Bulldogs Year End Awards Banquet

Great job by everyone organizing the season ending banquet last night. Always bittersweet to end the season but also look back on the year that was. 

Accept my apologies, as I took pictures of every single individual award winner with their trophy and the Coaches but the blog apparently has eaten them somewhere into cyber space. I tried to publish this initially from the Rugby Club immediately at the conclusion of the final award last night but with just a single bar of cell service it wouldn't work...I even stuck my arm outside when the Captains were talking to try that, to no avail! 

Rookie of the Year

Nathan Dingmann 

Top Scorer

Chris Schutz 

Most Improved Player

Tristan Bukovec

Academic Player - High School

Cayden Kraus

Academic Player - College 

Quinn Syrydiuk 95%!

Most Valuable Player 

Chris Schutz 

Most Sportsmanlike Player 

Jordan Sandhu 

Best Defenceman

Garrett Halls 

Community Hero 

Garrett Halls 

Humanitarian Award 

Quinn Syrydiuk 

Unsung Hero 

Eric Margo 

Unsung Hero 

Rick Schievink 

Coaches Award 

Liam Conrad 

Port Alberni Port Authority Fan Choice Award 

Chris Schutz 

20 year olds 

Clippers top Dogs 7-3 to win series in Game 5

Tonight's Game Report is brought to you courtesy of the Best Western Plus Barclay Hotel 

The BEST WESTERN PLUS Barclay Hotel, the largest full facility hotel in Port Alberni, BC. When staying with us there is no need to give up conveniences you are used to. You can discover treasures to take home at the Alberni Harbour Quay, and then browse our onsite Cold Beer, Wine Store and liquor store or retreat to our Stamps Cafe or Pastimes Sports Bar and Grill to enjoy a snack or to watch the game on our big screen TV. Then, relax in our sauna or pool before settling in our luxurious accommodations to enjoy the vintage wine picked up earlier. That's when you will truly understand why the tranquil setting of our hotel has been called the perfect place to call home. If traveling on business, our Port Alberni Hotel boasts over 4500 square feet of meeting space in four rooms that are perfect for small conventions, banquets, parties, meetings and weddings. AV equipment and catering are also available.

A fairly tame start to the game, with each side seeming to play it somewhat tight to the vest through the first five minutes. The Clippers would earn the first power play of the game soon afterwards, as Adam Donnelly got rid of the puck and then appeared to take a stick up high that went uncalled before he got caught on a retaliation slash. The Clippers would connect on the advantage when Gavin Gould walked to the top of the right circle and put a cross-ice pass off the back door for Nolan Aibel, who deflected it on net where it was stopped by Brody Claeys. He couldn't control it off his pad however, as it went across the crease where it was jammed in by Chris Dodero to make it 1-0 at 10:12 of the first. The Dogs had a good chance to tie the game soon afterwards, but Evan Johnson came up with a pad stop on a Ryan Finnegan deflection attempt on a nice pass to the net by Nathan Dingmann. The Clippers would race up ice and catch the Dogs on a 3 on 1 rush, with Brody Claeys going post to post to rob Chris Dodero on a pretty set up cross-ice by Nolan Aibel. The Clippers would take a 2-0 lead two minutes later, with the Bulldogs having control of the puck in their zone but being unable to make an outlet pass before turning it over as it came to the net front where Devin Brosseau was stopped initially by Claeys, but Sheldon Rempal was there to bang the rebound home to make it 2-0 at 16:17 of the first and into the second. Shots favoured the Clippers 13-5 through the first.

The Bulldogs failed to connect on back-to-back power play chances to start the second, but kept up the pressure a couple minutes later to get on the board and make a game of it at the end of a long containment shift in the Clipper zone by Eric Margo, Tristan Bukovec and Brandon McReynolds finally saw the puck knocked loose to the slot where Eric Margo snapped it home long side under the arm of Johnson. No assists were given on the play, but it certainly looked like both Bukovec and McReynolds deserved one, as it was a 2-1 game at 5:19 of the second. The Bulldogs couldn't build on the momentum however, as just a minute and change later the Clippers went to the power play where they again connected on it as Will Reilly took a backdoor pass from Sheldon Rempal and put a perfect top corner, short-side high finish past Claeys. Yanni Kaldis also drew an assist on it at 8:07 of the second to make it 3-1. Just two minute and change later it was a 4-1 game as the Clippers connected on a 2 on 1 rush as Nolan Aibel walked down the left wing and into the top of the circle and snapped it home long-side low. Gavin Gould and Yanni Kaldis picked up the helpers at 11:26 of the second. The Clippers would earn another power play almost immediately afterwards, when it looked to me that Nolan Aibel hit Quinn Syrydiuk onto Evan Johnson yet Syrydiuk was whistled for goalie interference. The Clippers took advantage of it for the third straight time in the game as Brody Claeys made the initial save but Devin Brosseau chipped the rebound up and over him from just outside the crease to make it 5-1, with the assists to Sheldon Rempal and Matt Hoover at 13:25 of the second. Another 2 on 1 rush made it a 6-1 lead with 2:07 to play in the period as a head-man pass was picked up by Corey Renwick who was allowed to walk right in to the left faceoff dot where he ripped one home top corner, far-side over the shoulder of Brody Claeys. The goal wasn't un-assisted, but that was the official scoring play. The Clippers out outshot the Dogs 14-11 in the period, for a two period advantage of 27-17.

The Bulldogs showed no quit despite the dire circumstances to start the third period, connecting on the power play before the period was a minute old as Nathan Dingmann put a pass into the left corner for Ryan Finnegan, who walked to the net before putting a cross-crease pass that went through the feet of Adam Donnelly. Paul Meyer would find it at the right wing and blindly spin and fire a wrist shot that beat a screened Johnson high short-side to make it a 6-2 game at 50 seconds of the third. The Bulldogs would chase the game, but show no quit throughout as they made it a 6-3 game with just over ten minutes to play while shorthanded as Liam Conrad stole the puck at the Clipper line where Tristan Bukovec walked down the left wing and made a quick series of head fakes before snapping one home top corner, short-side over the blocker of Johnson at 9:29 of the third. The Dogs again couldn't build on the momentum though, as before the penalty was over the Clippers scored their fourth power play goal of the game when a Kale Bennett shot from the left point was stopped by Carson Schamerhorn - who came off the bench to start the third, but he couldn't control the rebound as it went cross-crease where Nolan Aibel hammered it home for his second of the game and the eventual 7-3 final score. Gavin Gould also drew an assist on the play at 10:25 of the third. There was further fireworks with just under three minutes to play as the Dogs saw a glimmer of hope after earning a two-minute 5 on 3 power play when Sheldon Rempal took a Garrett Halls hit that he didn't like, chasing down Halls and slashing him drawing a delayed penalty. He would again go at Halls after the whistle and throw a pretty ugly head-high cross-check, with Devin Brosseau also coming in to cross-check Halls after the whistle up high breaking his stick in the process. The Bulldogs would pull their goalie to make it a rare 6 on 3 power play, but despite several loose pucks around the net they couldn't get anything to go as time expired.

Third period shots favoured the Bulldogs 11-8, with the Clippers leading the game at 35-27. Evan Johnson picked up the win while Brody Claeys took the loss playing 40 minutes. Special teams were all over the board - the Bulldogs went 1 for 4 on the power play while also scoring once while shorthanded, while the Clippers went a lethal 4 for 6.

With the win the Clippers take the series in five games and the Bulldog season is over. The Clippers will take on Powell River or Cowichan in the Island Final series.

Further thank yous and a closing on the blog will come in the next while - for now, I'm dreading the void that will exist with a lack of hockey, and the blog and the broadcasts. It's a big adjustment. I will strive to fill it with my family and friends!

Thanks to everyone that supports the blog, the team and the broadcasts. You are my motivation to keep on plugging to keep up the standard I've set here and on the air.

Hammer

Bulldogs visit Clippers tonight for must win Game 5, Brian Stewart interview

After a much needed day off yesterday, it's back to action in this Island Division Semi Final series as the Bulldogs visit the Clippers tonight at the Frank Crane Arena for Game five, as they fight to keep their season alive and earn another chance to play at home and force a sixth game tomorrow night at the Dog Pound.

The Clippers took a 3-1 series lead with their third straight win by a 3-1 score Wednesday night at the Dog Pound.

While the Bulldogs 2-1 win here in Game one is a postitive point of reference, it's a distant memory by now. Having said that, the past three Clipper victories are just that - in the past. The Bulldogs need to forget the scenario that exists with the big picture, and focus instead on just the task at hand.

All the cliches can be brought out of course. Backs against the wall. Do or die. Win or go home, or - win AND go home for Game six.

With the history that exists between the teams going back to last year, you can bet that the Bulldogs won't be sneaking up on the Clippers as they attempt to stage another comeback this year. They will need to be at their absolute best in all fundemantals in the game, and all the facets out of the game as well. When your season is on the line, your will is going to be no doubt tested. It's hard to not see the end and think of it, but it's important that the Dogs only use it as motivation to keep playing.

About the previous history if anyone has forgotten or is unaware - the Bulldogs were down last year 3-0 in the series, and down two goals with two minutes to play in Game 4 at home. They tied it, and won it in overtime to stay alive. They went to Nanaimo and won a Game 5 to force a Game 6 at home. They won that one too, and took Game 7 to the final ten minutes tied at 1-1. You just must believe, and refuse to quit.

We'll bring the game to you on Van Isle Ford Bulldogs Hockey tonight starting with the pregame show at 6:45 with the puck drop and play-by-play to follow at 7:00pm on 93.3 The Peak FM. Bruce MacDonald provides the colour and analysis with Dan Tisserand compiling team and game statistics while I call the play-by-play.

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

Listening Live on your computer: 93.3 The Peak FM
Listening Live on your smartphone: Tune In Radio
Watching Live on your computer/smartphone: Fast Hockey 

Tonight's 2nd Intermission guest is former Bulldog Brian Stewart, who is currently playing in his second season with the Coventry Blaze of the Elite Ice Hockey League

Brian only spent one year with the Bulldogs in 2005-2006, but it was a memorable one as the team had a franchise record 20 game winning streak during the season that no one will certainly ever forget!

Hammer

Clippers take 3-1 series lead with 3-1 Game 4 win

Tonight's Game Report is brought to you courtesy of the Best Western Plus Barclay Hotel 

The BEST WESTERN PLUS Barclay Hotel, the largest full facility hotel in Port Alberni, BC. When staying with us there is no need to give up conveniences you are used to. You can discover treasures to take home at the Alberni Harbour Quay, and then browse our onsite Cold Beer, Wine Store and liquor store or retreat to our Stamps Cafe or Pastimes Sports Bar and Grill to enjoy a snack or to watch the game on our big screen TV. Then, relax in our sauna or pool before settling in our luxurious accommodations to enjoy the vintage wine picked up earlier. That's when you will truly understand why the tranquil setting of our hotel has been called the perfect place to call home. If traveling on business, our Port Alberni Hotel boasts over 4500 square feet of meeting space in four rooms that are perfect for small conventions, banquets, parties, meetings and weddings. AV equipment and catering are also available.

A good start for the Clippers, while the Bulldogs looked tight out of the gate. The Clippers ran up an early 7-2 lead in shots, and had a good amount of solid chances in tight on Brody Claeys that he turned aside, most notably on Sheldon Rempal just a minute into the game as he made a Bulldog defender miss before dancing in on goal. The Bulldogs would push back and get their feet under them as the period wore on, but were unable to generate any Grade A scoring chances although they did have a few rebound opportunities but unfortunately no support in the neighborhood to capitalize on it. The Clippers would take a 1-0 lead just over thirteen minutes into the game in somewhat controversial fashion as a cross-crease pass was knocked down at the back door by Troy MacTavish. In the process of going post to post, Brody Claeys would clearly knock the net off - unintentionally,  by a couple of inches before the puck went in the net. The goal would still stand however, despite Referee Hasret Sidhu being directly in front of the dislodged post. There would be no complaints from the Bulldog side of the puck. Lucas Finner would draw the only assist on it at 13:49 of the first. The Clippers would appear to have possibly gone ahead three minutes later on a net drive, but again when pushing off the net came off and if the puck indeed went in, this time it was waved off. Shots favoured the Clippers 15-11 through 20 minutes.

The Bulldogs had a good initial push into the offensive zone to start the second, but the Clippers pushed right back and won a series of draws to run up a 6-0 edge in shots before the period was three minutes old. The Dogs would bend and not break, and went end-to-end and tied the game as Ryan Finnegan fired a cross ice pass out of the left corner to Troy Dobbs at the top of the right circle. He would fire a slap shot on net through traffic that was stopped by Evan Johnson, but he couldn't control the rebound as Adam Donnelly batted it home from in tight to make it a 1-1 game at 3:36 of the second. On the next sequence Chris Schutz would put a shot on net from the right circle and stumble upon it's release and fall over top of a fallen Kale Bennett. With Schutz on his knees into the end boards, Bennett would get back to his feet and his Schutz twice from behind into the wall. Jordan Sandhu would come to his defence, and hit Bennett from behind. Sandhu would draw an initial minor on the play, that was later changed to a major while Kale Bennett drew a minor for roughing. It didn't stay four-aside for long however, as less than a minute later Yanni Kaldis drew a goalie interference call on a net drive. On the delayed penalty the Bulldogs raced up ice on a 3 on 1 rush where Evan Johnson made a beautiful save going from his left to right to rob Chris Schutz with his blocker on a one-timer that appeared to be labelled top corner, short-side. The Bulldogs would have several great looks on the short 4 on 3 power play, but couldn't find the net before then killing off the remaining two minutes plus of the major penalty. The Clippers would take a 2-1 lead late in the period, again in controversial fashion as Rhett Willcox took an errant stick high in the face from Sheldon Rempal that neither of the Officials saw, or chose to call. With Willcox doubled over checking his chicklets, Sean Buchanan would walk in tight to the left side of the net and snap a wrist shot top corner, long-side over the glove of Claeys. Sheldon Rempal drew the only assist on it at 15:32 of the second for a 2-1 Nanaimo lead after two periods. Shots favoured the Bulldogs 14-13 in the period, for a 28-25 Clipper lead after 40.

The third period would start with the Bulldogs on the power play, but it didn't last long as the centre ice Official would call a tripping penalty on a battle behind the Nanaimo net, no where near the standard that the players had come to expect with how the first 40 minutes of the game were called - or not called, perhaps. In the end it would be a big call as seconds later it was a 3-1 game as a Bulldogs defender walked deep and turned it over, and the back-check wasn't near good enough as Nolan Aibel walked to the net down the right wing on a 2 on 1 and delayed before snapping it through the legs of Claeys. Assists on the play went to Sean Buchanan and Yanni Kaldis at 1:38 of the third. The Bulldogs would kill off the penalty to keep in the game, and then another penalty kill on another call that defied the standard or lack thereof on an Eric Margo hit. They were handed another penalty at the midway point of the period, and yet again came up with a kill to stay alive, with Brody Claeys coming up with a desperation cross-crease diving save to keep his team within two goals. The Bulldogs would earn a power play with six minutes in change to play on a hit that truth be told didn't appear to be worthy of a penalty either. They were unable to generate much, with the Clippers deserving some credit but the Bulldogs also making poor decisions and failing to win any battles to give them a chance to work the puck in the zone. The Bulldogs would gamble with just over three minutes to play and pull their goalie with an attacking zone draw but the Clippers would continue to shut them down and the Dogs continued to struggle to get any momentum as the game ended in a 3-1 final.

Third period shots favoured the Clippers 14-4 for a game total of 42-29 with Evan Johnson picking up the win while Brody Claeys took the loss. The Dogs went 0 for 3 on the power play while the Clippers went 0 for 4.

With the win, the Clippers take a 3-1 series lead and have a chance to advance Friday night when they host Game 5, as the Bulldogs will fight to keep their season alive and force a Game 6 back at the Dog Pound on Saturday night.

Bulldogs host Clippers tonight, Marcello Ranallo interview

It's right back at it for both sides tonight for Game 4 of this best-of-seven series as the Bulldogs again host the Clippers at the Dog Pound. 

The Bulldogs trail for the first time in the series, and the Clippers lead it for the first time after a 3-2 win last night in overtime

It will be interesting to see how the Bulldogs react to the situation of trailing for the series for the first time. I was somewhat expecting that they might have been tight and feeling the nerves making their home debut last night, but they certainly didn't look that way out of the gate or throughout the game. No doubt playing in the pressure filled games down the stretch in just making the playoffs has helped them in that regard. Here's hoping that they can feed off the pressure and use it as motivation for that extra little bit to push them over the top to even the series tonight and force a Game 6 back at the Dog Pound on Saturday night. Getting off to a good start - not just in how they play but on the scoreboard - will no doubt go a long way. Last night marked the third game in a row in the Dog Pound going back to the regular season that the Clippers jumped out to multi-goal leads in the first period of play. That's a good recipe for success, and a tough way to win, although it was nice to see the Dogs fight back to even the score and give themselves a chance. 

There's plenty of things that could be improved upon and tweaked, but the easiest answer to where the Dogs need to be better would be on the special teams situations. They won game one of the series, and won the special teams battle scoring on the power play and going perfect on the penalty kill. They lost the special teams battle over the last two games, and it played a big part in the final score. I thought they made some positive steps on the power play last night, and their kill looked especially solid at key moments. Having said all of the above, nothing in the past means absolutely anything come puck drop tonight. It should be another fun one to watch in what's always a fantastic atmosphere. 

All the action from the Dog Pound can be heard on your trusty radio and also your computer or smartphone on Pacific Chevrolet Bulldogs Hockey on 93.3 The Peak, with the preagame show kicking off the broadcast at 6:45 and the game action to follow at approximately 7:00pm. Myself, Dan Tisserand and Bruce MacDonald comprise the broadcast crew as Bruce provides the colour and analysis while Dan compiles team and player stats and I call the play-by-play. 

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

Listening Live on your computer: 93.3 The Peak FM
Listening Live on your smartphone: Tune In Radio
Watching Live on your computer/smartphone: Fast Hockey 

Tonight's 2nd Intermission guest is former Bulldog Marcello Ranallo, who is currently playing in Italy's Serie A with Cortina SG after a four year NCAA career with UConn.

Marcello is in a unique role, as he is not only playing but also coaching Cortina's Junior team.

Hammer

Clippers take 2-1 series lead with 3-2 overtime win.

Tonight's Game Report is brought to you courtesy of the Best Western Plus Barclay Hotel 

The BEST WESTERN PLUS Barclay Hotel, the largest full facility hotel in Port Alberni, BC. When staying with us there is no need to give up conveniences you are used to. You can discover treasures to take home at the Alberni Harbour Quay, and then browse our onsite Cold Beer, Wine Store and liquor store or retreat to our Stamps Cafe or Pastimes Sports Bar and Grill to enjoy a snack or to watch the game on our big screen TV. Then, relax in our sauna or pool before settling in our luxurious accommodations to enjoy the vintage wine picked up earlier. That's when you will truly understand why the tranquil setting of our hotel has been called the perfect place to call home. If traveling on business, our Port Alberni Hotel boasts over 4500 square feet of meeting space in four rooms that are perfect for small conventions, banquets, parties, meetings and weddings. AV equipment and catering are also available.

After four whistles through the first minute of the game, the next five or six was a pleasure to watch, with the teams going end to end and the whistles few and far between. The Bulldogs would have a couple good looks around the Nanaimo net on rebounds, but they couldn't convert on them. They would earn the first power play chance of the game and have early control in the zone, but it would end up in the back of their net soon afterwards as Spencer Hewson did a great job to battle the puck out of the zone and into the Bulldog end. Brody Claeys would start to race out after it, then stop. He would then start to go again, before retreating again but in doing so he got caught in no-mans-land between the hashmarks and his crease as Yanni Kaldis drove wide to lift it in short-side high to make it 1-0 at 7:09 of the first. No assist was given on the play, but Hewson certainly deserved one. The Clippers would earn a power play four minutes later, and connected on it with a pretty set up as Sheldon Rempal put a cross-ice pass from the right wing half wall cross ice to the top of the left circle for Yanni Kaldis. He would put it rink wide off the net and onto the tape of Devin Brosseau, who tipped it perfectly top corner, far-side over the glove of Claeys to make it 2-0 at 11:37 of the first. The Bulldogs would push back and get the critical next goal, after a long dust up on a rebound at the Nanaimo net resulted in offsetting penalties. Chris Schutz would lose the draw, but fought through with a great effort to retain possession for Jordan Sandhu on the right wing wall. He put a pass to the top of the point for Owen Johnson, who put a quick release wrist shot low and off the net long-side where it was tipped in by Tristan Bukovec to make it a 2-1 game at 14:38 of the first. Shots in the period were even at 12-12.

The Bulldogs had a fantastic start to the second, racing out of the gate and putting up a 5-0 shots on goal advantage and putting a solid push on that saw them spend an extended period in the Nanaimo end. Unfortunately, they couldn't find the net while also taking a penalty at the end of the sequence. They would come up with a solid kill however to keep within one. The Bulldogs would draw back to back power play opportunities in the back half of the period, but they not only failed to score they weren't able to generate much in the way of opportunities to gain much in the way of momentum. The Clippers would earn a double minor with just 1.9 seconds to play in the period when Sheldon Rempal was high sticked and the Officials took a long look at him before deciding that blood had been drawn. Shots in the period favoured the Bulldogs 11-8, for a two period advantage of 23-20.

The Bulldogs would come up with a solid penalty kill on the double minor to start the third, with a series of good shot blocks and sticks in passing lanes combined with a great post to post save by Brody Claeys on Matt Hoover to keep it a one goal game. The Bulldogs would earn a power play chance later in the frame and failed to capitalize on it, but looked better than they had on their previous chances throughout the game. Almost immediately afterwards the Dogs would be sent to the box, but they again  came up with a very solid kill to limit the deficit. That would prove huge, as just 11 seconds later it was a 2-2 game when Eric Margo threw a shot at the net that was blocked, but came back to Dominic Thom at the right point. who fed it to Nathan Dingmann in the right circle, where he threw one on net from a sharp angle. Evan Johnson would make the save, but kick out a big cross-ice rebound onto the tape of Rhett Willcox who snapped it home before Johnson could get over to make it 2-2 at 11:52 of the third. The Clippers would have a handful of great opportunities in the ensuing minutes as the Bulldogs weren't tidy with the puck in their zone, but Brody Claeys came up big and the Clippers failed to capitalize. The Bulldogs would push through the last five minutes, having a couple good looks but being unable to find the net as the game went to sudden death overtime. Third period shots favoured the Bulldogs 13-7 for a 60 minute total of 36-27.

Overtime was played at a high pace through the first 10 minutes, with each team having chances around the net but nothing in the way of glaring chances or odd-man rushes. As the period wore on, it was obvious that the whistle was firmly put away at both ends of the ice. The Clippers would get the winner at 14:01 of overtime when Sheldon Rempal put a puck in deep to the right corner of the Bulldog zone. Two Bulldogs were on the scene, but one had his stick held onto and the other didn't make a good play on the puck as a feed below the goal line to the far side was intercepted and put out to the top of the left circle and onto the tape of Yanni Kaldis who one-timed it home through Claeys for the sudden death victory and the 3-2 final score.

Shots in overtime favoured the Bulldogs 9-6, for a game total in their favour of 45-33 with Brody Claeys taking third star honours while Evan Johnson took second star honours with the win. The Dogs went 0 for 4 on the power play, or -1 for 4 with the shorthanded goal against, while the Clippers went 1 for 5.

With the win the Clippers lead the series for the first time at 2 games to 1. Game four goes tomorrow night at the Dog Pound at 7:00pm.

Hammer

Playoff hockey returns to the Dog Pound, Dogs host Clippers, Eric Therrien interview

It's a pivotal third game of this Best-of-Seven series tonight as playoff hockey returns to the Dog Pound with the Bulldogs hosting the Nanaimo Clippers. 

The series is tied at a game a piece after a 4-0 win by the Clippers in Nanaimo on Sunday night.

Game two was a rough and tumble affair, with the Clippers looking everything like a desperate team not wanting to head on the road down 0-2. At the same time the Bulldogs didn't have the same jump or desperation to match them, that they had in game one. A bounce here or a bounce there, and it could have been different. Coulda, woulda, shoulda, as the saying goes. All that matters is the task at hand and not the previous two games of course. A Bulldog split gives them home ice advantage and now they need to take advantage of it. You can bet that the Clippers will be motivated and feeling good after evening the series and the Bulldogs will have to raise their level of play another notch if they want to take a 2-1 series lead. 

Tune in to The Peak if you can't make it, or bring you radio with you to the rink to listen while you watch for the best of both worlds. Pacific Chevrolet Bulldogs Hockey is on the air at 6:45 with our pregame show, followed by all the game action just after 7:00pm. I will call the play-by-play while Bruce MacDonald and Dan Tisserand handle the colour/analyis and team and player statistics duties. 

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

Listening Live on your computer: 93.3 The Peak FM
Listening Live on your smartphone: Tune In Radio
Watching Live on your computer/smartphone: Fast Hockey 

Tonight's 2nd Intermission guest is former Bulldog Eric Therrien, who just finished his Sophomore season with the NCAA's Concordia University of Wisconsin Falcons. 

Eric was acquired by the Bulldogs mid-season last year from the AJHL, and while he didn't put up numbers in the regular season - just one goal - but it was obvious to me at least that he played the game the right way and would be an asset come playoff time. Sure enough, he was a big part in the Dogs stretching their series to a deciding seventh game, scoring three times. He's also an interesting story as before he played a game at the Dog Pound, he had the opportunity to see it at it's absolute best as he attended a game during the Bulldogs 2013 Island Championship season with Connor LaCouvee. They almost weren't able to as when they called for tickets they were informed that the game was sold right out - only in Alberni. As luck would have it they managed to get in touch with Ryan Lough who managed to score them a couple tickets, in opposite ends of the rink, two of the last remaining ones! 

Here's a beauty Eric scored in the playoffs last year

Hammer

Clippers score twice late to top Dogs 4-0, tie series at 1-1

Tonight's Game Report is brought to you courtesy of the Best Western Plus Barclay Hotel 

The BEST WESTERN PLUS Barclay Hotel, the largest full facility hotel in Port Alberni, BC. When staying with us there is no need to give up conveniences you are used to. You can discover treasures to take home at the Alberni Harbour Quay, and then browse our onsite Cold Beer, Wine Store and liquor store or retreat to our Stamps Cafe or Pastimes Sports Bar and Grill to enjoy a snack or to watch the game on our big screen TV. Then, relax in our sauna or pool before settling in our luxurious accommodations to enjoy the vintage wine picked up earlier. That's when you will truly understand why the tranquil setting of our hotel has been called the perfect place to call home. If traveling on business, our Port Alberni Hotel boasts over 4500 square feet of meeting space in four rooms that are perfect for small conventions, banquets, parties, meetings and weddings. AV equipment and catering are also available.

After a high paced start to game one, game two was a little slower from the outset but the Clippers put on an obvious push as the period got going that the Bulldogs did a good job to hold off and then push back against. The game was somewhat nasty with numerous multiple player skirmishes breaking out at a couple of instances through the first half of the first. Brody Claeys would make a great defensive play with his stick to block a centering pass on what would have been a glorious chance. At the other end Evan Johnson would come up with a huge save on a Nathan Dingmann drive to the net on a beautiful set up by Quinn Syrydiuk. Later in the period Syrydiuk would throw what appeared to be a good check on Gavin Gould, who did a good job to sell it and draw a penalty. The Clippers would take advantage, going up 1-0 on a backdoor set up that was one-timed home by Will Reilly past a sliding Brody Claeys who read it well but just couldn't get a piece of it. Sheldon Rempal and Matt Hoover also drew the assists on it at 13:38 of the first. The Clippers pushed to try and build the lead, but the Dogs again did a good job to withstand the pressure and push back, with Dingmann having another great chance set up by Ryan Finnegan that Johnson made a good blocker save on to keep it 1-0 Clippers after one, with the shots in Nanaimio favouring the Clippers 13-7.

The second period brought about from the outset more of the chippy play that was prevalent in the first in the early stages. A Bulldog power play generated chances, but failed to connect before Nathan Dingmann was sent to the box bringing about half a minute of four-aside hockey before a successful Bulldog penalty kill. The Clippers would however go up 2-0 on the rush when a Bulldog defender appeared to make a great play to break up a rink-wide pass, only to have it go off his stick and right back onto the stick of Chris Dodero who potted it into the open side at 7:30 of the second. The goal was unassisted. The Bulldogs showed good resolve to again push back after the goal, and generated a series of chances to gain some momentum, the best of which that saw Chris Sarault be stopped by Evan Johnson who went post to post to rob him on an empty net after giving up a juicy rebound. The Bulldogs pushed through the latter stages of the period, but were unable to get on the board before taking an after the whistle penalty that they killed off to keep within two after two periods. The Dogs out shot the Clippers 14-7 in the period, for a 21-20 lead after 40 minutes.

The Bulldogs were unable to muster much of a push through the first half of the third period, with Brody Claeys coming up with a couple big saves on both Matt Hoover in tight and Gavin Gould from the slot wide open to keep it a 2-0 score through the midway point of the period. The Bulldogs would push hard out of the media time out and have two great chances at the net, first on a 2 on 1 rush where a backdoor pass went over a stick. On the following sequence Eric Margo would walk behind the net and have Evan Johnson swimming out of position before putting it back to the line where Garrett Halls one-timed it either off Johnson or a Clipper defender as it stayed out. The Bulldogs would earn a power play on a high stick on Ryan Finnegan at centre ice with just under six minutes to play, but unfortunately missed out on getting a 5 on 3 power play when off the following faceoff a Clipper defender high sticked Finnegan again, this time drawing blood which was undetected by all four officials. The Dogs couldn`t generate a Grade A chance on the power play, and the Clippers would seal the deal soon afterwards when a long pass by Kale Bennett was knocked down at the right wing at the Bulldog line by Sheldon Rempal, who fought it by a Bulldog defender and over the line up the right wing where he snapped a shot low, short-side past the glove of Claeys to make it 3-0 with 2:44 to play. The Bulldogs would pull their goalie for the extra attacker with a minute to go, but were unable to gain the zone and get set up. Garrett Halls would intercept the puck in his own zone, but unfortunately put it on the tape of Matt Hoover who snapped it immediately into the empty net. It appeared that it should have been an unassisted goal with Bulldog possession immediately to the goal scorer, but both Sheldon Rempal and Devin Brosseau were given helpers on it at 19:23 of the third for the eventual 4-0 final.

Third period shots favoured the Clippers 15-5 for a game total favouring Nanaimo of 35-26. Brody Claeys took the loss but was solid in earning second star of the game honours while Evan Johnson took first star honours with the win. The Dogs went 0 for 3 on the power play while the Clippers went 1 for 4.

The series is now tied at 1-1, with Games 3 and 4 at the Dog Pound on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Hammer

Bulldogs visit Clippers tonight for Game 2

It's game two of this best of seven Island Division Semi Final series as the Bulldogs visit the Clippers tonight at the Frank Crane Arena.

Sunday night sure seems a bit odd, or is it just me? It's Playoffs - everything is a bit different I guess, as any regular season game on a Sunday was most often at 2:00pm, however the Bulldogs did play 4:00 and 5:00 games this season on Sundays in Surrey and Chilliwack respectively. In the end, this game could be at 1:00am and the time doesn't matter of course!

The Bulldogs take a 1-0 series lead into play tonight after a 2-1 win in Nanaimo on Friday night.

When you are the underdog starting a series, the goal is to get a split on the road. After you win game one, you need to change you goals a bit. The Dogs have a 1-0 series lead, but they haven't accomplished anything yet. You can bet that the Clippers might be feeling a bit of pressure after dropping game one, and the Bulldogs will need to be ready to match the desperation that will no doubt come with that. It might be an over simplification, but the Dogs need to want to head home up 2-0 more than the Clippers don't want to head to the Dog Pound down 0-2.

The Dogs won the special teams battle in game one, a big part in the final result. They need to avoid some of the undisciplined penalties they took in Game 1, as giving the Clippers power play chances they don't necessarily earn is a dangerous game to play.

Don't miss any of the action and be sure to tune in to 93.3 The Peak's Bulldogs Hockey brought to you by Van Isle Ford with the pregame show on the air at 6:45 and the puck drop scheduled for 7:00pm. Dan Tisserand compiles and provides team and player stats, Bruce MacDonald provides the colour and analysis and I call the play-by-play.

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

Listening Live on your computer: 93.3 The Peak FM
Listening Live on your smartphone: Tune In Radio
Watching Live on your computer/smartphone: Fast Hockey 

Tonight's 2nd Intermission guest is Bulldog Captain Eric Margo, in the form of an interview that aired yesterday morning on TSN 1040 and TSN 1410 in Vancouver on the season-ending edition of the BCHL This Week Radio show.

Hammer

Dogs top Clippers 2-1, lead best of seven 1-0

Today's Game Report is brought to you courtesy of the Best Western Plus Barclay Hotel 

The BEST WESTERN PLUS Barclay Hotel, the largest full facility hotel in Port Alberni, BC. When staying with us there is no need to give up conveniences you are used to. You can discover treasures to take home at the Alberni Harbour Quay, and then browse our onsite Cold Beer, Wine Store and liquor store or retreat to our Stamps Cafe or Pastimes Sports Bar and Grill to enjoy a snack or to watch the game on our big screen TV. Then, relax in our sauna or pool before settling in our luxurious accommodations to enjoy the vintage wine picked up earlier. That's when you will truly understand why the tranquil setting of our hotel has been called the perfect place to call home. If traveling on business, our Port Alberni Hotel boasts over 4500 square feet of meeting space in four rooms that are perfect for small conventions, banquets, parties, meetings and weddings. AV equipment and catering are also available.

A pretty good start to the game from both sides, with a high pace and none of the feeling out process. The Bulldogs had a couple of good looks early, before the Clippers had a couple good chances with Sheldon Rempal missing an open net on a back door set up, and Paul Meyer making a great stick save on the goal line on an open net on a 2 on 1 set up for Chris Dodero. Jordan Sandhu would get a wrist shot through Evan Johnson, but it sat just off the goal line before being cleared by the Clipper defence to keep it scoreless. The Bulldogs would generate a handful of glorious chances through the midway point of the period, but on repeated instances failed to hit the net. The Bulldogs would continue to press, and took a 1-0 lead on a beautiful backdoor set up by Nathan Dingmann, who took a pass from Marshall Skapski and walked the puck through centre and over the Clipper line up the right side where he stopped on the halfboards before snapping a cross ice pass onto the tape of Ryan Finnegan at the back door where he one-timed it through a valiant attempt by Johnson at 14:15 of the first. The Dogs would fail to score despite several good looks on a power play chance immediately afterwards, but they earned another power play before the period was out and connected on it when Nathan Dingmann took a pass from Paul Meyer and walked to the net through the right side of the slot and threw a puck at the net that deflected off a defender's stick and onto the tape of Ryan Finnegan who snapped it into the open side before Johnson could get over to make it 2-0 at 19:11 of the first. The Dogs out shot the Clippers 13-6 in the first.

The Clippers earned a power play early in the second period to try and get back into it, but the Bulldogs came up with a solid kill to protect their lead. Another opportunity soon afterwards again went Nanaimo's way, but again the Bulldog penalty killers didn't give up much. The Bulldogs would continue to push, spending extended periods of time in the Nanaimo end and generating good chances but being unable to capitalize on them. The period would turn near the end of it, with a series of questionable calls from the Referees having an impact on the game. A delayed penalty was coming to Nanaimo, and during the net drive Dominic Thom was attempting to go to the net where he was interfered with by Will Reilly. Thom would respond with some punches, and Reilly would retaliate with punches. The only penalty would somehow go to Thom. The Clippers would get on the board immediately afterwards when Sheldon Rempal kept the puck in at the line and walked into the top of the right circle where he blew a high slap shot past the glove of Claeys. Kale Bennett would draw an assist on the play at 19:14 of the second. On the next sequence on a Bulldog net drive Liam Conrad would fail to touch anyone, and at the whistle draw a punch to the head that knocked his helmet off. Somehow, Conrad would draw the only penalty. Trust me, I'd rather not have to talk about penalties or Officiating but when it's called as these sequences were it can't be ignored. Just 10 seconds into the power play Brody Claeys would make a solid save going across the crease to rob Sheldon Rempal. A full out rodeo would break out when Rempal slashed at Claeys with the puck not appearing to be loose. The calls would be even, with Devin Brosseau and Quinn Syrydiuk drawing the only minors. Shots in the period favoured the Bulldogs 10-6 for a two period advantage of 23-12.

The Dogs would kill off the remainder of the penalty to start the third period, and protected the lead to the midway point of the period when they had to come up with another kill after Owen Johnson took a shot while low to the ice that knocked his helmet off his head. Dominic Thom would then get caught hacking Sheldon Rempal away from the puck at centre ice seconds later, but again the Dogs came up with a big kill to protect the lead. The Clippers would have to Grade A chances the rest of the way to get the equalizer, with Brody Claeys first robbing Matt Hoover from in the paint on a bank pass from behind the goal line that he got his left toe on. Claeys would then come up with a game saver in the late minutes on Sheldon Rempal at the door step when the Bulldogs defence inexplicably both drove the net on the rush and gave up the 2 on 1 rush at the other end where Claeys went post to post to get his left heel low on the ice to keep it out. The Dogs would kill a big minute late in the game in the Clippers zone with Jordan Sandhu doing a fantastic job battling against Kale Bennett to keep the puck in the corner on back to back instances where Tristan Bukovec just kept putting it deep. With 46 seconds on the clock, neither team would call a time out. The Clippers would then call time out with 24 seconds left and a faceoff in the Dogs end. Adam Donnelly would win it to the half wall, where Chris Schutz would attempt to clear it before having his stick slashed clear out of his hands by Devin Brosseau resulting in a penalty to the Clipper captain and a faceoff in the Nanaimo end to seal the deal.

Third period shots favoured the Bulldogs 9-8 for a game total in their favour of 32-20 with Brody Claeys picking up the win in net while Evan Johnson took the loss. The Dogs went 1 for 3 on the power play while the Clippers went 0 for 5.

Game two goes Sunday night in Nanaimo at 7:00.

Hammer