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Saturday, February 28, 2015

Dogs snap streak, top Kings 3-1 to head into playoffs on a winning note




Compared to the start the night before, this one was pleasant to call with nothing in the way of controversy ending up on the scoreboard just a minute into the game. In fact there wasn't even a whistle until past the two minute mark of the period as the teams were able to roll their lines and get everyone into the game. The Kings would be awarded a power play just inside of five minutes into the game and threw plenty of pucks at the net, but the Dogs defenders did a good job to protect Christopoulos and his crease as they killed it off. The Bulldogs would generate a flurry of chances late in the period, with the line of Margo-Russell-Blackmun earning several point-blankers on one shift. The Dogs drew their first penalty of the game with less than a minute to go in the period when Justin Marreck attacked the Kings zone with speed and split the defenders to skate in alone on a breakaway where he was hooked and wasn't able to get a shot away. The period would finish in a 0-0 tie, with the Kings leading the shots 10-9.

The Bulldogs failed to connect on the power play to start the period, but earned another one shortly afterwards when Brett Stewart was hit from behind by JJ Coleshaw. The Dogs made quick work of the advantage, as Mitch Makin won the draw for Scottie Clark, who fed it back to the line to Brett Stewart. He would fire a high and hard one that missed the goal and clanged off the glass before bouncing right back to the slot and onto the tape of Clark who snapped it home, far-side past the blocker of Wornig at the 4:04 mark of the second. The Dogs built their lead late in the period on another power play when Marcus Russell used his outside speed to draw a penalty on a net drive and a partial breakaway. In the back-half of the power play Brett Stewart would walk the line and put a drop pass onto the tape of Mitch Makin, who set up Chris Schutz at the top of the left circle. He would walk into the faceoff dot and rip a wrist shot short-side past Wornig to make it 2-0 at at 18:01 of the second. The Dogs out shot the Kings 15-3 over the period for a 40 minute advantage of 24-13.

The Kings would make it a brand new game - or so it looked momentarily - just a minute into the third period when they got on the board to cut the lead to 2-1 when Jarid Lukosevicius fought off a check to walk across the top of the left circle before throwing a back-door pass onto the tape of a pinching in Jeremy Leclerc that he chipped up and over Christopoulos to make it 2-1. Somehow, Lukosevicius wouldn't pick up an assist on the play as they were awarded to Kurt Keats and Jacob Pritchard on the marker at the 1:00 mark of the third. The Bulldogs would come right back just 45 seconds later to make it a 3-1 lead as Everett Putz was sent in on a partial breakaway, only to be stopped by Wornig. Dylan Haugen was also stopped in tight on the rebound, before Josh Adkins found it and threw it back in front. Haugen had another wack at it before Everett Putz cut across the crease and slid it home at the 1:45 mark of the third. That would complete the scoring as the Dogs did a fantastic job to not give up much the rest of the way, killing off a 6 on 5 over the final two minutes then a Kings power play to make the lead stand before drawing a penalty with less than 20 seconds left to erase all doubt.

Third period shots favoured the Bulldogs 10-9 for a game total of 34-22 Bulldogs, with Billy Christopoulos picking up the win while Stefan Wornig picked up third star honours with the loss. The Dogs went 2 for 5 on the power play while Powell River went 0 for 4.

The Dogs next see action in Nanaimo for Games 1 and 2 of the Island Division Semi-Finals Best of Seven series Tuesday and Wednesday night.

The Bulldogs host Games 3 and Game 4 Friday and Saturday, with a pregame Tailgate BBQ to benefit Kidsport both nights.

Hammer

Dogs wrap up Regular Season tonight, Mark MacMillan interview, *5pm start*

It's the final game of the regular season tonight as the Bulldogs (26-25-2-4, 4th Island) and Kings (27-20-1-9, 3rd Island) conclude this back-to-back affair in Powell River.

What a difference a year makes. These teams also met last season on Game 58, although that one was at the Dog Pound. For those that need a refresher or didn't follow the team last season, the Bulldogs picked up a 3-0 win and then raced into the dressing room to listen to the radio to hear the out of town scoreboard to find out that the Capitals lost in regulation to the Grizzlies. The combination of both results put the Dogs into the dance by a single point over Cowichan, who they had trailed since Game 1 of the season in September.

This year the stakes are much different, but I hope the Dogs play just as hard because I think playing what was essentially playoff-style hockey for the last couple months down the stretch last year really helped them when the post season started for real a couple days later. The Dogs were used to playing desperation hockey, accustomed to managing the ups and downs and playing in the face of big time pressure. Having said that I also think that as that series wore on into Games 5, 6 and 7 - into double OT in the deciding game in fact, that it worked against the Dogs as they were simply out of gas, having to play so hard for so long to just get into the final playoff spot.  

These teams of course met here last night in Powell River, as the Kings snapped a four game losing streak while pushing the Dogs to a season-high fifth straight loss with an 8-2 win.  A Kings win over the Dogs, and a Grizzlies win over the Clippers has settled the standings and first round Playoff match-ups. The Dogs will visit the Clippers Tuesday and Wednesday for Games 1 and 2 of the best of seven affair, and will host the Clippers Friday and Saturday for games 3 and 4. The Grizzlies have home ice as they will face the Kings.

It's an early start time tonight, so the pregame show takes to the airwaves at 4:45 with the puck drop and play-by-play to follow at 5:00pm on Pacific Chevrolet 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 a feature from the BCHL This Week Radio program. You can catch the show on TSN 1410am Saturday mornings at 9:30. It's a segment with former Bulldog Mark MacMillan, who is concluding his Senior season at the University of North Dakota. 


I caught up with Mark way back earlier in the season for a 1-on-1 interview - it's nice to hear from him again, and it's great to hear him talk fondly about his time here with host Jeff Patterson.

Hammer

Friday, February 27, 2015

Dogs drop fifth straight 8-2 to Kings, will finish in 4th place



A fantastic start to the game for the Bulldogs, as they had a great chance inside the first 15 seconds off the opening puck drop as Mitch Makin drove the net and one-timed a rebound on net only to have Brett Magnus make a fantastic save kicking out his right pad to rob Makin in tight as the Kings were forced to ice it. Then an atrocious start by the Linesman would affect the game. The Kings would ice it off the ensuing puck drop as well, as they cleared to centre ice and the Bulldogs dumped it in and changed after completing a D-to-D pass. The Kings would one-time rim the dump in all the way down the ice up the boards on the far-side of the ice as the Bulldogs changed defencemen. Troy Dobbs probably wasn't within 15 feet of the puck, yet the Linesman would for some inexplicable reason wave off the icing. The Dogs would no doubt expect an icing, and a D-to-D pass hit a seam in the boards and slide right in front of their own net where Jacob Pritchard one-timed it home past a completely stunned Billy Christopoulos to make it 1-0 exactly one minute into the game. The Bulldogs would protest the terribly blown call, to no avail.

Here's Alex Rawnsley with the call, if you would rather see it for yourself than take my word for it!

 

Big credit to the Dogs as they forgot about getting jobbed, and less than a minute later tied it up at 1-1 as Garrett Halls head-manned it up the right wing for Josh Adkins. He would in turn send Dylan Haugen down the right wing where he beat the Kings defence wide and cut across the crease and wrist it high past the blocker of Brett Magnus to make it 1-1 at 1:47 of the first. The Dogs would keep up the pressure, generating good zone time and with that a handful of solid chances in the Kings zone, but Magnus stood tall to keep it 1-1, his notable save being off a wide-open Scottie Clark in the deep slot where he snared it with his glove. The Kings would push back and earn a power play in the back-half of the first and they made good on it just 13 seconds into the power play as a puck was thrown on net off the left wing wall. Christopoulos would make the first couple of saves, but didn't get enough help from his defence to either clear the puck or push back the Kings contacting him in his crease as Nick Halagian would poke it home. Assists on the play went to JJ Coleshaw and Johnny Evans at 12:47 of the first. The Kings would take a 3-1 lead late in the frame as Jarid Lukosevicius used good speed down the right wing to walk deep into the circle and throw one on net from a sharp angle. Christopoulos would keep it out, but Kurt Keats, again standing in the crease, banged it home at 18:56 of the first. Off the ensuing draw the Dogs would again do a poor job reacting to the Kings speed, as Christopoulos made a good save on a Jonny Evans breakaway before Evans again carried forward and contacted the Bulldogs goalie. Christopoulos had obviously had enough at this point, as he responded in frustration with a slash over the Kings forward's legs. The Kings were by no means going into the goalie maliciously, but just subtly and hard to the net. Christopoulos' reaction to it told me all I needed to know, as he hasn't lashed out at an opposition player like that on more than one or two occasions all season - one of those two was also in Powell River when he was bumped by Kurt Keats after a goal on Remembrance Day. Shots favoured the Bulldogs over the period 17-13.

The Kings would carry the better of the play early in the second, going up 4-1 just inside of five minutes in when Jacob Pritchard sniped one top corner past the ear of Christopoulos from the bottom of the left circle. JJ Coleshaw picked up the only assist on it at 4:42 of the second. The Bulldogs however would respond just 24 second later when Drew Blackmun knocked down a Drake Brown outlet pass at centre ice and skated up the left wing on a 2 on 1 break. Blackmun would fire a low shot on goal that Magnus stopped, but he kicked a rebound to the slot right onto the tape of Marcus Russell who fired it home high blocker-side to make it 4-2 at 5:06 of the second. The Bulldogs would be motivated after the goal, and started to carry the play and hem the Kings in their zone, led by a great shift by Therrien-Marreck and Dhaliwal to get the pressure going. The Dogs would have a fantastic chance to make it a one-goal game when Drew Weich put a shot on net from the right point that was deflected by Mitch Makin. Magnus made the save, and then dove in desperation and extended his hands to rob Makin on the rebound to keep it 4-2. Just two minutes later it was a 5-2 Kings lead as they scored on the rush when Stephen Hiff drove the net un-checked where he tapped in a backdoor pass. Assists on the play went to Adam Tracy and Liam Lawson at 10:51 of the second. The Dogs would fail to capitalize on their first power play chance of the game after a nasty hit saw Marcus Russell go in head-first at centre ice, and it would seem to suck the life out of them. The Kings built their lead to 6-2 again on an odd-man rush just two minutes later as the Dogs defence backed all the way in tight allowing Jacob Pritchard to walk right into the hash marks where he snapped it top corner far-side past the blocker of Christopoulos, with JJ Coleshaw picking up the only assist at 15:50 of the second for a 6-2 Kings lead after two, with the shots in the period favouring the Kings 13-12 for a two-period total of 13-12 for a two period advantage of 29-26 Bulldogs.   

The third period was rather flat for the most part, with neither team doing much to push the opposition and carry the game. It stayed 6-2 until the back half of the third when the Dogs failed to capitalize on the power play, moving the puck around well but failing to get a shot on net. As the penalty elapsed JJ Coleshaw blocked a shot and sprung Brent Lashuk out of the box behind the Dogs defence in on a breakaway where he snapped it through the legs of Nathan Warren - who started the third period - to make it 7-2 with 6:02 to play. The Kings would rub some salt in the wound and complete the scoring with less than 20 seconds to play as Adam Tracey out-waited an un-supported Nathan Warren and got him down before tucking it into the near side for an 8-2 final with Liam Lawson assisting at 19:42 for the 8-2 final.

Shots favoured the Kings 37-33 with Billy Christopoulos giving up six goals on twenty six shots to take the loss over 40 minutes of action while Brent Magnus picked up the win. The Dogs went 0 for 2 on the power play while Powell River went 1 for 2.

The teams meet again tomorrow in a mean-nothing game, when it comes to the standings picture as a Kings win and a Grizzlies win means the Dogs finish in 4th place while the Kings finish in 3rd behind the Division leading Clippers and the Grizzlies who will finish 2nd.

Hammer

Dogs visit Kings tonight to kick off season ending double header, Justin Georgeson interview

It's the first of two in a row to end the Regular Season tonight in Powell River as the Bulldogs (26-24-2-4, 4th Island) visit the Kings (26-20-1-9, 3rd Island) tonight and tomorrow night at the Hap Parker Arena.

There is still plenty that can be decided in the Island Division - two regulation time wins for the Bulldogs can put them into third spot over the Kings. On the other side, a Kings wins could put them into second place and give them home ice advantage in the first round, however they'll need some help on the out of town scoreboard for that to happen. The Dogs come into tonight four points back of the Kings, while the Kings are three points back of the Grizzlies. The first tie breaker is most wins - the Grizzlies have one more than the Kings and the Dogs. The Kings hold the head-to-head tiebreaker against the Grizzlies, who kick off a home-and-home with the Clippers tonight in Nanaimo.

The Dogs last saw action Sunday afternoon in Merritt where they lost their fourth in a row, 4-1 to the Centennials. The Kings were last in action Saturday night in Victoria, where they also lost their fourth in a row, 3-2 to the Grizzlies.

These teams last met New Year's Eve in Powell River, a 3-2 double overtime win for the Bulldogs. The Bulldogs lead the season series with a 4-1-0-2 record head-to-head, while the Kings record head-to-head is 3-2-0-2. 
Get all the action on Pacific Chevrolet Bulldogs Hockey on 93.3 The Peak FM with the pregame show taking to the airwaves at 7:00 with the puck drop and play-by-play to follow at 7:15.

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 Justin Georgeson - last season's leading scorer, who is heading into a big weekend with the UBC Thunderbirds.

Here's a video from the Playoffs last year that Justin listed as his best memory as a Bulldog. LOUD LOUD rink. 



And here's one of my favorites from Justin from last year. Jockstraps on the ice indeed!



Hammer



Thursday, February 26, 2015

Throwback Thursday... 2009-2010 Playoff Videos

Happy Thursday... I recently received an impassioned email from a former Bulldog Parent about the 2009-2010 videos I made, as they where they could find them!

So for Throwback Thursday, lets go back to 2009-2010! 





                             

And a photo slideshow for good measure! Lots of memories here for sure.

 

Wednesday, February 25, 2015

Gosselin up for Top Defenceman

The BCHL released their finalists for the year end awards yesterday. Kurt Gosselin is the Island nominee for Top D-man.

After a round of online polls done by the head coaches, the BCHL is announcing this season’s finalists for the league awards.

The coaches poll determined a finalist from each division. Another poll is currently underway which will determine the ultimate winner for each award.

Unlike past seasons when there was a winner from each conference for each award, there will be just one winner per award as the league is currently aligned into three divisions.

The trophy winners will be announced next week just ahead of the start of the playoffs.

Vern Dye Memorial Trophy (MVP):
Interior: Jake Lucchini – Forward – Trail Smoke Eaters
Mainland: Corey Mackin – Forward – Coquitlam Express
Island: Guillaume Decelles – Goaltender – Nanaimo Clippers


Bruce Allison Memorial Trophy (Rookie of the Year):
Interior: Liam Finlay – Forward – Vernon Vipers
Mainland: Brett Supinski – Forward – Coquitlam Express
Island: Brett Gruber – Forward – Victoria Grizzlies


Top Defenceman Award:
Interior: Andrew Farny – Salmon Arm Silverbacks
Mainland: Daniel Fritz – Coquitlam Express
Island: Kurt Gosselin – Alberni Valley Bulldogs


Bob Fenton Trophy (Most Sportsmanlike):
Interior: John Schiavo – Forward – Merritt Centennials
Mainland: Corey Mackin – Forward – Coquitlam Express
Island: Sean Harrison – Forward – Cowichan Valley Capitals


Joe Tennant Memorial Trophy (Coach of the Year):
Interior: Fred Harbinson – Penticton Vees
Mainland: Jason Tatarnic – Chilliwack Chiefs
Island: Mike Vandekamp – Nanaimo Clippers


The league’s non-voting awards (Top Goaltender, Goalie Tandem and Top Scorer) will be included in the release next week with the voting awards.


Sunday, February 22, 2015

Dogs drop fourth straight, 4-1 in Merritt

The Bulldogs appeared a step slow to start this one, and the Centennials were absolutely flying off the opening puck drop, getting several good chances including a breakaway that Nathan Warren stopped. The Centennials kept their foot on the gas, going up 1-0 4:32 into the game when Gavin Gould walked over the Bulldogs line up the left wing where he put a top corner slap shot on goal from the boards that beat Warrren top corner, far-side over the glove, with Diego Cuglietta picking up the assist. Just over a minute and change later it was 2-0 Centennials when they made quick work on the power play, as Shane Poulson blew a one-timer home far-side past the glove of Warren, with assists going to Gavin Gould and Digeo Cuglietta at 5:59 of the first. Warren would come up with a series of good saves as the Cents continued to carry the play, including a highlight reel robbery on Cole Acuri as Warren went post to post and got his glove hand up to somehow keep it out on a rink-wide one timer on an open net. The Centennials would continue to push, and made quick work again on it just 8 seconds into the power play when John Schiavo one-timed home a backdoor pass into an open net before Warren could get over, with assists to Diego Cuglietta and Gavin Gould at 14:38 of the first for a 3-0 Centennials lead after one, and Merritt up in the shots 19-13.

The Bulldogs had a noticeable jump to their step to start the second, drawing a power play early in the period and connecting on it when Scottie Clark one-timed a pass to the slot off Jonah Imoo and in to make it 3-1. Drew Weich and Brett Stewart picked up the assists at 2:42 of the period. There would be no scoring the rest of the way through the second, but not for a lack of chances as both Nathan Warren and Jonah Imoo were sharp to keep it 3-1 Centennials after 40 minutes, with the Dogs out shooting the Cents 12-10 over the period for a 29-25 Merritt advantage after two.

The third period wouldn't start the way the Dogs needed, as opposed to getting an early goal to get back into it, they gave up a goal to fall further back as some careless D-to-D passing got picked off by John Schiavo, who sent Gavin Gould in alone from the top of the circles where he deked and beat Warren glove side to make it 4-1 at the 2:47 mark. Despite the deficit the Dogs didn't quit and continued to play hard, but they couldn't get a bounce around Jonah Imoo's net to make a game of it. The Dogs pulled their goalie with over two minutes to play and had at least a half-dozen grade A shots around the net but couldn't find the back of it with a combination of good saves and shot blocks seeing the Centennials kill the clock for the 4-1 final.

Shots favoured the Centennials 41-40 with Nathan Warren taking the loss in net while Jonah Imoo picked up 2nd star honours with the win. The Dogs went 1 for 5 on the power play while the Centennials went 2 for 7.

The Dogs are next in action Friday and Saturday when they conclude their regular season with a double header in Powell River against the Kings.

Hammer


Saturday, February 21, 2015

Dogs roadie concludes this afternoon in Merritt

It's the end of the road this afternoon for the Bulldogs (26-23-2-4, 4th Island) as they wrap up a three games in two and a half days road trip when they visit the Centennials (29-23-0-2, 3rd Interior) at the Nicola Valley Memorial Arena in Merritt.

This is the second meeting between the teams in just eight days, as the Bulldogs topped the Centennials 3-0 last Saturday at the Multiplex. The Cents had last night off, last seeing action Friday night in Penticton where they fell 4-1 to the Vees. The Bulldogs were in Penticton last night, where they fell 4-2 to the Vees, their third straight loss.

Points are important to both teams, but they are more important to the Centennials so again the Bulldogs need to be ready to face a desperate opponent. While the Dogs are fighting for positioning in the Island Division, the Centennials are fighting for their Playoff lives, 

It's a smaller than regulation ice surface in Merritt you can maybe see from the title picture at the very top of today's post, or the one below. That can be both a good thing, and a bad thing, at the end of a road trip. One one hand, there is less ground to cover to get from point A to point B. At the same time, things happen extremely fast and you have less time to make a play or make a hit or be hit, so the Dogs need to be ready from the outset. I'm happy to report that the heater pictured below has since been moved, so the broadcaster in the visiting booth now has a clear view of the ice surface. It was always a bit of a challenge, to say the least, to call a game in Merritt as you couldn't see half of it!

At the same time I'm saddened to hear that the old organ has been removed from the bottom of the stairs in the booth! I'm not sure it even worked, but it was just a little accessory that complemented the beauty that is the old barn in Merritt.



It's an early start today on Van Isle Ford Bulldogs Hockey on 93.3 The Peak FM  as the pregame show kicks off at 1:45 with the puck drop following at 2pm with myself and Bruce MacDonald calling the play-by-play and providing the colour commentary and analysis. 


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 guest is former Bulldog Josh Bonar, fresh off a long playing career as a pro in both North America and Europe, now into the coaching game with the Burnaby Winter Club.
 Hammer



Dogs fight hard, fall 4-2 to Vees



Over the first couple of shifts the Vees forced the issue and the Dogs seemed a step behind, with Billy Christopoulos coming up with a couple of solid saves to keep it scoreless. Eric Margo would get taken down at centre ice shortly afterwards to earn a power play chance. The Dogs would move the puck around well, but failed to get much in the way of pucks on net. A later power play would see the Dogs do a better job of getting pucks to the net but again couldn't get a bounce to beat Hunter Miska as Mike Lee made a great shot block before then clearing a loose puck off the goal line to keep it scoreless. As the period wore on, the Vees continued to do a great job of blocking shots, as it stayed 0-0 until the latter stages of the period when Eric Therrien got caught for getting his stick up on a Vee on the back check resulting in a four minute penalty. The Vees would score with 30 seconds to go in the first minor, just seconds after a highlight reel save by Christopoulos on Tyson Jost on a cross-crease pass as the Bulldogs were down to 3 and a half men with a defenceman being without a stick. It went from bad to worse seconds later when that same defenceman inadvertenly slid into Christopoulos and knocked his stick out of his hands. The Vees would drive the net and slide one home five-hole, with Jack Ramsey getting credit for it, with Tyson Jost picking up the only assist at 17:57 of the first. Just a minute later the Bulldogs would be penalized again, on what I thought was a pretty soft call as Troy Dobbs got whistled for cross-checking while trying to push a Vee out of the goal crease. The Vees would make quick work on the two-man advantage, with Gabe Bast scoring on a one-time blast from the deep slot high past the blocker arm of Christopoulos, with assists going to Tyson Jost and Patrick Newell with just over two seconds left in the first to make it 2-0. The Vees out shot the Dogs 18-2 in the first.

The Bulldogs would kill off the remainder of the penalty to start the second, and then immediately get on the offense as Chris Schutz made a great play at the offensive blue line to chip the puck through the legs of a stepping-up Vees defender to put it on the tape of Scottie Clark. He would walk over the Vees line up the right wing with speed before throwing a puck to the slot that deflected off of Mitch Makin and in at 2:08 of the second to make it 2-1. Just under two minutes later it was a 2-2 tie as Eric Margo made a great effort to get a stick on an outlet pass in the zone on the forecheck to keep the puck in Penticton territory. Drew Blackmun would follow that up with a hard hit behind the Vees net on the fore-check to steal the puck and centre it to Eric Margo. His shot would be stopped, but Marcus Russell found the loose puck on the far side of the net where he fired it home before Miska could get over to make it 2-2 at 4:02 of the second. Later in the period the Vees would push hard and hem the Dogs in their end and earned several good chances, but they couldn't beat Christopoulos. The Dogs would push back immediately on the transition as Josh Adkins and Dylan Haugen move the puck quickly before throwing it at the net where Everett Putz deflected it on net, only to be robbed by the left toe of Miska. Off the following faceoff another similar play as Putz deflect a cross-crease pass on net, with Miska again making a fantastic left-toe save to keep it 2-2. The Vees would have a great chance to take the lead shortly afterwards when Demico Hannoun chased down a Shayne Gwinner clear off the glass in the Vees zone to race in on a breakaway, but Christopoulos stood tall to make the save. The two would square off again just minutes later as a Bulldog forward came back and made a good defensive play just outside the blue line, only to turn the puck over just a second later as Hannoun skated in alone and went top corner, glove-side off the bar and in to make it 3-2 Vees, un-assisted at 14:45 of the second. Shots were even at 12-aside in the period, for a 30-14 Vees edge after two. 

The Bulldogs started with a good push to begin the third, but they couldn't get the equalizer before the Vees went ahead 4-2 just over five minutes in on the rush as the Dogs couldn't win a battle behind the Vees net for the puck. Mike Lee would find it and send Demico Hannoun up the right wing through centre. A Bulldog defender would fall down on the back check, resulting in an open lane for Patrick Newell who accepted the pass and walked in alone where he snapped it over the glove of Christopoulos to make it 4-2 at 5:22 of the third period. The Bulldogs would earn two power plays through the next five minutes, but they were unable to generate much to get back into the game against a solid Vees penalty kill. The Dogs would pull their goalie with just over four minutes to play in the third period in a valiant attempt to again make it a one goal game, coming painfully close as Garrett Halls ripped a shot from the deep slot that hit the cross-bar behind Miska but stayed out. There would be no scoring the rest of the way, mostly thanks to a desperation save by Mitch Makin in front of the Dogs net with the goalie pulled for the extra attacker with two minutes and change to go.

Final shots favoured the Vees 35-22 with Billy Christopoulos taking the loss while Hunter Miska picked up the win. The Dogs went 0 for 5 on the power play while the Vees went 2 for 5.

The Dogs road trip continues tomorrow afternoon in Merritt for a 2pm puck drop.

Hammer

Friday, February 20, 2015

Dogs face league leading Vees tonight in Penticton *6pm start*



The Interior weekend continues tonight for the Bulldogs (26-22-2-3, 4th Island) as they travel to Penticton to face the league leading Vees (41-9-3-2, 1st Interior, 1st Overall) for the second time in less than two weeks at the South Okanagan Event Centre for a special 6pm puck drop.

The Bulldogs kicked off their weekend last night in Salmon Arm where they lost another heart breaker, tying it with 33 seconds to go, and then giving one up ten seconds later to lose 4-3 to the Silverbacks. The Vees were also in action last night at home, where they won their third in a row, 4-1 over the Merritt Centennials.

These teams last met in on Sunday, February 8th a 3-0 Bulldogs win at the Dog Pound. That evened the season series at 1-1 after the Vees picked up a 4-3 win over the Dogs at the season opening BCHL Showcase in Chilliwack in September.

The two points up for grabs are valuable for the Bulldogs as they are fighting for positioning in the Island Division standings. The Vees meanwhile don't have anything to play for as they clinched the Ron Boileau Memorial Trophy that's awarded to the Regular Season league leaders with a 5-2 win in Trail on Valentines Day. Having said that, no one plays the game not to win it, and you can bet the Vees will bring their best to try and end the Regular Season on a roll and maybe get a little payback after the Dogs won the last meeting.

Note the 6pm start time tonight - that means the pregame show on Pacific Chevrolet Bulldogs Hockey gets underway at 5:45 on 93.3 The Peak FM   with Bruce MacDonald providing the colour commentary and analysis while I call the play-by-play.

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 feature guest is Dave Ashbaugh, play-by-play voice of the Merritt Centennials, who the Dogs visit tomorrow afternoon to conclude their road trip for the second meeting between the teams in just eight days.

Hammer

Dogs tie it late, lose it late, another 4-3 hearbreaker in Salmon Arm



A hard paced start to the game, with each side ready to play from the get-go and the Dogs forced to be on their game early as the Silverbacks pushed hard out of the gate. The Bulldogs drew a penalty early in the contest, and made good on the opportunity with beautiful player and puck movement seeing Drew Weich feed Brett Stewart at the right point, where he put a perfect back-door pass onto the tape of Chris Schutz who made no mistake in one-timing it home from the bottom of the left circle before Angus Redmond could get over. Assists on the play went to Makin and Stewart, but it should have been Stewart and Weich at 4:49 of the first for a 1-0 Dogs lead. The Silverbacks would have an opportunity shortly afterwards on a power play of their own, but the Dogs did a good job to kill it off. The 'Backs continued to push, and had several great chances on a shift when they contained the Dogs in their zone, but Billy Christopoulos was rock solid to preserve the lead. The Silverbacks would draw a penalty at the end of the shift, and a double-minor late in the first, but again the Dogs penalty killers and Christopoulos stood tall to keep it 1-0 Dogs after one, with the Silverbacks leading the shots 11-8.

The Dogs would kill off the first part of the double-minor to start the second, and got late into the second half of it, but the Silverbacks would find the net to tie the game on a tough luck play from the Dogs perspective as a centering pass was one-timed at the net, only to be blocked off Josh Adkins' face. It would bounce rink wide onto the tape of Carson Bolduc who fired it off traffic and into the open side. Assists on the power play goal went to Taro Hirose and Joshua Laframboise at the 1:12 mark of the second. The Dogs would take two more penalties, again killing them off to keep it 1-1. They would finally draw a penalty in the back half of the period, but instead of taking the lead back it was Salmon Arm going up 2-1 as Brett Stewart couldn't knock down Scottie Clark's pass at the Dogs line, resulting in a shorthanded breakaway for Josh Blanchard that he made no mistake on, scoring with a leg-kick and a top corner backhand past Christopoulos for the un-assisted marker at 12:12 of the second. The Dogs would fight back against the momentum, and drew a penalty late in the period but failed to capitalize. They would make good on a face-off in the Salmon Arm end late in the period when Troy Dobbs had a shot at the net blocked, only to see Marcus Russell find it behind the goal and put a perfect pass out front to an un-marked Eric Margo who made no mistake, one-timing it home top corner, far-side over the glove of Redmond to make it 2-2 at 19:46 of the second. Shots favoured the Dogs 11-9 in the period, for a 20-19 Salmon Arm advantage after two periods of play.

As much as they took penalties through the first 40 minutes, the Dogs drew them early in the third. Eric Margo would draw a penalty that saw the Dogs spend a good portion of the two minutes moving the puck around the zone, but being unable to get any pucks on net. The Silverbacks shortly afterwards would take the lead back on a face-off when a shot from the line was blocked and ended up in the slot on the stick of Colton Thibault who fired it home past the glove of Christopoulos. Anthony Gardner picked up the only assist at 5:21 of the third. The Bulldogs would push hard throughout the third period, carrying the better of the play and quite simply refusing to quit. They would play desperate hockey, and get rewarded for it with just 33 seconds to go after Billy Christopoulos made two breakaway saves on Thomas Plese to keep it a one goal game. The Dogs went the other way and got the goalie out for the extra attacker where they tied the game as Everett Putz fed Garrett Halls on the right wing boards where he walked to the circle and ripped one on net that was stopped by Redmond, but the rebound came right out front to Dylan Haugen who one-timed home to make it 3-3 with just 33 seconds to play. Both sides of the puck went from elation to heartbreak and vice versa just 10 seconds later however when a dump in at the Dogs line was blocked high in the air and into the slot in the Dogs zone. A Bulldog defender would misplay it and it resulted in a breakaway for Carson Bolduc who avoided a Billy Christopoulos poke-check to fire into the open side to make it 4-3 with 27 seconds to go for the eventual final score.

Shots favoured the Bulldogs 31-26 with Billy Christopoulos taking the loss while Angus Redmond picked up the win. The Dogs went 1 for 5 on the power play while the Silverbacks went 1 for 6 while also scoring once shorthanded.

The Dogs road trip continues tomorrow when they face the Vees in Penticton for a 6pm puck drop.

Hammer


Dogs visit Silverbacks tonight to kick off three game Interior swing

It's the beginning of a three games in two and a half days Interior Conference road trip tonight for the Bulldogs (26-21-2-4, 4th Island) as they visit the Shaw Centre in Salmon Arm to take on the Silverbacks (25-20-3-5, 4th Interior) for the second and final regular season meeting between the teams. 

These teams last met January 24th at the Dog Pound, a 4-2 Dogs win.  Much like on Saturday night at home against the Centennials, the Bulldogs will need to try and raise their level of desperation if they hope to come out with two points tonight, as the Silverbacks will no doubt be a hungry team as they are fighting for their Playoff lives.

The Bulldogs were last in action Wednesday night at home where they lost a heartbreaker, 4-3 in overtime to the Victoria Grizzlies while the Silverbacks last saw action last Friday when they had their six game winning streak snapped with a 2-1 loss to the Vipers in Vernon.
Get all the action from the Shaw Centre in Salmon Arm on Pacific Chevrolet Bulldogs Hockey on 93.3 The Peak FM with the pregame show at 6:45 and the puck drop and play-by-play to follow at 7:00pm with myself and Bruce MacDonald providing the play-by-play and colour and analysis.
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 feature guest is Fraser Rodgers, play-by-play voice of the Penticton Vees, who the Dogs visit tomorrow night in Penticton for the third and final meeting between the teams this season.

Hammer

Wednesday, February 18, 2015

Grizzlies comeback late to defeat Dogs 4-3 in OT



A lightning fast start for the Bulldogs in this one in front of a great crowd, as they took a 1-0 lead before the game was 20 seconds old as Garrett Halls knocked down a clearing attempt that was skated onto by Scottie Clark. He would put a quick shot on goal from the circle that beat Stiliadis long-side through his blocker arm with just 15 seconds gone in the game with Halls drawing the only assist. The pace was fantastic over the next five to six minutes as there was no whistles and great end-to-end hockey to watch with both sides getting a couple chances around the net. After the Official let several things go uncalled each way, the Bulldogs would be penalized on an interaction between the benches on a line change. The Grizzlies would make quick work on the power play, scoring an absolutely gorgeous goal that saw all five players touch the puck in an 11 second span on lighting quick passing that saw Dane Gibson score into a wide-open net off a Brett Gruber pass. Kevin Massy should receive the secondary assist  on the scoring play at 10:46 of the first. The Bulldogs took a 2-1 lead late in the frame when Eric Therrien sent Chris Schutz over the Grizzlies line down the right wing where he snapped one on goal that was kicked out, but right back to the slot, by Stiliadis. Braden Fuller would drive the net and snap it into the open cage to make it 2-1 at the 17:52 mark. Just 11 seconds later it was 3-1 Bulldogs, as Mitch Makin carried the puck down the left wing and below the goal line before throwing a cross-ice pass back to the right point to Drew Weich. He would put a shot intentionally wide that was deflected in by Chris Schutz. The Referee would immediatley signal goal, but then called his Linesman over as the Grizzlies complained it was kicked. The goal after a discussion would be awarded, with Schutz getting credit from Weich and Makin at 18:02 of the first for a 3-1 Dogs lead after one. As the discussion on the goal was ongoing, Michael Stiliadis would fire the puck in frustration into the crowd and strike a fan - possibly accidentally, but nevertheless certainly something that shouldn't happen and something that might have further repercussions. The shots favoured the Bulldogs 13-6 after 20 minutes.

The second period would see no scoring, with the Bulldogs being penalized twice more throughout the first half of the frame and doing a fantastic job to not give up much to preserve their two goal lead. The Dogs drew their first power play of the game with two minutes left in the period and generated a great chance that saw Michael Stiliadis go post to post to rob Braden Fuller on what looked like an open net as it stayed 3-1 after 40 minutes with the Dogs out shooting the Grizzlies 13-8 for a two period total of 26-14.

The third period was again played at a high pace, with the Dogs doing a good job of not sitting back but not giving up much as they continued to lead by two. The Grizzlies however would continue to push, and made it a 3-2 game in the back-half of the period as a keep at the blue line resulted in a D-to-D pass that Thomas Huddelstan threw at the net that was deflected on goal by Dane Gibson. Billy Christopoulos would make the first save, but an un-marked Jay Mackie found the open side on the rebound to make it 3-2 at 11:08 of the third. The Dogs held the lead until the late stages, when the Grizzlies pulled their goalie for the extra attacker. Josh Adkins would miss the empty net by a hair, before pursuing the puck in the corner. He would then pick up a penalty on an excuse-me trip, that was in my opinion pretty soft considering all that was let go though the game, but maybe a penalty you need to call with an empty net. The Grizzlies would end up scoring on the six on four situation when Brett Gruber threw the puck front to Thomas Gobeil who roofed the one-timer high over Christopoulos at 19:07 of the third period. The period would end with some rough stuff, resulting in the Dogs going to the power play to start the third period. They somehow would not be awarded a two-man advantage when Drew Weich had his stick slashed out of his hands in the Grizzlies zone, allowing Victoria to clear the puck down the ice. The Dogs would have a great chance to win it as the penalty was expiring when Brett Stewart sent Mitch Makin in alone, only to have Stiliadis make a great save getting his glove up to keep out what appeared to be a shot labelled top corner on the backhand. The Grizzlies would win it seconds later, when a Bulldog defender would fail to keep the puck in at the Grizzlies line while flat-footed, allowing Jay Mackie to skate in on a breakaway. Billy Christopoulos would make the save, but couldn't get any help on the rebound as Thomas Gobeil beat the Dogs to the net and roofed the loose puck under the bar at 3:19 of overtime for the 4-3 final.

Final shots favoured the Dogs 42-25 with Billy Christopoulos taking the loss while Michael Stiliadis picked up the win. The Dogs went 0 for 3 on the power play while the Grizzlies went  2 for 5.

The Dogs are next in action Friday in Salmon Arm as they kick off a three-in-three road trip through the Interior.

Hammer   

Dogs host Grizzlies tonight for final Regular Season home game

It's the eighth and final Regular season meeting between the teams, and a possible Playoff preview as the Bulldogs (26-21-2-3, 4th Island) host the Grizzlies (24-18-1-10, 3rd Island) tonight at the Dog Pound.

These teams last met Friday night in Victoria where the Grizzlies snapped their losing streak and three and the Dogs winning streak at three with an 8-4 win in a wild game that saw the teams combine for EIGHT third period goals.

With the last three head-to-head meetings all at the Q Centre, I'm sure the Dogs are happy at the prospect of playing the hosts tonight and not having to get on the bus and head down Island again, especially considering that they are on the road tomorrow for a weekend road trip to the Interior Conference. The Grizzlies have won the last three head-to-head meetings, with the Bulldogs winning the last meeting between the teams in this building, 4-3 on January 21st. If the Dogs have designs on passing the Grizzlies in the standings, one has to think this is pretty close to a must-win game.

The Bulldogs last saw action Saturday night at home where they picked up a 3-0 win over the Merritt Centennials. The Grizzlies were last in action Saturday night at home where they won their second straight, 6-2 over the Prince George Spruce Kings.

Catch all the action from the Multiplex on Van Isle Ford Bulldogs Hockey on 93.3 The Peak FM with Bruce MacDonald, Dan Tisserand and myself bringing the colour commentary/analysis, team/player stats and play-by-play respectively all starting with the pregame show at 6:45 followed by the 7:00pm puck drop.
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 Ian Douglas, voice of the Salmon Arm Silverbacks, who the Dogs visit on Friday night to kick off a three game Interior swing this weekend.

Hammer

Saturday, February 14, 2015

Dogs top Centennials 3-0 for second straight home shut out




A spirited start to this one after the Bulldogs players introduced their parents and billet parents prior to the game. The Centennials had a couple good chances early in the game, but Billy Christopoulos looked sharp. Marcus Russell would have the best Bulldogs chance early in the game but Jonah Imoo made a good save on a breakaway chance. The Dogs opened the scoring just after the media time out on the rush as Brett Stewart avoided the fore check and rimmed the puck up the left wing for Eric Margo. He would gain the Centennials zone and drop the puck to Marcus Russell before taking a return pass and driving the net down the left wing where he threw a cross-crease pass that was intended for Drew Blackmun but instead found the back of the net off a Centennial defender in the crease to make it 1-0 at 11:57 of the first period. The Centennials had a great chance to get the equalizer with 30 seconds to play in the period when Cole Chorney set up John Schiavo right between the hash marks but Christopoulos came up with a big pad save to keep it 1-0 Dogs after the first, with the shots even at 13-13.

The second period was hotly contested, hard hitting and fast paced through the media time out, with both goalies standing tall to keep it a 1-0 game as Christopoulos stopped Michael Ederer on a breakaway and Jonah Imoo also came up with a breakaway stop on Tyler Povelofskie as the puck went skyward and landed on the top of the net and stayed out. Again immediately after the media time out the Bulldogs took a 2-0 lead as Troy Dobbs took a Scottie Clark pass up the middle and sent Mitch Makin in alone down the left wing where he put a low slapper on net that was stopped by Imoo. He couldn't control the rebound though, as Makin found it and jammed it home inside the post at 11:42 of the second. Both sides would have their chances throughout the remainder of the period but the goalies stood tall as it was 2-0 Dog after two, with the Dogs leading the shots 13-12 for a two period total of 26-25.

The Bulldogs came out with a good jump to their step to start the third period, not looking like a team that was sitting back and defending their lead, holding the Centennials to just a single shot through the first half of the period to keep it 2-0. The score would stay that way until the dying seconds with the Dogs defending well and not giving up much despite the Centennials pulling their goalie with just under two minutes to play. The Dogs would seal the deal when Drew Weich knocked the puck down in front of the Dogs net and flipped one high out of the zone and through neutral ice where Eric Therrien chased it down and scored his first as a Bulldog from a sharp angle down the right wing with 2.8 seconds to play for the 3-0 final score.

Shots favoured the Bulldogs 36-27 - including 10-2 in the third period, with Billy Christopoulos picking up 2nd star honours with the win and the shut out in net while Jonah Imoo took the loss. The Dogs went 0 for 3 on the power play while the Centennials went 0 for 2.

The Dogs are next in action Wednesday night for their final regular season home game when they host the Victoria Grizzlies.

Hammer


Friday, February 13, 2015

Dogs host Cents tonight, first meeting this season

It's the first meeting between these two teams this season as the Bulldogs (25-21-2-3, 4th Island) host the Merritt Centennials (28-21-0-2, 3rd Interior) tonight at the Dog Pound.

Including tonight both the Bulldogs and Centennials have just eight games left in the Regular Season. It sure is an odd scheduling quirk that two teams that only see each other twice all season over a 58 game schedule will do so twice in the last couple of weeks. While the Bulldogs are at least assured of a Playoff spot after clinching on Tuesday the same can't be said for the Centennials as they are in a three team Dog fight for only two berths in the post season. It`s incredible how tight the standings are in the Interior in the 3rd through 5th spots. The Cents and Silverbacks are tied for 3rd/4th place with 58 points, while West Kelowna is just two points back in 5th and on the outside of the Playoff picture and looking in. The Centennials have two games in hand on both the Silverbacks and the Warriors.

The Bulldogs were last in action in Victoria last night where they had their three game winning streak snapped with an 8-4 loss to the Grizzlies. The Centennials were in Powell River last night where they topped the Kings by a score of 4-2. They finish their weekend tomorrow afternoon in Duncan when they visit the Capitals.

You can expect an inspired effort from both Braden Fuller and Zak Bowles, as they will both be seeing their former teams tonight and guys always get up to play against the team that traded them away.

Myself, Bruce MacDonald and Dan Tisserand will bring all the action from the Mutliplex to you on Van Isle Ford Bulldogs Hockey on 93.3 The Peak FM tonight with the pregame show at 6:45 and the puck drop to follow at 7:00 complete with all the play-by-play, colour and analysis and 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 feature is a segment from last week's BCHL This Week radio program on TSN 1410 in Vancouver.

It's host Jeff Patterson with  Vancouver Canucks Assistant Coach Doug Lidster, a former Canuck for 10 seasons who played just under 900 NHL games. He also played two seasons in the BC(J)HL to start his career before going the NCAA route.

Hammer

Dogs fall 8-4 to Grizzlies in wild one at the Bear



The Bulldogs looked a step slow out of the gate in this one, and took a penalty 1:41 into the game which also didn't help their cause. The Dogs almost escaped the penalty unscathed, but the Grizzlies connected on it with just four seconds left in the penalty when Jake Emilio dropped the puck at the Bulldogs line on a switch up for Thomas Gobeil, who walked uncontested into the left circle and ripped a perfect shot top corner, far-side over the glove of Christopoulos to make it 1-0. Garrett Forster also drew an assist on the play at 3:38 of the first. The Bulldogs would be the benefactors on what looked like a missed call on a trip in their zone, before drawing a penalty moments later at the other end of the ice. They would connect on it early in the power play as Drew Weich put the puck down the right wing boards for Brett Stewart, who set up Mitch Makin at the top of the circle. Makin would walk to the slot and fight of a hook and put a weak shot on goal. The change up would beat Michael Stiliadis five-hole, as he may have been distracted by the traffic at the net. Brett Stewart would draw the only assist, but Drew Weich was certainly in on the play at 7:59 of the first. The goal would inspire the Dogs, as they got going and had some good chances the rest of the way, most notably a Dylan Haugen breakaway late in the period that saw him go top corner only to hit where the post and crossbar meet and see the puck stay out. Shots favoured the Bulldogs 12-7 after 20 minutes.

The score would stay 1-1 through the first half of the second period, with the Grizzlies drawing a penalty after hemming the Dogs in their zone near the midway point. The Dogs would again do a solid job of killing it off, only allowing a single shot. The game was relatively flat and without much emotion, although the Dogs carried a 19-9 lead in shots into the final eight minutes of the period. The game would change very quickly however, as the Grizzlies went up 2-1 on an odd play at the net that saw a shot appear to defect off of a pair of Bulldog sticks before being just kept out by Christopoulos. The rebound would bounce out rink-wide onto the stick of a wide open Jay Mackie who one-timed it past a diving Christopoulos. Assists on the play went to Dane Gibson and Brett Gruber at 13:26. Less than a minute later the Bulldogs appeared to be snoozing defensively as a defender went for a big hit and missed and the Grizzlies attacked with numbers and no one picked up Ayden MacDonald who walked to the net un-checked down the left wing where he one-timed the cross-ice pass top corner short-side past the blocker of Christopoulos who tried in vain to go from post to post and almost got there. Assists on the play went to Sean McBride and Zachary Dixon at the 14:09 mark of the second for a 3-1 Grizzlies lead after two periods and the Dogs up in the shots on goal department 24-15.

The Bulldogs came out with a resounding thud to start the third period, coughing up the puck in their own zone on a pass up the middle. Dane Gibson would find it and throw it at the net where Brett Gruber one-timed it into the open side to make it 4-1 just 12 seconds into the frame. The Bulldogs however would answer back just nine seconds later as Tyler Povelofskie took a Scottie Clark pass and sent Mitch Makin in alone where he roofed it right under the bar to make it 4-2 at the 21 second mark of the period. The Grizzlies would be penalized on the goal celebration, and the Bulldogs went to the power play where they scored to make it 4-3, only to have the goal waved off by the Referee as the Grizzlies goalie didn`t have his mask on. I initially thought it was a good call as you can`t play with the goalie without a helmet on. However upon looking at the replay (which I`m well aware the Officials don`t have) it was obvious that as Makin is in the process of scoring his hat trick goal that Stiliadis placed his own hand onto his cage and took his own mask right off his head. In the end the call would stand and instead of 4-3 it remained a 4-2 Grizzlies lead and they wouldn`t look back from that point, going up 5-2 at the 9:02 mark on a poorly defended faceoff in the Dogs end that saw three Grizzlies jump to the net with not much of a challenge from the Bulldogs defense as Brett Gruber scored into the open side with Dane Gibson and Jay Mackie at 9:02 of the third. Again the Bulldogs answered right back, making it 5-3 just 50 seconds later when Drew Blackmun ripped one home from the slot after a big hit by Eric Margo kept the puck in the zone. Marcus Russell and Eric Margo drew the assists on it at 9:52 of the third. The Bulldogs would give it right back just two minutes later on another careless giveaway in their own end that saw Dane Gibson pick off a pass behind the net and throw it to the top of the point where Zachary Dixon blew a slap shot home blocker side on Christopoulos at 11:24 of the third to make it 6-3. The Bulldogs would draw a penalty to again give themselves a chance to get back into it, but they would shoot themselves in the foot as a defenseman went casually back for the puck and got run over by Ayden MacDonald who put a perfect pass to the slot for Cole Pickup who one-timed it home top corner for the shorthanded marker to make it 7-3 with 12:32 gone in the third. Just over thirty seconds later the Dogs struck back, as a Mitch Makin shot from the top of the slot was tipped wide by Scottie Clark. Tyler Povelofskie would find the loose puck and fire it home short-side before Stiliadis could recover to make it 7-4 at 13:09 of the third period. The Bulldogs would draw another power play chance late and pulled their goalie for the extra attacker, but the Grizzlies did a good job to win battles in their zone and not give the Dogs a chance to get set up. The Grizzlies would complete the scoring with 3:03 into the empty net when Brett Gruber completed the hat trick with Dane Gibson and Thomas Huddelstan assisting for the 8-4.

Final shots favoured the Bulldogs 39-23 with Billy Christopoulos taking the loss while Michael Stiliads took the loss. The Dogs went 2 for 6 on the power play with the Grizzlies going 1 for 4 while also scoring once shorthanded.

The Bulldogs host the Merritt Centennials at the Dog Pound tomorrow night.

Hammer


Bulldogs visit Grizzlies tonight in third place battle

It's the third meeting between these teams in three weeks when the Bulldogs (25-20-2-3, 3rd Island) head down to the Q Centre tonight to face the Grizzlies (22-18-1-0, 4th Island) in a big four point Island Division game.

The Grizzlies have won the last two head-to-head meetings, both here at the Q Centre, by scores of 8-3 and most recently 4-0 on February 3rd. The Grizzlies have won four of the six games this season between the teams and have a 4-1-0-1 record head-to-head while the Dogs have a 2-4-0-0 record. The Bulldogs have won in this building this year, a 4-3 double OT win way back on October 3rd when the teams met for the first time.

The Bulldogs were last in action Tuesday night in Duncan where they won their third in a row, 5-3 over the Capitals to clinch a Playoff spot. The Grizzlies were last in action on Sunday afternoon at home where they lost their third in a row, 7-1 to the Langley Rivermen.

All the action comes to you live from the Q Centre on Pacific Chevrolet Bulldogs Hockey on 93.3 The Peak FM starting with the pregame show at 6:45 with the puck drop to follow at 7:00 with play-by-play, colour commentary/analysis and team and player stats provided by 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


Tonight's 2nd Intermission feature guest is Dave Ashbaugh, play-by-play voice of the Merritt Centennials, who the Dogs host tomorrow night for the first meeting of the season between the teams - the Cents are the only team that they Bulldogs haven't seen yet this season.

Hammer


Thursday, February 12, 2015

Dave Babych at Bulldogs Fundraising Dinner tonight, on THE PEAK this morning

Former Vancouver Canuck Dave Babych (also a former Jet, Whaler, Flyer and King) is in town to be the guest speaker at tonight's Port Alberni Junior Hockey Society Bulldogs Fundraising dinner - you can purchase tickets today until 4pm at the Best Western Barclay Hotel and the Bulldogs Office. He will also be in 93.3 The Peak FM Studios to talk hockey with Kevin Willison and Adam Hayduk this morning just after 8:10am.

This is a huge fundraiser for the Bulldogs - if you don't have plans tonight (or don't have GOOD ones) then consider purchasing a ticket and enjoying a great dinner and hearing a 1200 game NHL vet tell some tales!

There will also be some incredible auction items:

• Edmonton Oilers – Taylor Hall signed jersey
• Detroit Red Wings – Pavel Datsyuk signed jersey
• Detroit Red Wings – Henrik Zetterberg signed jersey including the coaches, Mike Babcock and Jim Hiller (former Bulldog coach) autographs
• Dallas Stars – Jamie Benn signed jersey (Former BCHL player and Island boy)
• Dallas Stars – Tyler Seguin signed jersey (played here in the 2009 World Under 17 Challenge)
• Swept Away Inn (Songhees Tugboat) dinner for eight in the Alberni Harbour
• Two hour private flight for two over the Valley and West Coast with Chris Duncan (Della and/or Tsusiat Falls, Barkley Sound, Cape Beale, Long Beach, Clayoquot Sound, Mt. Klitsa and more.
• Murphy Sportfishing Deluxe Ucluelet Salmon and Halibut fishing with Blackrock Accommodation package for three people.


Also don't forget that it's getting down to the CRUNCH TIME to pick up a ticket for the big draw this Saturday! I'm happy I haven't won any of the early bird draws, as I'm saving my luck for the GRAND PRIZE!

Hopefully we will see you tonight at the Barclay!

Hammer



Tuesday, February 10, 2015

Dogs win third straight, 5-3 over Caps, clinch Playoff Spot




The Bulldogs looked everything like a team that showed up just an hour before the game due to bus issues and didn't get much of their pregame routine in as they were somewhat out of sorts and fighting the puck in the early minutes. They took an early penalty but again killed it off with Billy Christopoulos continuing to play rock solid. Just 20 seconds later it was a 1-0 Bulldogs lead as Chris Schutz carried the puck over the Capitals line up the right wing where he put one on net that saw Lance Michasiw make the save but kick out a big rebound cross-ice. Eric Therrien would find the puck and put a low hard shot at the net that was deflected by Braden Fuller behind his back up and under the crossbar short-side to make it 1-0 at the 5:10 mark. Immediately after the goal, the Dogs took another penalty, but again killed it off. Later in the period with the Bulldogs on the attack in the Capitals end Tyler Povelofskie was hit head first from behind into the glass, but neither Referee raised their arm for a penalty. Just seconds later, the Dogs were whistled for a neutral-ice hooking minor. It would be going to the well one too many times as the Capitals struck just seconds into the power play as Rylan Bechtel put a shot on net from the slot that was stopped by Christopoulos. He couldn't control the rebound though, and Darien Craighead fired it into the open side to make it 1-1. Bechtel somehow didn't get an assist on the play, as they instead went to Kyle Horsman and Sean Harrison at 12:56 of the first. It took a grand total of 26 seconds for an even-up penalty call to come, but the Dogs couldn't capitalize on it as it stayed 1-1 after one with the Caps out shooting the Dogs 16-6.

The Bulldogs would again take a penalty early in the second - they would again kill it off, but they couldn't clear the puck. A bad giveaway would result off a poor clearing attempt, and the Caps would - pardon the pun - Capitalize on it, as Brodie Smith fought off a check in front of the Dogs net and quickly spun around and fired it through Christopoulos. Assists on the play went to Jake Switzer and Jesse Neher 3:52 into the second. Shortly after the goal the Bulldogs again took a penalty, but again came up with a big kill to keep it 2-1 Caps. Shortly afterwards they would make the Capitals pay for icing it after a fantastic attacking zone shift by the Therrien-Fuller-Schutz trio. With a tired group on the ice it took the Dogs just seconds to score to tie the game at 2-2 as Josh Adkins found the Everett Putz faceoff win and fed it back to the right point for Drew Weich. He would put a quick, low shot on net that was stopped, but Dylan Haugen was standing at the top of the crease where he jammed it home for his second in as many games at 9:40 of the second. The Bulldogs would keep the pressure up through the frame and be rewarded in the late stages of the period as Brett Stewart made two good plays before catching a puck up the middle at the Caps line and walked into the deep slot where he ripped a wrister home top corner past the blocker of Michasiw for the un-assisted marker at 17:01 of the second to make it 3-2 Dogs. The Bulldogs had a chance on the rush off the centre ice puck drop but failed to connect on it. The Caps would turn up ice and score instead on the rush, where it appeared the Dogs had everyone back defensively. A perfect cross-ice pass from Ryan Burton was deflected right under the crossbar by Kade Kehoe to make it 3-3 at 17:49, with Skylar Pacheco also drawing an assist. The Bulldogs would protest that it didn't go in, but it looked good to me, and to the Referee who was in the perfect position to make the call. The shots were the exact opposite of the first, with the Dogs out shooting the Caps 16-6 for a 22-22 tie after two periods.

The third period was hotly contested, with each side getting their share of chances and both Michasiw and Christopoulos coming up big to keep it 3-3 past the midway mark of the frame. The Bulldogs would earn a power play shortly afterwards on an open ice hit from behind on Taylor Derynck. The Dogs would make quick work on the advantage, with Brett Stewart leading the attack, first putting a shot on net from the top of the point that was deflected off the goal post by Mitch Makin. A second later Michasiw would come up with a blocker save off another Stewart drive. The Dogs would find the net seconds later when Stewart pulled the puck around a defender and threw a quick snap shot on net that was deflected through the five-hole by Chris Schutz for his second in as many games and a 4-3 Dogs lead with Drew Weich also assisting at 13:27 of the third. The Dogs would play a perfect five minutes to kill the clock, winning battles and getting pucks in deep and out of their zone as the Caps couldn't generate much in the way of an attack. They would pull their goalie with over a minute to play for the extra attacker but Mitch Makin made a great play to break it up and take a hit from Rylan Bechtel at the line as Scottie Clark skated it out of the zone and sent Tyler Poveolofskie on a breakaway where he iced it into the empty net with 1:20 to play for the 5-3 Final.

Final shots favoured the Bulldogs 35-28 with Billy Christopoulos picking up second star honours with the win in net while Lane Michasiw took the loss. The Dogs went 1 for 3 on the power play while the Capitals went 1 for 6.

With the win the Dogs have clinched a Playoff spot, and now sit tied for third place in the Island Division. They are next in action Friday night in Victoria.

Bulldogs visit Capitals tonight at Big Stick, Frank Slubowski interview


It's the eight and final meeting of the Regular Season between these teams as the "Battle of the Valleys" goes again tonight as the Bulldogs (24-20-2-3, 4th Island) visit the Capitals (19-28-2-2, 5th Island) at the Big Stick at the Island Savings Centre in Duncan.

It goes without saying that this is a giant four point Divisional contest, with the Caps on the outside of the Playoff picture and looking in up at the Bulldogs. Plain and simple, the Bulldogs have to raise their level of desperation to match the Capitals as I'm betting they are looking at this one like a Game 7 win or go home game. It pretty much is - a Bulldog regulation win and the Caps can't catch them in the standings.

The Bulldogs lead the season series with a 4-2-0-1 record head-to-head against the Capitals, but the Capitals have won two of the last three by scores of 5-4 and 3-1 at the Dog Pound. The last time the teams met in Duncan saw the Dogs dig out of a 2-0 hole late in the third period to tie it up, with the game ending in a 2-2 draw. The Big Stick is always a tough place to play, but the Dogs have had success visiting it this year, going unbeaten with a 2-0-1-0 record. All of the above of course means nothing once the puck drops tonight.

The Capitals were last in action Saturday night at home where they snapped a two game losing streak with a 5-3 win over the Vernon Vipers. The Bulldogs were at home on Sunday afternoon where they won their second in a row, 3-0 over the league leading Penticton Vees.


Don't miss a second of the action with myself and Dan Tisserand bringing it all to you on Pacific Chevrolet Bulldogs Hockey on 93.3 The Peak FM with the pregame show taking to the airwaves at 6:45 with the play-by-play and team and player stats all to follow at 7:00.

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 Frank Slubowski, currently playing in his Senior year at the NCAA's University of Western Michigan Broncos. Frank played parts of three seasons with the Bulldogs, and was part of the magical 2009-10 season when he was nominated for the BCHL's Coastal Conference Most Valuable Player Award and the BCHL's Rookie of the Year Award. He was named the Bulldogs team MVP of 2010-2011.

Hammer