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

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

Sunday, February 26, 2017

2016-2017 Bulldog Team Award Winners



Player Awards 2017


Rookie of the Year:    JAKE WITKOWSKI
                       
MVP:   BRODY CLAEYS 
                                               
Coaches Award:   PAUL SAVAGE

Academic Players of the Year:

College:   CONNOR WELSH   

High School:  KYLE KAUFMANN & CAYDEN KRAUS                                                
       AVB nominated Cayden for Academic All- Star to the BCHL

Best Defenseman:  TREVOR COSGROVE  
                              
Unsung Hero:   MALIK KAILA
                                   
Most Improved:  RYAN STEELE
                              
Community Hero:   JORDAN SANDHU & CONNOR WELSH
                             
Humanitarian:  JT WARD
                                  
Top Scorer:   TREVOR COSGROVE
                                       
Most Sportsmanlike:   HENRY MARSHALL                         

Fan Choice is voted on by the Fans: Voted and pick by the fans (hardest worker game in game out) : JORDAN SANDHU                  

Saturday, February 25, 2017

Dogs snap losing streak at nine, end season with 5-5 tie against Kings





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.

This game was crazy through the early moments, with the Dogs winning the opening faceoff and getting the puck deep in the Kings zone. They held the zone, but couldn't generate a chance before the Kings entered the Bulldogs end and promptly went up 1-0 as Brody Claeys played the puck, but it was cut off by a Bulldog defender and almost banked off of Claeys initially, but stayed out on a scramble with Claeys making a couple saves and his defenders helping to clear the paint. They couldn't clear the zone though, as the puck went to the line where it was thrown on net and deflected off Claeys and in under his arm to make it 1-0 at 1:21 of the first with Kyle Betts getting credit for the goal, with assists to Joshua Bruce and Carter Turnbull. The Bulldogs didn't appear deflated by giving up the opening goal for the ninth straight game, as they tied it almost immediately on a scramble at the Kings net that saw Cayden Kraus find a loose puck after a pretty initial move by Kyle Kaufmann. Kraus would be stopped, but Alex MacDonald slammed the rebound home into the open side at 2:08 of the first to make it 1-1. The Kings responded almost immediately, as Josh Coblenz was allowed to walk right to the slot where he snapped a quick release past the blocker of Claeys to make it 2-1 at 2:33 of the first, with Joshua Bruce assisting. The Kings smelled blood at this point, and several great chances to build their lead, with Brody Claeys came up big, repeatedly to keep the Dogs in it. The most notable stop was on a 2 on 1 rush that turned into a breakaway for Gavin Rauser, but Claeys came up with a big pad save to keep it a one-goal game. The Dogs would push back and get a breakaway chance of their own as a beautiful pass by Cayden Kraus sent Jake Witkowski in alone. He wouldn't be able to get a shot away while fighting off a defender's stick around his hands, and also couldn't draw a penalty shot, or even a minor penalty. The Dogs would get the equalizer late in the first, on a great effort by Cayden Kraus to hustle and win a race in the Dogs zone to chip the puck out at the line to create a 2 on 1 rush. Jake Witkowski would carry the puck wide down the left wing and deep to out wait a defender before putting a perfect pass to the top of the crease for Alex MacDonald, who roofed it under the bar and over Wilson to make it a 2-2 game at 18:26 of the first. Shots in the period were 12-11 Kings.

The Bulldogs were flat to start the second, with the Kings having several good scoring chances around Claeys in the first two minutes that they couldn't convert. The Bulldogs again got their legs going to push the pace and push back to earn a power play. They looked certain to have earned a 5 on 3 power play when Trevor Cosgrove was chopped down behind the Kings goal with the puck, but the Referees looked on. At the other end moments later, an eerily similar trip WOULD be called against Kyle Kaufmann. The Dogs would then be penalized again on a hook, giving the Kings a 5 on 3 power play as the boo bird voiced their displeasure. Credit the Kings for capitalizing on it, on a pretty set up to the crease from the left point that was deflected home from the paint by Ben Berard to make it 3-2, with Cam Donaldson and Carmine Buono assisting. The Bulldogs would earn the predictable even up call before the remainder of the power play was up, but couldn't find the net before allowing a discouraging shorthanded goal as a Defenseman quit on the puck at the attacking line to give up a shorthanded breakaway that saw Brody Claeys come up with a big save on Tristan Mullin. He would slide out of position, and his defenders offered him no help as Gavin Rauser slid it into the open net to make it 4-2 at 9:40 of the second. The Bulldogs would again show no quit, and made it a one-goal game late in the period on a great shift by Kyle Kaufmann, Stratton Pickett and Spencer Hunter battling the puck to the slot in the Kings zone where Kaufmann spun and fired to find the far corner, low along the ice past Wilson at 14:55 of the second. Just 25 seconds later it was a tie game as Alex MacDonald broke up a play in the Dogs end to send Cayden Kraus up ice down the left wing. He sprung Jake Witkowski for a breakaway that Wilson came up big on, but Kraus drove the net to one-time the rebound home top corner to make it 4-4 at 15:20 of the second. The Dogs weren't able to build on the momentum though, as they gave up a series of open looks in the slot in the following minutes leading to the Kings taking the lead as Carter Turnbull was set up wide open in the hashmarks where he snapped a shot past the blocker of Claeys to make it 5-4 at 17:01 of the second, from Tristan Mullin and Kyle Betts assisting. Shots in the period were 18-17 Bulldogs, for a 29-29 total after two periods.

The third period began with the Bulldogs drawing a power play five minutes into it, and connecting on it to tie the game as Connor Welsh took a hit at the right point to keep the puck in the attacking zone. He would get it deep for Henry Marshall, who fed Ryan Steele in the right corner. He would simply put it on net from a terrible angle, but Wilson had trouble with it as it snuck through and went across the line to the far post where Nicholas Rasovic poked it home to make it 5-5 at 5:43 of the third. Each side had their chances through the remainder of the period, but both Wilson and Claeys were big to keep it tied and force overtime. Third period shots were 13-8 Powell River for a 60 minute total in their favour of 42-37.

The first overtime saw the teams trade chances, with the Dogs having a couple good early looks, and the Kings having a great initial chance hit the bar and stay out. Brody Claeys would come up with a big in alone chance for Tristan Mullin on a beautiful move to make a Bulldog defender miss as the game went to three on three double OT. The Dogs would earn a power play chance early into it, on a Ryan Steele play at the defending blue line. The Dogs had a couple good looks, but couldn't beat Wilson. Claeys would come up huge again at the other end on a 2 on 1 rush robbing Jonny Evans in the slot to keep the game going. In the end it would go the distance, with neither team finding the net as 70 minutes wasn't enough to find a winner and the game ended in a 5-5 tie.

Shots in overtime were 7-5 Bulldogs for a total of 47-44 Kings with Brian Wilson and Brody Claeys being the goalies of record.

Bulldogs host Kings tonight to wrap up 2016-2017 season


It's the conclusion of the 2016-2017 season tonight for the Bulldogs (16-32-7-2, 5th Island) as they host the Powell River Kings (37-18-1-0, 2nd Island) at the Dog Pound. 

The Bulldogs were in Duncan last night, where they lost their ninth straight, 2-1 to the Capitals.

The Kings haven't played since last Saturday night, when they won their fourth in a row 4-1 over the Nanaimo Clippers on home ice. 

These teams last met February 7th in Powell River, a 9-0 Kings win.

The Bulldogs are hosting a pregame BBQ and Tailgate party - proceeds from it go towards Literacy Alberni. There will be live music performed by Alberni Teens Can Rock as well, so be sure to get to the rink early to take part in the festivities. 

It's always a tough night when a season ends. Careers for the 20 year olds and graduating players come to a close, and it's the last time in a game that this group will compete together. Maybe I'm out the outside looking in, but I've been impressed with how close this team seems to be despite all the rough results lately. It's my hope that they can come out as a group and have fun and end their season on a high. It certainly won't be easy against the always tough Kings, who will be looking to head into the playoffs on a high note as well.

Van Isle Ford Bulldogs Hockey is on the air on 93.3 The Peak FM live from the Multiplex starting with the pregame show at 6:45, with the puck dropping at 7:00pm. Bruce MacDonald will provide colour commentary and analysis while I'll handle the play-by-play and hosting duties.



Tonight's 2nd Intermission guest is former Bulldog Connor LaCouvee, currently playing his Junior season with the Boston University Terriers



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

Friday, February 24, 2017

Valiant effort comes up short as Dogs drop ninth straight 2-1 to Capitals




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.


The Bulldogs generated the first great scoring chance of the game just 90 seconds in, with Alex MacDonald setting up Cayden Kraus for a one-timer between the hashmarks, but Lane Michasiw made a solid blocker save. The Bulldogs would be penalized on a faceoff seconds later, and the Capitals connected on the advantage just five seconds into it on a set up to the hashmarks for Mitch Skapski, who snapped one home high, far-side past the glove of Schamerhorn to make it 1-0 at 1:59 of the first with Max Newton and Ayden MacDonald drawing the assists. The Dogs were penalized again just seven minutes into the game, but this time came up with a solid kill with Carson Schamerhorn making a couple good saves in tight to keep it a one-goal game. It didn't stay that way for long though, as the Caps took a 2-0 lead on a tough luck play in the Dogs end that saw a puck bounce through no less than three Bulldogs before being found by Michael Montambault in the slot. He threw a cross-ice pass to John Sladic on the goal line, where he managed to bank one off of Schamerhorn and in. Chris Harpur also drew an assist on the play at 11:50 of the first. The Bulldogs response to the hole they found themselves in was quite admirable, as they didn't sag but did just the opposite, pushing right back and generating a couple good chances before earning a power play opportunity. They couldn't buy a goal on it, but had a handful of good looks and lots of pressure. The closest they came was when Ryan Steele deflected a Tristan Bukovec set up from the point off the crossbar. Shots in the period favoured the Bulldogs 17-10.

The second didn't start well for the Bulldogs, but they bent and didn't break and pushed back to break both a shut out streak, and a long power play drought as Jake Witkowski won the draw right back onto the tape of Trevor Cosgrove, who snapped a perfectly placed shot top corner, short-side over the blocker of Lane Michasiw to make it 2-1 at 5:40 of the second, just three seconds into the power play. There would be no scoring throughout the remainder of the period, but not for a lack of chances for either side. The best for the Bulldogs was later in the period on the power play, as Lane Michasiw made a great rink-wide pad save on a Tristan Bukovec one-timer chance, and a follow up rebound save. Carson Schamerhorn was also sharp at the other end, coming up with a big left toe save on Michael Montambault in tight to keep it a one-goal game. A nasty incident (seems to be a prevailing theme when these teams meet, doesn't it?) as Sean Driscoll took exception to a Nicholas Rasovic hit and went at him with a high stick. Rasovic shoved back, and both players immediately dropped their gloves. Rasovic would instantly lose his footing and fall on his back, and Driscoll proceeded to throw no less than 8 punches at him while he was defenseless and the Linesman weren't yet on the scene. I can't say how much I detest the lack of class or respect shown by a player that takes advantage of a defenseless opponent in the fashion that Driscoll did, or any player does. Maybe I'm just from a different era? Shots in the period favoured the Capitals 12-8, with the Dogs up 25-22 after two periods.

The third period was played at a crisp pace from the puck drop, with the Dogs showing considerable jump to their step and generating good chances and extended attacking zone time in attempting to find the equalizer. They came close early in the period, but Trevor Cosgrove had his shot hit the post and stay out. The teams would have their chances throughout the frame, with both goalies coming up big, with Carson Schamerhorn making at least four saves in quick succession in the latter stages of the game from point blank range, after getting some help on a great back check earlier by Paul Savage to maybe save a goal on a wrap around chance for Ayden MacDonald. The Dogs would fight to the dying seconds, and had a great look on a shot and a rebound at the side of the goal with the goalie out for the extra attacker, but the elusive bounce again wasn't there as the Capitals made the lead stand to the final buzzer for the 2-1 final.

Shots in the third favoured the Bulldogs 13-12 for a game total of 38-34 Bulldogs with Carson Schamerhorn taking the loss in net while Lane Michasiw picked up the win. The Dogs went 1 for 4 on the power play while the Capitals went 1 for 3.

With the loss, the Dogs have lost nine in a row. They try to end their season on a high note tomorrow when they host the Powell River Kings.

Hammer

Bulldogs face Capitals tonight in Duncan


It's the final road game of the season tonight, as the Bulldogs (16-31-7-2, 5th Island) visit the Capitals (23-28-3-2, 3rd Island) tonight at the Island Savings Centre in Duncan.

The Bulldogs were last in action Sunday afternoon in Coquitlam, where they lost their eighth straight game, 3-0 to the Express. The Capitals were in action Wednesday night at home, as they hosted the Salmon Arm Silverbacks in the make up game originally slated to be played on February 10th. The Capitals lost their second in a row with a 3-1 loss to the 'Backs.

These teams last met on February 14th, a 5-1 Capitals win at the Dog Pound.

 93.3 The Peak FM will bring all the action to you on Pacific Chevrolet Bulldogs Hockey, with the broadcast beginning with the pregame shows at 6:45 in advance of the 7:00pm puck drop with Dan Tisserand on hand to compile team and player stats while I provide the play-by-play.




Today's 2nd Intermission guest is Port Alberni Native and former Bulldog Josh Bonar - who has now come full circle from a player as he is now on the Bulldog Scouting Staff. Josh is a pretty neat story, as he is a local player from the a different era, growing up when there was no Multiplex and no Bulldog franchise. 

As we talk about during the interview, he's been involved in hockey as both a player and now a coach, for almost half of his life. He returned from the WHL to play for the Bulldogs from the 2003-2004 through 2004-2005 seasons before playing two years of CIS Hockey. He then turned pro and has seen the world while doing it, playing in the Central Hockey League and the Southern Professional Hockey League along with stops overseas in Norway, Hungary, Romania and Kazakhstan. The picture above is a piece of fan art from his time in Europe. 

Along with helping the Bulldogs on the scouting side of things, he's also working as a coach with the Burnaby Winter Club AND has his foot in the door with the Vancouver Canucks, working as an assistant to their coach in their video department, which is pretty darn cool if you ask me!







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


The Bulldogs will be without Keith Anderson and Mackenzie Wight tonight and tomorrow - read below for more details.... 


BULLDOGS PLAYERS MAKE RETURN TO WHL

PRESS RELEASE
February 23, 2017

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Port Alberni, BC – The Alberni Valley Bulldogs will be short two forwards the remaining two regular season games. Keith Anderson (Hermiston, OR) and Mackenzie Wight (Chilliwack, BC) have been recalled by their respective Western Hockey League teams.

Anderson will be joining the Everett Silvertips and has previously spent time with the Victoria Royals in the 2015-16 season. He has played in 39 WHL games. As a Bulldog, Anderson scored 8 Points (4 Goals, 4 Assists) and registered 76 Penalty Minutes in 29 Games.

Wight will be joining the Swift Current Broncos and has previously spent time with the Seattle Thunderbirds. He has played 6 WHL games. As a Bulldog, Wight scored 12 Points (6 Goals, 6 Assists) in 27 Games.

The Bulldogs did not qualify for the post-season for the first time since 2011-12 but would like to wish Keith and Mackenzie all the best as they continue their hockey opportunities.

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


Sunday, February 19, 2017

Dogs drop eighth straight game, 3-0 in Coquitlam



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 high pace early to this game, with Brody Claeys being forced to make a big save on the doorstep in the first minute on a rebound off of William Lawrence in the paint to keep it scoreless. The Dogs pushed back and generated a couple good chances of their own, with Mackenzie Wight stealing the puck at the Express line and sending Jake Witkowski on a partial breakaway into the right circle where he was stopped by Reid Cooper. Another good chance for the Dogs appeared headed to the top corner, but hit the head of Cooper and stayed out. The Express would open the scoring - with the Dogs trailing for the seventh straight game - just over eight minutes into the game on a nice pass through centre ice springing Christian Bosa over the Bulldogs line up the left wing where he walked into the top of the left circle and put a perfect top corner wrist shot long-side over the glove of Brody Claeys. Assists on the play went to Noah Turanski and Cal Babych at 8:29 of the first. The Express appeared immediately inspired by the goal, while the Dogs noticably sagged, and it was 2-0 as a result less than two minutes later as a shot from the right point by David Guinta was deflected home in the paint by Christian Bosa top corner, over the shoulder of Claeys. The Bulldogs would protest that it was a high stick, and the Officials talked about it before deciding the goal stood. Assists on the play went to David Guinta and Keegan Jones at 10:03 of the first. The Bulldogs responded well to the two quick ones against, pushing back to create some good chances of their own, but being unable to cash in on them to trim the deficit. The Express would earn a power play later in the period, and a puck appeared to be headed mid air into the back of the net but it somehow stayed out. The Dogs earned a power play in the final minute of the period, but couldn't capitalize. The Express out shot the Dogs 18-11 in the first.


The Bulldogs failed to capitalize on the power play to start the second, but earned one almost immediately afterwards as Tristan Bukovec was slashed behind the Express net. A painfully weak even up call at the bench on the delay against the Bulldogs saw them never get the power play chance, and on the ensuing puck drop it was a 3-0 game as Blake Hayward walked in alone on Brody Claeys and converted the chance with a backhand deke that he tucked in on the forehand inside the far post. The lone assist on the play went to William Lawrence at 1:23 of the first. As the next couple of minutes played out, the Dogs were caught on several instances up ice and watching, resulting in the Express getting a handful of odd man rushes and partial breakaways that Claeys was good on to keep out to keep them in the game. The Dogs didn't generate much throughout the period in the way of offense, but did have a couple positive shifts of containment in the attacking zone, but were held off the scoreboard through 40 minutes. Shots in the period were 12-9 Coquitlam, for a 30-20 advantage after two periods.


The Dogs came out a team possessed through the first minute of the third and threw three big hits in succession in succeeding in killing the penalty off that carried over to start the period. The hitting wasn't as infectious as I hoped it might have been, as that element was gone from the game soon afterwards. As the period wore on, the Dogs failed to generate many chances, credited with just five shots on net through 10 minutes of the third. The Bulldogs showed some signs of good character through the back half of the period, generating a couple good chances around the Express net and digging hard to break the shut out bid all the way until the dying seconds of the game when they had back to back to back opportunities around the Express net that failed to find the back of it.


Third period shots favoured the Bulldogs 15-9, for a game total of 39-35 Express. Brody Claeys earned 3rd star honours while taking the loss, while Reid Cooper earned 1st star honours with the win and the shut out. The Dogs went 0 for 4 on the power play while Express 0 for 2.


With the loss, the Dogs have now dropped eight straight games, scoring six goals in the process, including three in one game. They have been shut out four of their last seven games, and twelve times this season. They have two games left to play, in Duncan on Friday and home against Powell River on Saturday.


Hammer

Saturday, February 18, 2017

Bulldogs wrap up weekend by visiting Express in Coquitlam today



It's the end to a three-in-three weekend for the Bulldogs (16-30-7-2, 5th Island) as they visit the Express (10-43-1-2, 6th Mainland) inside the cozy confines of the Porier Sports and Leisure Centre in Coquitlam.

The Bulldogs were in Vernon last night, where they dropped their seventh straight contest, 4-1 to the Vipers. The Express were last in action Wednesday night at home, where they lost their sixth in a row, 9-0 to the Wenatchee Wild. 

These teams have met twice already this season - the most recent head-to-head match up saw the Express pick up a 2-1 win at the Dog Pound on October 2nd . Usually Island and Mainland teams play just twice throughout the Regular Season, but due to the Showcase meeting (a 2-1 Bulldog win on September 24th in Chilliwack) they will face each other a third time today.



Pacific Chevrolet Bulldogs Hockey on 93.3 The Peak FM is on the air today for the pregame show at 1:45, with the puck drop and play-by-play to follow at 2:00pm.


Today's 2nd Intermission guest is former Bulldog Hunter Stewart, currently playing his Junior Season with the NCAA's Marian University Sabres.



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 seventh straight, 4-1 in Vernon




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.




The Bulldogs looked like a loose team with all the pressure of them from the opening faceoff, with a jump to their step that led to a breakaway just 15 seconds in for former Viper Nicholas Rasovic. He would beat Viper netminder Darion Hanson, but not the goal post, as it stayed out and stayed 0-0. The Dogs remained inspired as the period wore on, earning a series of glorious chances - Ryan Steele was stopped on a breakaway, as was Keith Anderson on an in-alone net drive set up by Cayden Kraus. Near the midway point of the period, both Kraus and Mackenzie Wight were stopped on wide open looks from the slot as it was scoreless through the first half of the game, with the Dogs up 11-2 in shots. The Vipers would no doubt get a talking to coming out of the media time out, and picked up their game and in the process started to even the shots on goal, although the Dogs didn't give up much in the way of scoring chances. The Bulldogs would earn a power play chance, but couldn't get much going on it. A minute later, Paul Savage was given the only penalty for responding to a Viper slashing at the glove of Carson Schamerhorn who had covered the puck. Vernon would take advantage of the opportunity, opening the scoring on a set up to the slot that saw Riley Brandt one-time a shot off the blocker of Schamerhorn and in at 17:31 of the first, with assists to Jagger Williamson and Chris Jandric. The Dogs were penalized again seconds later, and the Vipers would again cash in on it as Schamerhorn left his net to play a dump in behind the goal, but didn't end up playing it. The Vipers would steal it and Jagger Williamson sent a pass to the top of the point for Chris Jandric, who one-timed it on goal where it was tipped in by Riley Brandt just under the crossbar and over the shoulder of Schamerhorn at 19:44 of the first. The Vipers would win the ensuing faceoff at centre ice and dump it into the Bulldogs zone. Schamerhorn would vacate his net to play it, but again didn't move it as both defenceman awaited his pass. Luke Gingras would pick it up behind the net, and wrap it home just before the buzzer for a 3-0 Viper lead after one, unassisted. Shots were even at 13 aside through 20 minutes.

Despite the incredibly disheartening circumstances through the first period, the Dogs showed no quit to start the second. They would finally find the net just short of five minutes into the period as Kyle Kaufmann threw a puck through the top of the crease where it bounced back to the left point for Cole Slaney. He would simply throw a quick shot on net, that was stopped by Hanson, but the rebound was found and one-timed home on the backhand by Alex MacDonald from the top of the crease to make it a 3-1 game at 4:09 of the second. The Bulldogs would earn a power power play as they continued to push the pace, and then saw a a short 5 on 3 opportunity come their way when Cayden Kraus was high sticked which drew blood. An immediate even up call on the attacking zone faceoff would take away the Dogs chances, as the teams played four-aside for two minutes before the Dogs went back to the power play. They couldn't cash in on it to get back into the game, with Darion Hanson making a couple of stops but not forced to come up with any jaw droppers as the Dogs couldn't generate a good chance. The Vipers would earn a power play late in the period and generated a couple great looks, with Carson Schamerhorn coming up with a series of good saves, most notably with his right pad on a cross-ice pass on Brett Stapley. Shots in the period were 12-11 Dogs, for a 40 minute advantage of 25-24.

The Bulldogs once again had a nice jump to begin the third, creating a 3 on 1 rush on a neutral zone turnover that saw one pass too many result in not a good opportunity on net. They would earn a power play soon afterwards, but for whatever reason looked flat on it and didn't generate much on it. The Vipers would restore their three goal lead just short of seven minutes into the period, as a puck to the slot was mishandled by Jimmy Lambert, but it worked out as Connor Clouston stepped into it and blew a slap shot top corner, short-side over the blocker of Schamerhorn to make it 4-1 at 6:48 of the third, with Lambert and Jagger Williamson also drawing an assist. There was no scoring the rest of the way, with the Dogs having a couple opportunities around the Viper net but failing to get a bounce, while Carson Schamerhorn was solid when tested in the Dogs net.

Shots in the third were 12-5 Vipers, for a game total of 36-30 in their favour. Carson Schamerhorn took the loss in net, while Darion Hanson picked up the win. The Dogs went 0 for 6 on the power play while the Vipers went 2 for 4.

With the loss, the Dogs have dropped seven straight games. They try to snap the streak and end their weekend on a high note when they visit the Express in Coquitlam for a 2:00pm puck drop against the Express.

Hammer    

Friday, February 17, 2017

Bulldogs visit Vipers tonight in Vernon *6pm puck drop*




It's the second and final regular season meeting between the Bulldogs (16-29-7-2, 5th Island) and the Vipers (28-18-5-4, 2nd Interior) tonight at Kal Tire Place in Vernon for a 6pm puck drop. 

The Bulldogs were in Salmon Arm last night, where they were eliminated from Playoff contention with their sixth straight loss, 4-0 to the Silverbacks.  The Vipers meanwhile were in action last night at home, falling 4-2 to the Victoria Grizzlies.

The last meeting between the teams feels like it was a season ago already, a 3-2 Bulldog win in double overtime on October 1st

It will be interesting to see how the Bulldogs react as a group tonight, now being Officially out of playoff contention. While it's not the situation any player hopes to be in, it's my hope that with the pressure lifted that they can come out loose and find a way to have some fun, because that's been certainly lacking for a while now. It's also my hope that they can find a way to not pack it in, and play for the future, for each other, and for the logo on their chest and their fans and community that supports them so ardently through thick and thin.

It's a 6:00pm game time tonight, so our broadcast begins with the pregame show at 5:45 on Pacific Chevrolet Bulldogs Hockey on 93.3 The Peak FM


Tonight's 2nd Intermission guest is Eddie Gregory, the play-by-play voice of the Coquitlam Express, who the Dogs visit tomorrow to wrap up their weekend for a 2:00pm puck drop.


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 for checking the blog! 

Hammer

Dogs eliminated with sixth straight loss, 4-0 in Salmon Arm




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 great start through the first 45 seconds for the Bulldogs, as they forced the Silverbacks into back to back turnovers in their zone that resulted in good chances on net that Nic Tallarico kept out. Seconds later they would take a penalty though, to halt and early momentum earned. The kill was solid in not giving up much, as the game remained scoreless through the midway point of the first with both sides getting a couple good looks on net but not much in the way of wide open chances given up by each side. The Bulldogs would generate a couple great chances in the latter stages of the period, with Kyle Kaufmann setting up Affiate Player Rayman Bassi on the doorstep for a tip in attempt that was stopped by Tallarico. He would then make a desperation highlight reel save on a Keith Anderson rebound in the paint, just getting his glove up to get enough on it to keep it out. The Bulldogs would draw their first power play chance of the game with just over 20 seconds remaining in the period, and had a couple of good looks but couldn't find the net before the buzzer sounded. Shots in the period favoured the Bulldogs 13-8.

The second period saw the Dogs start with the carry over power play, but they couldn't cash in on it. The Dogs continued to push to get on the board, just missing a great set up at the It remained scoreless until the Silverbacks capitalized on a bounce at the Bulldog line as Mackenzie Wight put the puck hard off the glass in an attempt to chip it out, but it hit the partition and went to the middle of the blue line when Carson Bolduc kept it in. He would walk through the left circle and put a cross-ice pass onto the tape of Elijiah Barrigia, who walked in tight and to the outside with a deke that had Brody Claeys down and out before he put a centering pass through traffic to the top of the crease where Akito Hirose dove to poke it home to make it 1-0 at 7:22 of the second. The Bulldogs pushed back to continue to generate chances and pucks on net, but remained stymied by Tallarico and the hockey gods as he made a series of good saves with several deflection attempts hitting him and staying out. Later in the period Cayden Kraus stole the puck and skated in on a shorthanded breakaway, but couldn't get a shot away as he was hooked/slashed by the trailing defenceman. In what has seemed like a default penalty shot for some Officials, and at the very least a penalty call from most, the Dogs earned neither as play continued and Brody Claeys was forced to make a good save at the other end to keep it a one-goal game through 40 minutes. Shots were 12-11 Silverbacks in the period, and 24-20 Bulldogs after 40 minutes.

Despite the magnitude of the situation, the Bulldogs were unable to generate much of a push to start the third period, with Brody Claeys being busy in the early minutes to keep the Dogs in it. The Dogs were penalized just over four minutes into the period, but once again came up with a big kill to stay alive. They would have a great chance to tie it almost immediately afterwards, when Jake Witkowski was set up wide open in the hashmarks, but Tallarico again stood tall to keep it out and keep it 1-0. The Silverbacks would get the dagger to double their lead on the rush with 11 minutes to play as they went end-to-end on a partially broken play as a defender stepped up at the Bulldog line and missed, resulting in a partial breakaway for Nathan Iannone, that he capitalized on with a far-side wrist shot past the blocker of Claeys just inside the post to make it 2-0 at 9:00 of the third with Ryan Hogg and Grayson Constable assisting. The Dogs failed to get going to threaten to get on the board throughout the remainder of the third, and were forced to gamble with 3:58 remaining and an attacking zone faceoff as they called their time out and pulled Brody Claeys for the extra attacker. They would unfortunately lose the draw, but still found the puck on the left wing wall. A pass to the middle was immediately intercepted and then given away by the Silverbacks. Two Bulldogs would collide at the blue line, allowing the Silverbacks to skate it out for a 1 on 1 on the open net that went off the skate of Jordan Sandhu and in, who was back playing goalie. Justin Wilson got credit for it, with assists going to Trevor Ayre and Riley Booth at 16:15 of the third to make it 3-0. The Dogs would earn a power play with just under three minutes to play, and won a neutral zone faceoff but three Bulldogs were beaten to it by Connor Sundquist who hit the empty net while shorthanded to complete the scoring for the 4-0 final at 18:15 of the third, unassisted.

Final shots favoured the Silverbacks 37-27, with Brody Claeys taking the loss while Nic Tallarico picked up 1st star honours with the win and his second straight shut out against the Bulldogs. The Dogs went 0 for 3 on the power play while the Silverbacks went 0 for 5 while also scoring a shorthanded empty netter.

A crazy stat, courtesy of Dan Tisserand - the Dogs have scored 1 goal in their last 4 games against Salmon Arm, and have been shut out in three straight going back to last February

With the loss, the Dogs have lost six straight, and are eliminated from post season contention. They are in Vernon tomorrow to face the Vipers for a 6:00pm puck drop.

Hammer

Bulldogs visit Silverbacks tonight to kick off three game Interior swing


It's the second meeting between these teams in just six days, as the Bulldogs (16-28-7-2, 5th Island) kick off a three game weekend swing through the Interior by visiting the Silverbacks (19-27-3-3, 6th Interior) tonight at the Shaw Centre in Salmon Arm.


Both sides of the puck have already seen action this week - the Dogs dropped their fifth straight, 5-1 at home on Tuesday to the Cowichan Valley Capitals. The Silverbacks were last in action Wednesday night at home, where they lost their second in a row, 4-3 to the West Kelowna Warriors


These teams of course met just last Saturday night, a 3-0 Silverback win at the Dog Pound.


After a series of "almost" must-win games, and as "close to must win as it can get" games - well this one is, officially a MUST WIN for the Bulldogs to keep their playoff hopes alive. It could not even matter, with the out of town scoreboard also playing a factor. The Dogs didn't get help out of town on Wednesday, as the Clippers beat the Capitals. The Bulldogs are nine points back of the Clippers - they have 10 points left on the table going into play tonight. They need to win ALL of their remaining games, and get a lot of help out of town. The Dogs can't control the out of town scoreboard, and they can't win five games tonight. They can only control what they can control, and that's finding a way to win tonight.

I'll have the call for you on Pacific Chevrolet Bulldogs Hockey on 93.3 The Peak FM - the pregame show is on the air at approximately 6:45, with the game action to follow at 7:00.


Tonight's 2nd Intermission guest is Graham Turnbull, play-by-play voice of the Vernon Vipers, who the Dogs visit tomorrow night for a 6:00pm puck drop.



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

Tuesday, February 14, 2017

Dogs drop fifth straight, 5-1 to Capitals





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 frantic start to the game for the Dogs, as they generated an extended goal mouth scramble just a minute into the game that somehow stayed out despite about four or five good looks in the paint. The Bulldogs would draw back to back penalties within the first five minutes, but as has been the prevailing theme, they couldn't buy a goal despite several good chances around the net. Shots through the midway point favoured the Bulldogs 12-1, but the game remained scoreless. The Capitals would take the lead in short order, on a turnover in the defensive zone that saw Alec Zawatsky poke the puck loose to Cory Hatcher, who slid it past the defence and onto the tape of Nick Wilson, who skated in alone on Brody Claeys from the hashmarks where he went top corner, long-side on a nice backhand over the shoulder of Claeys to make it 1-0 at 16:38 of the first. The Bulldogs didn't let the deficit deflate them, as they pushed right back on the next shift and again peppered Lane Michsiw, who stood tall, while the Dogs remained snake bitten, hitting a post on an open net on a rebound, and having every single bounce around the net somehow go anyway but over the line, as they trailed 1-0 after one, but led in the shots on goal department 18-3.

The second period started somewhat like the first, with the Dogs again having a couple good looks on net but being unable to bury a chance or get a bounce. As they continued to fight the puck, the Caps caught them pressing too hard to score, and created a 2 on 1 rush that they capitalized on as Rhett Kingston carried the puck over the line up the left wing and made a perfect cross-ice pass to Chris Harpur that he one-timed home short-side before Claeys could get over as it just beat him glove side to make it 2-0 at 6:09 of the second. The Dogs would earn a power play chance less than two minutes later, but couldn't capitalize on it, with Brody Claeys forced to come up with a big rebound save on Ayden MacDonald while shorthanded to keep it a two-goal game. Late in the frame, but Bulldogs FINALLY found a way to get the monkey off their backs, on a goal that was one of the bounces that has so repeatedly eluded them around the attacking net over their recent games. Mackenzie Wight would backcheck from the Caps zone all the way below the Bulldogs goal line to knock Chris Harpur off the puck. Trevor Cosgrove would chip it ahead up the right wing for Tristan Bukovec, who used great speed to beat the last man back and drive in on net where his backhand was stopped by Michasiw, but appeared to hit Jordan Sandhu in the paint and find the back of the net to make it a 2-1 game at 17:26 of the second. The goal snapped a shut out streak of an even 106:00 on home ice, and 131:37 overall. The elation was short-lived, as the Capitals restored the two goal lead just 1:02 later off a faceoff win in the Dogs end. Mackenzie Wight was interfered with as he tried to get to the point, allowing Ben Verrall to keep the puck in and feed it down the right wing. George Sennott would put a perfect pass onto the tape of Ty Pochipinksi, catching the Bulldogs on the wrong side of the puck, somewhat similar to the first goal, as he walked in alone on Claeys and picked the top corner, far-side over his glove to make it 3-1 at 17:28 of the second. Shots in the period were even at 11-11 for a Bulldog advantage of 29-14 after two.

The Bulldogs earned a power play early in the third, but despite four shots they couldn't cash in on it to make it a one-goal game. The Caps would do a good job to limit the chances against through the period, with the best Bulldog chance coming from Mackenzie Wight stopped three times point blank by Lane Michasiw to protect the lead. The Caps would push for further insurance late in the frame, with Brody Claeys coming up with a highlight reel save going post to post to rob Ayden MacDonald at the back post on a cross-ice set up. The Bulldogs would after a long spell get the puck out of their zone, but promptly turned it over at the attacking line. The Caps would come right back in and make it a 4-1 game, with MacDonald getting his own rebound after another huge in alone save by Claeys. The only assist on the play went to Nick Wilson at 13:42 of the third. The Capitals would complete the scoring less than a minute later on another turnover at the attacking line that resulted in Chris Harpur skating in on a partial breakaway down the left wing in tight where he went top corner, far-side over the glove of Claeys to make it 5-1, un-assisted at 14:17 of the third.

Third period shots favoured the Bulldogs 14-12, for a game total of 43-26 with Brody Claeys taking the loss while Lane Michasiw earned 1st star honours with the win. The Dogs went 0 for 4 on the power play, while the Capitals went 0 for 1.

With the loss, the Dogs have lost five in a row. They are 7 points back of the Nanaimo Clippers. The Bulldogs are next in action Friday night in Salmon Arm.

Hammer