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Please visit the links and support my friends and supporters!!!

Wednesday, November 30, 2016

VIDEO: Bulldogs 2 Clippers 1 in OT

Someone requested this in the blog comments. Thanks for the motivation. 

Enjoy. 

Hammer


Dogs stretch points streak to four with 2-1 overtime win over Clippers




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 slow and sloppy start to the game, with neither side looking especially sharp. The Clippers were awarded an early power play, but the Dogs killed it off without allowing a shot. The period remained somewhat flat until the midway point of the first, but the Clippers all of a sudden had three fantastic back to back chances as Brody Claeys was rock solid in robbing Matt Creamer with his glove on a wide-open one-timer from the slot. The Dogs would push back when they earned their first power play of the game, but despite some crisp puck movement they couldn't generate a Grade A chance on net. The Clippers had another solid chance with two minutes and change to go in the first on a scramble in tight immediately after a faceoff win in the Dogs end, but Claeys got his right toe out in desperation to rob Adam Donnelly on a scramble. The Dogs had a good attacking zone foray in the final minute of the period, but again couldn't find the net as the period ended 0-0. Shots favoured Nanaimo 9-8.

The second period continued to play out somewhat like the first, with neither team controlling the better of the play or generating much in the way of shots. The Dogs had a solid chance on a 3 on 2 created by Trevor Cosgrove pushing the pace and working a give and go in tight, but the shot was blocked in the slot. The Clippers would go up ice and simply get the puck to the net to open the scoring, as Adam Pilotte kept the puck in at the right point, before going D-to-D across the line to Taylor Karel. He would put a waist-high shot at the net, that was deflected in over the shoulder of Brody Claeys by Jake Harris at 9:03 of the second. The Bulldogs would generate a couple good looks through the back half of the period, most notably on the rush, but they couldn't cash in as it stayed 1-0 Clippers through 40 minutes. Shots in the period were 11-7 Nanaimo for a 20-15 Clippers advantage after two periods.

The Bulldogs would push hard early in the third, and after a couple opportunities around the Nanaimo net finally capitalized as Darren Rizzolo fired a shot at the net from the left point. It was deflected on goal by Trevor Cosgrove and initially stopped, but Tristan Bukovec out fought a Clipper defender at the side of the net to throw it to the top of the crease where Jordan Sandhu slid it home to tie it at 1-1 at 2:53 of the third. The Bulldogs would be penalized immediately afterwards, but again came up with a solid kill to keep it tied. A Bulldog power play soon afterwards was threatening, with some great looks and four shots on net, but they couldn't capitalize. The late moments of the third saw the Bulldogs have some great chances to win it, with Jordan Sandhu creating a great chance in the final two minutes, followed by a mad scramble at the Nanaimo net in the final 30 seconds that saw several bounces somehow stay out. Third period shots favoured the Dogs 9-8 for a 60 minute advantage of 28-24 Clippers.

Overtime wouldn't last long, with the Dogs having possession early, but the Clippers having an odd-man rush that saw Cayden Kraus just backcheck enough to force a shot high and wide. It would rim out of the far corner and up the left wing for Jake Witkowski who pushed the pace and created a 2 on 1 rush where he made a fantastic pass onto the tape of Mackenzie Wight who skated in alone and faked forehand before tucking it across the crease on the backhand for the game winner just 37 seconds into overtime.

Final shots favoured Nanaimo 28-25 with Brody Claeys picking up the win while Evan DeBrouwer taking the loss. The Dogs went 0 for 2 on the power play while the Clippers went 0 for 4.

The Dogs are next in action Friday night in Trail for a 7:30 start.

Hammer

Dogs visit Clippers tonight *6:30 start*


It's the second of seven straight on the road, and the first visit since the opening night of the season to the Frank Crane Arena, as the Bulldogs (7-15-4-1, 5th Island) visit the Clippers (11-14-3-1, 4th Island) tonight in Nanaimo.

The Bulldogs haven't played since last Wednesday, where they ran their points streak to three games with a 3-3 tie in Duncan against the Capitals. The Clippers were last in action Saturday night in Victoria, where they lost their third in a row and saw their winless streak reach eight with a 5-2 loss to the Grizzlies.

This is the fourth head to head meeting this season, with the Bulldogs winning two of three so far, including the most recent meeting 4-3 in double OT at the Dog Pound on November 9th. The Bulldogs won the only meeting so far in Nanaimo, 4-1 on the opening night of the season September 9th.



 If you can't make it to the game, we'll bring it to you on Pacific Chevrolet Bulldogs Hockey on 93.3 The Peak FM, with the pregame show on the air at 6:15 with the puck drop and play-by-play to follow at 6:30. I'll provide the play-by-play, while Dan Tisserand will handle the team and player stats.


The unique start time is due to the Bulldogs immediately departing the Island following the game to make way for Trail, where they begin a three-in-three weekend road trip by visiting the Smoke Eaters Friday night.



Tonight's 2nd Intermission guest is former Bulldog Captain Tryg Strand, playing his third season already with the CIS's University of Guelph Gyrphons. Time sure flies, as it feels like Tryg was here just yesterday!




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

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


Hammer


Wednesday, November 23, 2016

Dogs comeback late to tie Caps 3-3, run points streak to three games

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 poor start for the Bulldogs, as they spent the better part of the first two minutes in their end. While they didn't give up much, they were still on their heels. Soon afterwards, an away from the puck shoving match saw the Bulldogs pick up the extra two minutes from the centre ice Referee. The Dogs would get to the final 15 seconds and change on the kill, but the Capitals found the net on a poor clearing attempt that hit Ben Verrall at the right point and bounced across the line and onto the tape of Jarid Domin at the top of the point. He would beat Brody Claeys with a slapper that went off the post and in, blocker side, to make it 1-0 at the 3:53 mark of the first. The Dogs responded well to the goal against, pushing back and getting their feet going to get into the game. They would draw a power play of their own on a nasty hit from behind on Keaton Mastrodonato. The Dogs didn't look especially good on the power play, but still connected with a few seconds remaining in the advantage as Cayden Kraus took a pass from Henry Marshall on the right wing and walked up the wall and across the zone to the slot down the left side where he picked the top corner, far-side over the glove of Lane Michasiw to make it 1-1 at 15:36 of the first with Ryan Steele also drawing an assist. The Dogs were given an almost instantaneous penalty after the goal, but drew an immediate penalty right back to make it four-aside hockey. During that they took a 2-1 lead as Tristan Bukovec banked one off the feet of Lane Michasiw from behind the goal line, unassisted at 16:03. The Capitals would answer back just 57 seconds later however, with Rhett Kingston taking a pass on the rush from Chris Harpur in the left circle, that he ripped top corner, short-side high on Claeys to make it 2-2 at 17:00 of the first with Max Newton also assisting the play. Shots in the period favoured the Capitals 14-7.

After what felt like double the 17 minutes that the intermission is supposed to be due to an on-ice magic show, the second period began with very sloppy play from both sides of the puck as the players were obviously very affected by the delay. As the period wore on, the pace picked up again and each team would have their chances, but neither goalie would be beaten as the score remained 2-2 after 40 minutes. Second period shots favoured the Capitals 10-8, for a game total of 24-15.

The Capitals would take a 3-2 lead before the third was three minutes old, as a Bulldog foward tried to cross the zone and beat two Caps but was stripped of it by Ryan Hogg. He would go to the net and take a feed in the left circle from Alec Zawatsky that he snapped home low, short-side past the blocker of Claeys. Nick Wilson also drew an assist on the play at 2:34 of the third. The pace stayed high through the next ten minutes, but neither goalie blinked when called upon. The whistled appeared to be put away, but they came out with five minutes to go when the Bulldogs were sent to the penalty box. They came up with a solid kill to keep in the game, and seconds later tied it up as Mackenzie Wight stole the puck behind the Capitals net and put a perfect pass to the slot to Henry Marshall, who one-timed it low and inside the far post past Michasiw to tie it at 3-3 with 1:48 to play with Ryan Steele also drawing an assist. Third period shots were even at 7-7 for a 60 minute total of 31-22 Capitals.

The first overtime saw the Dogs have the initial possession and chance, but the Capitals push back with a series of great chances, the most notable coming on a partial 2 on 1 rush where Brody Claeys made the initial save, and two follow up rebound stops to keep the Dogs alive. Shots in the first overtime favoured the Capitals 7-1.

The Dogs had the best chance in the early moments of double OT, with Ryan Steele walking through the defence and through sticks across his arms and in alone on goal where Lane Michasiw just got his right toe on it to keep it out. The Capitals would have a glorious chance on the next sequence, with Max Newton being robbed from the hash-marks by the glove of Claeys. The Dogs had the next best chance as Jordan Sandhu walked in on a partial breakaway that saw Michasiw appear to just get his blocker on a top corner backhand to keep it out as time would expire with neither team able to find the net.

Final shots favoured the Capitals 42-28 with Brody Claeys earning third star honours in picking up the tie with Lane Michasiw. The Dogs went 1 for 4 on the power play while the Capitals went 1 for 5.

The Dogs are next in action next Wednesday when they visit the Clippers in Nanaimo.

Hammer


Dogs visit Caps tonight at the BIG STICK




It's the first trip of the season down to the Big Stick tonight for the Bulldogs (7-15-4-0, 5th Island) as they take on the Cowichan Valley Capitals (13-11-2-1, 3rd Island) for their only game action this week.

It's just the second meeting of the season between the teams, with the Capitals coming out on top in the previous meeting 5-4 in double OT at the Dog Pound on October 21st.

The Dogs were last in action Sunday afternoon at home, where they lost a 5-4 double OT heartbreaker to the Powell River Kings. The Capitals were also last in action Sunday afternoon, where they fell 2-1 to the Vipers in Vernon.

If you're wondering why the Island Savings Centre is called the "Big Stick" - it's home to the world's largest hockey stick - and puck.


Pacific Chevrolet Bulldogs Hockey on 93.3 The Peak FM is on the air at 6:45 for the pregame show, with the puck drop to follow at 7:00pm with myself and Bruce MacDonald bringing the play-by-play, colour and analysis while Dan Tisserand provides the team and player statistics.


Tonight's 2nd Intermission guest is Nanaimo Clippers play-by-play voice Dan Marshall. The Dogs next see action next Wednesday when they visit the Clippers. 


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

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


Hammer

Sunday, November 20, 2016

Dogs comeback late, fall 5-4 to Kings in double OT



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.


As far as starts go, it couldn't be much worse than this one as just 10 seconds into the game the Kings led 1-0. After the initial game opening puck drop was inexplicably restarted. The Kings would find the puck and then force a turnover in the Dogs zone to create an odd-man rush that saw Jonny Evans put a perfect cross-ice pass to Cam Donaldson at the back post where he one-timed it home. Tristan Mullin also drew an assist on the play at :10 of the first. The Kings continued to play with some extra jump, and built up a 2-0 lead at 4:59 of the first when Liam Lawson won a draw in the Dogs end onto the tape of Hunter Findlater who ripped a quick release top corner, far-side over the glove shoulder of Schamerhorn. The Bulldogs fought to get going, with Mackenzie Wight leading the charge by sparking his bench and the building with a couple solid hits. It would be very fitting minutes later as Wight opened the scoring after a shot block by Tristan Bukovec created a 2 on 1 rush and a delayed penalty as he was tripped. Wight would walk down the right wing and in tight where he went top corner, short-side high on Mitch Adamyk for his first career goal at 8:13 of the first. It was a 2-2 game just four minutes later when Tristan Bukovec located a loose puck near the goal line on a faceoff in the Kings end. He would simply throw it on net, where it took a carom off Adamyk and rolled on edge over the goal line. It looked in clear as day from our perspective in the booth, but the Official directly in front of it in perfect position would emphatically wave it off. After a discussion between all four Officials, the call was reversed, and the goal was counted. It appeared that the right call was made in the end, but one can certainly appreciate that the Kings might have had a problem with it as the call would have to have been made by an Official no where near the net. Tristan Bukovec would get credit for it, with assists to Kyle Kaufmann and Braydon Nelson at 12:10. Mere seconds later the Dogs were penalized on a faceoff in their end. The Kings would take the lead back on the advantage on a pretty end to end rush by Carter Turnbull as he picked it up from a teammate behind his net and blazed up the right wing and over the Dogs line before driving the net un touched where he lifted it home over Schamerhorn to make it 3-1, un-assisted at 14:05 of the first. Ben Raffler was one of two Kings who deserved an assist on it. Shots in the first favoured Powell River 10-7.

The Bulldogs tied it up just over two minutes into the second, with Braydon Nelson chipping the puck in down the left side and Kyle Kaufmann sticking with the play to bring the puck behind the Kings net on the rush where he swung a pass to the slot for Mackenzie Wight, where he snapped it home five-hole on Adamyk to make it 3-3 at 2:24 of the second. Much like when they tied it in the first, the Dogs were almost immediately penalized, however they killed it off this time to keep it tied. There would be no scoring the remainder of the period, but not for a lack of opportunities around the net for either side. Shots in the period favoured the Bulldogs 13-7, for a total of 20-17 Bulldogs after 40 minutes.

The third period was played fairly even with each team having their opportunities. The Kings would go up 4-3 just over eight minutes in on a call the Bulldogs fans certainly thought was blown, as Auggie Moore and Tristan Mullin battled for a puck near the Kings line and engaged each other, with Moore going down after taking what looked like a Gordie Howe reverse elbow to the head. Mullin would carry the puck over the line up the right side and drop it for Jonny Evans, who walked into the top of the circle and ripped a nice shot short-side high over the glove of Schamerhorn to make it 4-3 at 8:05 of the third. Thankfully, that wouldn't be the game winner, but it certainly looked like it until the dying seconds of the game as the Dogs got the equalizer with the goalie out for the extra attacker and a faceoff in the Kings zone with 22 seconds left. The draw went to the left wing wall, where Connor Welsh dug it loose for Jordan Sandhu. He would throw it across the crease for Tristan Bukovec, who was initially robbed by Mitch Adamyk. He would stick with it though, and find his own rebound and roof it under the bar to make it 4-4 at 19:47 of the third. Third period shots favoured the Dogs 15-14 for a 60 minute advantage of 35-31.

The first overtime was played somewhat passively, with perhaps both teams feeling the amount of hockey they had played over the weekend. The Dogs had the two best chances, the first of which seeing Tristan Bukovec rip a shot off the crossbar from the deep slot. Later in overtime they created a 2 on 1 rush, but Jake Kohlhauser made a great desperation defensive play to knock the puck off the stick of Kyle Kaufmann as he tried to pull the trigger. Double OT would end almost as quickly as the Kings scored to open the game, as they won the initial draw and the Dogs never touched the puck as Johan Steen played the won draw up the left side for Carter Turnbull, who gained the Dogs line and dished it rink wide for Johan Steen who put a slapper on net long side that just snuck in under the blocker arm of Schamerhorn for the 5-4 final.

Overtime shots favoured the Kings 3-1 for a game total favouring the Dogs 36-34 with Mitch Adamyk picking up the win while Carson Schamerhorn took the loss. The Dogs went 0 for 2 on the power play while the Kings went 1 for 2.

The Dogs are next in action Wednesday night when they visit the Capitals in Duncan.

Hammer

Dogs host Kings this afternoon


It's the third game in two and a half days for both sides today as the Bulldogs (7-15-3-0, 5th Island) host the Powell River Kings (17-9-1-0, 2nd Island) for a matinee affair at the Mutliplex.

The Bulldogs were in action last night at home, where they snapped a three game losing streak with a 4-1 win over the Trail Smoke Eaters. The Kings were in Victoria last night where they had a two game winning streak snapped with a 4-1 loss to the Grizzlies. They opened their weekend Friday night at home with a 2-1 win over the Smoke Eaters.

It's the third meeting of the season between the teams, with the Kings winning the two previous matchups, both of which were at the Multiplex 5-3 on October 7th and 4-3 on October 29th.

It's a 2:00pm puck drop, so that means the pregame show is on the air at 1:45 on Van Isle Ford Bulldogs Hockey on 93.3 The Peak FM with myself and Bruce MacDonald providing the play-by-play, colour and analysis.



Today's 2nd Intermission guest is a segment from the BCHL This Week radio program with host Jeff Patterson interviewing Bruno Campese. He has a very interesting connection to the BCHL - he was a player in the league and then a coach in the league with Trail and Penticton, and he now has a son playing in the league. Bruno is now working with the yet to be named Las Vegas NHL franchise as a scout. You can catch the show Saturday mornings on TSN 1410 at 9:00am.



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

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


Hammer

Saturday, November 19, 2016

Dogs top Smokies 4-1


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.




A solid start by the Bulldogs, as they had several Grade A scoring chances while carrying the better of the play through the opening five minutes as Zach Dyment was solid in the Trail net. The Dogs kept up the pressure, and had a great shift end up with a loose puck on the goal line that looked to be destined to end up over the line but Jonas Gordan knocked it off the stick of Mackenzie Wight with a goal saving defensive play. The Bulldogs would take the first penalty of the game, but didn't give up a shot in killing it off. They were penalized again soon afterwards, but drew a penalty with great effort initially in their own zone as Jordan Sandhu cleared the puck. Tristan Bukovec would then fly in on the forecheck and steal the puck behind the Smokies net. He would put a perfect pass up the middle that was one-timed on goal by Jake Witkowski, with a Bulldog being dumped in front of the net without the puck. After four-on-four hockey ended, the Dogs stuck quickly on the short power play as Jordan Sandhu fed the puck back to the left point for Darren Rizzolo. He went D-to-D across the line to Cole Slaney at the right point, where he simply threw a quick wrist shot at the net. Tristan Bukovec was planted at the lip of the crease where he tipped it home past the glove of Dyment to make it 1-0 at 14:43 of the first. The Dogs would press hard to build their lead on another power play as the period wore down, but despite some great pressure they couldn't build their lead. Shots in the first favoured the Dogs 12-7.

The Bulldogs kept up their solid play to start the second, taking a 2-0 lead just short of four minutes into the period on the power play as Jordan Sandhu made a great play to keep the puck in at the right point before finding Tristan Bukovec on the right half wall. He threw a hard pass cross ice, where Connor Welsh picked it up on the left half wall and set up Cayden Kraus in tight where he beat Dyment with a pretty five-hole deke with 3:42 gone in the second. It was 3-0 Dogs just under two minutes later on a faceoff win in the Smoke Eater zone back to Paul Savage at the right point. He would find Cayden Kraus,  who's shot was blocked back onto the stick of Savage. He would simply throw the puck at the net, where it was deflected home short-side by Alex MacDonald at 5:32 of the second. Less than a minute later the Dogs ended up in the penalty box again, but again killed it off with Carson Schamerhorn making a sizzling save on a one-timer set up for Braeden Tuck. The Smoke Eaters came close on a seeing eye wrist shot from the point that hit the crossbar and stayed out, with the Dogs defence doing a good job of clearing pucks around the net. The Dogs would call time out as they iced it at the end of the kill, and they would jump all over the Smokies following it, going up 4-0 on a gorgeous goal on the rush as Ryan Steele chipped the puck up the right wing for Cayden Kraus. He would gain the Smoke Eaters zone and drop it back for Alex MacDonald and the drive the net where MacDonald put a perfect pass on his tape off the back post that he one-timed home, short-side high at 11:16 of the second. The Dogs would continue to dominate the play, hemming the Smoke Eaters in their zone. A penalty against Jake Witkowski would go un-called, and immediately following it a soft call went against the Dogs at the Smokies net. It would drastically change the game, but the Dogs bent and didn't break, killing the penalty off and a 32 second 5 on 3 power play off to protect their lead into the third period. Shots in the second favoured Trail 14-12 for a two period total of 24-21 Bulldogs.

The third period time absolutely flew by, as the Dogs played great fundamental hockey, defending their blue line and repeately sending the Smoke Eaters back deep into their zone to retrieve pucks. The Smokies would press to get back in it, but Carson Schamerhorn was sharp when called upon and his defence again supported him well around the net. The Smoke Eaters would break the shut out bid of Schamerhorn on an icing call against the Bulldogs, as the ensuing draw saw a battle on the wall result in Luke Santerno walking to the right circle where he scored on a perfectly placed shot, top corner, short-side high over Schamerhorn to make it 4-1, with assists going to Braeden Tuck and Spencer McLean at 13:38 of the third. That would be as close as they got as the Dogs killed the rest of the clock and didn't give up much the rest of the way.

Third period shots favoured the Smoke Eaters 11-4 for a game total of 32-28 Trail, with Carson Schamerhorn earning 1st star honours with the win while zach Dyment took the loss. The Dogs went 2 for 4 on the power play while the Smoke Eaters went 0 for 5, a big difference in the game.

The Dogs are next in action tomorrow afternoon when they host the Powell River Kings.

Hammer

Friday, November 18, 2016

Bulldogs host Smoke Eaters tonight

It's the first meeting of the season between the teams as the Trail Smoke Eaters (12-11-1-0, T-2nd Interior) make their only visit of the season to the Multiplex tonight to face the Bulldogs (6-15-3-0, 5th Island)

The Bulldogs were in Victoria last night, where they lost their third in a row, 4-1 to the Grizzlies. The Smoke Eaters kicked off a three-in-three weekend last night in Powell River, where they lost their second in a row, 2-1 to the Kings.
We'll bring all the action to you as always on 93.3 The Peak FM with Van Isle Ford Bulldogs Hockey
taking to the airwaves for the pregame show at 6:45, followed by the puck drop and game action at 7:00pm. I'll handle the hosting and play-by-play calling duties while Bruce MacDonald will add analysis and colour commentary.

Tonight's 2nd Intermission guest is Craig Beauchemin, play-by-play voice of the Powell River Kings who are at the Dog Pound for a 2:00pm puck drop tomorrow.


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

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


Hammer

Dogs drop third straight, 4-1 to Grizzlies

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.



While the Dogs appeared ready to play in the early minutes of the game, it didn't equate to a good start on the scoreboard as the Grizzlies led 1-0  just two minutes into the game as a terrible turnover below the goal line saw Keyvan Mokhtari set up Nathan Looysen all alone in front. Brody Claeys would make a fantastic initial save, but got no help on the rebound as Tyler Welsh banged it home from in the paint just over the goal line at 2:14 of the first. The next ten minutes were fairly even and back and forth, but the Grizzlies started to put the pressure on late in the frame. Brody Claeys made a series of good saves to keep it 1-0, but the Grizzlies kept pushing and hemmed the Dogs in their zone. Claeys would again make a huge inital save on a wide open Nathan Looysen in front, but again the Grizzlies out fought the Dogs for the rebound with Tyler Welsh scoring his second of the period from his knees in the crease to make it 2-0 at 18:39 with Mokhtari and Looysen again drawing the assists. Shots in the period favoured the Grizzlies 11-4.

The Bulldogs earned their second power play of the game early in the period, but were unable to generate a shot despite a good effort on it. The Grizzlies would push back immediately afterwards, with Brody Claeys making a sizzling right toe save on a one-timer chance by Tim Friedmann in the slot. Victoria would earn their first power play of the game near the midway point of the period after a good Bulldog shift. The Dogs would instead get on the board with their first shorthanded goal of the season as Cayden Kraus made two great efforts, first to knock the puck out of the zone, and secondly to steal it from Jake Stevens at the Victoria line where he skated in alone on the breakaway and snapped a perfect shot top corner, far-side over the glove of Tony Rehm to make it 2-1, un-assisted at 9:22 of the second. The Dogs would come up with a solid kill on a soft penalty on the next shift, and earned two power play opportunities over the remainder of the period that they failed to capitalize on to tie it up. Shots in the period favoured the Grizzlies 9-8, for a 40 minute advantage of 20-12.

The third period began with each side pushing the pace, however the Grizzlies went up 3-1 on a terrible bounce, but a fortunate one from their perspective as a Lucas Clark wrister from the deep slot hit a Bulldog stick and went skyward with a perfect arc to find the top corner over the glove of a clueless Claeys who couldn't locate the crazy deflection. Drayson Pears picked up the only assist on it at 2:13 of the third. Despite the disheartening start to the period, the Bulldogs didn't sag and pushed hard to try and get back it, generating some great chances, but being unable to convert on no less than three open nets on cross-ice rebounds to get back into it. The Dogs would come up with a solid penalty kill to have a fighting chance on a call from the other end of the ice with six minutes to go to keep within two. The Dogs pulled their goalie late for the extra attacker and forced the Grizzlies to ice it. They would win the following draw, but fail to get the puck and couldn't succeed in getting it deep again as Cameron Thompson took an outlet pass from Brett Stirling over the Bulldogs line up the left side where he sealed the deal for the 4-1 final with 21 seconds to play.

Third period shots favoured the Bulldogs 9-8, with the game total of 28-21 Grizzlies with Brody Claeys taking the loss and Tony Rehm picking up the win. The Dogs went 0 for 5 on the power play while the Grizzlies went 0 for 3.

The Dogs are next in action tomorrow night when they host the Trail Smoke Eaters.

Hammer

Bulldogs visit Grizzlies tonight at the Q Centre


 It's the start of a three-in-three weekend tonight for the Bulldogs (6-14-3-0, 5th Island) as they head down Island to the Q Centre to face the Grizzlies 14-4-2-3, T-1st Island) for the fifth head to head meeting this season, and the final one in Victoria.

The Bulldogs were last in action Sunday afternoon at home where they lost their second in a row, 7-0 to the Langley Rivermen. The Grizzlies last played Saturday night in Powell River, where they had their three game winning streak snapped with a 5-2 loss to the Kings.

These teams have met four times already this season, including three here in Victoria. The most recent match up was on November 4th, a 4-0 Victoria win. That score isn't reflective of the game, as the Grizzlies held a 1-0 lead until the final eight minutes of the game before getting some insurance on the power play before adding two empty netters in the final minute. At the same time, some will say the final score matters not, and just the end result does, and that's true.


Pacific Chevrolet Bulldogs Hockey is on the air at 6:45 with the pregame show followed by the puck drop at approximately 7:00pm on 93.3 The Peak FM.

Tonight's 2nd Intermission guest is Wylie Henderson, the play-by-play voice of the Trail Smoke Eaters, who visit the Multiplex tomorrow night.


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

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


Thanks as always for checking the blog. 


Hammer

Sunday, November 13, 2016

Dogs drop second straight, 7-0 to Rivermen


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 pretty good start for the Bulldogs, as they put three pucks on net through the first minute of play. The Rivermen would push back and get a couple opportunities of their own on the next shift. Just a minute later the Bulldogs would go to the penalty box on a call from the opposite blue line. The Rivermen would open the scoring just half a minute into the opportunity when Brody Claeys made a good first save with his right pad, but Nicholas Ponak snapped the rebound home from the paint. Assists on the play went to Cameron Ginnetti and Ryan Barrow at 4:09 of the first. The Rivermen would harness the momentum, carrying the play for the next couple of minutes but being unable to cash in to build their lead. They were awarded another power play on an Auggie Moore penalty that was undetectable on the ice, but again Brody Claeys was solid to keep it a 1-0 lead. The Dogs earned their first power play in the late stages of the period but couldn't cash in on it. It looked like they deserved a 5 on 3 opportunity when Darren Rizzolo was tripped up directly in front of the Referee, but he shrugged it off for whatever reason and play continued. Shots in the first favoured Langley 14-10.

The Bulldogs weren't able to push to start the second, with the Rivermen instead coming out with a jump in their step. They would quickly go up 2-0 just short of two minutes into the period when a dump in from the Dogs line was found down low by Satchel Clendenin, who found an un-checked Ryan Barrow right in front where he slid it low through Claeys. Francis Boie also drew an assist on the play at 1:55 of the period. The Bulldogs would have two great looks in the ensuing minutes on loose pucks and scrambles around the Langley net, with Alex Uryga just missing an open side on the scramble and Ryan Steele being robbed by the glove of Bo Didur again right in the paint off a rebound. The Dogs kept it a two goal game until the late stages of the period thanks to the solid play of Brody Claeys who was sharp on another Langley power play as they peppered him with shots. Another Langley power play would open the game up though, as they made it 3-0 in the late seconds of the power play as Eric Butte was found all alone in front where he snapped one off of Claeys and in, with Francis Boie drawing the only assist at 17:44 of the second. Just 1:03 later it was 4-0 as Andrew Dumaresque was allowed to walk right into the high slot un-checked where he picked the far corner, low inside the post past the blocker of Claeys, with the assists going to Cooper Leitch and Nicholas Ponak at 18:47 of the second for a 4-0 Langley lead after 40 minutes. Shots in the period favoured Langley 16-11 for a 30-21 advantage after two periods.

 Needing something to click to start the third to trim the deficit, it was instead the Rivermen that built the lead with an absolutely gorgeous goal by John Schuldt who picked up a pass at the top of the left circle and absolutely undressed a defender with a pretty slick stickhandling move to then walk in to the left faceoff dot and in tight where he ripped a perfect shot top corner, short-side on Claeys to knock the water bottle off. Assists on the play went to Ryan Barrow and Satchel Clendenin at 4:19 of the third. The Bulldogs would threaten to break the shut out with a good looking power play near the midway point of the period, but Bo Didur made a couple of solid saves to preserve the goose-egg. The Rivermen would make it 6-0 on their second shot of the period on an odd-man rush down the left wing that saw Brody Claeys make a desperation save going cross-ice, only to have the puck go in off of what appeared to be his pad. Brendan Budy scored it, with assists to Ryan Barrow and Sean Gulka at 11:50 of the third. The Rivermen would complete the scoring while shorthanded on a lost puck battle and turnover at the attacking line resulting in an odd-man rush and a perfectly paced pass by Ryan Barrow who sent Sean Gulka in alone where he went high past the blocker of Claeys to make it 7-0 at 15:29 of the third to complete the scoring.

Third period shots favoured the Bulldogs 9-5, for a game total of 35-31 Rivermen. Brody Claeys took the loss while Bo Didur picked up 2nd star honours with the win and the shut out. The Dogs went 0 for 4 on the power play while the Rivermen went 2 for 5 while also scoring once while shorthanded.

The Dogs are next in action Friday when they visit the Grizzlies in Victoria, before returning home to host the Trail Smoke Eaters on Saturday night and the Powell River Kings Sunday afternoon.

Hammer