Dogs comeback to top Kings 3-2 in double OT

The Kings had a noticable step on the Bulldogs to open the contest, but John Hawthorne was rock solid to keep it scoreless as the Kings ran up a 7-0 lead in shots with the best chance being an open net for Kevin Obssuth that saw Hawthorne dive cross-crease to get a paddle on it to keep it out. The Kings continued to push, and went up 1-0 when Nathan Kelly picked off an errant pass at centre ice and played it up the right wing for Kevin Obssuth. He would chip it ahead for Josh Coblenz in full flight, as he drove the net and out-fought a Bulldog forward playing defence to lift it long side on his backhand past the blocker of Hawthorne. The only assist went to Kevin Obssuth at 9:05 of the first. The Bulldogs responded late in the period, and tied the game a second after a power play chance elapsed (the penalty call was a rather funny moment as a large cheer erupted from the crowd as they realized that the Kings were penalized for the first time since the first period last night) as Darren Rizzolo threw it at the net from the left point and it found its way home through traffic and possibly changed direction to make it 1-1, from James Orban and Cole Poliziani at 16:07 of the first. A minute and change later the Bulldogs would earn a two minute 5 on 3 power play as Carter Harris drove the net where he took an accidental high stick from Callum Volpe, before being slashed by Mitch Adamyk. It was an interesting scene initially as Harris was sent to the penalty box by one of the Officials, before eventually being released from the box as he wasn't penalized on the play. The Dogs had a couple good looks on the power play, but couldn't cash in on it as it remained tied 1-1 after 20 minutes, with the shots favouring the Kings 13-11 - they were 9-1 at one point.


The Bulldogs started the second well, having a great chance to take the lead as Connor Welsh put a perfect stretch pass onto the tape of Paul Selleck behind the Kings defence. He would skate in a lone and fight off an Andy Stevens stick to go to the backhand only to have Adamyk make a big save. The Dogs followed it up with another solid attacking zone shift, but couldn't generate a chance to get the go ahead marker. The teams traded power play opportunities through the middle of the period, but it remained tied with Hawthorne and Adamyk holding their respective forts. The Bulldogs drew another power play late in the second on an after the whistle skirish at their net, but didn't look especially good on it as the Kings gave them nothing. Quite a funny sequence played out at the end of the period - or perhaps not funny, if you're adjudicating Officials.. as Callum Volpe hit Keaton Mastrodonato from behind with 0.6 seconds to play in the period. Tyler Vanuden would retaliate with a comparable board/hit from behind on Volpe in retaliation, before all 10 players got into it. The arm initially went up on the Volpe hit, but when the dust settled Mastrodonato was actually given a boarding penalty while Tyler Vanuden got nothing, while Callum Volpe also got off scott-free while Jonny Evans was given a roughing penalty. Shots in the period were 16-9 Powell River, for a 29-20 edge after two.

The Kings would take a 2-1 lead just short of three minutes into the third, on a shot that I thought never went in, as I thought it went post-crossbar and out. The Referee at the net counted it, as Hunter Findlater picked off a D-to-D pass at the Kings line and raced in alone and went to the backhand at 2:49 of the third. John Hawthorne would make several Grade A saves over the ensuing minutes, the most notable being on Kevin Obssuth in front. The Bulldogs would tie the game going end to end off a draw in their end in less than 10 seconds, as Paul Selleck won the draw forward for Cole Poliziani. He would gain the line up the right side and put it to the slot for Jackson Doucet who beat Adamyk with a backhand long-side to make it 2-2 at 12:02 of the third. The Dogs earned a power play a minute and change later, but it was the Kings who had the best chance as Kyle Kawamura skated in alone only to be stopped by Hawthorne. Third period shots were 13-6 Kings, for a 60 minute advantage of 42-26.

The first overtime was all Powell River, with John Hawthorne coming up with two HUGE saves on a backdoor set up for Hunter Findlater and an in-alone chance for Jonny Evans as the game went to double OT, with the shots being 5-0 Kings. The Dogs looked considerably better in double OT, drawing a penalty early in it when Ethan Kimball was sent off for tripping. Mitch Adamyk would make a handful of great saves, but the Dogs pressed and worked the puck around and finally cashed in on the advantage as Connor Welsh took a quick cross-ice pass from Darren Rizzolo on the right side of the slot that he one-timed past Adamyk to set off a wild celebration for the game winner and the 3-2 final score. Christian Simeone also drew an assist on the play at 3:58 of overtime.

Final shots were 48-31 Kings, with John Hawthorne earning 2nd star honours with the win, while Mitch Adamyk earned 1st star honours with the win. The Dogs went 1 for 7 on the power play while the Kings went 0 for 2.

The Bulldogs are next in action Wednesday night when they host the Nanaimo Clippers

Have a safe and happy New Year's Eve, and thanks as always for checking the blog.

Hammer


____________________________________________________________

There has never been a subscription fee for this blog - and there never will be, but if you enjoy stopping by here, why not consider donating to the cause? Just click HERE. . . and thank you very much. *

*As eloquently said by Gregg Drinnan of Taking Note - the best hockey/sports blog around

Bulldogs host Kings for matinee affair today to ring in 2018

It's the final game of 2017 today for the Bulldogs (10-19-3-4, 4th Island) as they once again play host to the Powell River Kings (19-10-3-3, 2nd Island) to ring in 2018.

These teams of course met at the Multiplex last night, where the Kings won - for one side of the puck at least, in incredibly unfortunate fashion,  3-2 in double OT to snap a six game winless streak.

Van Isle Ford Bulldogs Hockey goes live from the Multiplex at 1:45 for the pregame festivities, followed by the game action at 2:00 with Bruce MacDonald providing the colour commentary and game analysis while I handle the hosting duties and call the play-by-play.

As always, get it all on 93.3 The Peak FM

If you missed it before the break, it's a repeat during both the first and second intermission shows tonight of "A Very Merry BCHL Christmas". As I wrote about here yesterday in regards to the Bulldog Christmas special, on one hand I feel like it's late and the holiday season is over. At the same time, I've received enough feedback and requests from parts near and far that missed it the first go around, so I've decided to air it again tonight. Anything to keep the Christmas spirit going a couple extra days, right?

It's my second Christmas gift to you in both the 1st and 2nd Intermission shows tonight - a Very Merry BCHL Christmas.

It is the same format as my Bulldog Christmas special that ran last night - I contacted every Coach and Broadcaster from around the league and asked them to share what was on their Christmas wish list and also encouraged them to send out season's greetings.

Once again a huge thanks to everyone from around the league for taking the time to be a part of this. It's not a small undertaking by any means to get a hold of everyone but it's a lot of fun and it makes me appreciate being involved in such a great league as the BCHL.

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 the checking the blog. If you're getting into some reveling in rounding out 2017 and ringing in 2018 today or tonight, be safe and be smart! 

Hammer



____________________________________________________________

There has never been a subscription fee for this blog - and there never will be, but if you enjoy stopping by here, why not consider donating to the cause? Just click HERE. . . and thank you very much. *

*As eloquently said by Gregg Drinnan of Taking Note - the best hockey/sports blog around

Fantastic game, horrible ending - Kings top Dogs 3-2 in double OT

A very fast start to the game, with not much in the way of whistles through the first four minutes with a lot of flow to get everyone on both sides of the puck into the game early. The Bulldogs had the best chances early, with Christian Simeone turned aside by Mitch Adamyk wide open in the deep slot. The Kings would earn the first power play of the game six minutes in, but it was the Bulldogs who earned the best chance on it as Tyler Vanuden skated in on a breakaway as he chased down a Connor Welsh clear off the glass. Vanuden would beat Adamyk, but not the goal post - it fooled me as I thought it was off the back bar, as it stayed scoreless. The Dogs would open the scoring with just under three minutes to play in the first on a somewhat of a broken play at the Powell River line as Callum Volpe stood up Ryan Steele. He wouldn't give up on the play though, and stayed on side as he poked it ahead for Keaton Mastrodonato, who made a pretty move to pull it through the legs of Carter Turnbull to skate in on a one-on-one where he ripped a perfectly placed shot top corner, short-side over the shoulder of Adamyk. James Orban also drew an assist on the play at 17:09 of the first. The Dogs earned a power play off the ensuing faceoff, and cashed in on it when Connor Welsh found Jackson Doucet on the right wing boards. He would feed Paul Selleck on the goal line at the right side of the net, where he jammed it on goal and stuck with it to poke his own rebound home to make it 2-0 at 18:53 of the first. Shots after 20 minutes were 15-7 Bulldogs.


The Bulldogs killed off a penalty that carried over from the first to protect their lead, but the Kings continued to push and earned another power play that they connected on to get on the board as Jonny Evans made a nice move to make a defender miss through the left circle to walk in tight where he beat John Hawthorne with a perfectly placed high short-side finish past his blocker to make it 2-1. Assists on the play went to Carter Turnbull and Andy Stevens at 4:07 of the period. The Bulldogs responded well to the goal against, and had a series of good attacking zone shifts to try and restore their lead. A crazy scramble at the Kings net saw the puck spend a long amount of time on the goal line but not cross it, with Referee Shayne Alyward perfectly positioned behind the net to wave it off. Another Bulldog penalty half a minute later was successfully killed off, but the Kings would continue to press and tied the game on a pretty end to end rush by Nathan Kelly that saw him find a loose puck in tight and appear to put it off a defender's stick and up and over the blocker of Hawthorne long-side to tie it at 2-2. No assists were given on the play at 15:01 of the period. The Bulldogs were once again penalized on a call that had the fans up in arms a minute and a half later, but successfully killed it off to keep the game tied at 2-2 after 40 minutes. Shots in the period were 14-12 Kings, for a 27-21 Dogs edge.

The third period continued to be played at a high pace and was fun to watch with the score remaining 2-2 through the midway point, with the Bulldogs coming up with another solid penalty kill on another call that had the building up in arms as Ryan Steele was called for roughing for a hard hit on Kyle Kawamura as the Kings failed to connect on their fifth consecutive power play. The Dogs would kill it, with Hawthorne making two big saves on Neal Samanski on the door step to preserve the tie. There would be no scoring throughout the remainder of the period, with the shots being 13-13 for a 60 minute total of 40-34 Bulldogs.

The Bulldogs dominated the first overtime, but couldn't generate a Grade A chance to beat Mitch Adamyk despite having a 6-0 edge in shots. The double overtime saw each team have their chances, with the Kings winning it in excruciating fashion as Shayne Alyward had himself planted on the end boards in the corner of the Dogs zone where he got in the way of an attempted D-to-D pass that went off of him, out of the reach of a Bulldog, and onto the tape of Nathan Kelly. He would find a wide open Ben Thomas in front of the net who out-waited John Hawthorne and pulled it around him to end the game. No assist was given on the play, but Nathan Kelly deserved one. In fact, the goal wasn't even given by the Referees to Ben Thomas, but instead Ethan Kimball, who was no where near the play. I'll avoid the tongue in cheek comment about also who deserved an assist, one has to know the Officials never want to have a direct hand in deciding a game like that - at 3:30 of double OT for the 3-2 final score.

Final shots were 50-36 Bulldogs, with John Hawthorne taking the loss while Mitch Adamyk picked up the win. The Dogs went 1 for 1 on the power play while the Kings went 1 for 7.

These teams meet each other again tomorrow afternoon for a 2:00pm start to round out 2017 and ring in 2018.

Hammer


____________________________________________________________

There has never been a subscription fee for this blog - and there never will be, but if you enjoy stopping by here, why not consider donating to the cause? Just click HERE. . . and thank you very much. *

*As eloquently said by Gregg Drinnan of Taking Note - the best hockey/sports blog around

Bulldogs return from break to host Kings tonight

After a nice long holiday break to rest and recharge, the Bulldogs (10-19-2-4, 4th Island) return to action tonight as they host the Powell River Kings (18-11-3-3, 2nd Island) for the first time this season, and for the first of a two-game set that concludes tomorrow afternoon. 

The Bulldogs were last in action on December 16th, when they snapped a two game losing streak with a 4-2 win over the Capitals.  The Kings worked out some of their turkey and shortbread last night, as they were in action at home, where they saw their winless streak hit six with a 2-1 loss to the Nanaimo Clippers.

Incredibly enough, these teams have met just once so far this season - a 4-1 Kings win in Powell River on September 30th. Counting tonight, the Bulldogs will play the Kings 7 times in their remaining 23 regular season contests.

If you need some extra incentive to head to the game tonight, SOMEONE will ring in 2018 by winning that exact number, in cold hard cash courtesy of Darren Deluca Re/Max.  All you have to do is walk through the door. 

The whole crew of Dan Tisserand - team and player stats, Bruce MacDonald - colour commentary and analysis and myself - play-by-play and hosting will be on hand to bring all the action to you on Van Isle Ford Bulldogs Hockey Broadcasts on 93.3 The Peak FM 

The pregame show is on the air at approximately 6:45, the puck drop follows at just after 7:00

If you missed it before the break, it's a repeat during both the first and second intermission shows tonight of "A Very Merry Bulldog Christmas".  On one hand, I feel like it's late and the holiday season is over. At the same time, I've received enough feedback and requests from parts near and far that missed it the first go around, so I've decided to air it again tonight. Anything to keep the Christmas spirit going a couple extra days, right?



I have no clue how long this tradition has gone on for, but I'm guessing it's a decade or more. It's all business on the ice until the end of the game on Saturday night of course, and it's also all business 99% of the time in my interviews with the players as well.

Having said that, it's a good time of year to have a little fun with the team as spirits are high with time at home and time with family and friends looming on the horizon after what has been for most of the guys a very long grind from August or September. 

Christmas is also of course a magical time - where wishes can even sometimes come true, if Santa has your name on his NICE LIST.

Listen during the 1st and 2nd Intermissions for "A Very Merry Bulldogs Christmas", a compilation of the Christmas wish lists of all the Bulldogs players, coaches and staff. What do they have on their wish list to be under the tree when they wake up on Christmas morning. 

I hope you enjoy listening to it as much as I enjoyed the experience of putting it together!

.

Tomorrow afternoon it's a repeat of A Very Merry BCHL Christmas - the same format but with Coaches and Broadcasters from around the entire British Columbia Hockey League.

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

____________________________________________________________

There has never been a subscription fee for this blog - and there never will be, but if you enjoy stopping by here, why not consider donating to the cause? Just click HERE. . . and thank you very much. *

*As eloquently said by Gregg Drinnan of Taking Note - the best hockey/sports blog around

Dziurzynski signs with Canucks affiliate, Bantam Bulldogs tourney, Clippers changes....

Hello and thanks as always for checking the blog. I hope the holidays have treated you well. Pretty exciting news as former Bulldog David Dziurzynski has signed a PTO with the Utica Comets - the Canucks AHL affiliate. Check out the full details from the release below. Good luck Dizzy! 

Utica, NY – Utica Comets General Manager Ryan Johnson announced today that the club has signed forward David Dziurzynski and defenseman Adam Comrie to professional tryout contracts.

Dziurzynski, 28, has skated in 19 ECHL games this season with the Florida Everblades posting three points (2-1-3) and 21 penalty minutes. The Lloydminster, Alberta native has skated in 351 career AHL games, all with the Binghamton Senators, registering 127 points (46-81-127) and 502 penalty minutes.

Comrie, has appeared in 10 games with the Lehigh Valley Phantoms this season collecting three points (1-2-3) and 12 penalty minutes. In addition, the defenseman has played in 14 games with the Reading Royals tallying four points (1-3-4) and a team-high 59 penalty minutes. The Ottawa, Ontario native has dressed in 261 career AHL games amassing 97 points (29-65-94) and 186 penalty minutes.

Comrie was originally selected by the Florida Panthers in the third round, 80th overall, at the 2008 NHL Entry Draft.

If you can't wait to get back to the rink to check out the Bulldogs tomorrow, why not head there today - the Bantam Bulldogs are hosting a holiday tournament... they opened it with a 2-1 win yesterday, and are in action today at 10:45 and 3:15. Check out the full details from the best Minor Hockey website in the nation HERE 

Some very surprising news came out of Nanaimo during the Christmas break that I haven't talked about on here yet - hey, sorry, I was on my holiday break, just like Mike!

If you weren't aware, the Clippers fired Mike Vandekamp as Head Coach and GM and replaced him with recently installed Director of Hockey Ops Darren Naylor. Despite the recent changes to the organization's ownership and management, this is a surprise, especially considering the time of year and the Clippers place in the standings. Some may argue it's not a surprise at the same time, considering the time of year and the changes to the team's ownership and management structure. 

Mike never treated me with anything but the utmost professionalism and class, and that's certainly saying something considering that he was the Coach of the Bulldogs most bitter rival, and the overall emotional nature of this game.

Best of luck to Mike and his family moving forward, and a sincere thank you. 

Here's a couple stories to read from Nanaimo News Now and the Times Colonist

Thanks as always for checking the blog, see you or talk to you from the Multiplex tomorrow night!

Hammer

Dogs head into Christmas break with 4-2 win over Capitals

The Bulldogs got off to a solid start and built up an early edge in shots on goal, but JJ Pichette was sharp in the Capital net. The Bulldogs took a 1-0 lead just short of the midway point of the period when James Orban won a draw in the attacking zone. Keaton Mastrodonato fed it behind the goal line for Ryan Steele, who gave it right back to him in the deep slot where he put a one-timer low, far side past the blocker of Pichette to make it 1-0 at 9:59 of the first. The next five to eight minutes were all Capitals, as they had a series of in-alone and odd man chances all around John Hawthorne, who was very very good to keep it 1-0. The Bulldogs would build their lead in the final minute of the period on the power play as Ryan Steele banked the puck back to the line for Mitch Oliver. He would go D-to-D to Connor Welsh at the left point. Welsh would carry right, and switch up with Oliver and set him up at the top of the left circle where he blew a one-timer high past Pichette to make it 2-0 at 19:16 of the first. Shots after one were 14-12 Capitals.


The second period saw the Bulldogs again get off to a good start, with a handful of shots and pressure in the Capitals zone in the early minutes of it. The Capitals would push back however, getting on the board to make  a game of it as Azzaro Tinling won a battle below the goal line and put a perfect pass to the slot for Ethan Scardina who one-timed it far side off the post and in past Hawthorne's blocker. Tate Coughlin also drew an assist on the play at 4:49 of the second to make it 2-1. Exactly a minute later the Bulldogs got a huge goal to restore their two goal lead as a Capital defender took a long run to hit a Bulldog behind his net. A perfect stretch pass by Darren Rizzolo would result in a breakaway for Cole Poliziani, who skated in alone on Pichette and put a perfect wrist shot low far-side past the blocker to make it 3-1 at 5:49 of the second. There would be no scoring for the remainder of the period, with not much in the way of big scoring chances but plenty of after the whistle skirmishes. Shots in the period 14-10 Capitals, for a 26-24 advantage after 40 minutes.


The Capitals got a great chance early in the third to try and make a game of it, as Tate Coughlin was found behind the Dogs defence at centre ice for a breakaway that saw Hawthorne stare him down to make a big save to preserve the two-goal lead less than two minutes into the third. The Bulldogs gave up no less than three breakaways in the back half of the period, with Hawthorne coming up huge on Jonathan Stein twice on the same shift in fact with 8:00 to play in the period. The Dogs didn't adjust and continued to push too far offensively, and got burned for it as Ty Pochipinski was found on a stretch pass by Tate Coughlin behind the Bulldog defence - with only a forward chasing him, and he went high and put it off the glove of Hawthorne and in to make it 3-2 at 14:57 of the third, with Tate Coughlin drawing the lone assist. The Bulldogs were penalized on the next shift, but did a good job to kill a minute of the penalty before drawing a penalty of their own to make it 4-aside hockey. The Bulldogs defended well into the final minute and sealed the deal into an empty net as James Orban knocked it loose for Darren Rizzolo, who head-manned it for Ryan Steele who gained the Capitals line before hitting the empty net to make it a 4-2 final at 19:34 of the third.


Shots in the third were 9-8 Capitals, for a game total in their favour of 35-32, with John Hawthorne picking up 1st star honours with the win in net while JJ Pichette took the loss. The Dogs went 1 for 3 on the power play while the Capitals went 0 for 2.


With the win, the Dogs snap a two game losing streak heading into the Christmas break. They are next in action December 30th and 30st when they host the Powell River Kings.

Have a great Christmas break players/fans/staff!


Hammer

____________________________________________________________

There has never been a subscription fee for this blog - and there never will be, but if you enjoy stopping by here, why not consider donating to the cause? Just click HERE. . . and thank you very much. *

*As eloquently said by Gregg Drinnan of Taking Note - the best hockey/sports blog around

Bulldogs host Capitals tonight, A Very Merry BCHL Christmas!

It's the final game before the Christmas break tonight for the Bulldogs (9-19-2-4, 4th Island) as they host the Cowichan Valley Capitals (5-23-3-2, 5th Island) - who have one more game before they head on their break tomorrow, tonight at the Multiplex.


The Bulldogs last played Wednesday night at home, where they led a late 2-0 second period lead slip in dropping a 3-2 decision to the Victoria Grizzlies. The Capitals were in Victoria last night, where they had a three game winning streak halted with a 5-0 loss to the Grizzlies.


These teams last met November 22nd in Duncan when they played to a 4-4 draw. The Bulldogs won all three of the previous meetings - 6-3 at the Multiplex on November 1st, 4-1 again at the Multiplex on October 14th, and 2-1 in overtime in Duncan on October 13th.

Can't make it to the game? Tune in and we'll bring it to you, on 93.3 The Peak's Bulldogs Hockey brought to you by Van Isle Ford. The broadcast gets underway at approximately 6:45 for our pregame show, with the game action to follow at 7:00pm. I'll take care of the play-by-play, Bruce MacDonald provides the colour and analysis and Dan Tisserand tabulates team and player stats.

It's my second Christmas gift to you in both the 1st and 2nd Intermission shows tonight - a Very Merry BCHL Christmas.

It is the same format as my Bulldog Christmas special that ran Wednesday night - I contacted every Coach and Broadcaster from around the league and asked them to share what was on their Christmas wish list and also encouraged them to send out season's greetings.

Once again a huge thanks to everyone from around the league for taking the time to be a part of this. It's not a small undertaking by any means to get a hold of everyone but it's a lot of fun and it makes me appreciate being involved in such a great league as the BCHL.

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 the checking the blog. 



Hammer

Dogs drop second straight, 3-2 to Grizzlies

A fantastic pace from the opening minutes of the game, with the Bulldogs having an edge in the play and shots on goal, but not much in the way of Grade A scoring chances through the first half of the period, with the shots at 10-1 Bulldogs. The Grizzlies pushed back after the middle of the period, but couldn't generate much offensively before the Dogs pushed back and opened the scoring with just under four minutes to play in the period on a miscue/miscommunication at the Victoria net as Kurtis Chapman stopped a shot and then played the puck, surprising his defence. Bradley Ong would find the loose puck at the side of the net and put it on goal, and Isaac Tonkin-Palmer found the rebound at the side of the net and pounded it home to make it 1-0 at 16:13 of the first. The Dogs came close to doubling their lead on the next shift as both Keaton Mastrodonato and Ryan Steele had Chapman down and out seconds apart but couldn't find the net.  The Grizzlies would have a fantastic chance to tie the game in the final minute of the period, as the Dogs turned the puck over at their line with everyone leaving the zone, as Jamie Rome was set up wide open in front of John Hawthorne, but he shot high over the net.  Shots after one were 21-5 Bulldogs.


The Bulldogs started the second with a good jump again, with two great chances in the first minute of the period that were stopped by Chapman. The Grizzlies answered, with John Hawthorne making a great splits save with his right toe in tight on Ethan Nother. The teams would trade chances throughout the frame, with each side getting opportunities on the power play but the goalies standing tall. The Grizzlies had a chance to tie it on a partial breakaway for Jamie Rome, but John Hawthorne just got a piece of it with his left toe to keep it out. The Dogs would take a 2-0 lead in short order, as Tyler Vanuden stayed onside in accepting a stretch pass from Sami Pharaon behind the Grizzlies defence where he skated in alone and beat Chapman long-side past his glove from the top of the left circle. Darren Rizzolo also drew an assist at 15:46 of the period. The Grizzlies would get on the board just 2:04 later on the power play when Alex Newhook was allowed to walk into the deep slot where he ripped a shot through traffic high past the glove of Hawthorne to make it 2-1, with assists going to Ethan Nother and Carter Berger at 17:50 of the second. The Dogs responded with a couple great chances of their own a minute later when Keaton Mastrodonato was set up in the slot, but the Grizzlies would go up ice and tie the game a half a minute later as Alex Newhook was again allowed to walk in tight on goal where he deked and got Hawthorne down and out as he brought the puck behind the goal line. He would fail to tuck it into the open side, but succeeded in getting it to the top of the crease where Ethan Nother tapped it in, with Jamie Rome also assisting at 19:14 of the second to make it 2-2 after 40 minutes. Shots in the period were 14-12 Bulldogs, for a 35-17 advantage after two.


The start to the third period was played somewhat different from the previous two periods as it was somewhat cautious and close to the vest through the first five minutes. The Bulldogs looked to have the go-ahead goal headed to the back of the net on a scramble in front and Chapman out of position, but Shawn O'Malley got his stick on it on the goal line to keep it out. A minute later, the Grizzlies would take a 3-2 lead just over six minutes into the period on a pass from Jamie Rome in the left corner back to the right point that saw Berger attack the zone with speed and pull it around a Bulldog defender into the right circle where he went far side off the post and in past the blocker of Hawthorne at 6:21 of the third. The goal would stand up as the winner and completed the scoring as neither team hit the net the rest of the way - the Bulldogs came painfully close on a long range shot that was deflected and went off the glove of Chapman and off the crossbar and stayed out. Beyond that, the Dogs couldn't generate much to get a push to tie the game as the Grizzlies did a good job to kill the rest of the clock.


Third period shots were 11-9 Grizzlies, for a game total of 44-28 Bulldogs with John Hawthorne taking the loss while Kurtis Chapman took the loss. The Dogs went 0 for 3 on the power play while the Grizzlies went 1 for 4.


The Bulldogs conclude their pre-Christmas portion of their schedule Saturday night when they host the Cowichan Valley Capitals.



____________________________________________________________

There has never been a subscription fee for this blog - and there never will be, but if you enjoy stopping by here, why not consider donating to the cause? Just click HERE. . . and thank you very much. *

*As eloquently said by Gregg Drinnan of Taking Note - the best hockey/sports blog around

Bulldogs host Grizzlies tonight, A Very Merry Bulldog Christmas

It's the second to last game before the Christmas break for the Bulldogs (9-18-2-4, 4th Island) as they return home from a three game weekend road trip to host the Victoria Grizzlies (16-14-3-1, 3rd Island) tonight at the Multiplex.

These teams last met Grey Cup Sunday November 26th in Victoria, an 8-5 win for the Grizzlies.   

Tonight's contest will be the sixth head to head match up so far this season, with the Grizzlies winning four of the five, previously by 3-2 score in overtime at the Mutliplex on November 10th, 4-1 at the Multiplex on October 22nd, while the Bulldogs won in Victoria, also by a 3-2 score in overtime on October 18th. The Grizzlies won the first head to head game on Game three of the season, 4-2 on September 15th. 

The Bulldogs were last in action Sunday afternoon in Surrey, where they fell 7-3 to the Eagles.  The Grizzlies also last played Sunday afternoon, winning their second in a row 7-4 over the Powell River Kings at home

Did you Know? Only two teams have played less home games than the Bulldogs (15) so far - Wenatchee (14) and Coquitlam (14). At the same time, only two teams in the league have played more road games than the Bulldogs (18) at this point of the season - Wenatchee (19) and Langley (19)

We go live on 93.3 The Peak FM for Van Isle Ford Bulldogs Hockey starting at 6:45 for the pregame show, followed by the game action after the 7:00 puck drop. Bruce MacDonald provides the analysis and Colour Commentary, Dan Tisserand compiles Team and Individual statistics and I handle the hosting and play-by-play.

As it's the second to last game before the Christmas break, tonight I'm happy to provide my present to you. 

I have no clue how long this tradition has gone on for, but I'm guessing it's a decade or more. It's all business on the ice until the end of the game on Saturday night of course, and it's also all business 99% of the time in my interviews with the players as well.

Having said that, it's a good time of year to have a little fun with the team as spirits are high with time at home and time with family and friends looming on the horizon after what has been for most of the guys a very long grind from August or September. 

Christmas is also of course a magical time - where wishes can even sometimes come true, if Santa has your name on his NICE LIST.

Listen during the 1st and 2nd Intermissions for "A Very Merry Bulldogs Christmas", a compilation of the Christmas wish lists of all the Bulldogs players, coaches and staff. What do they have on their wish list to be under the tree when they wake up on Christmas morning. 

I hope you enjoy listening to it as much as I enjoyed the experience of putting it together!

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Saturday night it's A Very Merry BCHL Christmas - the same format but with Coaches and Broadcasters from around the entire British Columbia Hockey League.

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


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There has never been a subscription fee for this blog - and there never will be, but if you enjoy stopping by here, why not consider donating to the cause? Just click HERE. . . and thank you very much. *

*As eloquently said by Gregg Drinnan of Taking Note - the best hockey/sports blog around

Video Highlights Bulldogs at Chiefs, Eagles

Here's some highlights from Saturday and Sunday in Chilliwack and Surrey.

Enjoy.

Hammer

Dogs fall 7-3 to Eagles

The Dogs showed no ill effects from playing their third game in as many days as they had a noticable jump to their stride from the opening puck drop. The Bulldogs drew the first power play of the game, but were subsequently penalized less than 30 seconds into it. The Bulldogs would proceed to open the scorin durin four-aside hockey less than a minute later as Mitch Oliver put a rink-wide saucer pass onto the tape of Connor Welsh just outside the Eagles line on the left wing. Welsh then put another cross-ice pass up the middle for Isaac Tonkin-Palmer, who walked around an Eagle defender with a pretty move and danced in alone where he went top corner, blocker side past Nic Tallarico to make it 1-0 at 7:44 of the first. The Bulldogs would continue to push the pace in the following minutes and got a good number of pucks on the Eagles net and a couple near misses on rebounds off scrambles. The Eagles pushed back and Brock Lefevbre had to make a good save on an in alone chance by Aaron While to protect the lead. The Eagles kept pushing, and tied the game at 1-1 at 14:11 of the first when they attacked the Bulldog zone with speed. A first pass was blocked with a good defensive play, but the puck was found by Matthew Campese who snapped one home long side under the blocker of Lefevbre to make it 1-1 from Jeffrey Stewart and Ryan Brushett. The Bulldogs didn't let the goal against deflate them, as they fired right back on the next shift and spent time in the attacking zone and threatened. They would take the lead back late in the period after killing off an Eagle power play for a minute, and then having the Eagles take a too-many-men penalty. Before the period was out it was 2-1 as Jackson Doucet put a puck on net from the right circle that was stopped, but Keaton Mastrodonato put a rebound on goal that was stopped and went to the top of the crease for Paul Selleck, who fired it home before Tallarico could recover to make it 2-1 at 19:53 of the first. The celebration was short-lived, as at the end of the period Liam Lytton took a hit a split second after the buzzer from behind from Dominic Masellis. The hit wasn't malicious, but perhaps somewhat careless, and also made worse perhaps that Lytton had relaxed for a split second as the period had just ended. It was completely from behind, and a cross-check - albeit not a malicious one. Regardless of the intent, the result was quite severe, as Lytton's neck snapped backwards violently and he didn't move once hitting the ice. No penalty was called on the play, but you could've taken your pick of Interference, Checking from Behind or Interference. Shots in the period 19-12


The Bulldogs didn't show any ill effects from a long delay, coupled with seeing a teammate down once the second began, as they picked up where they left off, pushing the pace and getting pucks on net and generating good scoring chances, although they couldn't build their lead. The Dogs failed to score on an early power play in the period, but certainly threatened and kept and gained momentum. The Eagles would get the equalizer in the back-half of the period on the rush, somewhat against the flow of play as Cory Babichuk took a hit to outlet the puck for Jeffrey Stewart. He would find Matthew Campese, who walked into the top of the left circle where he snapped a perfectly placed shot long-side high past the glove of Lefevbre to make it 2-2 at 11:12 of the second. Lefevbre would come up with a couple big saves to keep it tied on the doorstep, stopping an initial attempt and two in tight rebounds. The Bulldogs would come painfully close to taking the lead back on a couple of instances late in the period, with shots hitting Tallarico and just bouncing wide of the post and staying out. Shots in the second were 15-11 Eagles, for a 30-27 Bulldog lead after 40 minutes.


The Eagles came out with an immediate push to start the third, as the Dogs struggled to get the puck out of their zone. A very tough break would lead to a goal against as a puck headed back of the net onto a Bulldog stick unfortunately hit the Referee and died, allowing the Eagles to retain possession. Seconds later it would end up in the Dogs net on a cross-crease pass from the left side being finished by Matthew Campese off the back post past a diving Lefevbre to make it 3-2 at 1:00 of the third, with assists to John Wesley and Ty Westgard. Just 12 seconds later it went from a tied game to a two-goal spread as Jeffrey Stewart was found wide open in the hashmarks by Ryan Brushett, and he beat Brock Lefevbre with a quick release off the glove and in at 1:12 of the third to make it 4-2. The Bulldogs showed considerable jam to not pack it in at that point, as they fought back to make it a 4-3 game as Jackson Doucet fed the puck out of the left corner back to the left point for Connor Welsh. He would put a quick release at the net that was deflected inside the near post by Paul Selleck, for his second of the game to make it 4-3 Eagles at 4:42 of the third. The Dogs had opportunities to tie the game, but once again gave up goals in bunches to fall out of reach just past the midway mark of the period when they lost an attacking zone draw that Ty Westgard put cross-ice onto the tape of John Wesley, who fired it past the glove of Lefevbre to make it 5-3 at 10:28 of the third. Less than a minute later it was 6-3 as Wesley was found alone behind the Bulldog defence on their blue line on a nice pass from Desi Burgart. He would skate in alone and deke one home on the backhand through the legs of Lefevbre at 11:13 of the third. Once again, less than a minute later the Dogs gave up another breakaway stepping up at their blue line at the wrong time allowing Jeffrey Stewart to skate in alone where he finished high over the glove of Lefevbre, with assists going to Ryan Brushett and Chase Danol to make it 7-3 at 12:08 of the third to complete the scoring. The Bulldogs did have a couple Grade A chances late in the game, including a breakaway, but couldn't cash in on them to trim the gap.


Third period shots were 17-13 Eagles, for a game total in their favour of 44-43 with Nic Tallarico picking up the win while Brock Lefevbre took the loss but played well in his Bulldog debut. The Bulldogs went 1 for 6 on the power play while the Eagles went 0 for 5.


The Bulldogs are next in action Wednesday night when they host the Victoria Grizzlies.


Hammer
 

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There has never been a subscription fee for this blog - and there never will be, but if you enjoy stopping by here, why not consider donating to the cause? Just click HERE. . . and thank you very much. *

*As eloquently said by Gregg Drinnan of Taking Note - the best hockey/sports blog around

Bulldogs visit Eagles this afternoon *4:00 start*

It's the conclusion of a three-in-three weekend this afternoon, as the Bulldogs (9-17-2-4, 4th Island) visit the Eagles (16-13-3-1, 4th Mainland) at the South Surrey Arena.

The Bulldogs were in Chilliwack last night, where they topped the Chiefs 4-1 to snap a five game losing streak. They opened up their weekend with a 4-1 loss Friday night in Prince George. The Eagles had last night off, last seeing action Friday night in Langley where they dropped a 4-1 decision to the Rivermen.

These teams last met a week ago today, a 6-2 Eagles win at the Dog Pound last Sunday afternoon.

It's another unique ice surface here in Surrey, as it's an International sized ice sheet which makes it much different than the other sheets in the league as it's 15 feet wider than regulation size as 200 x 100. There's obviously much more room to create offensively, but on the other side of that there's more room to defend in your own end. The key - at least how it was explained to me by a former Bulldog Coach, is to not chase outside the faceoff dots, as while the ice sheet is larger, it's still the same distance dot to dot.

It's a unique start time as well, which means that Pacific Chevrolet Bulldog Hockey is on the air on 93.3 The Peak FM for the pregame show at approximately 3:45, with the puck drop and play-by-play to follow at 4:00pm.

Today's 2nd Intermission guest is former Bulldog Garrett Halls, playing his first season with the BCIHL's VIU Mariners after spending last season with Selkirk College.

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


____________________________________________________________

There has never been a subscription fee for this blog - and there never will be, but if you enjoy stopping by here, why not consider donating to the cause? Just click HERE. . . and thank you very much. *

*As eloquently said by Gregg Drinnan of Taking Note - the best hockey/sports blog around

Dogs top Chiefs 4-1 in Chilliwack

The Bulldogs had troubles off the opening puck drop against the Chiefs - while they didn't give up anything on their net, they failed to gain the attacking zone for the first two and a half minutes of the game. The Bulldogs killed off a penalty just short of the midway point of the period to keep the game scoreless, with John Hawthorne being solid when called upon. The Bulldogs continued to have the game taken to them, but didn't concede anything. They finally got on the attack for a good shift in the Chiefs zone, only to be penalized by the Referee at the back blue line. The Chiefs would connect on it to open the scoring and send the Teddy Bears flying, as John Hawthorne made a great first save on a cross-ice one timer set up for Skylar Brind' Amour, and a rebound stop as well, but couldn't get any help before Anthony Vincent fought a backhand home past a valiant diving effort by Hawthorne to make it 1-0 at 14:06 of the first, with assists to Brind' Amour and Will Calverley. The Bulldogs were again penalized a minute after the goal, and couldn't get a break from the Officiating after the whistle as Regan Kimens and Sami Pharaon got tied up behind the Dogs net and Kimens threw a series of punches while Pharaon appeared to be much more disciplined, to no avail as he received two minutes for receiving. The Bulldogs would do a good job of killing it off to keep it a one-goal game, and were again almost instantly penalized on a very soft phantom-esque call off a tie up on a centre ice faceoff for a fourth straight time to open the game. They would again do a solid job of killing it off to keep it a 1-0 Chiefs game after 20 minutes. Shots were 12-6 Chilliwack, not bad considering they had eight minutes of power play time.


The Bulldogs had a noticable jump to start the second period, and drew a penalty early in it when Ryan Steele took a shot to the head after the whistle - while getting away with a high stick on the Chief defender at the same time. While the Bulldogs didn't score on the power play, they had some good chances and moments in the zone, and generated momentum from it and soon after tied the game on a 2 on 1 rush that saw Sami Pharaon clear it up the wing from the side of the net for Liam Lytton. He would chip it by a man for Brandon Bergado, who carried it from his line up the right side and deep into the right circle where he snapped a quick release, high short-side past Daniel Chenard's glove to make it 1-1 at 4:54 of the first. The Bulldogs would push throughout the period, while also coming up with two solid kills on Chief power play opportunities, but couldn't take the lead despite several good looks around the Chilliwack net. The Dogs would dodge a considerable bullet late in the period when a turnover at the attacking line led to an odd man rush that turned into a breakaway for Adam Berg that saw John Hawthorne come up with a big save to keep it tied. The Bulldogs came up with another big penalty kill late in the period to keep it tied - and as much as I thought they were handed a couple penalties in the first where the calls went against them, I thought they got away with a few things late in the second. Shots in the period were 16-7 Bulldogs, for a 22-19 Bulldog advantage after 40 minutes.


The Bulldogs began the third period with the same energy, but took an early penalty. It would be quickly cancelled out by two Chief penalties that brought about a short 4 on 3 and 5 on 3 power play opportunties that they couldn't cash in on as the Chiefs did a fantastic job of killing. The Bulldogs would earn a four minute power play in short order when Kale Yewchuk went at Brandon Bergado hard and picked up a double minor as a result. The Dogs again didn't cash in on the chance, with the Chiefs doing a fantastic job of being aggressive and pushing the issue. The Chiefs would AGAIN be penalized almost immediately when it was back to five on five hockey, and the Bulldogs finally cashed in to take the lead as they won a couple of consecutive battles to keep the puck in the attacking zone. Ryan Steele would come out of the fray with possession and dish off to Luc Salem at the left point. He would then take a return pass from Isaac Tonkin-Palmer in the left circle before going rink-wide for Mitch Oliver at the right point. He would walk into the deep slot and put a perfectly placed wrist shot through traffic that beat Chenard top corner over his blocker to make it 2-1 Bulldogs at 12:28 of the third. The game would be delayed for a good 20 minutes with just over four minutes to play in regulation when Connor Welsh threw a perfectly executed hip check at the Bulldog line that launched a Chief into the glass - and through the glass as it shattered. The delay did little to halt the Bulldog momentum, as they didn't give up anything as time wound down. The Chiefs pulled their goalie for the extra attacker with just over two minutes to play, but the Dogs cleared the zone on two instances before getting some insurance as Bradley Ong picked up an errant pass at centre ice that he fired into the empty net, un-assisted to make it 3-1 at 18:09 of the third. Just 21 seconds later it was 4-1 Dogs as Luc Salem threw it at the net where it hit a leg and ended up on the stick of Paul Selleck who danced in alone where he was stopped by Chenard. He couldn't control the rebound or get help on it as former Chief Cole Poliziani jammed it home to make it a 4-1 final score.


Third period shots were 7-7, for a game total of 29-26 Bulldogs, with John Hawthorne picking up the win while Daniel Chenard took the loss. Both teams went 1 for 7 on the power play.

With the win, the Dogs snap a 5 game losing streak and 6 game winless slide, while halting the Chiefs three game winning streak.

The Bulldogs conclude their weekend tomorrow afternoon when they face the Eagles in Surrey for a 4:00 puck drop.

Hammer

____________________________________________________________

There has never been a subscription fee for this blog - and there never will be, but if you enjoy stopping by here, why not consider donating to the cause? Just click HERE. . . and thank you very much. *

*As eloquently said by Gregg Drinnan of Taking Note - the best hockey/sports blog around