann posted 14 goals, 7 assists and 75 penalty minutes in 35 games.

“Andrew has skill, size and a great work ethic. He has a big upside and will add size and depth up front, “ comments GM/Head Coach Paul Esdale. “ Andrew is a quality person that will bring many intangibles to our lineup every night,” adds Esdale.

 For more information please contact GM/Head Coach Paul Esdale at 250.723.4412.


Catch Andrew on the Morning Show with me tomorrow just after 8:10am on 93.3 The Peak FM and online at www.933thepeak.com

Hammer

Bulldogs add Kyle Weber from Clippers, New Ice + BETTER PICTURES!


Wow...didn't see this one coming.

I love this addition to the Bulldogs roster.

You may try and take the cynical approach and say of course I say I like the player now, as he's a Bulldog, and not a Clipper. If you listened to our broadcasts this year, you would know that I was a fan of Kyle, and complimentary of Kyle, even when he was wearing a Clipper jersey.

I can't remember if it was late in the season, or if it was in the playoffs, but I remember a particular game against the Bulldogs where Kyle was EVERYWHERE.

He was blocking shots, taking the body, and getting offensive chances. He was playing with an EDGE. What team doesn't need a D-Man like that?

If he brings that kind of game to the Dog Pound, he'll be a fan favorite.







FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE



The Alberni Valley Bulldogs would like to announce that they have acquired the playing rights of 90 D Kyle Weber from the Nanaimo Clippers in exchange for future considerations.


Weber, a 6’0” 185 pound defenceman from Fraser Lake has played the last two seasons for the Nanaimo Clippers. In the two seasons with Nanaimo, Weber posted 2 goals, 13 assists and 72 penalty minutes in 96 games.


“Kyle is a proven veteran defenceman that will bring toughness and a competitive edge to our team,” comments GM/ Head Coach Paul Esdale. “We are very excited about acquiring Kyle and look forward to him bringing leadership and reliability to our lineup every night,” adds Esdale.



For more information please contact GM/Head Coach Paul Esdale at 250.723.4412.


Here's a little bit what Kyle is about....great job by my friend Dan Marshall in Nanaimo...

  


Special thanks to local artist Walt Collins for sending me these great pictures. I golfed with Walt in the Charity Classic on Saturday (he's got some pretty darn good game let me tell 'ya) and he excitedly showed me his digital camera with these great shots of the just-finished job of painting the logos on the ice at the Multiplex.

From Carvings to Murals seen about all around town, to Paintings, Portraits and Prints, Walt is one talented individual who can do it all. 

Check out all of Walt's incredible work on his website here  


And now for the pictures..(CLICK TO ENLARGE)..Walt doing his best centerfold impression
Johnny Wong hard at work.
Celebrating a long job finally done.
Looks great guys!

Tuesday, July 13, 2010

Charity Golf Classic, Another Lacrosse Championship, George Steinbrenner passes away, why I don't read the Message Board...

I haven't yet heard the final numbers on the monies raised at 17th Annual Alberni Valley Charity Golf Classic. Hopefully I will get an update from Gerry Fagan soon as they had a committee meeting last night.


What I CAN tell you - It was a beautiful day, a great time, and some much needed funds were raised for the B.C. Children's Hospital, Kidsport Port Alberni, Special Olympics Port Alberni, and the Alberni Valley Community Schools.

I played horrible for the most of the day, only making a couple of putts and hitting a couple long drives. A big thanks to my teammates for making the day a fun one - Bob Turner, Gary Connaughton, Olga Kanigan, and Walt Collins.

And a HUGE thanks to all the volunteers and committee members that make the Charity Classic such a great time, and such a benefit to so many great and needy charities.

 



I told you yesterday about the success of the Bantam Tyees, now here's another email and another Provincial Championship...way to go girls! Thanks Shawna for the heads up!



To whom it may concern, 

I am hoping you could announce that the Island Stone Jr Lacrosse Girls
won the Gold in Provincials this weekend, which was held in Port Moody. These girls have been in the Gold medal round 3 years in a row and finally brought the Gold home! Marrisa Jordan got MVP for the Provincials.
Thanks for your consideration.
Shawna Angell (Team Manager)


A shocker this morning as New York Yankees owner George Steinbrenner has died of an apparent Heart Attack. 


      NEW YORK - New York Yankees owner George Steinbrenner has died of a reported heart attack.

      A person close to Steinbrenner confirmed his death to The Associated Press. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the team had not yet made the announcement.

      He turned 80 on July 4.

      The Tampa Tribune says emergency crews responded to Steinbrenner's home in Tampa on Monday night.

      WABC in New York says Steinbrenner was rushed to St. Joseph's hospital in Tampa.

      The Yankees have earned 11 pennants and seven World Series titles under Steinbrenner. He has owned the club since 1973.

      (The Canadian Press) 



Why I don't read the BCHL Message Board very often - Exhibit A - the current thread that someone has put up there regarding Tyler Berkholtz being "rumoured to be traded"

Rumoured to be traded by WHOM exactly? Is there a source to that rumour to substantiate it? Of course not. And that's my point. ANYONE can mess with a kid's head, ANONYMOUSLY. Just make up a log in and post WHATEVER you want. 

I don't expect Tyler Berkholtz to be traded. And I haven't heard any rumours saying that's the case either. I expect great things out of him in a Bulldog Uniform in 2010-2011. 

Sometimes some of the stuff on the board is true, there is "fire to the smoke" so to speak. Most of the time however, it's just BS, someone from one team trying to mess with another one, one player trying to mess with another....what I'm saying is - take everything you read there with a grain of salt. OR - don't read it at all. 

If I ran a team I would tell any player on my team to never read it, but all or most of the players/staff/fans/owners/media guys do. 


Hammer




 

Monday, July 12, 2010

Evan Hammond - Morning Show Host 93.3 The Peak FM, Play-by-Play Voice: Alberni Valley Bulldogs Check out my blog www.hammersdogs.blogspot.com Sent wirelessly from my BlackBerry device on the Bell network.

New Ice!

Doesn't it look absolutley beautiful?

To quote my buddy Sly, drop the puck already!

Hammer
Evan Hammond - Morning Show Host 93.3 The Peak FM, Play-by-Play Voice: Alberni Valley Bulldogs Check out my blog www.hammersdogs.blogspot.com Sent wirelessly from my BlackBerry device on the Bell network.

S'Port Alberni does it again, Bantam Tyees Repeat at Provincial Lacrosse Champs!




Thanks to Jan for the heads up, congrats to the players, coaches, management, staff, parents, etc. What a great acheivement!

Here's the email I got from Jan last night....


Hi Evan,

This is to let you know that the Bantam Lacrosse team has won the 2010 Provincial Championship.
The team was undefeated in this weekends play, beating a team from Comox (8-4) on Sunday to win the title. The Alberni Valley team won the 2009 Island Championship and 2010 Provincial Championship. This team also won the 2009 BC Provincial Championship and now the 2010 BC Provincial Championship.

The 2009 Provincial Championship was the first time a team from Port Alberni has won the Provincials.
 
This will now be the second title for our lacrosse association.

Thanks
Jan Lavertu
Assistant Coach

Friday, July 09, 2010

Mark MacMillan in Montreal Gazette

Thanks to Dave McCormick for the heads up!


Mark MacMillan and Brendan Gallagher
photo: John Mahoney/THE GAZETTE

Brendan Gallagher says the first thing people mention when they talk about his hockey game is that he's small.
But the Canadiens' prospect, who stands 5-foot-9 and weighs 169 pounds, said his size -or rather the lack of same -hasn't been a problem.


"I've heard the questions about my size my entire life, but I've always played the same way," Gallagher said during a break in the Canadiens' development camp in Brossard yesterday. "I don't shy away from the bigger players and that's not going to change any time soon. The questions about my size aren't going to stop, but I just have to push them to the side and use them as motivation."


The Canadiens selected Gallagher in the fifth round of last month's entry and the consensus was that they had acquired a skilled offensive player with a huge upside.


Gallagher put up some impressive numbers last season with the Vancouver Giants of the Western Hockey League. He had 41 goals and 40 assists in 72 games to rank 16th in league scoring. Only seven players scored more goals. And he showed that he was a money player when he added 21 points in 16 playoff games.


But the number that may have swayed the Canadiens may have been his penalty minutes. He spent 111 minutes in the penalty box and that included three majors for fighting.


"I score a lot of my goals around the net," he explained. "I try to get to the net and, every once in a while, I kind of bug some players and they come after me. I'm not going to back down. I don't shy away from the rough stuff."


It's no surprise that Gallagher is in good shape -his father is the Giants' strength and conditioning coach -and he says that his quickness gives him an advantage over bigger players. He said his role model is Tampa Bay's Martin St. Louis.


"He's another small guy and people used to put him down, but he's a Stanley Cup champion and he's still scoring goals," Gallagher said.


But even Gallagher admits he was surprised to be drafted. In fact, he passed on the opportunity to attend the draft in Los Angeles and followed the action from his home in Vancouver.


"Going into the draft, there were a lot of questions about me because of my size and all that, so I wasn't sure if I was going to be drafted," Gallagher said. "So me and my mom watched the draft on television and when I was drafted, it was obviously a very exciting time for my family and me to share. I'm really happy to be coming to Montreal with all the history and tradition and it's been great to be in the dressing room."



Gallagher isn't the only Canadiens' draft pick with offensive potential. In the fourth round, they selected Mark MacMillan, a Penticton native who plays Tier Two hockey with Alberni Valley in the British Columbia Hockey League.


MacMillan has a different size problem. He stands 6-foot-1 but weighs only 150 pounds.


"That's obviously one of the things I have to work on," said MacMillan, who had 26 goals and 54 assists in 59 games last season and shared rookie of the year honours in the BCHL.
MacMillan said the need to bulk up is one of the reasons why he has elected to go the U.S. college route. He has committed to the University of North Dakota.


"I'll spend one more year in the BCHL and then go to school," he said. "That will give me three or four more years to get bigger and stronger."


 

Dogs add Kenney Morrison, Interview THIS MORNING on The Peak, Alberni Valley Charity Golf Classic this weekend, Bob Probert Funeral today,



Kenney Morrison Commits to the Bulldogs

PRESS RELEASE
July 9th, 2010

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


The Alberni Valley Bulldogs would like to announce
that 92 D Kenney Morrison has committed for the
2010-2011 season.


The Lloydminster, Alberta native played for the Lloydminster Bobcats in the Alberta “AAA” Midget Hockey League. The 6’1”, 170 pound Morrison posted
9 goals, 25 assists and 56 penalty minutes in 45 games.


“Kenney is a smooth skating offensively gifted defenceman that will contribute at both ends of the rink, “ comments GM/Head Coach Paul Esdale. “We are very excited to have Kenny join the team and look forward to watching him develop into a outstanding defenceman,” adds Esdale.


For more information please contact GM/Head Coach Paul Esdale at 250.723.4412




The Alberni Valley Charity Golf Classic kicks off today at the Alberni Golf Club with registration kicking things off at 5pm, followed by the Wine and Cheese Reception at 6pm. Tomorrow sees the Golfing kicking off at 11:30, followed by the dinner at 6pm, the Live Auction at 7pm, and then the party!


Last I heard, several spots were open, just call the pro shop 250-723-5422.


In advance of his funteral today, I realize I haven't said anything yet about Bob Probert. He was certainly feared. I still vividly remember the vs.Domi fights.

While everyone remembers Probie for chucking the knuckles, what many people don't remember is that he was an NHL All-Star in 1988. Name me another league-champ heavyweight who also made the All-Star squad.

Soft hands when they weren't a fist. We'll miss ya Bob.

WINDSOR, Ont. - A funeral for former NHL forward Bob Probert will be held today in his hometown of Windsor, Ont.

      Probert, one of the most feared NHL fighters of his generation, died Monday after collapsing while boating with his family.

      He was 45 and survived by his wife, Dani, and four children.

      An autopsy was conducted Tuesday, and while the results were not revealed, Ontario provincial police said foul play is not suspected.

      Probert played in the NHL for 16 seasons for the Detroit Red Wings and Chicago Blackhawks, amassing more than 3,300 minutes in penalties.

      During his 16 N-H-L seasons, starting with Detroit in 1983 and moving to Chicago in 1995, Probert was the most feared player of his generation.

      (The Canadian Press) 



Last but not least - head out this weekend and check out some ball at Rec Park!


PA MENS SLOW PITCH TOURNAMENT


Friday July 9th

8:00 pm      Pirates vs BPs

9:15 pm      Black Sox vs Nanaimo

Saturday July 10th

10:00 am    Black Sox vs Mechanics Shop

11:30 am    Nanaimo vs BPs

1:00 pm      Mechanics Shop vs Pirates

3:30 pm      Nanaimo vs Mechanics Shop

5:00 pm      Black Sox vs Pirates

6:30 pm      BPs vs Mechanic Shop


Sunday July 11th

1st place team gets a bye to the semi

10:30 am    4th vs 5th

12:00 pm    2nd vs 3

1:30 pm      1st vs winner of 4th and 5th

3:00 pm      Final
         

Thursday, July 08, 2010

Graham to RPI, Bantam Tyees win Islands, off to Provincials, Naslund to the rafters, Tanner Hicks and Ryan Renz Interviews, Bulldogs Jersey Sale.




Probably the worst kept secret for the last while around these parts is a secret no more, as everything is NOW OFFICIAL - Nolan Graham is off to RPI.



Read more from the RPI website HERE



Congrats go out to the Alberni Valley Bantam Tyees Lacrosse team, as they have defended their Island Championship with a Two-game sweep over the Comox Wild last weekend.

They now head to Richmond to defend their Provincial Championship this weekend. Good Luck Tyees!





What are your thoughts on this one? #19 will head to the rafters of Rogers Arena (man that sounds weird, doesn't it?) December 11th





 VANCOUVER - The Vancouver Canucks will retire former captain Markus Naslund's jersey as part of the NHL team's 40th anniversary this season.

      The team announced at the Canucks' Summer Summit on Wednesday that Naslund's No. 19 will be raised on Dec. 11.

      His number will join those of Canucks legends Trevor Linden and Stan Smyl atop the newly named Rogers Arena.

      Naslund, a native of Ornskoldsvik, Sweden, played 11 seasons with the Canucks. He recorded 346 goals and 756 points with the club.

      His best season was in 2002-03, when he had 48 goals and 56 assists for 104 points.

      (The Canadian Press)


The must-have item for any Bulldog fan is of course a Bulldogs Jersey - read more below on how you can have one in your closet to wear to the 'Pound or around the Province should you follow the team on the road through the upcoming 2010-2011 season!


Authentic Vintage Game Jerseys Available
 
PRESS RELEASE

July 7th, 2010
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE





The Alberni Valley Bulldogs would like to offer all season ticket holders a preferred rate on Authentic Vintage Bulldog Game Jerseys. Starting at 10am today all Vintage Game Jerseys will be on sale to season ticket holders for $50.00+HST. Non-season ticket holders will be able to purchase the Game Jerseys for $99.00+HST.





This is your last chance to get your hands on Vintage Bulldog Jerseys. Sale will continue as long as supplies last. Come down to the Bulldogs office and show your Bulldog Pride !


For any further information call the Bulldogs office at 250.723.4412




Here's a couple of Interviews in case you missed them on 93.3 The Peak.


Tanner Hicks, on the announcement of his signing by the Bulldogs. CLICK HERE

Ryan Renz, on the announcement of his commitment to Northeastern. CLICK HERE


All Audio Courtesy and Copyright 93.3 The Peak FM and the Jim Pattison Broadcast Group.



Have a great day in the sun - don't forget the sunscreen, some shade, and a hat!


Hammer