Clippers top Dogs 3-2 in hard fought game

A fantastic start to the game for the Bulldogs as they were out to atone for Wednesday and it certainly looked like it as they controlled the first minute of the play in the Clippers end and it was evident that they were ready to play. The period went back and forth with the Clippers responding and pushing back as it was fun hockey to watch with each team getting their share of their chances but both Billy Christopoulos and Guillaume Decelles keeping it scoreless through the first ten minutes. Shortly afterwards the Clippers would open the scoring on the rush as the Bulldogs turned it over at centre ice and the Clippers countered on the transition as Jacob Hanlon put a low shot on net that was kicked out by the pad of Christopoulos and onto the tape Kale Bennett who joined the rush and potted the rebound into the open side for a 1-0 Nanaimo lead at the 10:46 mark of the first. The Clippers went to the power play shortly afterwards looking to build the lead, but the Dogs killed it off and quickly got back on the offense, having several in-tight looks that were turned aside by Decelles. They would hem the Clippers in their end for a spell and draw a power play that they connected on to tie the game at 1-1 as Everett Putz found a loose puck off a dangerous Kurt Gosselin drop pass that he put through a defenders legs and walked around another one before skating in alone on Decelles where he beat him with a quick release five-hole. Scotty Clark also drew an assist on the play at 17:57 of the first for a 1-1 tie after 20 minutes and the Clippers leading the shots 12-10.

The Clippers came out hard to start the second much like how the Dogs started the first. The Dogs would be penalized by the back Referee while in their defensive zone early in the period, and the Clippers struck on the advantage to lead 2-1 as Jake Jackson found Yanni Kaldis who walked into the left circle and threw a pass into the crease where it was deflected into the open side by Anthony Rinaldi at 4:08 of the second. The Bulldogs would battle back and tie the game just four minutes later when Scotty Clark found the puck in the right corner off a Drake Brown shot that went wide of the net. Clark would walk up the right wing and realize he was unchallenged before he walked right into the slot and ripped one past the glove of Decelles with Mitch Makin screening in front to make it 2-2 at 8:41 of the second. The Clippers thought they had the go-ahead goal later in the period as a Clipper player skated through the crease and contacted the pad of Christopoulos and spun him entirely out of his crease and behind the goal line. The puck would go out front where it was one-timed into the yawning cage. Neither of the two Referees (one vote for the three Ref system!) would apparently see it, as no call was made. Apparently either of the Linesman thankfully saw the play, as after a long conference between the four Officials the goal was waved off due to incidental contact with the goalie as it stayed 2-2 after 40 minutes, with the Dogs out-shooting the Clippers 12-7 over the period for a 22-19 Bulldogs advantage.

The third period couldn't have started worse for the Bulldogs, or better for the Clippers, as they controlled the puck and raced in and went up 3-2 just 16 seconds into the period as a rebound off the pads of Christopolous from a Jake Jackson shot was found by Anthony Rinaldi and put out front for Cole Maier who one-timed it right under the cross-bar from the top of the crease for a 3-2 lead. That would do it for the scoring, as the Bulldogs would push hard for the equalizer but couldn't find it. They had a mad scramble with the goalie out with less than a minute to play but couldn't bet a bounce. As the puck went into the corner the net appeared to be intentionally kicked the net off but the Referee right at the net didn't make a call on it. The final 20 seconds saw the Dogs battle and retrieve the draw but be unable to get control to get a puck on net.

Final shots favoured the Bulldogs 39-27 with each team going 1 for 3 on the power play. Billy Christopoulos took the loss in net while Guillaume Decelles picked up the win.

A much much better effort for the Bulldogs in this head-to-head match up, but a frustrating result again. The two teams go at it again on Wednesday at the Dog Pound.

Hammer

Dogs host Clippers tonight for Round Two, Jordan Kremyr interview

 After a Wednesday night meeting between these teams, they go right back at it again tonight as the Bulldogs (14-8-1-2, 2nd Island) host the Clippers (19-8-0-0, 1st Island) at the Dog Pound for the second of three straight games for the Bulldogs at home against the Clippers.

The Bulldogs of course haven't played since Wednesday at home where they had their four game winning streak snapped with a 5-2 loss to the Clippers. The Clippers were at home to Victoria last night where they won their 3rd in a row, 3-2 over the Grizzlies in overtime. 

It's a pretty important game for the Bulldogs - not that the previous three against the Clippers haven't been, of course. The fact that the Dogs have dropped all three in my opinion makes this one pretty big as a statement game to turn the season series around.

 

In the booth tonight on Van Isle Ford Bulldogs Hockey on 93.3 The Peak FM is Al McCulloch, who  provides the colour and analysis while play-by-play is provided by me with Dan Tisserand compiling team and player stats. 

If you aren't in radio 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

Tonight's 2nd Intermission guest is former Bulldog Jordan Kremyr, leading scorer of the team during the 2005-2006 season, and now Captain of the Bakersfield Condors, the Edmonton Oilers ECHL affiliate.

Here's some nice words about Jordan being named Captain from the Bakersfield Californian


Hammee

Clippers top Dogs 5-2

The Clippers won the opening draw and controlled the first shift but the Bulldogs pushed right back to make it 1-0 just under a minute into the game as Eric Margo won a draw in the Clippers end for Garrett Halls who walked to the corner and up the left wing wall before throwing a pass right to the hash marks where Dylan Haugen one-timed it home low past the stick side of Guillaume Decelles to give the Dogs the lead at the  :58 second mark. The Clippers would respond and push hard back at the Bulldogs and control the better of the next several minutes, getting a lot of pucks on Billy Christopoulos but being unable to sneak one by him as he was rock solid. It looked like the Dogs might have taken a 2-0 lead on a delayed penalty as Kurt Gosselin drove wide and threw puck on net that was tipped in as Decelles was bumped and the Clippers net was dislodged. After a discussion between the Officials a goal would not be awarded. The Dogs had several good looks early on the power play but not much after that. The Clippers would push hard for the equalizer but Christopoulos held the fort and got good support around his net to keep it 1-0 Bulldogs after one, with the Clippers leading the shots 18-9.

The Clippers would once again control the better of the play to kick off the second, catching the Dogs at neutral ice with several long passes on the mark to create odd-man rushes. They would tie the game on a head-man pass up the left wing where Edwin Hookenson sent Jake Jackson in alone up the left wing where he put a perfect top corner short-side shot high past the blocker of Christopoulos to make it 1-1 just 1:53 into the second. The Bulldogs would continue to have the game taken to them as they turned the puck over at both blue lines and failed to generate much of an offensive attack, while the Clippers continued to push and stretch the ice. They would again catch the Dogs and take a 2-1 lead on a breakaway for Cole Maier who was sent in alone by Jake Jackson where he went top corner under the cross-bar glove side on Christopoulos at the 11:05 mark. The Clippers would push hard to build their lead, while the Bulldogs fought valiantly to keep it within reach. They had a great chance to tie the game when they caught the Clippers up ice and raced in on several 2 on 1 rushes but Zak Bowles missed the net on his attempt while Eric Margo was foiled on his bid by a great defensive play by Yanni Kaldis to slide and break it up with his stick. Shots favoured the Clippers 15-8 for a 40 minute total of 33-17.

The Bulldogs had more jump in the third period, but the Clippers did well to push back as the game stayed 2-1 through the Media timeout through the first 12 minutes and change of the third period. Things would pick up shortly afterwards though, as the Bulldogs would be awarded a power play to try and find the equalizer. Instead, it was the Clippers going up 3-1 while shorthanded as Jacob Hanlon blocked a shot at the blue line and raced in on a shorthanded breakaway where it appeared he scored as Christopoulos made the save but the puck bounced in off the Bulldog defender and over the line. There was no assist on the play as the Clippers took the lead with 6:38 to play, appearing to put the game away. Not so fast though, as big credit to the Dogs for refusing to quit on what was no doubt a very defeating moment. They would earn another power play with just under three minutes to play and called time out and pulled their goalie and gambled. They would be rewarded on it as Kurt Gosselin made a couple great plays to keep the puck in at the line before throwing a perfect D-to-D pass to the right point for Brett Stewart who blew a slap shot under the glove to Decelles to make it 3-2 at the 17:25 mark as all of a sudden it appeared to be a brand new game. Again, not so fast as the Clippers came right back with a dagger as they won a face off in the Bulldogs end back to the line to Nick Gushue who put a quick wrister on goal that was deflected up and over Christopoulos by Anthony Rinaldi, with Jake Jackson also drawing the assist at 17:43 to make it 4-2. The Dogs would pull Christopoulos for the extra attacker but Anthony Rinaldi would pick off an errant pass before gaining centre ice and sliding it into the empty net for the 5-2 Final.

Shots favoured the Clippers 44-27 with Billy Christopoulos taking the loss but earning 1st star honours while Guillaume Decelles picked up the win. The Dogs went 1 for 5 on the power play while the Clippers went 0 for 3.

Dogs host Clippers tonight for first time this season, Chase Van Allen interview

It's the first meeting on Dog Pound ice this season between the teams as the Bulldogs (14-7-1-2, 2nd Island) host the Clippers (17-8-0-0, 1st Island) for the first of two straight head-to-head meetings, and the first of four of the next five between the teams.

The Clippers took the first two meetings of the season between the teams on back-to-back Fridays to open this month in Nanaimo, 5-4 in overtime on November 7th and 5-2 on November 14th.

The Bulldogs were last in action Sunday in Coquitlam when they won their fourth in a row 4-1 over the Express in Coquitlam to sweep a three-in-three weekend. The Clippers last played Saturday night at home when they scored a last second power play goal to beat the Trail Smoke Eaters 2-1 to snap a two game losing streak.

The puck drops on Van Isle Ford Bulldogs Hockey on 93.3 The Peak FM  at 7:00pm with the pregame show kicking things off at 6:45 with myself, Bruce MacDonald and Dan Tisserand providing the play-by-play/colour-analysis and team and player statistics.

If you aren't in radio 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

Tonight's 2nd Intermission guest is former Bulldog Chase Van Allen, now into his Sophmore season with the University of Alaska-Anchorage Seawolves, where he currently leads the team in points.

With the Bulldogs in his 20 year old season Chase was named the team's Best Defenceman and Community Hero along with Most Inspirational.

Kurt Gosselin named Player of the Week, Christopolous gets Honorable Mention, Bulldogs show up on National Rankings radar

Big congrats to Kurt Gosselin for being named the BCHL's Player of the Week, and congrats to Billy Christopolous for getting a mention as well. The individual spin offs like this when the team achieves overall success sure are cool!


Read more on the BCHL website HERE

While they aren't ranked, and they didn't pick up an honorable mention, the Bulldogs are at least showing up on the radar of the CJHL Top 20 Canada-wide rankings. Obviously catching the attention of those that select the rankings is the first step to ending up included in them. In the end it means absolutely nothing to be ranked, but it's still pretty cool to get the notoriety across the country. Read more below, or from the CJHL website HERE

CALGARY, Alberta (November 24, 2014) – An 11-game winning streak, one of the longest streaks in the country this season, has the Portage Terriers of the MJHL still on top of the Pointstreak CJHL Top 20 Weekly Rankings. The top four teams this week have held their spots in the rankings, while there are other surprises in the rankings this week.

The Penticton Vees are padding their lead in the BCHL Interior Division, while the Alberni Valley Bulldogs and the Powell River Kings are making real strides in the Island Division behind the Nanaimo Clippers.  In Alberta, the Camrose Kodiaks have overtaken the Spruce Grove Saints, but the Okotoks Oilers and Brooks Bandits are close behind.

In Saskatchewan, the Melfort Mustangs had a tremendous week and have pulled within three points of the Kindersley Klippers, while the Flin Flon Bombers, Battlefords North Stars, Notre Dame Hounds and Nipawin Hawks have all gained ground on the Klippers.  

The Portage Terriers remain comfortably atop the overall MJHL standings, while the Winkler Flyers have opened up some room between themselves and the Winnipeg Blues. The Steinbach Pistons are playing well and are starting to move up the standings as well.

In the SIJHL, the Fort Frances Lakers are tied atop their league standings with the Thunder Bay North Stars, but have two games in hand. In the NOJHL, the Soo Thunderbirds have snuck ahead of the Kirkland Lake Gold Miners in what is becoming a two horse race for Northern Ontario supremacy between them and Kirkland Lake.

The Trenton Golden Hawks and the Aurora Tigers of the OJHL have just a single point between them for the overall lead in the standings, while the Georgetown Raiders are pushing hard to make it a three team race for the overall lead. In the CCHL the Ottawa Jr. ‘A’ Senators beat the first place Carleton Place Canadians in a great game on the weekend, but the Canadians are still running away with the overall lead in Central Canada.

The Cougars de Sherbrooke were caught this past week by the Titan de Princeville and now share top spot in the standings of the LHJQ, while the Woodstock Slammers have a ten point lead on the second place Miramichi Timberwolves and are eleven points up on both the Dieppe Commandos and Pictou County Weeks Crushers.

Top 20 Rankings

1. Portage Terriers (MJHL) (1)
2. Carleton Place Canadians (CCHL) (2)
3. Penticton Vees (BCHL) (3)
4. Woodstock Slammers (MHL) (4)
5. Aurora Tigers (OJHL) (8)
6. Camrose Kodiaks (AJHL) (9)
7. Spruce Grove Saints (AJHL) (7)
8. Trenton Golden Hawks (OJHL) (5)
9. Soo Thunderbirds (NOJHL) (13)
10. Melfort Mustangs (SJHL) (18)
11. Winkler Flyers (MJHL) (HM)
12. Kindersley Klippers (SJHL) (6)
13. Fort Frances Lakers (SIJHL) (10)
14. Kirkland Lake Gold Miners (NOJHL) (12)
15. Ottawa Jr. ‘A’ Senators (CCHL) (17)
16. Titan de Princeville (LHJQ) (HM)
17. Brooks Bandits (AJHL) (20)
18. Miramichi Timberwolves (MHL) (16)
19. Les Cougars de Sherbrooke (LHJQ) (14)
20. Steinbach Pistons (MJHL) (NR) 

Honourable Mention: Nanaimo Clippers (BCHL), Okotoks Oilers (AJHL), Flin Flon Bombers (SJHL), Thunder Bay North Stars (SIJHL), Georgetown Raiders (OJHL)

#

About the Pointstreak CJHL Top 20 Rankings - The CJHL Top 20 weekly rankings are produced in conjunction with International Scouting Services (ISS) and are based upon a variety of factors, including the league in which the team plays, winning percentage, win-loss record, total points accumulated, goals-for versus goals-against ratio, etc.

About the CJHL - The Canadian Junior Hockey League is a national organization comprised of all 10 Junior A hockey leagues in Canada.  The CJHL represents more than 129 teams and 2,900 players and has over 2,951 former players furthering their hockey careers at the professional, major junior and college level across North America.  For latest CJHL news and features, visit www.cjhlhockey.com and follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/cjhlhockey or @cjhlhockey.

Hammer

Dogs top Express 4-1, win fourth straight, go perfect three-for-three on road

A fantastic start to the game for the Bulldogs as they looked ready to play early and pushed the pace hard from the opening face off. Despite another penalty in the opening minute like the night before in Surrey, the Dogs killed it off and controlled the bulk of the play through the first 10 minutes getting a bunch of pucks on net and opening up a 13-6 lead in shots through the media time out just past the midway point. The game remained scoreless until the late stages of the first period when the Dogs were penalized again. Instead of the Express scoring, it was the Bulldogs going up 1-0 as Kurt Gosselin made a fantastic read in the defensive zone to pressure the Express player with the puck and steal it, before sending Dylan Haugen in alone on the breakaway where he went top corner, glove side on Tai to make it 1-0 Bulldogs at the 17:26 mark of the first. The Bulldogs were again penalized with less than a minute to go in the period when Garrett Halls drove the net attempting to pick up a centering pass and doing everything to not contact the goaltender Chris Tai. He would penalized none the less for unsportsmanlike conduct for snowing the goalie. The Bulldogs would have another great chance while shorthanded as Kurt Gosselin created a 2 on 1 and was stopped by Tai. The Dogs took a 1-0 lead to the room after one while holding a 16-9 lead in shots.

The Bulldogs built their lead to 2-0 early in the second period on a goal that the Express protested as Josh Adkins drove the net and continued to jam at a loose puck in the feet of Tai off a Dylan Haugen wrap around and jam in attempt. Adkins would fight it over the line as the Referee never seemed to lose sight of the puck. No assist was given on the play by Dylan Haugen clearly deserved one, as Everett Putz also might have had a stick on it during the scramble as it was 2-0 Dogs at 2:21 of the second. The Express would get it right back just two minutes later on what looked like a harmless play as Nicholas Coltura put the puck high off the glass to alleviate the pressure the Dogs had on the Express in their zone. It turned dangerous in a hurry as Corey Mackin was hanging around at centre ice where he found the puck and raced in on a breakaway down the right wing where he cut across the crease and suck it through the legs of Christopoulos to make it 2-1 at the 4:32 mark of the second. The Dogs would push right back and continued to carry the play throughout the period and were eventually rewarded for it on the power play when Kurt Gosselin made a great play to keep the puck in on the right wing boards and feed it back to the top of the point for Brett Stewart. He would make a quick cross-ice pass onto the tape of Chris Schutz on the top of the left circle where he blasted a one-timer past Tai to make it 3-1 at the 15:56 mark of the second. The Dogs would end up in penalty trouble late in the period when they were put down two men for an extended period, but they killed the clock to head to the room up 3-1 after two while the Dogs out shot the Express 14-5 over the period for a 40 minute advantage of 30-14.

The Express would start the third period on the 5 on 3, but again the Bulldogs killed it off beautifully and didn't allow much. The Dogs did a great job to continue to salt the the time away, but the Express got another power play near the midway point to try to make a game of it. They would generate one good chance, but Billy Christopoulos made a fantastic kick save and a rebound save of Brett Supinski with his defence then doing a great job to clear the rebound. The Bulldogs continued to play a perfect game throughout the remainder of regulation, getting pucks out of their zone and into the Express zone to kill the clock and not give the Express any chance to gain any momentum or generate much in the way of chances. The Dogs would seal the deal with just under four seconds left as Zak Bowles retrieved the puck behind the goal and centered it to Justin Marreck who scored his first career goal with Drew Blackmun also assisting it at 19:56 for the 4-1 Final. 

Final shots favoured the Bulldogs 38-25 with Billy Christopoulos picking up 3rd star honours with the win while Chris Tai took 2nd star honours with the loss. The Dogs went 1 for 2 on the power play, while the Express went 0 for 6, a huge difference in the game.

With the win, the Dogs have won four in a row for the second time this season, while also winning all three on a road trip for the first time this season. The Bulldogs host the Clippers at the Dog Pound Wednesday and Saturday next week.

Hammer

Dogs weekend concludes in Coquitlam this afternoon

The non-regulation ice surface roadie wraps up this afternoon as the Bulldogs (13-7-1-2, 2nd Island) visiting the defending Fred Page Cup Champion Coquitlam Express (9-12-1-4, 4th Mainland) at the Poirier Sports and Leisure Centre in Coquitlam.

If the rink looks a little small in the above picture, your eyes are not deceiving you - it's 80 X 200, so a little smaller than regulation - maybe it's better to play in a smaller rink at the end of a three-in-three weekend, as there is less ground to cover? Another way to look at it would be that things happen faster, and it's more physical and there is less room, so that's a challenge.

It's the second and final meeting between the teams this season - the Bulldogs won the previous match up 3-2 at the Dog Pound on October 10th.

The Bulldogs won their third in a row last night, 6-2 over the Eagles in Surrey while the Express fell 2-1 to the Chiefs in Chilliwack.

Don't miss a second of the action on Pacific Chevrolet Bulldogs Hockey on 93.3 The Peak FM with the pregame show kicking things off a 1:45 with the puck drop and play-by-play to follow at 2pm.

If you aren't in radio 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

 Today's 2nd Intermission feature guest is former Bulldog Frank Riddle, who is currently playing with the CIS's Wilfred Laurier University Golden Hawks.

Hammer 

Dogs win third straight, top Eagles 6-2.

A dreadful start for the Bulldogs, as they took a penalty on the opening shift, and gave up a goal on the power play as Billy Christopoulos made the first save on a rink-wide pass that was one-timed on goal by Cole Plotnikoff. He couldn't find the rebound though, as Ben Vikitch slid it into the open side to make it 1-0 at the 1:44 mark of the first, with Latrell Charleson also drawing an assist on the play. The Eagles would have several good chances to build on their lead, but Christopoulos made a couple of good stops on the goal line to keep it 1-0. The Dogs would get their feet under them on the power play in the late stages of the period as Chris Schutz held the puck in at the left point and played it down the boards for Mitch Makin who set up Kurt Gosselin in the deep slot where he absolutely ripped a one-timer top corner, far side over the glove of Reid to make it 1-1 at 16:24 of the first. The Dogs kept the pressure up and almost scored on the net shift as Zak Bowles set up Justin Marreck with a cross-ice pass on a 2 on 1 rush, but Eagles AP goalie Tyler Read made a fantastic save to keep it tied. The Dogs continued to push and show some urgency, and it paid off as Kurt Gosselin set up Brett Stewart at the top of the crease where he put a quick shot on goal that was deflected in by Garrett Halls at the top of the crease to make it 2-1 Dogs at 18:18 of the first. The Dogs led the shots 19-12 after 20 minutes.

The second period saw the Bulldogs come out with the better of the play early, but they couldn't capitalize on their chances. The Eagles would push back and have several great chances, and Billy Christopoulos was rock solid going post to post to rob Darius Davidson to keep it 2-1. Mitch Makin would be denied on a breakaway immediately at the other end of the ice. Drew Weich would also make a fantastic save on an open net as he blocked a shot to keep it 2-1 Dogs shortly afterwards. The Eagles would take an undisciplined penalty after the whistle, and the Dogs made them pay as Brett Stewart made a nice move to make the first defender miss. He would then fan on a shot attempt, before putting an off-speed shot on goal that was tipped in through the five-hole of Read by Drew Blackmun. Stewart and Gosselin would draw the assists at 11:29 of the second. Less than two minutes later it was 4-1 as Kurt Gosselin found Drew Weich at the right point where he put a shot on net that was stopped by Read, but he again couldn't control the rebound as Dylan Haugen fired it home from the crease at the 13:25 mark. The Dogs added one more before the period was out as Mitch Makin banged a rebound home - seconds after appearing to score a beautiful top corner goal that was waved off by the Referee, as he went to the net and jammed home a loose puck off a Kurt Gosselin shot. Chris Schutz also picked up an assist at 18:25 of the second for a 5-1 Dogs lead after two periods, with the Dogs out-shooting the Eagles 20-17 in the period for a 39-29 advantage after 40 minutes.

The Dogs built the lead to 6-1 in the third period on an absolutely gorgeous goal by Scottie Clark who took a head man pass and made a nifty move to make a defender miss before then cutting across the crease and out-waiting the goaltender before lifting a backhand home at the 5:18 mark of the third to make it 6-1. The game turned silly near the back-half of the third period with the Eagles first seeing the book thrown at them on back-to-back slashing calls that I didn't think were much of anything. More penalties to the Eagles saw the Bulldogs go to back-to-back 5 on 3's. The Dogs didn't look especially good on them, as they failed to click to generate much in the way of chances. The Eagles would then get a series of 5 on 3's after Scott Clark, Marcus Russell, and finally Eric Margo - who threw a clean check, got jumped and somehow drew four minutes. The Eagles wouldn't score on the back-to-back two man advantages, but they did connect on the final penalty to make it a 6-2 game when a blocked shot ended up on the stick of Cole Plotikoff who one-timed it home before Christopoulos could get over. Brian Drapluk drew the only assist on the play.

Final shots favoured the Dogs 47-36 with Billy Christopoulos picking up 2nd star honours with the win while Tyler Read took the loss. Unofficial special teams numbers, as it got a little silly there for a while - I had the Dogs went 3 for 7 on the power play while the Eagles went 2 for 9.

With the win the Dogs have won three in a row. They finish their trip tomorrow afternoon in Coquitlam for a 2pm start against the Express.

Here's some addition pictures from tonight, courtesy Damon James.

Dogs top Spruce Kings 4-3 with late winner

 

There was a bit of a slow start to this one with neither team appearing to be especially sharp in the opening minutes. The Spruce Kings would get the opening powerplay just short of the midway point, but it was the Bulldogs who had the best chances as both Mitch Makin and Zak Bowles couldn't cash in on a Spruce Kings turn over as the game stayed 0-0 into the Media Timeout with 9:38 left in the first period and the shots just 4-4. The Spruce Kings would open the scoring shortly afterwards on a play that didn't look like much, as the puck was fought back to the right point where Adam Clements moved in and put a quick wrister on goal that was perfectly placed, just under the cross-bar top corner short-side over the glove of Warren. Assists on the play went to Braiden Epp and Rider Stoglin at 12:10 of the first for a 1-0 Spruce Kings lead after one period, with Prince George up 7-6 in shots.

The Dogs got an early power play in the second but again failed to capitalize. They received a second powerplay shortly afterwards, and this would seethe game change dramatically as Mitch Makin drove the net and missed a pass and contacted the Spruce Kings goalie. He would be immediately challenged by Ryan Fritz, and Makin answered the call and dropped his gloves, with the fight (if you could call it that) ending relatively quickly. It was too quick for Fritz's liking, as he threw a punch at a defenceless Makin who was on his back on the ice. The referee would detect it, and give both players 5 for fighting and a match penalty to Fritz for the late cheap one. The Bulldogs would connect on the ensuing 4 on 3 power play when Josh Adkins found Kurt Gosselin at the top of the point where he walked in and blew a low slapper past the stick side of Brooks-Potts to make it 1-1 at 6:48 of the second. The Dogs kept up the pressure and took a 2-1 lead on the Major Penalty when a crazy scramble saw the puck come back to the left circle to Brett Stewart, who out-waited the goalie before putting a wrister glove side off the post and in to make it 1-1 at 9:57 with Drew Blackmun drawing the only assist. It was 3-1 Dogs two minutes and change later after two highlight reel saves by Brooks-Potts saw the puck kept in at the right point by Drew Weich. He went D-to-D to Jeff Rose who put a quick shot on goal that was stopped. Dylan Haugen would put the rebound on net out of mid-air, which was again stopped, but it came back and hit Haugen and bounced just over the line to make it 3-1 Dogs at 12:25 with Everett Putz picking up the only assist. Shots favoured the Dogs 13-8 in the period, for a 19-15 advantage after two. 

The Bulldogs would really push the pace in the third period, not sitting back on the lead as they continued to show great urgency as they out shot the Spruce Kings 7-1 in the early stages of the period, and continued to hold a 10-4 lead in shots in the period when the game was stopped for a long delay due to a glass problem with 8:25 left in the period with the Dogs still up 3-1. The dogs came out of the delay and continued to carry the better of the play, but the Spruce Kings pushed and made it 3-2 with 2:56 to play when Cooper Leich roofed a loose puck in the slot  with Brogan O'Brien drawing the assist. In the final minute the Dogs got dinged for icing and were unable to clear the puck and it came back to bite them as Rider Stoglin fired a wrister past the blocker of Warren from the slot to make it 3-3 with 56 seconds to play with Jale LeBrun drawing the only assist. Instead of getting it to overtime, the Dogs would win it outright when Everett Putz roofed a centering pass from the crease with 22 seconds to play for the 4-3 final. No assist was given on the play but I thought it might have been Justin Marreck who put it out front.

Final shots favoured the Dogs 37-26 with Nathan Warren picking up the win whole Alex Brooks-Potts took the loss. The Dogs went 2 for 5 on the power play while the Spruce Kings went 0 for 4.

The Dogs travel overnight to the Lower Mainland to visit the Eagles in Surrey tomorrow night.

Hammer

Practice in Quesnel

Off the bus and onto the ice, no better way to work out the bus legs!

Bulldogs visit Spruce Kings tonight to kick off three-in-three weekend

It's the start of a busy and long three game in three day weekend for the Bulldogs (11-7-1-2, 2nd Island) as they kick things off tonight from the Coliseum in Prince George, also known as the "Castle" where they face the Spruce Kings (14-9-0-2, 1st Mainland) for the third meeting between the teams this season.

It's a grand ole barn - and I say that with the utmost sincerity - if I'm not mistaken once an old aircraft hanger....or so the legend goes from what I remember... that was converted to a rink, with smaller than regulation dimensions, different corners and crazy boards and overall tight confines with a great atmosphere when a good crowd shows up. Due to the Spruce Kings consistent success over the last couple of years, that's more often than not as the last three home games for the Kings have brought in crowds of 982, 1082 and 1054. Not bad at all.

The Bulldogs were last in action Saturday night at home, where they picked up a 4-2 win over the Chilliwack Chiefs, while the Spruce Kings were in Chilliwack Wednesday night where they dropped a 5-1 decision to the Chiefs. 

Here's a glance at how close the Bulldog's bench is to the broadcast booth - if the visitors are in control and the rink is quiet, I'm feel like I'm pretty much broadcasting to the bench!

As previously mentioned, it's the third meeting of the season between the teams after a 6-5 Prince George win at the season-opening Showcase and a 5-4 Spruce Kings win on Sunday, October 19th when they showed considerable grit in playing their fourth game in five days, snapping the Dogs winning streak at four games, still a season high.

Tonight's broadcast kicks off with the pregame show at 6:45 with the puck drop and play-by-play to follow at 7:00pm on Van Isle Ford Bulldogs Hockey on 93.3 The Peak FM

If you aren't in radio 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

Tonight's 2nd Intermission guest is Justin Morissette, play-by-play voice of the Surrey Eagles , who the Dogs visit tomorrow night.

Hammer

Bulldogs face Eagles tonight in Surrey

One night after playing up in Prince George in the smaller-than-regulation ice surface at the Coliseum, the Bulldogs (12-7-1-2, 2nd Island)  face the Eagles (3-16-0-3, 5th Mainland) on the International/Olympic sized ice sheet at the South Surrey Arena.

There will be no time for bus legs in this one, as you have to be ready to skate on the 200 x 100 rink. It's a game where the Dogs need to show their commitment and maturity, and play the game - not the opposition. I don't say that with any offense intended to the Eagles - losers of 11 in a row, and outscored 72-22 in the process. It's obvious that they are struggling, and everyone knows it. However, preparing to play a team and preparing for anything less than your best usually ends up seeing you bring exactly that - less than your best.

An example that comes to mind from this season might be the 3-2 last-minute Bulldog win over a struggling Capitals team a week after they beat them 7-3 and 8-1. The Dogs fell into a 1-0 hole before the game was 30 seconds old, and didn't look ready to play compared to their opposition and it took until the final minute of the game to finally get a lead.

If you aren't ready to play - it's not going to be a fun night, and more often than not the night ends in a loss.

The Bulldogs enter play winners of two in a row after a 4-3 last-second win last night in Prince George, while the Eagles lost their 11th in a row 5-2 last night in Langley.

I will have the call for you on Pacific Chevrolet Bulldogs Hockey on 93.3 The Peak FM with the pregame show getting underway at 6:55, with the puck dropping at 7:11pm and the play-by-play to follow.

Tonight's 2nd Intermission guest is Eddie Gregory, play-by-play voice of the Coquitlam Express, who the Dogs face tomorrow afternoon to finish their weekend off. Check out his great blog HERE

Hammer

Cooke retires, Harvey to VIJHL, Bulldogs in Schools program

Scott Cooke Retires, Harvey Reassigned to Oceanside
PRESS RELEASE

November 15, 2014
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Port Alberni, BC – The Alberni Valley Bulldogs are very sad to announce that 1994-born veteran forward Scott Cooke has retired from the game of hockey due to medical reasons.

Cooke joined the Bulldogs in October after having played three full seasons in the WHL split between the Vancouver Giants and the Moose Jaw Warriors. In the first game with the Bulldogs, Cooke suffered a concussion and has experienced reoccurring symptoms ever since. Cooke remained with the team hoping to get back on the ice but unfortunately that didn’t happen.

“It’s with great sadness that my hockey career is over,” said Cooke in a statement. “I have played hockey since I was three years old. Although my time with the Bulldogs was brief, I loved playing here and will miss the players, organization, fans, and especially the game,” added Cooke.

Cooke signed off with one final message to his teammates by saying, “Bring home a championship.”

Cooke’s jersey will be hung in the Bulldogs dressing room for the remainder of the season as he begins the next phase of his life by attending school in Kelowna in the New Year.

The Alberni Valley Bulldogs would like to thank Scott for wanting to be a part of our family in the last year of his junior career and wish him all the success in the world in a healthy transition to life after junior hockey. His character and cheerful personality will be missed around the rink.

In another move this week, the Bulldogs have reassigned 1997-born defenseman Josh Harvey to the Oceanside Generals of the VIJHL. Harvey, from Port Alberni, BC, was with the team since opening day as the team wanted to provide him with every opportunity to close the skill gap en route to becoming a full-time BCHL player. Harvey will continue to be in the Bulldogs plans and will continue to practice with the team. With the acquisition of two veteran defensemen this past week, it became harder to get Harvey in the line up and he needs to play in order to continue his development.

In Harvey’s first game with the Oceanside Generals on Thursday, he factored in on all the Generals’ goals (one goal, one assist) in a 8-2 loss to the Nanaimo Buccaneers.

For further information or comment on the above story please contact Alberni Valley Bulldogs’
head coach and general manager Kevin Willison

______________________________________________________

Here's some recent feedback regarding the Bulldogs in Schools program - such a cool thing to have the guys in local schools making a difference. 

Hammer

We would like to have the presentation from the Bulldogs on Thursday, November 27th. It is the day that really works best for us. Will we be getting the 2 Bulldogs Eric & Everett that have been at our school? Will we get them for the full day? In order for us to have all 12 classes get the presentation we would need the full day.

Eric & Everett have been amazing!! They have attended every single day. They are always on time and sometimes even stay later when the kids ask them to. They are both outgoing, take initiative and so helpful to have in the classroom. Nothing but positives are coming from our teachers about these 2 boys. Many of our French Immersion teachers are especially happy to have Eric in their classes as he speaks some French and that is sooo helpful and something that hasn't happened in the past.

I love seeing that the program is working with the community in the schools. Also, I am very pleased with how the program is giving tickets not only to the students but also to their parent so they can go with their child for free too. What an amazing way to promote family activities and bring our community together.

Thank you,

Lindsay McIvor

Alberni Elementary

Dogs top Chiefs 4-2

A fantastic, hard hitting start to the game as both sides looked everything like a couple of teams trying to atone for losses the night before as just 6:58 into the game the hits were 12-11 Bulldogs. There wasn't much in the way of offense to speak of, with both Billy Christopoulos and Aidan Pelino only having to make a solid save or two each through 20 minutes with the shots favouring the Bulldogs 9-7 and hits an incredible 19 aside.

The Bulldogs came out with a great start to the second period, killing off a carry over power play for the Chiefs and dominating the play, hemming the Chiefs in their zone for extended periods. Despite a 13-1 advantage in shots through the first 12 minutes of the period the game remained scoreless. It didn't stay that way for long though, as the Chiefs capitalized on a Bulldogs mistake and scored on just their second shot of the period, albeit a quality one as they worked a 2 on 1 rush to perfection as Rory Bell out-waited the Bulldog defender and put a perfect cross-ice pass onto the tape of Craig Puffer who put it into the open side past Christopoulos at 12:17 of the second with Eric Roberts also drawing an assist on the play. The Chiefs all of a sudden would have all the momentum, and they had a series of solid chances to build on their lead around the Bulldog net but Christopoulos came up with a series of good saves to keep it 1-0. The Bulldogs would answer back to tie it up on the rush late in the period as Drake Brown made a great pass at centre ice to Mitch Makin who walked in on goal and put a shot on goal that was stopped by Pelino, but he couldn't control the rebound as Chris Schutz drove the net and backhanded it home before Pelino could recover to make it 1-1 at 16:44 of the second period. Shots favoured the Bulldogs 17-13 for a two period 26-20 after 40 minutes.

The Bulldogs would take their first lead of the game just short of four minutes into the third when Mitch Makin put a perfect pass at centre ice ahead for Drew Blackmun who drove past the Chiefs defender and in alone on goal where he slid one low through Pelino to make it 2-1. Drew Weich also picked up an assist on the play at 3:50 of the third. Just four minutes later it was 3-1 as Justin Marreck puck the puck up the left wing boards where Zak Bowles fought it out of the zone and then raced away with blazing speed up the left wing through centre and over the Chilliwack line around the Chiefs defender and in on goal where he one-handed one through Pelino. Kurt Gosselin also drew an assist on the play at 7:28 of the third. The Dogs would be caught up ice several times in the ensuing minutes, allowing a partial breakaway that Christopoulos stopped but the Chiefs drew a penalty on. The Dogs would kill it off to protect the lead, but the Chiefs didn't quit, finding the net with 6:16 to go as Jordan Kawaguchi picked up a perfect pass from Jake Hand walking in on the back door where he roofed a top corner far-side wrist shot under the crossbar over the glove of Christopoulos to make it 3-2. The game would stay that way until the late stages of regulation when the Dogs iced it with the teams playing four aside hockey as Kurt Gosselin cleared it out of the Dogs end and Dylan Haugen raced onto a loose puck in the Chiefs zone and fired it home for a 4-2 lead with 10 seconds to go.

Final shots favoured the Bulldogs 36-28 with Billy Christopoulos picking up the win while Aidan Pelino took the loss while earning 3rd star honours. I had both teams at 0 for 3 on the power play.

Next up for the Bulldogs is a three-in-three roadie starting next Friday in Prince George.

Hammer

Bulldogs host Chiefs tonight, Election Results in 2nd Intermission

It's right back to action tonight for the Bulldogs (10-7-1-2, 3rd Island) as they host the Chilliwack Chiefs (12-5-0-1, 2nd Mainland) on a night where both teams will be no doubt raring to go as they are coming off of tough losses the night before. 

The Dogs lost 5-2 to the Clippers in Nanaimo, their second straight defeat, while the Chiefs opened up a three game weekend road trip with a 6-1 loss to the Kings in Powell River.

These teams last met in a wildly entertaining game in Chilliwack as the Dogs picked up a 4-2 win on October 25th handing the Chiefs their first, and to date their only, loss on home ice.

All the action as always can be heard on Van Isle Ford Bulldogs Hockey on 93.3 The Peak FM starting with the Pregame show at 6:45 tonight with the play-by-play, colour commentary/analysis and team and player stats at 7:00 courtesy of myself, Bruce MacDonald and Dan Tisserand.

If you aren't in radio 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

We won't have a feature guest tonight , as there's much bigger fish to fry... The Peak's David Wiwchar will step in during the 2nd Intermission to provide a full update on the Municpal Election. 

Don't forget to get out and vote today everyone!

Dogs fall 5-2 to Clippers in Nanaimo

There was a high pace of play off the opening puck drop in this one, but offensive chances were hard to come by as the game was played fairly tight and neither team made any mistakes. The Clippers would have the game's first power play but the Dogs killed it off well and didn't give up much if anything in the way of chances. As the period went on, the Clippers would build up a sizeable lead in shots, but for the most part the Bulldogs kept them to the outside or did a good job of protecting Nathan Warren. The Bulldogs would get a power play chance in the back half of the period, and they would make good on it as Brett Stewart put a shot on net from the right circle that was stopped by Decelles. A large scramble ensued that saw the puck bounce loose to Kurt Gosselin at the left side of the net where he roofed it under the bar to make it 1-0 from Josh Adkins and Dylan Haugen at 13:32 of the first. The Dogs would carry that lead into the room after 20 minutes, with the Clippers holding a 22-8 advantage in shots.

The Clippers would get an early power play to start the second on a Bench Minor to the Bulldogs for too-many-men. While the Dogs would again do a good job of killing the penalty, they couldn't get possession or clear the zone before Jake Jackson walked into the high slot un-touched where he put a wrist shot top corner, far-side off the post and in past the glove of Nathan Warren. The Bulldogs would protest, but it looked clearly in to me up in the booth. The goal was given to Cole Maier by the Referee, but it was clearly Jackson that scored. Just three minutes later the Clippers took their first lead of the game on a 1-on-1 rush where Anthony Rinaldi cut across the slot from right to left and fought a backhand on goal against the grain along the ice that slid in just past the post far-side to make it 2-1 Clippers at 7:31 of the second, with the only assist going to Yanni Kaldis. The Bulldogs would battle back with their second power play goal of the game with six minutes and change to go in the period as Brett Stewart took a quick touch pass from Mitch Makin at the top of the point and fed Chris Schutz in the left circle where he quickly released it and beat a screened Decelles top corner short-side to make it 2-2 at the 13:46 mark of the second. The Clippers would take the lead right back five minutes later as penalties began to play a factor as just twenty one seconds into a power play Nick Gushue put a shot on net from the right point that deflected in off a Bulldog defenders stick past Nathan Warren to make it 3-2 at 18:14 of the second with Brendan Taylor picking up the only assist. Just over two minutes the Clippers would strike on the power play again, this time just nine seconds into the advantage as Edwin Hookenson kept the puck in at the right point and went D-to-D to Yanni Kaldis who put a shot on goal from the left point. Nathan Warren made the first save, and the initial rebound bid hid a stick and went up in the air where it was bunted into the goal by Brett Roulston at the left side of the net to make it 4-2 at 19:43 of the period with the only assist going to Cole Maier. Shots were even at 12-12 for a 40 minute advantage for the Clippers of 34-20.

The Bulldogs appeared somewhat flat to start the third period, with Nathan Warren required to come up with back-to-back breakaway saves to keep it 4-2. After a couple of good shifts by the Dogs to push back to try and get in the game. The Clippers instead would go up 5-2 as Sheldon Rempal was allowed to walk in to the right circle where he put a perfect shot top corner, far-side under the bar past the blocker of Warren. Edwin Hookenson picked up the only assist on the play. The Bulldogs would do a good job to show no quit over the remainder of the game, but not a good enough job to show the urgency to get a goal to get back into it. Guillaume Decelles when called upon was good as the Dogs did a good job of getting pucks on net.

The Dogs out shot the Clippers 23-16 in the third period for a game total of 50-43 in favour of the Clippers with Nathan Warren taking the loss while Guillaume Decelles picked up the win. Unofficially, I had the Dogs at 2 for 5 on the power play and the Clippers at 2 for 7.

The Dogs are right back at it tomorrow night at home when they host the Chilliwack Chiefs.

Hammer

Line ups, Dogs @ Clips

Bulldogs and Clippers faceoff tonight at Frank Crane Arena

After not seeing each other through the first two months of the season, it's the second meeting in a week as the Bulldogs (10-6-1-2, 2nd Island) again tonight travel to face the Clippers (14-6-0-0, 1st Island) at the Frank Crane Arena.

These teams met here a week ago tonight, a 5-4 OT win for the Clippers in a wild and crazy game. The Bulldogs were last in action Tuesday afternoon in Powell River where they fell 4-3 to the Kings in yet another OT game. The Clippers were last in action Saturday night at home when they won their second straight, 3-2 in overtime against the Penticton Vees.

The Bulldogs will be short-staffed tonight with some big holes in their line up as I don't expect Evan Tironese to play due to injury, and Scott Clark will also not play as he received an automatic two game suspension for his Major Penalty for a Blow to the Head in Powell River on Tuesday.  On the other hand, the Dogs will get some reinforcements as I expect Drew Weich to make his 'Dogs debut tonight.

Tironese and Clark are tough to replace - any team without 2/3rds of their first line and their top two scorers is going to miss those players for sure. Having said that, I think that the Bulldogs should be confident after how they finished the game without Tironese and Clark on Tuesday in Powell River because it was very impressive to watch. Everyone to a man up and down the roster has to step up and up their game, plain and simple. With the depth the Dogs have shown and with how the Coaching Staff has played all their players in as many situations as possible and tries to keep all four lines in it, I think it's an adjustment that they can make. 
   

Pacific Chevrolet Bulldogs Hockey on 93.3 The Peak FM  with Bruce MacDonald providing the Colour and Analysis, Dan Tisserand compiling the team and player stats and play-by-play called by myself gets underway with our pregame show at 6:45 and the puck drop coming up at 7:00pm.

If you aren't in radio 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


Tonight's 2nd Intermission guest is Jacob Bestebroer, a.k.a "JB", the Director of Scouting and Colour Commentator for the Chilliwack Chiefs, who the Dogs host tomorrow night at the Dog Pound.

Hammer

Gosselin's OT winner "Call of the Week", words on Fighting, and Officiating....

I received a pretty cool heads up from the BCHL yesterday that "the call" from Bruce and I of Kurt Gosselin's OT winner against Powell River on Sunday will be featured on this Saturday's BCHL This Week program on TSN 1410 in Vancouver as the "Call of the Week"

It's pretty cool to get some extra recognition for the broadcast, for the Bulldogs, for Kurt, for the Alberni Valley!

Here's the full show line up:

SUBWAY BCHL This Week:

-         Saturday at 9:30 a.m. on TSN1410 – Guests will be current BCHL Player of the Week Corey Mackin, Bemidji State head coach and BCHL dad Tom Serratore and former Vernon Vipers star Kellen Jones, now in the ECHL with the Bakersfield Condors.

-         Call of the Week this week is Evan Hammond’s description of Kurt Gosselin’s OT winner Sunday against Powell River

Here's the "full" version of the call on the broadcast. It's a fun process when we pick our prospective winners. The first time in at least two seasons that I actually went first. Bruce and Dan usually steal my guys. Pretty fun to hear Bruce "chuckle" when I ask him who his picks are, as he only picks one guy after being right in the past, but for the wrong team! Great stuff!

A few short words on fighting, and officiating. 

I have heard all too often that fans are mad at the lack of fighting, and are directing that anger at the BCHL. That is just simply 100% wrong, and I don't think it's fair that the BCHL would take the heat for a decision that they haven't made, and I don't think would make if it was up to them. 

This directive has come down from "on high", from Hockey Canada, the Canadian Hockey Association, and the very top, in the companies that insure them to operate. 

I'm not happy with how the stick-swinging, the after the whistle cheap shotting, stick work, and face-washing and stinky-mittening is up a staggering rate. I don't think the BCHL is either. Just know that this is something that has been dictated to the BCHL brass, and every other Junior A league, and it's not a decision that they have made themselves!

On Officiating in the BCHL - it's a developmental league. For the players, coaches, broadcasters, referees, heck even the game night volunteers. On some nights, the standard of officiating is pretty bad. Not everyone can have a good night, and not everyone has a future in this game when it comes to the ultimate toughest job of policing the game and upholding the rules and making all these snap decisions to be fought over by everyone else. 

I have seen first hand how hard the BCHL is working to work with their officials. 

From the off-season training camps to in-season visits to rinks and views of games and thorough adjudications of the performance of Officials, the league really is trying it's best to have a high standard of Officiating in their games. 

It may not seem like it on some nights, but like I said, some guys just maybe can't do it at this level. The problem is that the guys that can don't stay here long, as they are off to the WHL and Pro Hockey. 

While I have been unimpressed on some nights with how the game has been called,  I for one am very impressed with how the BCHL and their Staff and working to work with these guys to give everyone a good product. It may not seem like it on some nights, but trust me, the effort is there, and what more can you ask for?

Hammer