Just a random picture from Saturday night to grab your attention!
Thanks for stopping by the blog.
Well, here we are heading into week four of the season already. While it's still young - it's not new anymore either, if that makes sense?
The Bulldogs went 2 and 0 last weekend, running their win streak to three games.
They earned a 4-1 win in Victoria on Friday night. Hlib Artsatbanov was fantastic, as the Grizzlies threw 50 shots on net. The number didn't feel that way at the time, but after following up with several analytic services that number sounded to be fairly accurate.
Two goals in 16 seconds really changed that game - Victoria might believe, and might be right, that they deserved a better fate. They have a good team and the Bulldogs will need to be at their best Friday night.
The Bulldogs topped the Nanaimo Clippers 4-2 Saturday night. They trailed early, they went up 3-1, and just when it looked like they might've ran away with it, Nanaimo answered immediately and there was no scoring until the empty netter to seal the deal. A game that certainly could've gone either way and the Clippers might feel they deserved a better fate as well.
Saturday night the Bulldogs host the Cowichan Valley Capitals - at this moment, they are the last team to have defeated them - it was their only win so far this season. They last dropped a 2-1 overtime decision to Powell River on Saturday night at home. You can bet that they'll be an angry and motivated team when they arrive at the Dawg Pound on Saturday night.
I would also expect the Grizzlies to show up the same way on Friday.
This is an important practice week for the Bulldogs. One has to think you're motivation and attitude are... different... when you've lost a couple in a row, as opposed to when you've won a couple.
At the same time, one has to think that the Bulldog Coaching Staff and Leadership group will keep everyone on task to have a week of improvement and competition within the team to find a way to get better come Friday night. That's what it's about all year - win or lose, find a way to get better both individually and as a team come the weekend.
That's what good/great/contenting, etc teams do!
The majority of the player's parents and families are visiting the Valley this weekend for Parent's Weekend. It's always a special time, as many people come and see our little slice of paradise for the first time, and they also get to catch up with their Boys who have been gone likely since August!
Make sure you give them the typical Alberni Valley welcome!
The Port Alberni Bombers are in action tonight at the Multiplex. After winning their season opening game, they've lost eight straight. I've seen marked improvement from this young team from earlier in the season to now. They seem to be on the right track. Winning is very tough at this level and as a young, inexperienced squad they have taken their lumps.
It may sound hollow when I'm on the outside looking in, but you just need to keep working every day to get better. Here's hoping they can see some results from their efforts sooner rather than later. It's the results that can add that fuel to keep a group headed in the right direction!
Thanks for checking the blog!
Hammer
