Happy Halloween, Party for Carmen, Help Holden

I unfortunately cannot take credit for the Bulldog'kin at the top. That was carved by former Dogs Trainer Jess Moser, way back in '08 or '09. The old school goalie mask is all my work however, and I'm quite proud of it!

With the team hitting the road tomorrow and gone for the weekend, here's an idea for something going on in town to consider attending to get social and have some fun, all for a great cause!

Benifit Concert for Carmen Steinback

·         November 2 at the PA Italian Hall

·         Featuring many Live Bands

·         doors open at 6 and bar opens at 6:30 This is a NO Minors Event

·         tickets are $25 and available at Boomerang Cafe or Club House for Kids

·         call 735-1145 for more info

Another cool thing to get behind is the efforts to send Holden Cole to Poland. I can still remember the first time I saw him dance a couple of years back on stage at the Canadian Cancer Society's Relay for Life. There had to be close to a thousand people there, and the second he busted out some moves the entire crowd was jaw-dropped and stunned...before then almost immediately roaring in applause. His moves are truly out of this world, so it's only fitting he has been chosen to compete against the world for the Canadian Dance Team at the World Championships!



Fund raise for Holden to help him get to Poland

· Holden Cole has been chosen to join the Team 

Canada Dance Team to compete at the International

 Dance Organization World Championships in Poland 

in December. This is a very expensive task to take on 

to represent not only our  country but our city.

For donations or sponsorship call 250-724-6598

Bulldogs visit Express tonight to kick off weekend swing, Dogs appeal denied, Martin suspension upheld

Fresh off a six game homestand, and their first back-to-back wins of the year, the Bulldogs (3-13-2-1, 5th Island) begin a stretch of four straight away from home and a three-in-three weekend on the Lower Mainland tonight as they visit the Coquitlam Express (8-8-0-2, 3rd Mainland) at the Poirier Sports and Leisure Centre.

It's the second of three meetings between the teams this season, and the first meeting since the teams met on the second day of the season at the BCHL Showcase in Chilliwack, a 9-4 Express win. The Express enter play tonight on a four game losing streak, last seeing action on Sunday afternoon at home where they lost 4-3 to the Chilliwack Chiefs.

The Bulldogs will be without Craig Martin, as their appeal of his 8 game suspension fell upon deaf ears and has been upheld.

There aren't many appropriate/family friendly words to describe this entire situation, so it's best to not say too much. 

The comment I have heard most is that it sets a dangerous standard, but in reality there isn't a standard at all, and that's a problem. 

I have heard from too many people to count on this since it happened - Dogs fans, opposing team fans, Broadcasters and Officials...even from the team the hit in question was AGAINST...every single person has been surprised/upset about the suspension and it's length. I guess we are all wrong. Every single person agrees it was an unfortunate and dangerous hit.

One can only imagine how long the suspension would have been if it was intentional, and if it was a hit thrown by a player with a history of doing this kind of thing and not a guy like Craig Martin, who hasn't had a Major penalty in his career.

 I will bring all the action to you tonight on Pacific Chevrolet Bulldogs Hockey on 93.3 The Peak FM with the pregame show kicking off at 6:45 with the play-by-play to follow at 7:00pm.

Tonight's 2nd Intermission guest is Art Aronson, Play-by-Play voice of the Surrey Eagles, who the Dogs visit tomorrow.

If you aren't in listening range of 93.3 The Peak FM you can listen/watch the game by:


Listening Live on your computer: www.933thepeak.com
Listening Live on your SmartPhone : www.tunein.com/mobile/
Watching Live on your computer/SmartPhone www.fasthockey.com

Congrats to Connor LaCouvee, new Playoff Format,

Huge congrats to Bulldog Goalie Connor LaCouvee on being named the BCHL Player of the Week, the first Bulldog this season to receive the honour.

One of the big highlights was this penalty shot stop!

Alberni Valley Bulldogs goaltender Connor LaCouvee has been named the BCHL Player of the Week for the week ending Oct. 27, the league announced Monday.

LaCouvee backstopped the 'Dogs to a pair of wins, including a double-overtime victory. The native of Qualicum Beach, B.C. made 43 saves and was named 3rd Star as Alberni Valley began the week with a 5-4 overtime win against rival Nanaimo. He followed that with a 33-save performance to earn 1st Star in a win over Trail.

In the pair of triumphs, the 19-year-old Lacouvee turned away 76 of 82 shots for a .927 save percentage and he recorded 2.86 goals-against average.

Huge changes to the BCHL's Playoff format came out yesterday. It's a HUGE change, with two playoff rounds to get Division Champs (Interior/Mainland/Island followed by a Three-team Round Robin tournament,  followed by the Fred Page Cup series between the two best teams in the tournament. I'm curious to hear your thoughts. It's most certainly different!

One more big CONGRATS goes out to Ralph Sketsch, the first of many winners in the Port Alberni Junior Hockey Society Cash Lottery.

Get your tickets, help support the club, and WIN BIG!  If you are thinking of shopping for me for Christmas, I'd love an extra ticket in my stocking...especially if it turns out to be the $50,000 winner!

Hammer

Dogs top Smokies 3-2 for second straight win

The Bulldogs got off to a solid start early in the game, with a couple of solid scoring chances and a number of good hits, however a couple penalties against them stopped any momentum. The play got somewhat scrambly late in the period and that saw the Smoke Eaters open the scoring as a Braden Pears point shot deflected twice before ending up on the tape of Tyson Witala who slid it into an open net. Brendan Lamont picked up the only assist on the play at 17:21 of the first. The Dogs would answer back late in the period as Tryg Strand scored on a breakaway in the final seconds of the period as Zak Bowles dug the puck out of the corner and up the wall where Jakson Elynuik chipped it ahead for Strand, who out-raced the defender to the net and scored on the backhand with 6.9 seconds left in the period for a 1-1 tie after one.

The second period didn't see much action with only one goal to speak of coming just short of seven minutes in as the Dogs had two good looks turned aside by Riley Corbin before Scott Clark made it third time lucky burying a puck top corner, short side. Assists on the play went to Mitch Makin and Harlan Orr at 6:55 of the second for a 2-1 Dogs lead after two with the shots tied at 22 a piece.

The Smoke Eaters came out with a great start to the third period and had a handful of chances to try and equalize but Connor LaCouvee was rock solid to keep it 2-1. They would persist and tie it up later in the period with Brodie Clowes in the box - when he actually didn't commit the infraction, Harlan Orr did, as Braden Pears walked down the left wing and back of the Bulldogs net before throwing it cross-crease where an un-checked Travis Stephens one-timed it home to make it 2-2 with 9:16 to play. The score would stay that way after the Bulldogs would end up sent to the box again shortly afterwards, but they came up with a big kill to keep it tied. The Dogs would finally draw a penalty with less than a minute to go in regulation as Hunter Stewart was hauled down at centre ice. They wouldn't end up going on the power play as they scored the game winner on the rush with the goalie headed to the bench for the extra attacker as Mak Barden found Hunter Stewart going to the net. Stewart would put a backhand on net that was stopped by Corbin, but the rebound ended up on the stick of Justin Georgeson in the paint who tapped it home for the 3-2 lead with just :50 seconds to go in the third. The Dogs would make the lead stand as the Smokies weren't able to muster much of a chance as the clock ran out.

Shots favoured the Bulldogs 36-35 with Connor LaCouvee picked up the win and 1st star honours while Riley Corbin took 2nd star honours with the loss. The Dogs went 0 for 2 on the power play while the Smoke Eaters went 1 for 5.

Line ups Dogs vs Smokies

That's the closest the printer would give me to pink!

H

Dogs host Smokies for Pink the Rink tonight

 

It's "Pink the Rink" night for Breast Cancer Awareness tonight as the Bulldogs (2-13-2-1, 5th Island) conclude their October schedule and their six game homestand by hosting the Trail Smoke Eaters (4-12-1-1, 6th Interior) at the Dog Pound. 

The Dogs will be trying to win back to back games for the first time this season. Their last crack at it, oddly enough, was also against the Smoke Eaters when they opened October. That game ended in a 3-3 draw, as the Dogs strung together a three game unbeaten streak with a win and two ties. The Smoke Eaters opened their weekend last night in Powell River where they fell 6-1 to the Kings, their 8th straight loss.

Fans that wear pink to the game tonight will be entered to win prizes!

 

  

As always, we have it all covered for you on Van Isle Ford Bulldogs Hockey on 93.3 The Peak FM  

Bruce MacDonald provides colour and analysis, Dan Tisserand compiles game statistics and I will provide the play-by-play with the pregame show kicking off at 6:45 with the puck drop just after 7:00pm. 

Tonight's 1st Intermission guest is Bulldogs Forward Josh Adkins.

Tonight's 2nd Intermission feature is a segment from BCHL This Week on Team 1410 - catch the show Saturday Mornings at 9:30 on Team 1410am. It's a pretty cool segment tonight as Host Jeff Patterson chats with former BCHL'er Jason Bourne, who now writes for The Score at the Backhand Shelf blog I have been a fan of Jason's work for a while as he has a good sense of humour and an interesting and informed perspective. He grew up in the NHL and he played in the BCHL, NCAA and Minor Pro.

If you aren't in listening range of 93.3 The Peak FM you can listen/watch the game by:


Listening Live on your computer: www.933thepeak.com
Listening Live on your SmartPhone : www.tunein.com/mobile/
Watching Live on your computer/SmartPhone www.fasthockey.com

Dogs top Clippers 5-4 in double OT to snap streak

The Clippers had the better of the chances early as the Bulldogs fought the puck out of the gate to start the game, with Connor LaCouvee making two or three in-alone saves within the first minute and change, followed up by a penalty shot save on Sheldon Rempal with his blocker to keep the Dogs in it just over a minute into the game. The Dogs would reward their goalie but immediately starting to take the play the other way, drawing a penalty and going to the power play where they made quick work of the opportunity, scoring just 7 seconds into the advantage as Brett Stewart kept the puck in at the right point and went cross-ice to Justin Georgeson, who one-touched it to Hunter Stewart wide open in front where he deflected it home to make it 1-0 Bulldogs, 3:16 into the first. It was 2-0 five minutes later when Garrett Halls threw a check and knocked the puck loose for Zach Funk who ripped one under the blocker arm of Argue from the right circle to make it 2-0 at 8:34, with Darien Henry also drawing an assist on the play. The Dogs would end up in penalty trouble shortly afterwards as they took a Too-many-men penalty while already down a man, resulting in a Clippers 5 on 3 advantage of over 1:20 in duration. The Dogs penalty kill would come up huge to kill it off and preserve the lead.

The Clippers got on the board before the ice was wet to start the second period as Connor LaCouvee made the first save on a strong net drive by Jacob Hanlon, but the rebound went off the paddle of his goal stick out front where Spencer Hewson found it and chipped it home up and over LaCouvee. Anthony Sabitsky also drew an assist on the play just 18 seconds into the second to make it 2-1 Dogs. Less than a minute later the Dogs got it back as Darien Henry pinched and threw a check to keep the puck in for Mak Barden who walked down the right wing wide open before out-waiting Argue and lifting it home from the top of the crease. Assists went to Hunter Stewart and Rob Click at 1:03 of the second. Two and a half minutes later it was 3-1 Dogs as Mitch Makin picked off a D-to-D pass behind the net and centered it for Scott Clark, who one-timed it past the blocker of Argue, 3:38 into the period. The Dogs would control the bulk of the play early in the second and had the Clippers hemmed in for what seemed like minutes at a time, but they couldn't build the lead. They would finally draw a penalty, but they couldn't capitalize on the advantage. Later in the period Scott Clark was tripped up on a breakaway but no call was made, while earlier in the game a similar play resulted in a penalty shot. The Clippers would get on the board after an after-the-whistle skirmish at the Dogs net after Luca Doctor had to fight from being driven into his own goalie after the whistle on a dump in from centre. It would be five on five hockey, and off the ensuing faceoff it was 4-2 as the faceoff was won back to Scott Prior, who one-timed one on goal from the left point that deflected up and over LaCouvee off a stick. The goal was unassisted, at 14:27 of the second. The Dogs almost got it right back on the next shift when Mitch Makin again picked off a loose puck deep in the Clippers zone and threw it across the slot, where it deflected off a Clipper defender and ended up between the pads of Argue, who had just gotten back to the net to just keep it out. On the next shift it was a 4-3 game as the Dogs turned the puck over in their own zone and Sheldon Rempal found it and quickly threw it to the top of the crease where it was deflected home through the legs of LaCouvee by Devin Brosseau. Korey Morgan also picked up a helper at 15:36 for a 4-3 Dogs lead after two.  

The Bulldogs would come out strong in the third as they protected their lead and had a handful of great opportunities to build the lead on three breakaways for Mak Barden, Tryg Strand and Scott Clark but Jayson Argue came up huge to keep the Clippers in it. They would reward him by tying the game after the Bulldogs got caught on an icing call. Even after calling Time Out to rest the troops, the Clippers still found the equalizer on a jam in attempt after an end-board bounce as Bo Brauer stuck with it and forced it home. Assists on the play went to Mason Mitchell and Brendan Taylor at 13:06 to tie the game at 4-4. Despite the pressure of being on a losing streak and surrendering a three goal lead, the Bulldogs didn't wilt and continued to play hard as the game went to overtime.

Each team would have their fair share of chances in sudden death with LaCouvee and Argue standing tall. It would be a weird one that saw the Dogs win it and race off the bench in celebration as Mitch Makin just threw the puck at the net from the left point where Jayson Argue missed in covering it up and couldn't get back to the net as his defenceman got in his way as Tryg Strand found the loose puck and slid it into the open side. No assist was somehow given on the play, but Mitch Makin will eventually get it on the game winner at 1:23 of double overtime.

Final shots favoured the Bulldogs 53-47 with Connor LaCouvee picking up the win and third star honours while Jayson Argue took the loss. The Dogs went 1 for 3 on the power play while the Clippers went 0 for 2.

Line ups Clips @ Dogs

Martin gets 8 games, Dogs host Clippers tonight

Bulldogs Forward Craig Martin has been suspended 8 games....that's right, EIGHT games for his check from behind against the Clippers last Friday night.

Um.....wow?!

The facts - It is the longest suspension, for a single act, for a non-repeat offender in the BCHL since sometime PRIOR to the 2007-2008 season.

Logan Johnson received 25 games in September of 2011, after receiving 4 games in December of 2010.

Vernon Viper Defenceman Mark Hamilton earlier this month received the league minimum two game suspension for a check from behind against Prince George Spruce Kings Forward Jake LeBrun that ended up putting LeBrun in a hospital bed with a severe concussion and cuts to his head and face and whiplash.

The hit came after Hamilton was penalized earlier in the game for a check to the head. According to the Spruce Kings, the league deemed the hit a "hockey play"

I guess Martin's can't be called the same thing?

If anything, the Martin hit happened at least TWICE as fast.

Martin's hit happened at the tail end of a lightning-fast end to end rush. He lost the puck, and pursued it, and the Clipper player by half a second beat him to it, and put his numbers in front of him. I'm not at all defending the hit, or blaming it on Colton Dahlen. I'm instead trying to stress the point that it was accidental, and a fast hockey play gone wrong.

Just to reiterate my point - he had less than HALF A SECOND, travelling at a high rate of speed pursuing the puck, to react to another player ending up in front of him. That isn't enough time to stop, to deviate course....it's not enough time to do anything really, is it?

Hamilton never had the puck and was chasing Lebrun, who was in posession of the puck. All off of a faceoff, and not an end to end rush. Maybe saying the Martin hit was twice as fast is wrong. Four times as fast might be better.

Take a look at the coverage from CKPG TV and make your own opinion.

 
The above hit resulted also in both Coaches meeting in the Broadcast Booth following the game and engaging in a very loud and very ugly verbal dispute complete with numerous profanities, F-bombs included, while both broadcasters were in the process of going through their Post Game show. Here's hoping no one in either community was bothered enough to complain to the CRTC about what they heard as the Canadian Radio-Television Communications Commission is like any other Government Institution and can be not very fun to deal with at times.

One can assume that the league will add some money to their coffers and the Dogs will appeal this one. More on that later. It was a dangerous hit, without question. It was also a hit thrown by a player that was wreckless, but was not a hit thrown with malicious intent.  It was more accidental, and a "the game happens so fast" kind of hit in my opinion. I would hazard a guess that anyone else in the league wouldn't describe Craig Martin as a player going out there trying to hurt anybody, or as a player that even plays within reach of the "edge"

One has to wonder what the league is thinking with this one.

How about this "blast from the past" picture, from the 2003-2004 season? It has always been one of my favorites! That's then-Bulldog Assistant Captain Ryan Storey in the picture.

The six-game homestand continues tonight as the Bulldogs (1-13-2-1, 5th Island) host the Nanaimo Clippers (7-7-0-0, 4th Island) for the second meeting between the team in five days, and the fifth game of a six game homestand for the Dogs. It's also the third straight Wednesday game for the Dogs on Home Ice.

We've got it all covered for you if you can't make it to the rink on Van Isle Ford Bulldogs Hockey on 93.3 The Peak FM tonight with the pregame show at 6:45 and the puck drop and play by play to follow at 7:00pm with myself, Bruce MacDonald (analysis and colour) and Dan Tisserand (statistics) bringing it all to you.

Tonight's 1st Intermission guest is Bulldogs DefForencemanward Garrett Halls, who I thought adjusted quite well to playing Forward last game. There is a good chance he'll play up front again tonight.

Tonight's 2nd Intermission guest is Chris Wahl, Play-by-Play voice of the Trail Smoke Eaters, who are here to face the Dogs on Saturday night. 

If you aren't in listening range of 93.3 The Peak FM you can listen/watch the game by:


Listening Live on your computer: www.933thepeak.com
Listening Live on your SmartPhone : www.tunein.com/mobile/
Watching Live on your computer/SmartPhone www.fasthockey.com

Hammer

Dogs streak hits 7 with 7-4 loss to Vipers

The Dogs and Vipers got going slowly in the first couple of minutes, but action picked up as the period wore on, with the Vipers taking a 1-0 lead on a gift turnover right up the middle of the Dogs zone was thrown at the net by Mason Blacklock. Connor LaCouvee made the first save but Demico Hannoun found it to tuck the loose puck home on the backhand. Colton Sparrow also picked up a helper on the play at 6:12 of the first. The Bulldogs would fail to generate much momentum on two power play chances shortly afterwards, but they got into the game in a big way on the penalty kill with their first shorthanded goal of the season (and a league leading 6th against for Vernon) as Tryg Strand blocked a shot and out-raced and out-fought the defenders to the net on rush. Michael Stiliadis would make a great save on the breakaway chance but he didn't get any help on the rebound as Justin Georgeson joined the rush and fired the loose puck home into the open net to tie it at 1-1 at 15:49 of the first. The Dogs would have several good looks throughout the final four minutes of the period but Stiliadis was sharp to keep it 1-1 after 20 minutes.

The score remained 1-1 until the late stages of the period when the floodgates opened. The Vipers went up 2-1 on a 2 on 1 rush as TJ Dumonceaux kept the puck up the left wing and went top corner on LaCouvee. Josh Bryan got the only assist on the play at 9:32 of the second. It was 3-1 just three minutes later after the Bulldogs failed to connect on the power play and the man out of the box drove the net. The first chance was broken up, but the puck came out from behind the net to Michael McNicholas in the left circle who snapped it top corner, glove side through traffic. Assists went to Josh Betinol and Dexter Dancs at 12:50 of the second. The Dogs would fire back to make it a one-goal game as Tryg Strand took an outlet pass from Josh Adkins and beat a defender to the net where he tucked it home on the backhand to make it 3-2. Rob Click also drew an assist at 14:33 of the second. The Dogs would fail to build on the momentum as less than a minute later another 2 on 1 ended up in the back of their net as Michael McNicholas kept the puck and fired it high, far side past LaCouvee. Dexter Dancs picked up the only assist at 15:23 of the second to make it 5-2. The Vipers added a late one to make it a 5-2 score after 40 minutes as Brendan Persley chipped a pass from behind the net up and over LaCouvee from in tight. Assists went to TJ Dumonceaux and Ken Citron at 19:17 of the second.

The Bulldogs looked to catch a considerable break in the third period as a TJ Dumonceaux shorthanded breakaway appeared to go under the crossbar and in, but the Referee - who was in good position to make the call - waved it off. The Dogs would make the most of the opportunity, making it 5-3 shortly afterwards as Justin Georgeson lost his stick and kicked the puck to Hunter Stewart, who walked to the slot and beat Stiliadis low, short-side. Riley Ostoforoff also picked up an assist in the play at 9:47 of the third. Just 16 seconds later the Dog Pound was really alive as Scott Clark scored his first career goal with a top corner, short-side snapper from the right circle, with Josh Adkins picking up the only assist to make it 5-4. The Dogs would push hard and have several great chances to tie it up but they couldn't find the net before the Vipers scored twice into an empty net to ice it, the first from Michael McNicholas at 19:30 from Michael Statchuk, while the first career goal from Statchuk came came 19 seconds later, unassisted, for the 7-4 Final.

Shots favoured the Vipers 34-30 with Connor LaCouvee and Michael Stiliadis being the goalies of record. The Dogs went 1 for 6 on the power play while also scoring once shorthanded, while the Vipers went 0 for 4.

     
Hammer

Dogs host Vipers this afternoon to conclude Parent's Weekend

It's the fourth of six straight on Home Ice for the Dogs (1-12-2-1, 5th Island) this afternoon as Parent's Weekend concludes with the 2014 RBC Cup Host Vernon Vipers (8-5-1-2, 3rd Interior) paying the Multiplex a visit.

The sidebar to this one of course is Jared Wilson returning to the Dog Pound, while one would assume Craig Martin will be suspended and won't get to face his old team for the first time since the October 1st trade between the two clubs. However, there hasn't been an update to the "discipline" page of the bchl.ca website since October 5th,

The Vipers were in Powell River on Friday where they topped the Kings 2-1. They fell 3-0 in Nanaimo last night, snapping their five game winning streak.

Van Isle Ford Bulldogs Hockey on 93.3 The Peak FM gets underway at 1:45pm with our pregame show, followed by the 2pm puck drop. I will provide Play-by-Play while Bruce MacDonald adds colour commentary and analysis, with Dan Tisserand providing statistics.

Today's 2nd Intermission interview is from Team 1410's BCHL This Week, that runs Saturday Mornings on The Team 1410 at 9:30am.This go around, Jeff Patterson interviews former William's Lake Timberwolf/Salmon Arm Silverback/Merritt Centennial/Vernon Viper (wow, talk about sticking with it) goalie Graeme Gordon, about his time in the BCHL, including RBC Cup Championships.

Gordon now plays at SFU - who just announced the upcoming "Great NorthWest Showcase" which sounds like a very cool event, that has a strong BCHL and Bulldog connection, as North Dakota (Mitch and Mark MacMillan) and Princeton (Kevin Ross, Marlon Sabo) will play in the tournament.

Don't forget it's Family Game Day today!

Hammer


Hammer

Clippers top Dogs 7-5 in wild one at the Dog Pound

The Bulldogs and Clippers both began their respective Parent's Weekend Friday night at the Dog Pound, with everyone apparently trying to score for Mom and Dad as the teams combined for five goals in a wild first period.

The Dogs opened the scoring on the power play just 3:14 into the game as Darian Henry one-timed a D to D pass from Luca Doctor top corner, far side on Liam McLeod. Craig Martin also picked up an assist on the play. It was 2-0 Dogs two and a half minutes later when Jakson Elynuik was found on the top of the crease where he snapped one through the legs of McLeod for his first Bulldog and BCHL goal from Zak Bowles and Tryg Strand at 5:58 of the first. The two goal lead apparently was the worst thing that could have happened to the Dogs as the Clippers immediately started to carry the play and hem the Dogs in their zone. Tyger Howat would make several solid saves to protect the lead but the Clippers persisted and got on the board when Brendan Taylor stuffed in an end-board bounce off a deflected point shot before Howat could get back to the post. Taylor Grabowski and Mason Mitchell drew the assists at 10:25. The Dogs re-established the two goal lead less than two minutes later on an end-board bounce of their own as Scott Clark fed the top of the point where Luca Doctor threw a shot at the net. Harlan Orr would roof the loose puck from a sharp angle before McLeod could recover, making it 3-1 Dogs at 12:23. Just 3:10 later a bad pass up the middle was picked off by Sheldon Rempal, who walked in alone and across the crease untouched where he slid it through the five hole of Howat to make it 3-2, unassisted.

The second period saw the Bulldogs sent to the penalty box three straight times within the first seven minutes, twice for after-the-whistle mix ups defending the front of their net. The third straight power play was enough for the Clippers to tie it up, as Sheldon Rempal one-timed a Scott Prier pass from the top of the left circle top corner, far side on Howat at 7:35. The Clippers took their first lead of the game six minutes later on a strong net drive by Taylor Grobowski and poor checking by the Dogs defence as Grobowski out-raced the defence to the net and cut across the crease before tucking it past the pad of Howat. Assists on the play went to Brendan Taylor and Colton Dahlen at 13:13 of the second. Just 13 seconds after the Clippers went ahead they were immediately penalized, but the Dogs couldn't capitalize on the advantage. The crowd soon after would erupt in boos as Tryg Strand was drilled after the whistle in front of the Clippers net, and no penalty was called, while the Dogs were penalized twice earlier in the period for what appeared to be less agressive infractions. Play went up ice and ended up at the Bulldogs net, where there was once again a skirmish. This time, the Dogs came out a man up and on the power play. They would waste no time capitalizing on the chance as Brett Stewart scored for the second straight game on a one-timer from the top of the point to tie it at 4-4, with assists to Justin Georgeson and Hunter Stewart at 16:34 for a 4-4 tie after 40 minutes.   

The third period saw the Bulldogs take the lead back at 5-4 just 3:14 into the period as Tryg Strand went to the net after winning an extended battle on the half boards in the Nanaimo zone. Zack Bowles would feed the puck back to Brett Stewart who put a shot on net that was stopped by Argue, but went up in the air and hit Strand before ending up in the back of the net. After a discussion between the four Officials and protests by the Clippers that it was kicked in, the goal would stand. The game would change in a big way shortly afterwards with both teams playing 4-aside hockey caused by the Clippers getting a Bench Minor from the Coaching Staff as they protested a waved-off goal as Craig Martin chased a loose puck hit Colton Dahlen from behind on a scary looking hit. I don't think the intent was there from Martin, who was immediately apologetic, but it was certainly reckless. I think he might have partially lost his balance when chasing Dahlen as his stick was checked/trapped. Martin was given a Match Penalty on the play, and the Clippers would make the Dogs pay big time, scoring first on the 5 on 3 power play to tie the game as Devin Brosseau scored on a pass from the side of the net that hit something and went in. Scott Prier and Sheldon Rempal drew the assists at 7:02. Another power play marker a minute and change later saw the Clippers up 6-5 as Austin Dick scored on a blast from the deep slot threw traffic that beat Howat, with assists to Nicholas Gushue and Jacob Hanlon. A minute and a half later the Clippers struck again, on a goal very similar to the previous one as Edwin Hookenson scored on a slapper through traffic from the deep slot, with assists to Sheldon Rempal and Scott Prier at 10:03 for a 7-5 lead and the eventual final score as the Dogs weren't able to come back.

Shots favoured the Clippers 44-32 with Tyger Howat taking the loss while Jayson Argue earned the win in a relief effort. Unofficially I had the Dogs at 2 for 6 while the Clippers went 4 for 7.

Next up, the Dogs host the Vipers on Sunday afternoon.

Home stand continues as Dogs host Clippers tonight

The six game Home Stand continues tonight for the Bulldogs (1-11-2-1, 5th Island) as they open up Parent's Weekend by hosting the Nanaimo Clippers (5-7-0-0, 4th Island) at the Dog Pound for the second meeting between the teams this season, after a 4-2 Nanaimo win at the Pound on September 13th, the night of the Dogs Home Opener.

It's almost beyond describing what the Dogs have been through so far this season, but Wednesday night summed it up pretty perfectly. A great start, a 2-0 lead, thoroughly outplay the opposition, somehow find a way to lose.

Having said all that, it was very nice to see that kind of effort after a stinker at Home against the Grizzlies Saturday night. The only thing this team can do if they want to get through this is keep on' keepin' on. Sounds pretty easy and simple and shallow for someone on the outside looking in, but one has to believe their fortunes will change if they continue to play as they did on Wednesday. An old Hockey adage goes something along the lines of "the breaks will even out, they always do" Well if they ever start evening out for the Bulldogs, they will go on a heck of a streak as what can go wrong HAS, to the point that it's almost mind blowing some of the stuff that has happened. I feel like I've said this about 10 different ways already and we are just 15 games into the season, but getting down and being negative is no way to move forward to ever get up. I cannot imagine how tough and painful it must be for the guys giving their blood, sweat and tears, with their hockey futures and careers all on the line at the same time to have this happen. What I do know is that getting negative or frustrated, and quitting and throwing in the towel won't solve anything.

If the team wasn't playing like they did on Wednesday, (for those that didn't see or watch the previous four games on the road, save for the game in Penticton - that is how they have been consistently playing for the most part) and if they weren't finding a way to control the play, to start strong and get leads (multiple goals, multiple times) then I would maybe think all is lost and this team can't do it...actually I still probably wouldn't as I'm too stubborn to give up, it's just not in my nature.

As long as they continue to battle and play as hard as they have, I will keep on believing and having faith in the hockey gods!

 In celebration of it being Parent's Weekend, the Dogs are making Sunday a "Family" day...neat idea...

Win, lose or draw, we've got all the action for you on Van Isle Ford Bulldogs Hockey on 93.3 The Peak FM, with the pregame show getting underway at 6:45 with the puck dropping just after 7:00pm.

I will provide the play-by-play, with Bruce MacDonald bringing colour commentary and Dan Tisserand the team and player statistics.

Tonight's 2nd Intermission guest is Graham Turnbull, voice of the Vernon Vipers, who are in town Sunday afternoon as Craig Martin and Jared Wilson see their old teams for the first time.

If you aren't in listening range of 93.3 The Peak FM you can listen/watch the game by:


Listening Live on your computer: www.933thepeak.com
Listening Live on your SmartPhone : www.tunein.com/mobile/
Watching Live on your computer/SmartPhone www.fasthockey.com

Hammer

Dogs fall 5-4 to Caps

The Bulldogs started the game lightyears better in this one, and looked more reminiscent of the team that had started strong and scored first in four straight games going into Saturday's contest as Victoria, as they pushed the pace and won the battles early to take a 6-1 lead in shots. They would take a 1-0 lead later in the period after consecutive icings by the Capitals led to a giveaway up the middle onto the tape of Dylan Haugen who blew a slap shot past the blocker of Robin Gusse. Rob Click picked up the only assist, 8:36 in. The Capitals would push right back on the next couple of shifts, but Connor LaCouvee came up with several solid stops to protect the lead, with the Dogs holding the 1-0 advantage after 20 minutes with the shots even at 8-8.

The Bulldogs started the second period strong, doubling their lead when they broke out of their zone quickly on good transition and caught the Capitals deep in the Offensive zone as Craig Martin skated in on a breakaway from his own line that he made no mistake on, going low-stick side on Gusse. Assists on the play went to Hunter Stewart and Justin Georgeson 2:15 into the period. The Dogs would have too many chances to even mention to build the lead as they carried the play and swarmed the Capitals end. Unfortunately, they wouldn't be able to capitalize and it came back to bite them later in the period as the Caps scored against the flow of the play as Myles Powell tipped home a Patrick Arnold shot from the slot. Dane Gibson also picked up an assist at 11:02 of the second. Later in the period the Dogs again had a great chance to build the lead when Craig Martin skated in on a shorthanded breakaway, but Gusse held his ground to keep it 2-1. Late in the period the Capitals would keep the puck in the line and tie it as Adam Moody went to the slot and snapped one past the blocker of LaCouvee, with Jarrett Brown and Mitch Ball drawing the assists for a 2-2 tie at 19:35 of the second, with the Dogs leading the shots after 40 minutes 27-17.

The Capitals would take the lead on the power play just over four minutes into the third on the rush as a cross-ice pass that didn't seem to have enough speed on it somehow missed everyone and ended up on the tape of Mitch Ball who ripped it top corner, short-side on LaCouvee. Assists went to Riley O'Connor and Jarrett Brown at 4:16 of the second. The Dogs would battle back to make it 3-3 on the power play five minutes later as Brett Stewart scored his first career goal on a slap shot from the point that beat the blocker of Gusse. Assists went to Zak Bowles and Jakson Elynuik at 10:30 of the third. Connor LaCouvee would come up with a big save shortly afterwards to keep it tied as he robbed Steen Cooper on a breakaway, but the Capitals surged ahead to lead 4-3 at 13:33 as a Bulldog defender ran into the outside of the net with the puck, allowing Armand Uomoleale to steal it and walk out front and roof it before LaCouvee could locate it. Sam Curleigh would somehow manage an assist on the play. Just two minutes later it was 5-3 Capitals on a poor change by the Dogs as Sam Curleigh was found wide open in the slot where he went top corner, short-side on LaCouvee. Jesse Neher picked up the only assist at 15:16. Again the Dogs refused to quit, having several great chances to get back into it over the final four minutes and change, making it a 5-4 game with less than a minute to go with the goalie out as Ryan Buse threw the puck at the net where Hunter Stewart settled it down and fired it home past the glove of Gusse. Josh Adkins also drew an assist at 19:14. The Dogs would again pull the goalie and have several chances around the net but they couldn't find the equalizer as the Capitals held on.

Final shots favoured the Dogs 40-24 with Connor LaCouvee taking the loss while Robin Gusse picked up 2nd star honours with the win. Both teams went 1 for 3 on the power play.

Hammer