Bulldogs drop third straight, 4-2 to Express in Coquitlam.

The Bulldogs had a good chance on the opening rush of the game, but were promptly penalized on the backcheck  inside the first minute. Luke Pearson  made a couple good saves around the paint  to  keep it tied. The Bulldogs had  two further good chances on breakways in the following minutes, with both Josh Zary and Tommy Bannister stopped by Clay Stevenson. The Bulldogs went again to  the penalty box, and again killed it off, but couldn't draw a penalty of their own when Bannister seeminlgy should have drawn something on a would-be breakaway chance taken away with any number of infractions possible, but play continued on. It would be stopped by a third straight Express power play to open the game, and they would open the scoring on it as a perfect cross-ice set up by Nicholas Carabin  to the left circle was one-timed home short-side by Cooper Connell to make it 1-0, with Drew Cooper also assisting at 13:30 of the first.

Now... when you think you've seen it all. Try to follow along here. With three minutes to play in the period, a Bulldog player was  tripped up by a diving Express defender. The back Referee put his arm up to signal a delayed penalty. Susequently, Luke Pearson raced to the bench for the extra attacker. HOWEVER, the Referee decided to "un-call" the penalty? And lowered his arm. The Bulldogs were left with no goalie, so Luke Pearson raced back to the net. The Bulldogs would have one-too-many men on the ice  - I'm not sure  there's a  way to react to  a scenario such as this. The Express would understandably scream from their bench that they had six skaters. The Officials would initially  call the Bulldogs for too-many-men and move the faceoff to their end. A long passionate discussion from the Bulldog staff would inform the second Referee of the first Referee's actions. Credit to the Officials, halfway I guess for not penalizing the Bulldogs? However, they never earned their power play chance either. Less than a minute later the damage was magified, as it was 2-0 when Drew  Cooper  one-timed home a centering pass  from the slot high past the blocker of Pearson, with assists to Ryan Tattle and Tyler Schleppe at 18:08 of the  first. Shots in the period were 9-7 Express.

The second period began with the Bulldogs making an immediate statement to make it 2-1 as Ryan Doolin fed the puck with help by Mitchel Deelstra from the left corner behind the net for Jacob Bosse. He would put a perfect pass to a wide open Tim Gould in the slot, where he ripped a quick release  five-hole on Stevenson to make it 2-1  at 49 seconds of period two. The Bulldogs  would tie it up, after a fourth straight penalty kill to open the game, when Ryan Doolin again fought the puck out of the Bulldog zone up the right wing for Jacob Bosse for a 2 on 1 rush that saw him make a second effort to find Mitchel Deelstra flying in alone where he went to his backhand and put the puck into the net - where it was caught by Stevenson, but from my vantage point, at  least a foot over the goal line. The Referee would be  perfectly positioned, and signalled goal. The Express would argue, but the initial call stayed and it was 2-2 at  7:12 of  the second. The Bulldogs  earned a power play at the middle of the period, but couldn't generate much on it. At it's conclusion, Isaac Pascoal drove by the defence and in alone, but took a stick and arm across his body and couldn't get a shot on net, nor could he draw a call. Less than a minute later, it was 3-2 Coquitlam, when Joseph Borthwick picked off a pass at centre ice and skated over the left wing where he put a quick release long-side under the glove of Pearson - perhaps off a defender's stick. The goal was unassisted. In the late stages of the period Tommy Bannister made a spin move to make two defenders  miss to skate in alone, where  he appeared to lose the handle, but managed to  draw a penalty. The Bulldogs were unable to tie the game before the period ended. Shots in the second were nine-aside, for a 18-16 Express advantage into  the third.

The third period saw the Express come out with a slight edge as the Bulldogs were somewhat sloppy, repeatedly turning the puck over through the opening four minutes, but getting out of it unscathed. It would be one-turnover-too-many on the next  sequence,  as an attempted pass up the middle  by a Bulldog went right onto the stick of Tyler Schleppe in the slot, who made no mistake in ripping a perfect shot off the bottom of the crossbar over the glove of Pearson to make it 4-2 at 4:04 of period three. Assists were given on the play, but were un-earned. That would do it for the scoring, but not for a lack of chances,  as the Bulldogs fought hard to the end,  and had  in-alone looks for Mitchel Deelstra, and several times for Tommy Bannister, but Clay Stevenson was fantastic to protect the lead including making two  good saves in the final  90 seconds when the Bulldogs pushed with the extra attacker.

Shots in the third were 7-7, for a game total of 25-23 Express, with Clay  Stevenson earning the win and Luke Pearson took the loss. The Express went 1 for 5 on the power play while  the Bulldogs  went 0  for 3.

The Bulldogs are next in action Wednesday night in Chilliwack when they face the  host Chiefs at the BCHL Showcase.

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 wrap up weekend roadie this afternoon in Coquitlam

It's the final game of this three-in-three road trip today for the Bulldogs (3-6-0-0) as they visit the Coquitlam Express (6-1-0-0, 1st Mainland) at the Poirier Sports and Leisure Centre. 

The Bulldogs were in Chilliwack last night, where they dropped their second in a row, 5-2 to the Chiefs.

The Express began their week at home on Wednesday night, where they topped the Merritt Centennials 6-3. They had Friday night off, and last night they hosted the Salmon Arm Silverbacks, where they won their fourth in a row, 3-2 in overtime.

Poirier Sports and Leisure Centre has a smaller than regulation ice surface as you might be able to tell from the above picture. That can be both bad or good when it comes to playing on it at the end of a road trip. Things happen fast, but you don't have as far to go both offensively and defensively. There isn't a bad place in the building to put the puck on net.

Van Isle Ford Bulldogs Hockey will be on 93.3 The Peak FM takes to the airwaves at 2:45 for the pregame show, with play-by-play to follow at 3:00pm.

Today's 2nd Intermission feature is this week's edition of  Island Division This Week courtesy of Dan Marshall at 106.9 the Wolf in Nanaimo. It's a compilation of previews, recaps and highlights from the Island Division play-by-play voices.

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

Bulldogs drop second straight, 5-2 to Chiefs

The Bulldogs looked everything like a team that travelled overnight and arrived in Chilliwack around the crack of dawn in the early minutes of the game, as the Chiefs ran roughshod over them in running up an 8-0 lead in shots. They didn't get on  the scoreboard, with Luke Pearson  looking rock solid in net to keep it a scoreless game. The most notable series of saves saw Pearson make an initial stop, before flashing out his left toe to rob Arlo Merritt to preserve the scoreless tie. The Bulldogs got their legs under them in the ensuing minutes, and had a couple of promising looking odd-man rushes frustratingly not end up on net with attempted passes failing to connect. As the period wore on, the play evened out with the Bulldogs testing Kolby Thornton on a couple of instances, the most notable seeing Dawson Tritt sent in alone from in tight by Jackson Doucet, but Thornton got his left toe across the crease to make a big save. The Bulldogs earned a power play a minute and change later and it failed to impress or generate much, if anything losing momentum. A minute  later, the Chiefs earned a power play of their own and made quick work of it  to  open  the scoring as Nikita Nesterenko set up Cooper Moore at the right point. He would walk in to the right faceoff  dot and put a next-level slapper high short-side over the glove of Pearson and under the crossbar to make it 1-0 at 18:39 of the first, with Joey Larson also drawing an assist. Pearson would make a highlight reel save less than a minute later, diving across the crease to keep a Brody Gagno open net chance out with his glove, after stopping Clark Nelson on a net drive before it. Shots in the first were 14-6 Chilliwack.

The Bulldogs came out with a noticable urgency to their game to start the second, and it immediately paid divedends, as they earned a power play early in the period, and made good on it as Jimmy Rayhill put a cross-ice pass up the left wing for Jackson Munro at centre ice. He found Jackson Doucet in the slot over the Chilliwack line, where he put a quick release high far-side over the glove of Thornton to make it 1-1 at 2:57 of the period, on the power play. A minute later the Bulldogs took the lead, as Stephen Castagna won a faceoff in the attacking zone back to the right point for Carson Hemenway. He would one-time it on net and Thornton would make the save, but kick a rebound out to the slot where Mitchel Deelstra out fought his defender to lift the rebound home to make it 2-1 at 3:57 of the second. The Bulldogs kept the push on, and came painfully close to blowing it open, as in the following minutes Mitchel Deelstra hit both a post and a cross bar but couldn't get a bounce. The Chiefs would get back into the game twelve minutes into the period on a penalty shot awarded when Nikita Nesterenko picked up a stretch pass behind the Bulldog defence to skate in alone. He would be caught, and barely pushed from behind before barrelling into Luke Pearson. The game officials would pause for a 60 second media time out before the shot, that Nesterenko made good on with a forehand deke that he just snuck past the right toe of Pearson at 12:07 of the second. A minute and change later, it was 3-2 as the Bulldogs got caught on an offensive zone draw back to their end in under 10 seconds on a rush that saw Brett Rylance deflect a centering pass through Person. Assisting on the play was Ethan Bowen. The Bulldogs couldn't find the equalizer before the Chiefs padded their lead with under two minutes to play in the period, as Pearson made two  saves in tight, but couldn't get help as Rylance  slid it home in the paint. Carter Wilkie and Jake Veri at 18:34 of the second. Shots in the  period were 13-12 Chiefs, for a 27-18 advantage into period three.

The Bulldogs came out again  inspired to start the third, and had a couple good chances early to  get back in it, the most notable being a Stephen Castagna breakaway that saw him steal the puck at the line and skate in alone and beat Thornton, but hit the post and again have it stay out. That would be huge, as a minute later it was a 5-2 game as the Bulldogs got caught pressing and gave up a 2 on 1 rush that saw Joey Larson keep the puck up the left wing and beat Pearson with a quick release five-hole to complete the scoring, unassisted at 4:08 of the third. The Bulldogs weren't able to muster much of an attack to get back into it through the remainder of the third,  but did kill off three penalties to keep it respectable, with Luke Pearson coming up big time and time again  to keep it respectable.

Third period shots were 19-5 Chiefs, for a game total in their favour of 46-23 with Kolby Thornton earning the win, while Luke Pearson took the loss. The Bulldogs went 1 for 2 on the power play, while the Chiefs went 1 for 5, while also scoring on a penalty shot.

The Bulldogs are next in action tomorrow afternoon in Coquitlam, a 3:00pm puck drop.

____________________________________________________________

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 Chiefs tonight at the CHILLIWACK COLISEUM

After an overnight trip down from Prince George, the Bulldogs (3-5-0-0, T-3rd Island) will take on the  Chiefs (3-4-0-0, Mainland) at the newly rechristened Chilliwack Coliseum.

The Bulldogs were in  Prince George  last night, where they were thumped 8-2 by the Spruce Kings. The Chiefs meanwhile were in action at home last night, where they earned a 6-2 win over the Wenatchee Wild.

As I write this, we're sitting on the bus and I'm looking for counsel in regards to whether or not rechristening is a word....and it turns out that it is. However, it's defined as "giving a new name to"

In this scenario, it's giving an old name back - or I guess if we're really jumping through these loopholes, it's an old name from an old rink that's been part of a future considerations transaction to a new-ish rink.

The Chilliwack Coliseum was the name of the original (or at least BCHL Chiefs original barn) before it was replaced by the 5,000 seat Prospera Centre. The “Old Barn on Corbould” was an awesome, unique rink that I feel fortunate enough to  have had the opportunity  to broadcast a game from.

The relentless march of time, and the power of the almighty dollar saw the new rink take the name of Prospera Place - I  don't begrudge the necessity of this of course..... I just think it's pretty cool to take a corporate name, and THEN go back to an old  original  name. I'm  sure  it  won't last, but I haven't heard of it happening before as it has here, as the Prospera Centre is now known as the Chilliwack Coliseum. 

I know somewhere my friend JB is smiling. I think a lot of people are actually. We need more Coliseums and Memorials  and Arenas than we do [  insert corporate  entity here ] named buildings. 

I'll be on the air tonight on 93.3 The Peak FM to bring all  the action to you - Van Isle Ford Bulldogs Hockey is on  the air starting with our pregame show at 6:45, with the puck drop to follow after 7:00pm

Tonight's 2nd Intermission guest is Eddie Gregory, the play-by-play voice of the Coquitlam Express, who the Bulldogs visit tomorrow  afternoon at 3:00 to conclude their weekend.

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

Bulldogs take one on the chin, fall 8-2 to the Spruce Kings

The game was played at breakneck  speed through the first period, with the  Bulldogs  failing to cash in on  a 2 on  1 rush in the opening minute, but making good on a follow up  chance soon afterward as Mitchel Deelstra gained the attacking line up the right wing and delayed before dishing off cross-ice to Dawson Tritt. He would put a perfect pass through the seam to the backdoor to Ryan Doolin, who tapped it into the open net to make it 1-0 Bulldogs at 3:33.  They kept pressing and had a couple glorious chances, followed by Jackson Glassford coming up with a big desperation save when Preston Brodziak was left wide  open in front to keep it 1-0. The Spruce Kings turned the momentum when they got on the board themselves just over seven minutes in when Brendan Hill took a pass in the deep slot from Thomas Richter that he put away with a perfectly placed shot high blocker on Jackson Glassford to make it 1-1 at 7:08 of the first, with Kolton Cousins also drawing an assist. The Bulldogs pushed back, but got caught as the Spruce Kings took  the lead just three minutes later on  an odd-man rush finished off  by a pretty passing play as  Fin Williams found Chong Min Lee down the right wing. He made a perfect cross-crease pass for Nicholas Poisson, who hit the post on his initial attempt, but battled  the rebound home before Glassford could recover to  make it 2-1 at 10:08 of the first. Shots in the period were 11-7 Bulldogs.


The second period began with a bang, in a bad way - and it would carry throughout almost the entirety of the period as seemingly everything at the Bulldog net eventually ended up in it, while the Bulldogs couldn't capitalize on their chances. Just 16 seconds into  the period it  was 3-1, as a Bulldog defender couldn't make a play on a bouncing puck at centre ice. Nicholas Poisson would race in on a 2 on 1 rush up the right wing, where he put a perfectly placed shot long-side inside the post past the blocker of Glassford. The goal was unassisted.  Three minutes later it was 4-1, as a Corey  Cunningham net drive was stopped in alone by Glassford, but Thomas Richter banged the loose puck home at  the side of the net at 3:28. The Bulldogs  didn't sag,  and pushed back and  had something perhaps going in the offensive zone but couldn't find the net before Jackson Doucet was called for slew-footing as the Spruce Kings went to a four minute power play. They scored on both of them, first making it 5-1 when Corey Cunningham deftly deflected a Chong Min Lee shot from the slot five-hole on Glassford, with Poisson also assisting at 10:04. Fin Williams made it 6-1 at 11:50 when Glassford made a good save on a wide-open Cunningham in the hashmarks, but couldn't get help on the rebound. Chong Min Lee also picked up an assist. A Bulldog breakaway a minute later saw Ethan Jones send Jacob Bosse in alone, but Jett Alexander made a glove save. It was 7-1 four minutes later, when Mason Wickman put a shot through traffic that beat a screened Glassford, with Chong Min Lee again assisting at 15:10. Just 57 seconds later it was 8-1 as Brendan Hill put a shot at the net from the top of the point that Glassford couldn't see through a maze of bodies that hit the post and went in blocker side with Jake McLean and Brett Pfoh assisting at 16:03 as the period would finally come to an end with no further scoring. Shots in the period were 18-8 Spruce Kings for a 25-19 lead into period three.


The Bulldogs pushed in the third despite the hole,  and got one back six minutes into it  as Grayson Valente made a defensive play in the slot to send Isaac Pascoal up the right  wing. He relayed it ahead for Jacob Bosse, who walked into the  top of the right circle and ripped a perfect shot high short-side over the glove of Alexander  to make 8-2  at 6:20 of  the third. The Bulldogs had a couple good chances through the following  minutes, but couldn't make it interesting as Tommy Bannister was in alone but hit the crossbar, followed by a Mitchel Deelstra in alone bid that saw Alexander get a left toe on it to  keep it out.  There would be no further scoring the rest of the way.


Third period shots were 9-4 Bulldogs, for a game total of 29-28 Spruce Kings. Jackson Glassford took the loss, giving up 8 goals on 25 shots in 40 minutes, while Jett Alexander earned the win. The Bulldogs went 0 for 4 on the power play,  while the Spruce Kings went 2 for 4.


The Bulldogs are back at it tomorrow night in Chilliwack when they face the Chiefs.

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 begin weekend road trip tonight in Prince George

It's the opening game of a three-in-three weekend tonight for the Bulldogs (3-4-0-0, T-3rd Island) as they visit the defending Fred Page Cup Champion Prince George Spruce Kings (2-3-2-0, T-2nd Mainland) at the Rolling Mix Concrete Arena.


The Bulldogs were last in action Saturday night at home, where they won 2-1 over the Nanaimo Clippers. The Spruce Kings last played Sunday afternoon in Coquitlam, where they ended a three-in-three road trip of their own to the Lower Mainland with a 5-1 loss to the Express in Coquitlam.

The Rolling Mix Arena - formerly  as the Prince George Coliseum (it will always be the Coliseum, or Castle to me!) is always a tough place to play, so the Dogs had best be ready to play. Every rink is a tough one to play in, but the Coliseum is perhaps a tad tougher for most teams out of the Mainland Division that only visit it once a year due to the fact that it's unique. The playing surface is 10 feet shorter than a regulation sheet at 190 feet versus 200 feet. Not only is the surface a different size, but the corners are very square and the boards and glass are very active and have some unique bounces.

Here's a look inside - every time I watch this video, I can't not smile when it gets to "Hockey Grandma" 

The Coliseum gondola is a unique vantage point to call a game from, to say the least,  as you are perched directly above the visiting bench. Some....interesting things can sometimes be heard! 

Van Isle Ford Bulldogs Hockey on 93.3 The Peak FM takes to the airwaves at 6:45 for the pregame show, with play-by-play to follow at 7:00pm.

Tonight's 2nd Intermission guest is Vanni DeBartolo, the play-by-play voice of the Chilliwack Chiefs, who the Bulldogs visit tomorrow night.

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

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




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

*UPDATED WITH HIGHLIGHTS* Bulldogs remain unbeaten on home ice, top Clippers 2-1.

Enjoy...

Hammer

A fast start with few whistles saw great flow to the game early was fun to watch, but into the back half of the opening ten minutes the play turned somewhat sloppy with the Bulldogs being guilty of turning the puck over in both the offensive and defensive zone on a handful of instances, but escaping any damage on the scoreboard. The Bulldogs would go to the power play just after the midway point of the period, but were unable to generate chances or momentum. Another power play opportunity immediately followed it, that again failed to generate much until the dying seconds when Jordan Naylor made a good save on a Jackson Doucet deflection attempt. Just a second after the opportunity elapsed Mitchel Deelstra simply just put the puck on net from a sharp angle just off the goal line from the right side of the net where he snapped it through the legs of Naylor to make it 1-0 at 15:46 of the first, with assists going to Dawson Tritt and Ryan Doolin. The Clippers earned a power play on the next shift, and while they threatened on it it stayed 1-0 after 20 minutes with Jackson Glassford making a couple solid saves in tight to protect the lead. Shots were 14-10 Bulldogs after one.


The second period saw an increase in both physical play and overall intensity in the early minutes, with both goalies tested in tight. The physical play continued into the middle of the period, with the score staying the same with the Bulldogs coming up with a solid penalty kill. They went to a power play of their own in the back half of the period, and they made good on it as they won an extended battle on the far half-wall in their zone before Jimmy Rayhill put a perfect indirect pass up the left wing for a streaking Mitchel Deelstra who raced in alone and cut across the crease where he tucked a backhand through the five-hole of Naylor to make it 2-0, on the power play at 12:19 of the second. There would be no further scoring through the period, with a great backcheck by Grayson Valente perhaps saving a goal on an odd-man rush that followed a Bulldog odd man chance the other way that somehow stayed out. Shots in the period were 10-4 Clippers, for a 20-18 Nanaimo edge after 40 minutes.


The third period didn't see much in the way of chances through the opening minutes, but as the period wore on the Clippers increased their level of desperation and controlled extended stretches in the Bulldog zone and put a bushel of pucks on net that were kept out by Glassford, perhaps the most notable being an in-alone chance by Ethan Scardina that he fought off with his blocker. The Clippers kept the push on, with the Bulldogs having several opportunities to counter on the rush, but being unable to finish them for further insurance. The Clippers would go to the power play with under five minutes to play, and they made good on it as Robby Drazner zipped a mid-air wrist shot at the net where it was deflected down to the ice and through the five-hole of Glassford by Travis Walton to make it 2-1 at 15:47 of the third. That's as close as the Clippers would come, as the Bulldogs made the lead stand into the final minute, when they were whistled with just over half a minute to play for too-many-men on the ice. A long delay perhaps was to their benefit, as they didn't give up much and in fact came close to hitting the empty net off the ensuing draw as Stephen Castagna hit the post from the Bulldog end. Another good defensive clear by Isaac Pascoal missed the net but did the job in that it killed the remaining time off the clock.


Third period shots were 16-12 Clippers, for a 36-30 total in their favour. Jackson Glassford earned 1st star honours with the win, while Jordan Naylor was tagged with the loss. The Bulldogs went 1 for 3 on the power play while the Clippers went 1 for 5.


The Bulldogs are next in action Friday night in Prince George when they face the Spruce Kings when they kick off a three game road trip through the Mainland Division.


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 back home, host Clippers tonight

It's right back at it for the Bulldogs (2-4-0-0) tonight, as they return home to host the Nanaimo Clippers (2-1-0-1) at the Multiplex to finish off a three-game week.

The Bulldogs were in Duncan last night, where they had a two game winning streak stopped with a 3-2 loss to the Capitals. The Clippers haven't played since last Sunday, a 3-2 home ice win over the Chilliwack Chiefs.

This is the third head-to-head contest between the teams this season, and the third in just eight days after the teams split a home-and-home set last weekend. The Clippers took the first meeting 2-1 in Nanaimo last Friday before the Bulldogs responded with a 3-2 shootout win the next night at the Multiplex.

If you can't make it to the game, we'll bring it to you wherever you may be on Pacific Chevrolet Bulldogs Hockey on 93.3 The Peak FM 

Our broadcast is on the air tonight for the pregame show at 6:45, with the puck drop and play-by-play to follow at 7:00. 

Bruce MacDonald provides game analysis and colour commentary, while I call the play-by-play. 

Tonight marks the beginning of what will be a season-long effort to keep connected with Bulldog alumni still playing the game at various levels around the world. Our first alumni interview is former Bulldog (2012-2015) Kurt Gosselin, who recently had a taste at the NHL level with the Buffalo Sabres involvement with their participation in a preseason prospects tournament. 

After his career with the Bulldogs, Kurt had a successful four-year career  with the NCAA's University of Alabama-Huntsville Chargers. At it's conclusion last spring, he jumped right into Professional hockey with the ECHL's Cincinnati Cyclones, and the AHL's Rochester Americans - the Sabres farm team, where he's expected to play this season.

Here's a great story that chronicles Kurt's hockey journey, courtesy of Livingston Daily. 

Here's a gorgeous goal Kurt scored back in 2014

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

Cowichan Valley Capitals 3 Alberni Valley Bulldogs 2

Capitals top Bulldogs 3-2 at The Big Stick

The pace wasn't fast initially, with the Capitals icing it on several instances through the opening minutes before the Bulldogs did the same. Each team had their opportunities around the net through  the opening minutes, but both Luke Pearson and Zach Borgiel were sharp to keep it scoreless. The Capitals would  draw first blood just over nine minutes in when a shot from the right circle  was stopped by Pearson, but the rebound caromed off his blocker and out  near-side where Josh Kagan made no  mistake  in burying  high  short-side into the open net. Assists on the play went to  Maxime Dumas  and Johnny Howie at 9:05 of the first. The Bulldogs  answered just 39 seconds later, as Grayson  Valente put an outlet up the left  wing for Mitchel Deelstra. He  flew through neutral  ice and over  the Capitals line where he dished off to  Ryan Doolin, who  dropped it right back  to him. Deelstra went to the net un-touched as both defenders hit Doolin, and Deelstra made no mistake in  lifting a backhand past the glove of Borgiel  from in tight to tie it at 1-1 at 9:44 of the first.  Just 2:02 later it was 2-1 Bulldogs, as again Grayson Valente put a pass to centre that was knocked down by Caige Sterzer. He would gain the line up the right side before putting a drop pass onto the tape of Stephen Castagna. He would immediately put a high, hard one on net that went off the glove of Borgiel and in at 11:46 of the first. Luke Pearson would come up with a big save to protect the lead a few minutes later, getting a poke-check on a clear-cut breakaway chance for Zach Brooks, getting just enough to fight it off the post. Shots in the first were 14-7 Capitals.

The second period was played at a breakneck speed for the most part, with both goalies again good when called upon. A third goalie came into the mix, as Zach Borgiel had an equipment issue forcing Ben Howard in for a short spell of relief. Borgiel came back in, and made a huge save to keep it 2-1 as Stephen Castagna forced a turnover that  was put on net by Caige Sterzer. Borgiel gave up a  rink-wide rebound,  but dove across the goal line to get something on an Isaac Pascoal  opportunity  in tight to keep it out. The Bulldogs kept pushing, and  came painfully close  to opening up a two-goal lead as Mitchel  Deelstra put a shot that hit the crossbar and stayed out. The Capitals would get the equalizer less than two minutes later, in  unfortunate fashion from the Bulldog perspective as  Pearson made a save  and tried to  quickly throw the puck ahead  to catch the Capitals changing. His  defenceman was surprised and couldn't recover to find the pass, resulting in  Olivier Gauthier finding the loose  puck  and sliding it  home five-hole from in tight to  make it 2-2, un-assisted at 11:40 of the period. The Bulldogs responded well, pushing hard and generating a couple great chances, most notably an in-alone chance for Mitchel Deelstra that saw a deke to his backhand roll off his stick and fail to hit the net. Shots in the period were 11-7 Capitals, for a 25-14 edge after 40 minutes.

The third period was played somewhat cautiously in the opening minutes, but the Bulldogs started to generate a push as it wore on. They had a glorious handful of chances to  get the go-ahead  goal, with  Ryan Doolin appearing to  hit the crossbar, preceeded by a Mitchel Deelstra net drive that also stayed out. The Capitals would take the lead on the rush as Cole Broadhurst took a drop pass up the left wing and drove in tight on net where he put a perfectly placed backhand top  corner, short-side over the blocker of Pearson  to make it 3-2, with assists going to Zach Brooks and Tanner Sidaway at 9:38 of the third. The Bulldogs would come up with a big penalty kill to keep it a one-goal game with just over five minutes to play, before pulling Pearson for an extra attacker into the final minute and change of play. They had a couple glorious chances, the most notable when Jackson Munro threw the puck at the net, only to have it bounce off traffic cross-ice and onto the tape of Jackson Doucet in the right side of the slot. He would put a one-timer on goal but Borgiel reacted and went post to post to get a shoulder on it to protect the lead as the Capitals held on to the buzzer.

Third period shots were 11-5 Bulldogs, for a 30-25 Capitals total. Zach Borgiel earned 3rd star honours with the win while Luke Pearson took the loss. The Bulldogs went 0 for 2 on the power play while the Capitals went 0 for 3.

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

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 visit Capitals tonight

It's the first meeting of the season between these two Island Division rivals, as the Alberni Valley Bulldogs (2-3-0-0) visit the Cowichan Valley Capitals(4-1-0-0) at the Island Savings Centre in Duncan for another edition of the "Battle of the Valleys", as I not-so-creatively have dubbed it.

The Bulldogs last played Tuesday night at home, where they won their second straight 6-3 over the Surrey Eagles. The Capitals also last saw action against the Eagles, here at the Big Stick on Wednesday night where they emerged victorious by a 5-2 score.

About the "Big Stick" thing - I always make a point of providing some background for the new fans on the first visit of the season to Duncan. Perhaps it's not so creative either, but it's accurate - the nickname for the Island Savings Centre a.k.a "The Big Stick" comes from the fact that the world's biggest Hockey Stick (and puck) adorn the outside of the rink.

I'll be live from the Island Savings Centre on Van Isle Ford Bulldogs Hockey on 93.3 The Peak FM 

starting with the pregame show at 6:45, with the puck drop to follow after 7:00pm.

Don't miss another edition of the Island Division This Week in the 2nd Intermission, courtesy of Dan Marshall at 106.9 the Wolf in Nanaimo. It's a compilation of previews, recaps and highlights from the Island Division play-by-play voices.

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

HIGHLIGHTS Bulldogs 6 Eagles 3

Bulldogs stage third period comeback AGAIN, top Eagles 6-3

A lightning quick start to the game, as the Bulldogs missed on a 4 on 2 rush in the opening seconds, but connected on the next rush as Jackson Munro put an outlet pass to centre ice that was knocked down by Dawson Tritt. He would go to the net where he caught it and dropped it while cutting across the crease to tuck it in past the left toe of Cal Schell at the 57 second mark. The lead didn't last for long however, as Christophe Tellier gained the Bulldog blue line up the left wing where he bought time with a quick spin move before dumping it below the goal line. Holden Katzalay would find it, and then find Tellier driving the net un-checked where he fired a one-timer through the wickets of Jackson Glassford to make it 1-1 at 1:39 of period one. The scoring would slow, but the scoring chances didn't, as both teams had a plethora of opportunities. The Bulldogs had the better of them, but more often than not didn't get them on net as they appeared guilty of one pass too many. The Eagles had a couple good looks of their own, with Jackson Glassford being very good, and his defence doing a good job following the initial save to clear loose pucks from the paint. The Bulldogs looked good early in a power play opportunity, but couldn't generate much in  the back half of it. In the final minute of the period the Eagles had a power play of their own, and a very good chance in the opening seconds on a give-and-go between Christian Tellier and Hudson Schandor, but Glassford made a solid save to keep it 1-1 after 20 minutes. Shots in the first were 12-11 Eagles.

The Eagles had 48 seconds of power play time to start the second, which quickly turned into a two-man advantage of 27 seconds when the Bulldogs were guilty again. The Bulldogs did a fantastic job in killing the penalties off, but one second after the second penalty elapsed the Eagles connected to take a 2-1 lead as Brandon Santa Juana made a perfect cross-ice pass on the tape of Cade Alami in the left circle where he ripped a perfectly placed one-timer short-side past the right pad of Glassford at 2:24 of the second, with Sean Ramsay also assisting. The Bulldogs responded and earned a power play chance of their own two minutes later, and while they threatened they couldn't find the equalizer. They continued to push and carried the better of the play,  but the Eagles built a two goal cushion against the flow just short of the middle of the period as  Adamo Santia  did a good job to out fight two Bulldogs at neutral ice allowing Cody Schiavon to skate onto the loose puck and up the right wing and over the Bulldog line. He would drive wide and back of the net before just sneaking a wrap around past the toe of Glassford and the far post to make it 3-1 at 9:58 of the period, with Brandon Santa Juana also drawing an assist. The Eagles had a great chance on  the next rush, with Glassford stopping Akash Bains on the doorstep to  keep  it  a two-goal game. Another great chance in front later in the period was  stymied by Glassford, as he stopped Hudson Schandor on the doorstep to keep it 3-1 Eagles after 40 minutes. The Eagles  out shot the Bulldogs 8-7 in the period, for a 20-18 total in their favour after two.

The Bulldogs earned a power play early in the third, and finally made one count as Stephen Castagna found a dump in back of the net and walked out to the left side where he took a touch pass from Caige Sterzer that he fed onto the tape of Isaac Pascoal who made no mistake on a quick one-timer past the glove of Schell at 2:29. The Bulldogs kept pushing, and tied the game just short of the midway point of the period after solid boardwork in the Eagles zone by Ryan Doolin keeping the puck in his feet before it made it's way back to Carson Hemenway at the middle  of the deep slot where he one-timed a slapper high past the glove of Schell to tie it at 3-3 at 9:11 of the third. The Bulldogs took  the lead back with just under five minutes to play when Jackson Munro willed the puck from the left point past an Eagles defender and drove it down the  left wing and in tight where he snapped a quick release five-hole on Schell to make it 4-3 Bulldogs at 15:04 of the third. Some insurance came with Jackson Doucet and Stephen Castagna drawing assists for doing a great job to win a battle and fight the puck out from behind the Eagles net. The Bulldogs would get some insurance with just 2:04 to play in regulation when Ryan Doolin willed the puck - bouncing, as it was all night - through a series of sticks and right to the lip of the crease where he jammed a shot through the five-hole of Schell to make it 5-3,  un-assisted. The Eagles would gamble and pull their goalie, but couldn't generate a good chance before Josh Zary fought the puck from his zone all the way to centre ice before he hit he empty net to complete the scoring, with Jackson Munro drawing the lone assist at 19:32

Third period shots were 14-13 Bulldogs, for a game total of 33-32 Eagles. Jackson Glassford earned 3rd star honours with his first career win while Cal Schell took the loss. The Bulldogs went 1 for 3  on the power play while the Eagles went 0 for 4.

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 Eagles tonight

(image: Josh Fowler)

It's the first meeting of the season from an opponent outside of the Island Division, as the Bulldogs (1-3-0-0) host the Mainland Division's Surrey Eagles (2-1-0-0) tonight at the Multiplex.


The Bulldogs last saw action Saturday night at home, where they snapped a season-opening three game losing streak with a 3-2 shootout win over the Nanaimo Clippers in their Home Opener.

The Eagles have been idle since Friday night, where they suffered their first loss of the season, 3-0 to the Express on home ice in what was their Home Opener, after they took back-to-back games on the opening weekend up in Prince George against the defending league champions.

93.3 The Peak FM will be live from the Multiplex for Pacific Chevrolet Bulldogs Hockey starting at 6:45 for the pregame show, in advance of the 7:00pm game time. 

The full complement of our broadcast crew will be in the booth - Dan Tisserand tabulates team and player statistics period-by-period, Bruce Macdonald provides colour commentary and analysis and I'm responsible for the play-by-play. 

Tonight's 2nd Intermission guest is Justis Doucet, the play-by-play voice of the Cowichan Valley Capitals on Juice FM in Duncan as the Bulldogs visit the Caps on Friday night.

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

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




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 comeback from 2-0 hole to top Clippers 3-2 in shootout

After the dust settled from the home open festivities, the Bulldogs came out with a good push to start the game, with a Ryan Doolin wrist shot hitting the crossbar but staying out less than 20 seconds into the game. The Bulldogs continued to have a jump to their step, drawing an early power play that they again came close on, as Dawson Tritt hit the crossbar behind Zachary Bennett but it again stayed out. The pace slowed as the period continued on, with not much in the way of offense by either side with the Bulldogs perhaps being guilty of passing up too many shooting opportunities. The Clippers would draw first blood late in the period when Robby Drazner took  a hard  D-to-D pass from Devon Mussio at the right point where he simply put the puck on net through traffic where it appeared to go off the shaft of the stick of Luke Pearson and in, blocker side at 17:45 of the first. Kyler Kovich initially was also awarded an assist on the play, but at the conclusion of the period it was changed to Trevor LeDonne instead, which is somewhat curious as LeDonne wasn't on the ice at the time. The Bulldogs earned a power play with a minute and a half to play in the period, but the Clippers killed it off efficiently to the buzzer to carry the lead into the dressing room.

Shots in the first were 8-7 Clippers.

The Bulldogs were unable to connect on the  carry over power play time to start the second, but kept pushing the pace and generated a couple good chances. The Clippers had a fantastic chance to build their lead as well, with Luke Pearson coming up with a deflection save, and a follow up rebound stop in tight with his right pad off Sean Donaldson. The Bulldogs earned a power play, and threatened in the early seconds but ultimately couldn't make it count. It was the Clippers turn a minute later, with the Bulldogs successfully killing it off but heading right back to the box immediately. The Clippers would cash in on the second chance a minute into it after sustained pressure throughout it as Ethan Scardina found Tyler Williams at the side of the net. He in turn made a cross-crease feed onto the tape of a wide-open Josh Bourne at the back  post where he made no mistake  on the open net to make it 2-0 at 12:53 of the period. The Bulldogs  pushed back against the pressure,  and earned another power play opportunity. They again threatened, but couldn't find the net. Seconds after the opportunity elapsed, they finally cracked the goose  egg as Tommy  Bannister took an awkward looking hit from behind before bouncing  right back up to his feet and finding the puck that he walked  to the net and cut across the crease where he slid it home through the legs of Bennett  to make it 2-1 at 18:35 of the second. The Bulldogs threatened to tie it before  the period was out, but it remained 2-1 Clippers into the third.

Shots in the period were 13-13 for a 21-20 Nanaimo edge after 40  minutes.

The third period saw the Bulldogs quickly find the equalizer, on a pretty end to end passing play that saw Jackson Munro take a Jackson Doucet drop pass on the rush in the Nanaimo zone down the right wing before finding Tommy Bannister all  alone up the middle of the slot where he made no mistake in beating Bennett for his second of the night to make it 2-2 at 1:54 of the third. The Bulldogs were unable to net the go-ahead goal despite the crowd behind them, as  a minute and change later they were penalized on a faceoff in the Nanaimo end. They did come up with a big penalty kill to keep it tied however. The score stayed 2-2 into the stages of the third, with the Bulldogs again forced to come up with a big penalty kill with just over three minutes to play to force overtime.

Third period shots were 11-10 Nanaimo, for a 32-30 Clippers edge after 60 minutes.

Overtime saw the Clippers have the best early chance,  as Devon Mussio skated in alone on Luke Pearson who stared him down and made a right pad save to keep the game alive. Zachary Bennett would come up with a couple solid saves as well, on Jackson Doucet, Mitchel Deelstra and Jimmy Rayhill. Neither team could get the winner, as the game went to a shoot out.

Overtime shots were 4-2 Bulldogs, for a 34-34 total after 65 minutes.

In the shoot out, Ryan Doolin went first but couldn't beat Bennett. Sean Donaldson was stared down with Pearson getting his blocker on a wrister to keep it out. Tommy Bannister went next, but couldn't get it over the line as Bennett covered it up at the last second. Tyler Williams had the puck bounce as he tried to release it and Pearson kept it out with his right toe. Jacob Bosse went next, and simply skated in and ripped a perfectly placed shot top corner, short-side high over the glove of Bennett to send the water bottle skyward to give the Dogs the advantage. Josh Bourne went next and had to score to keep the game going, but missed high over the glove of Pearson for the 3-2 final score.

The Bulldogs are next in action Tuesday night when they host the Surrey Eagles.


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