Dogs kick off 2014 at Grizzlies tonight, Release Howat/Barden, add Warren, home vs PG tomorrow, Bantam tourney underway..

It's back to action in 2014 tonight for the Bulldogs (10-21-2-4, 5th Island) and the Grizzlies (24-9-3-2, 1st Island, 1st Overall) at the Bear Mountain Arena as the two teams play their first game after the Christmas break after they last saw action against each other, a 5-1 Victoria win at Bear Mountain Arena on December 21st.

The game before the break wasn't a pretty one, with both sides appearing to head on the break early and check out, and I don't anticipate tonight's to be that pretty either as the teams try to hit the ground running and sweat out the turkey and holiday sweets. It's not about pretty or ugly though, it's just about results. I don't expect a lack of motivation for either side - the Bulldogs are in the same position that they were in headed into the break, three points back of the Capitals for the final Island Playoff spot, with a game in hand. The Grizzlies on the other hand lead the Division (by 2 points over Powell River) and the League (by a point over Penticton) however the Vees and the Kings have played less games.

 Get all the action from start to finish on Pacific Chevrolet Bulldogs Hockey on 93.3 The Peak FM with the pregame show kicking off at 7:00 with the puck drop and play-by-play to follow at 7:15.

Our 2nd Intermission guest is Ron Gallo, Play-by-Play voice of the Prince George Spruce Kings who the Dogs will host tomorrow night at the Dog Pound.

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

The Dogs made a series of moves heading into play tonight....best of luck to Mak and Tyger, and welcome to the city and club Warren!

Bulldogs Roster Changes Heading Into New Year
PRESS RELEASE

January 3, 2014
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Port Alberni, BC - The Alberni Valley Bulldogs announce a few roster changes
heading into the New Year.

The Alberni Valley Bulldogs have signed 1995-born goalie Nathan Warren from the 100 Mile House Wranglers out of the KIJHL. Warren is familiar to the Bulldogs as the organization has been following his progress for the last two seasons. Warren appeared in 21 games for the expansion franchise in the first half of the 2013/14 season, posting a 9-9 record, a 2.82 GAA and a .917 save percentage. Warren joined the team immediately following the Christmas break.

To make space on the roster, the Bulldogs have released 1995-born American goalie Tyger Howat. Howat joined the Bulldogs with a lot of promise but couldn't put his game together. In 13 appearances, Howat posted a 1-8-2 record with a 3.88 GAA and a .886 save percentage.

Also being released by the Bulldogs is 20-year-old forward Mak Barden. Following the final game prior to the Christmas break in Victoria, Barden committed to Arizona State University for the 2014/15 season and then informed the team that he wished a release so that he could play more minutes with his former Junior B team the Delta Ice Hawks.

The team is very excited to welcome Nathan Warren to the Alberni Valley Bulldogs family and will be looking to once again add experience and skill leading up to this year's January 10th deadline.

For more information, contact head coach and general manager Kevin Willison

Don't forget tomorrow night SOMEONE will be $50,000 richer when the PAJHS makes the draw on the ice for their "Lottery of Cash" It's your LAST chance to get a ticket, so bring some extra bucks to the rink to get in the draw - or to get in their one last time, before the big draw!

I have many many ideas on how I'm going to spend my $50,000!

The Bantam A and B Bulldogs are hosting 10 teams from around the Island and Lower Mainland at the Multiplex for their New Year's Classic tourney...get down to the rink and check out some action! Check out the tournament website by CLICKING HERE

The Bulldogs will be without Assistant Coach and Assistant GM Adam Hayduk this weekend, as he's currently in Cape Breton on the Coaching Staff for Team Pacific at the World U17 Challenge.

A big congrats to Adam and Team Pacific, as they advanced to the Semi Finals today at 3pm Pacific time vs Russia with a 3-1 win yesterday over Sweden. You can watch the game on Fast Hockey free of charge

Well that didn't take long...Bill Bestwick is back in the BCHL, in an Advisor role with the Nanaimo Clippers. I didn't see this one coming, as from what I remember, his departure from the Clippers wasn't the most friendly. Yesterday was a busy day for Bill, as he was also named the Head Coach of the Oceanside Generals of the VIJHL.

That's it for now.

Hammer