Dogs top Warriors 5-1 for second consecutive win

It was a great start to the game for the Bulldogs, and hard for it not to feel like it was an exceptional start compared to Wednesday night as the Dogs weren't down by a couple of goals in the first couple of minutes of the game. The Bulldogs opened up a 1-0 lead after a series of good saves by Desautels when a faceoff win by Mitch Makin was ripped on net by Chris Schutz. Makin would go to the net and rip the rebound home five-hole to open the scoring at the 6:07 mark of the first, with Scottie Clark also drawing an assist on the play. The Warriors would have a great chance to equalize shortly afterwards, but Billy Christopoulos made a great right pad save on Brayden Gelsinger on a cross-ice pass on the rush. The Dogs took a 2-0 lead in the back half of the period when Scott Clark delayed and set up Chris Schutz in the slot. His one-timer was heeled into the corner, where Taylor Derynck jumped in from the line to find it. He would feed Mitch Makin below the goal line and then drive the slot where he took a return pass that he roofed top corner, far-side over the glove of Desautels for his first career goal at 13:21 of the first. Just 39 seconds later it was a 3-0 Dogs lead on a fantastic individual effort by Scottie Clark as he got hauled down in the corner but just jumped right back onto his feet and drove the net from below the goal line before pivoting to get on his forehand in tight where he jammed one through Desautels, with assists to Makin and Schutz at the 14:00 mark of the first for a 3-0 Dogs lead after one with the Dogs up 10-8 in the shots.

The Bulldogs started the second with three minutes of power play time, but they couldn't connect on it, coming close and hitting the post twice in quick succession. The Warriors would get a great chance to get into it in the first half of the period when the Bulldogs were penalized twice in a row, but Billy Christopoulos was rock solid in keeping the Warriors off the board with a series of saves over four minutes of penalty kill time. The Bulldogs would get another chance on the power play that they couldn't find the net on as the Warriors did a great job and blocked up to five shots to help out Desautels. Shortly afterwards the Dogs built their lead when Clark scored his second of the game, again on a hard and fast play in tight as Garrett Halls hustled to keep the puck in at the left point to get it deep for Mitch Makin in the left corner. He fed Clark below the goal line where he first had a centering attempt blocked but got it right back and carried it behind the net and scored on a wrap-around before Desautels could get over. Makin and Halls drew the assists as it was 4-0 Dogs at 15:06 of the second. The Dogs were out shot 12-6 over the period, for a 20-16 Warriors advantage after two. 

The third period had a high pace to it, but not much in the way of chances besides the Warriors again earning back-to-back power plays that the Bulldogs killed off to protect their four goal lead though the back half of the period. The Warriors would earn yet another power play with six minutes to play in the game. They would get aggressive and pull Desautels for a 6 on 4 situation, and they would connect on it as Jason Cotton converted on a cross-crease pass from the left side of the net putting off the post and in, far side. Assists on the play went to Liam Blackburn and Andrew Johnson at 14:25 of the third period. The Warriors had a great chance on the next shift, but Johnson couldn't convert on an open net as Christopoulos came over and got a pad on it to keep it out. The Warriors would continue to push with the goalie out but couldn't convert despite coming close as Liam Blackburn hit the crossbar after the Warriors won a draw in the Dogs end. The Dogs would erase all doubt when Eric Margo jumped off the bench and hit the empty net after finding a clear out of the zone by Chris Schutz to make it 5-1 at the 17:24 mark of the third for the eventual final score.

Final shots favoured the Warriors 36-21 with Billy Christopoulos picking up the win while Andy Desautels took the loss. The Dogs went 0 for 5 on the power play while the Warriors went 1 for 7.

The Dogs host the Salmon Arm Silverbacks tomorrow night to conclude their weekend.

Also don't forget that the 32nd Annual Alberni Inviational concludes tomorrow at ADSS:

The Alberni Invitational tournament action will start again Saturday January 24^th at 8:30 am with the exciting semi-finals in each weight division. Preliminaries continue until at about 11 am when placing matches begin. Finals are scheduled for 1-5 pm that Saturday and admission is free but space will be limited.

Hammer

Bulldogs host Warriors tonight, 32nd Annual Alberni Invitational today/tomorrow

It's the second and final Regular Season meeting between these two teams, and the second in a matter of a a couple weeks as the Bulldogs (20-16-2-3, 4th Island) host the West Kelowna Warriors (22-17-0-5, 4th Mainland) tonight at the Dog Pound. 

These teams last met on January 11th in West Kelowna, a 4-2 Dogs win at the end of a three-in-three road trip. You can bet that the Warriors weren't happy with their game in that one, and they'll be out to make a statement to the Dogs tonight so the home side had best be ready for a tough challenge.

It's the start of a three game Island/Mainland trip for the Warriors, as they are in Powell River tomorrow night and Surrey on Sunday afternoon. The Warriors have already seen action this week, as they hosted Penticton on Tuesday night where they fell 8-4 to the Vees

The Bulldogs last saw action on Wednesday night, where they battled back from two goals down on two different instances to top the Grizzlies 4-3.

The pregame show on 93.3 The Peak FM's Van Isle Ford Bulldogs hockey takes the air/internet waves  at 6:45 with the puck drop and play-by-play to follow at 7:00 with myself, Bruce MacDonald and Dan Tisserand bringing you all the action analysis and statistics.

 

If you aren't in radio 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.fasthockey.com


Tonight's 2nd Intermission guest is Ian Douglas, voice of the Salmon Arm Silverbacks, who the Dogs host tomorrow night for the first meeting between the teams this season.

PRESS RELEASE

ALBERNI ARMADA INVITATIONAL WRESTLING TOURNAMENT

GEARS UP FOR THEIR 32^nd ON JANUARY 23-24, 2015

Big changes are in place for the 32^nd Annual Alberni Armada Invitational Wrestling Tournament coming up January 23 – 24^th. In an effort to connect more closely with their roots at the high school the Invitational has moved to ADSS. In doing so they have had to downsize somewhat from the years of over 600 competitors but this year’s event still expects over 400 to attend.

The Alberni Invitational is widely considered the most prestigious high school wrestling tournament in B.C. and has received recognition across Canada.  The tournament started in 1980 and has run every year except the four years the local wrestling group hosted the BC High School Championships. That means 37 straight years that this dedicated group of volunteers have run a major wrestling tournament in the Alberni Valley. The event was held at the old ADSS from 1982 to 1994 before moving to Glenwood in 1995 and then the Multiplex in 2003 as it got so large.

“We are extremely proud of the history and traditions our wrestling program has established over the past 37 years. No other wrestling program in BC can boast that they have run 37 major tournaments and many would be happy to have done it once. This is our 32^nd   Invitational to go along with 4 Provincials and it only happens because of the amazing volunteer spirit in our community”, commented Tournament Director Tom McEvay.

McEvay continued, “Since this is another milestone year for us we are calling on all alumni to come back and celebrate with us. Come and take in the action, support our current wrestlers, join us for some socializing and visit the incredible new Alberni District Secondary School. We are very excited to showcase our local wrestlers at ADSS as this is their program.”

Action at the 32^nd Invitational begins on Friday January 23^rd with morning weigh-ins for boys and girls in the Cadet and Juvenile divisions at 9 am at ADSS. There will be some exhibition matches taking place from 10 am – noon to showcase ADSS wrestlers in front of the ADSS student body. Tournament action gets underway at 12:30 pm and runs to at least 8:30 pm that evening all at ADSS.

The Alberni Invitational tournament action will start again Saturday January 24^th at 8:30 am with the exciting semi-finals in each weight division. Preliminaries continue until at about 11 am when placing matches begin. Finals are scheduled for 1-5 pm that Saturday and admission is free but space will be limited.

Not only do local fans have an opportunity for some great competition at the Invitational, you also will once again see very competitive Alberni wrestlers.  The ADSS Boys team is currently ranked in the top 5 in the province and will do well at the BC’s.. They will likely battle it out with over 60 other schools for the team title in the Juvenile and Cadet divisions. These teams could include Guildford Park of Surrey, Carson Graham. Abby Traditional, WJ Mouat,  St Thomas Moore and Island powers Cowichan, Esquimalt and Campbell River.  

In the Juvenile Girls division ADSS is ranked in the top 10 in BC with Carson Graham of North Vancouver, St Thomas Moore and Ucluelet all top contenders.  In the Schoolboy/girl division Alberni will have strong teams from Neill and Dunn Middle Schools and both schools should be in the top 10.

The AV Times will feature pictures and write ups next week on all the top local wrestlers to watch at the 32^nd Invitational. It will be an exciting few days of wrestling action in the place many observers call “The Wrestling Capital of BC – Port Alberni! “

For more information contact Tournament Director

            TOM McEVAY--- Phone home:724-0577 email tmcevay@alberniwrestling.ca  

Hammer

Dogs dig out of two-goal hole twice, top Grizz 4-3

In what one has to think is surely a league record, the Referee blew play dead for penalties three times in the first 34 seconds of the contest. First it was Mitch Makin just 11 seconds off the opening puck drop, then Ayden MacDonald just 4 seconds into the Victoria power play. Another penalty to the Bulldogs 19 seconds later saw the scoreboard lit right up before most fans even found their way into the rink. With plenty of room on the 4 on 3 power play the Grizzlies would open the scoring, after two good first saves by Nathan Warren. Dane Gibson would find his own rebound after a kick save by Warren and jam it home from the left side of the net. Kevin Massy picked up the only assist at 1:58 of the first. After a short four-aside situation, the Grizzlies went back to the power play where they went up 2-0 on a bad luck goal that saw Thomas Gobeil put a high-hard one over the head of Warren, and off the end glass. It would bounce hard off the glass and directly back and over the top of the net and off Warren's back before trickling over the line. Assists were changed at the 60 minute mark of the game on this one, with the helpers being given to Ayden MacDonald and Meirs Moore. The Dogs would struggle to generate much in the way of a sustained attack, but they certainly had their chances to get on the board with both Braden Fuller and Everett Putz skating in on breakaways that they couldn't convert on to beat Stiliadis in the Victoria net. The whistle would go away from the Referee for a spell, but it came back at the end of the period with the Bulldogs penalized twice with the Grizzlies awarded a short 5 on 3 power play that the Dogs killed off to keep it 2-0 after one, with the Grizzlies up 10-7 in the shots.

The second period didn't see the penalties change much early, as after killing off over 1:20 of carry over penalty time from the first period, the Dogs were penalized yet again just 1:51 into the second. The Dogs would kill it off to keep the deficit at two, before earning a power play before the four minute mark. While they failed to cash in on the advantage, they moved the puck well and won a series of battles to get a couple good scoring chances. The Dogs would get on the board just past the midway mark of the period on a great retrieval of the puck from a face off in the Grizzlies end by Eric Therrien and Braden Fuller who battled hard through their checks to keep the puck deep. Fuller would get his stick on the puck below the goal line and put a perfect centering pass onto the tape of Tyler Povelofskie who one-timed it home high, far-side past the glove of Stiliadis to make it a 2-1 game at 10:56 of the second. The Dogs would have a great chance to even the game a minute later, but Chris Schutz would be stopped on a breakaway by Stiliadis, although he earned the Dogs a power play. They would have several good chances early, but then conceded a shorthanded goal for the second consecutive game when two players missed a puck on the left wing on a rim up the wall and the Grizzlies raced up ice on a 2 on 1 rush where P.J. Conlon put a perfect cross-ice pass onto the tape of Thomas Gobeil who one-touched it past Nathan Warren on his backhand to make it 3-1 at 14:01 of the second for a 3-1 Grizzlies lead after two periods. The Bulldogs out shooting the Grizzlies 16-6 on the period for a two period advantage of 23-16.

The Bulldogs came out of the room flying to start the third period, failing to connect on an 11 second power play to start the period, but finding the net a further 11 seconds later as Chris Schutz fought hard off the draw in the Grizzlies end to find the puck and drive the middle and get a shot on net. Stiliadis would make the save, but couldn't control the rebound as it came back to the line to Garrett Halls, who absolutely pounded one low and past Stiliadis. Chris Schutz drew the only assist on the play at the 22 second mark of the third. Exactly two minutes later it was a 3-3 tie when Braden Fuller kept the puck in the Grizzlies zone with a  great effort, before finding Justin Marreck open in the slot where he beat Stiliadis with a quick release, high and far side over his blocker at 2:22 of the third. The Dogs kept up the pressure and forced the Grizzlies into an icing and they would make them pay for it as Chris Schutz fought off two separate stick checks off the draw to get a puck on goal from the right circle that was stopped by Stiliadis. Makin would have his first rebound stopped, but it went cross-ice onto the tape of Scott Clark who fired it into the open side to make it 4-3 at 11:18 of the third. That would do it for the scoring as the Dogs made the lead stand and held off the Grizzlies desperate attempts to get the equalizer with the 6 on 5 in the final minute.

Final shots favoured the Bulldogs 40-24, with Nathan Warren picking up the win while Michael Stiliadis took the loss. The Dogs went 0 for 5 on the power play, while the Grizzlies went 2 for 5 while also scoring once shorthanded.

The Dogs are next in action Friday night when they host the West Kelowna Warriors.

Hammer

Humpday hockey, Dogs host Grizzlies tonight

It's another huge Island Division match up tonight at the Dog Pound as the Bulldogs (19-16-2-3, 4th Island) host the Victoria Grizzlies (18-13-1-9, 3rd Island) for the first meeting between the teams since November 1st.

The Bulldogs last played Saturday night at home where they fell 3-1 to the Capitals. The Grizzlies were in Prince George on Saturday, where they topped the Spruce Kings 6-3.

The Grizzlies lead the season series with a 2-0-0-1 record head-to-head, winning the last meeting by a score of 5-2 at the Dog Pound on November 1st. That score doesn't reflect how close the game actually was as the Bulldogs tied it at 2-2 with 2:14 to play in the third, only to have the Grizzlies score the game winner on the power play a minute later before adding two empty netters in the final minute. The first two meetings at the beginning of October were just as close, as the Dogs won 4-3 in double OT in Victoria before the Grizzlies won 4-3 at the Dog Pound the net next with back-to-back shorthanded goals in the third period in a four minute span to go from trailing 3-2 to wining the game 4-3. Keep in mind that the Dogs have only conceded three shorties all year - two of them in four minutes in one game.

In the end, it's all ancient history, and the Dogs need to be ready for a tough test tonight. They have played the Grizzlies the least out of their Divisional opponents, meaning they have more four point games the rest of they way against them than they do against anyone else.

We've got it all covered for you on Van Isle Ford Bulldogs Hockey on 93.3 The Peak FM starting with the pregame show at 6:45 with the puck drop and play-by-play to follow at 7:00 with myself, Bruce MacDonald and Dan Tisserand.

If you aren't in radio 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.fasthockey.com


Tonight's 2nd Intermission guest is Kyle Anderson, the Play-by-Play voice of the West Kelowna Warriors, who visit the Bulldogs Friday night.

Hammer

Dogs fall 3-1 to Caps in tough luck loss at home

A late start to this one, after a pane of glass was shattered in warm up.



This game was quite similar from the opening puck drop than the last game in the Dog Pound, also featuring the Bulldogs and Capitals, as the Dogs came out flying and opened the scoring five minutes in and ran up an early 13-1 lead in shots through the first 10 minutes. It was a 1-0 game at the 4:50 mark of the first period at the end of a long hardworking attacking shift in the zone that saw Everett Putz centre the puck for Taylor Derynck who walked in deep from the left point. His shot would be blocked off traffic, but it ended up on the tape of Drew Blackmun at the side of the net where he one-timed it home past Michasiw. The Dogs would earn a power play later in the period, but it sputtered and killed momentum through the first 30 seconds as they iced it several times. The Capitals would tie the game on a shorthanded 2 on 1 rush as Adam Osczevski looked off to pass and instead fired it through the legs of Christopoulos to make it 1-1, un-assisted and shorthanded at 17:13 of the first period. The score would stay that way into the second, with the Dogs up in the shots 17-4 after 20 minutes.

The Bulldogs started the second period with the same jump, getting three shots on goal in the opening minute of play. However, they would get caught up ice shortly afterwards and the Capitals made them pay as Luke Santerno walked over the Bulldogs line up the left wing on a 2 on 1 rush and showed great patience to delay and avoid the back check before putting a perfect top corner snap shot short-side high on Christopoulos. Jesse Neher picked up the only assist on the play at 6:27 of the second. The Capitals would have almost six straight minutes of power play time to try and build the lead through the back half of the period as a minor penalty was killed by the Dogs, and they took a double minor for high-sticking almost immediately afterwards. Christopoulos would make a couple good saves, but the Dogs did a good job to kill off the penalty not giving up much and generating a couple shorthanded chances of their own. The Caps would out shoot the Dogs over the period 13-12  for a 29-17 Bulldog advantage after 40 minutes. 

The third period started with some fireworks, after an early high hit and scrap saw the teams still play five on five hockey. The Bulldogs would push hard for the equalizer, but fought tough luck as the period wore on as they came painfully close on several instances around the Capitals net. The closest call would have to be with just over a minute to play and Christopoulos heading to the bench for the extra attacker as Braden Fuller danced through the Capitals defence and in alone on a partial breakaway on Michasiw where he saw his shot hit the cross bar and stay out. Just seconds later the Capitals would get all the insurance they needed as the Bulldogs attempted a cross-ice pass at their blue line with the net empty that was read and intercepted by Luke Santerno who scored his second of the game, unassisted for the 3-1 final at the 19:13 mark of the third period.

Final shots favoured the Bulldogs 43-24 in a losing cause for Billy Christopoulos in the Dogs net with Lane Michasiw picking up the win for the Caps. The Dogs went 0 for 2 on the power play while the Capitals went 0 for 3 while also scoring once shorthanded.

The Dogs next see action Wednesday night when they host the Grizzlies.

Hammer

Capitals visit Bulldogs tonight to finish home-and-home, James McDonald interview

It's the back half of this home-and-home set as the Bulldogs (19-15-2-3, 4th Island) host the Cowichan Valley Capitals (16-25-2-1, 5th Island) after the teams met last night in Duncan, a thrilling 2-2 tie that saw the Dogs dig out of a 2-0 third period hole to salvage a point, and not lose ground to the Capitals in the standings while gaining ground on both Powell River and Victoria.

I had to go waaaaaay back into the archives to locate the above picture from the most epic of the "Battle of the Valley" games between the Bulldogs and the Capitals. It's the game winning goal in the longest game in Bulldogs Franchise History, as Aaron Schepers scored the winner in triple overtime of a 4-3 Dogs win over the Caps in Game two of the 2005-2006 Island Division Semi Finals series between the teams.

 

I'll call the play-by-play while Bruce MacDonald will provide the colour and analyis on 93.3 The Peak FM's Bulldogs Hockey presented by Van Isle Ford with the pregame show at 6:45 and the puck drop and play-by-play at 7:00.

If you aren't in radio 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.fasthockey.com

Tonight's 2nd Intermission guest is former Bulldogs Trainer/Athletic Therapist James McDonald, now the Athletic Therapist for the WHL's Saskatoon Blades

Here's a neat article from Saskatoon's Star Phoenix about the job that these guys do day to day. Click HERE to read it.

Hammer

Dogs dig out of 2-0 hole, play to thrilling 2-2 tie in Duncan

A fast paced start to the game from both sides of the puck, as it was evident that both teams were well aware of the stakes. The Bulldogs had the better of the chances early, but couldn't beat Lane Michasiw. Billy Christopoulos wasn't tested as often but was solid when called upon. A scary incident short of the midway mark of the first period saw Kurt Gosselin attempt a hip check at centre ice, only to glance off the Capital and cartwheel through the air before striking his head on the boards. He would remain down for a short time before skating off on his own power, but it was certainly a nasty collision. The Bulldogs looked like they had taken a 1-0 lead late in the first when Braden Fuller stole the puck and Garrett Halls blasted a one-timer on goal that trickled in through Michasiw, but the goal was disallowed due to incidental contact on the Caps goalie. Shots through 20 minutes favoured the Dogs 15-5.

The Capitals would be awarded a power play early in the second when the Dogs were whistled for too-many-men, and they would connect on it on an off the net shot from the right circle that was deflected in by Adam Osczevski, with assists to Skylar Pacheco and Rylan Bechtel at 2:04 of the second to open the scoring. The Bulldogs were a post away from answering on the next shift when Eric Therrien put a quick wrister on goal from just outside the Capitals line that Michasiw wiffed on, but it hit the post and stayed out. Another great period for the Bulldogs saw them control the bulk of the play, but fail to find the net as they out shot the Caps 15-8 over the period for a 40 minute advantage of 30-13 yet they still trailed 1-0.

The Dogs came out with another great start to the third period, but took an attacking-zone penalty just a minute into the frame. Despite killing it off, they found themselves down 2-0 just a minute after the kill as Jacob Switzer put a shot at the net from the right point that deflected off traffic before going rink wide and onto the stick of Darien Craighead to fired it into the open net. Assists on the play went to Sean Harrison and Kyle Horsman at 4:18 of the third. The Bulldogs wouldn't deflate despite finding themselves in a two goal hole, as they answered right back a minute and a half later as both Braden Fuller and Eric Therrien did a great job to cycle the puck and keep it deep before getting it back to the right point for Brett Stewart who walked in and ripped a top corner slap shot short-side past Michasiw. Tyler Povelofskie picked up the only assist on the play at 5:53 of the third. The Dogs would get a big chance to tie the game when they were awarded a power play with just over seven minutes to play, but for the most part the power play sputtered and didn't threaten. They would get another break four minutes later when the Capitals picked up another penalty and Scott Clark escaped being sent to the box when he retaliated on Julien LePage. The Dogs would connect just 10 seconds into the advantage when Braden Fuller went D-to-D to the left point to Brett Stewart who put a perfect cross-seam pass into the tape of Mitch Makin in the right circle where he put a perfect shot top corner, short-side on Michasiw to make it a 2-2 game with 3:29 to play. It looked as if the Dogs might have scored the go ahead goal on the next shift when Josh Adkins banked one from behind the goal line that ended up in the feet of Michasiw, who was well behind the goal line. The Referee unfortunately wasn't in a position to see if it was in or not. The Dogs would get one more power play with 1:50 to play in the third when again he was battling with Julien LePage, however Clark would contact a Capital at their bench on the way back to the Dogs bench, apparently after being sprayed with a water bottle from the Caps bench - keep in mind that's just the Dogs side of the story, of course. The Referee didn't appear to see the incident, but I guess in this instance a Linesman was allowed to assist in calling a Minor Penalty as the opportunity was taken away and it went back to five on five. Neither team would be able to find the net through 10 minutes of overtime, with both Michasiw and Christopoulos coming up with a series of huge saves, on breakaway chances for Mitch Makin, Kyle Horsman and Scottie Clark as the game ended in a very rare 2-2 final score.

Shots favoured the Bulldogs 41-29 with Billy Christopoulos and Lane Michasiw being the goalies of record, with Michasiw picking up 2nd star honours as the Capitals swept all three stars. The Dogs went 1 for 4 on the power play while the Capitals went 1 for 3.

The teams go back at it tomorrow night at the Dog Pound.

Hammer

 

Dogs visit Capitals tonight to kick off home and home set

It's the start of a big home-and-home set tonight as the Bulldogs (19-15-1-3, 4th Island) head down to the Big Stick to face the Capitals (16-25-1-1, 5th Island) at the Island Savings Centre, with the Caps returning the favour and paying the Dogs a visit tomorrow night.

The Bulldogs were last in action Sunday afternoon in West Kelowna where they snapped a three game losing streak and salvaged their three-in-three road trip with a fantastic effort leading to a 4-2 win in West Kelowna over the Warriors.The Capitals were at home on Tuesday night when they pulled one out of the fire, tying the game with less than a minute to play before going on to beat the Victoria Grizzlies 6-5 in overtime.

The Bulldogs lead the season series 4-1, but the Capitals won the last head-to-head meeting 5-4 at the Dog Pound on January 4th.

I for one hope that the same Bulldogs show up that were in West Kelowna on Sunday. It was almost as if to a man, every single guy decided that there was no way that they were heading home from that road trip with nothing to show for it. From the opening puck drop they were fantastic - inspired, desperate, a little angry, etc. It's pretty hard to lose games when you play like that from top to bottom through your line up. You can bet that the Capitals will be inspired after their comeback win on Tuesday night, so I hope that the Dogs are ready.  

Catch the pregame show on Pacific Chevrolet Bulldogs Hockey tonight on 93.3 The Peak FM at 6:45 with the puck drop and play-by-play to follow at 7:00pm with myself and Bruce MacDonald providing the play-by-play and colour and analysis.

If you aren't in radio 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.fasthockey.com

Tonight's 2nd Intermission guest is Bulldogs Head Coach Kevin Willison.

 Wait, what? Isn't Kevin on the pregame show? Of course he is - but this interview is from last week's BCHL This Week Radio Show on TSN 1410 with host Jeff Patterson. I thought it was cool to see the Dogs get some further exposure on the program, and to also listen to Kevin interviewed by someone else besides me.

You can catch the show tomorrow morning at 9:30am!

Hammer

Bulldogs vs Warriors highlights, analysis

Always cool to be able to see highlight packages like this. Thanks Warriors. 

Hammer

Dogs gut one out, 4-2 in West Kelowna to finish trip

The Bulldogs looked like an inspired bunch from the word GO in this one, as they carried the play and showed great effort and desperation in running up an 8-0 lead in shots and having several solid chances that Andy Desautels turned aside in the Warriors net. Just one bad turnover later, and it was all of a sudden a 1-0 Warriors lead on their first shot of the game as Jonathan Desbiens stole the puck just inside the Bulldogs line and made a perfect cross-ice pass to an open Brayden Gelsinger racing down the left wing where he one-timed it into the open side before Christopoulos could get over. It must have been a very tough goal to take for the Bulldogs, but to their credit they didn't let it deflate them as they kept their foot on the gas and continued to be the better team in winning the races and the battles. They drew a penalty just past the midway mark of the frame, and while they couldn't score on it they kept up the momentum and had some very good looks. The Warriors couldn't get the puck out when the penalty elapsed as the Dogs kept up the pressure and it ended up in a 1-1 game as Taylor Derynck put the puck down the right wing and behind the net where Scottie Clark made a great effort to lunge and get a stick on the puck before putting a pass onto the tape of Chris Schutz at the lip of the crease where he one-timed it through Desautels at 11:52 of the first. The Dogs would take their first lead of the game in the late stages of the first when the Warriors won a draw in the Dogs end back to the point. Josh Adkins would fight through his check to block the shot, and it caromed off him and through centre ice where Dylan Haugen showed great speed to chase it down and skate in on a breakaway where he managed to just squeak it over the line and through Desautels, with the Linesman deserving a lot of credit for catching up with the play to make the call. Josh Adkins didn't get credit for an assist, but he will on a scoring change at 17:31 of the first for a 2-1 Dogs lead after one, and a 16-5 Dogs lead in shots.

The Bulldogs would take a penalty in the early parts of the second period, and the Warriors capitalized on it to tie the game at 2-2 on a mad scramble that saw Christopoulos make several saves but never be able to regain his footing as a wrap around by Andrew Johnson was banked off of his skate and in. Assists on the play went to Jordan Masters and Liam Blackburn at 5:15 of the second. The Bulldogs would continue to play good hockey throughout the midway point of the frame, getting pucks on net and playing good team defence in supporting Christopoulos. The Dogs drew a penalty in the late stages of the period, and after the first minute didn't yield much, the last minute saw them settle things down and get some good chances from the line leading to a goal in the dying seconds of the man advantage as Brett Stewart found Drew Weich at the left point where he put a high and hard one on net that hit the shin pad of Tyler Povelofskie and went in top corner over the glove of Desautels for a 3-2 lead at 15:53 of the second. The Dogs would out shoot the Warriors 13-3 over the period - I thought the Warriors got more on net than that - for a 40 minute advantage of 29-8.


The Dogs continued to play inspired hockey to begin the third period, but it remained a one goal game through the midway point. A big Bulldog penalty kill was completed thanks to a fantastic backdoor deflection save by Billy Christopoulos on Kristian Blumenschein to keep it 3-2. The Bulldogs would get right back on the attack and after a long attacking shift in the Warriors zone they were able to get the insurance marker when Eric Margo worked the puck back to the right point for Drew Weich, who put a high hard wrister on goal that was stopped by Desautels. He couldn't control the rebound though, and Chris Schutz was right on the doorstep to jam it home for his second of the night and 20th of the season to make it 4-2 Dogs at 10:44 with Weich and Blackmun picking up the assists. The Dogs didn't sag over the remainder of the game and came up with one more big penalty kill with six minutes to play to protect the lead until the late stages. The Warriors would pull their goalie with two minutes remaining for the extra attacker but the Dogs defended well in their zone and did a fantastic job of freezing the puck on the boards and winning long battles to not lose possession as time ticked away.

Final shots favoured the Dogs 36-19 with Billy Christopoulos picking up the win while Andy Desautels took the loss. The Dogs went 1 for 2 on the power play while the Warriors went 1 for 4.

The Dogs next see action Friday in Duncan when they kick off a Home-and-Home set with the Capitals.

Hammer

Bulldogs visit Warriors this afternoon, Matt Hatch interview

It's the finale of a three games in two and a half days road trip, and the first meeting of the season between the teams as the Bulldogs (18-15-1-3, 4th Island) visit the West Kelowna Warriors (21-14-0-5, 3rd Interior) this afternoon at Royal LePage Place.

If the Bulldogs can make to the rink today unscathed and on time, it will be a much easier trip to West Kelowna compared to last year. If you followed the team last season you will certainly remember that the team's bus was struck by an out-of-control SUV on the way to the game, resulting in a very late arrival to the rink by carpool courtesy of the Warriors and their supporters. Everyone was OK and the bus was good to go in the end to take us home after being checked out. In all my years of doing this, it's the only time something like that ever happened!

The Bulldogs of course were in Vernon last night where they dropped their third straight, 4-1 to the Vipers The Warriors are playing their second game this weekend and wrap up a three game home stand this afternoon, after last seeing action on Friday night at home where they won their second in a row, 3-2 over the Salmon Arm Silverbacks.

I'll once again call all the action for you on Pacific Chevrolet Bulldogs Hockey on 93.3 The Peak FM with today's pregame show kicking off at 2:15 and the puck dropping just after 2:30.

If you aren't in radio 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.fasthockey.com

Today's 2nd Intermission guest is former Bulldog Matt Hatch, fresh off his first Professional Hockey goal with the ECHL's Reading Royals. After a very memorable 2009-2010 season as a Bulldog, Hatch went on to the NCAA's Union Dutchmen - finishing his career with a National Championship last year. Following that, he was signed by the Philadelphia Flyers.

Hammer

Dogs drop third straight, 4-1 in Vernon in Royal Rumble

Neither team looked sharp in the opening minutes of the game, with players on each side mishandling the puck and passes failing to connect early as both teams tried to find their way. The Vipers would take a 1-0 lead before the game was five minutes old as Luke Shiplo made a nice move after accepting a D-to-D pass to make a Bulldog defender miss before walking into the top of the left circle where he put a wrister on goal that went past a screened Christopoulos. Riley Guenther and Liam Findlay picked up the assists on the play at the 4:43 mark of the first. The Bulldogs would answer just 20 seconds later to tie it up however as Josh Adkins took a pass from Brett Stewart and walked to the net down the right wing and in tight where he roofed one top corner, short-side high over the glove of Jarrod Schamerhorn to make it 1-1 at 5:03 with Everett Putz also drawing an assist. The Vipers would take the lead again just 12 seconds into a power play chance as Thomas Aldworth went cross-ice from the left circle to Liam Findlay. He would in turn set up Liam Coughlin right on the door step where he accepted the pass and scored on a quick spin move to pull it around Christopoulos to make it 2-1 at 7:46 of the first. The Vipers would take that lead to the room after 20 minutes, holding an 11-8 lead in shots on goal.

The second period saw the Bulldogs play a much more inspired game from the opening puck drop, generating a fair amount of chances and running up an early 6-0 lead in shots, although they couldn't beat Schamerhorn to tie the game. Into the midway point of the period, the Dogs had out shot the Vipers 9-1 and had carried the better of the play. The Vipers picked up the pace through the back half of the period, but Billy Christopoulos came up with two huge saves on cross-ice one-timers to keep it 2-1, the most notable being a pad stacker glove save on Mitch Meek with four minutes and change to play in the frame. Shortly afterwards the Bulldogs went to the power play when Riley Brandt ran Christopoulos and picked up an Interference on the Goalie penalty, but the Dogs couldn't connect as the Vipers kept the 2-1 lead into the third period, with the Dogs out-shooting the Vipers in the period 14-7 for a 40 minute advantage of 22-18.

The Dogs took an ill-advised penalty just seconds into the third period and it proved big as the Vipers again connected for their second power play goal of the contest as Christopoulos made a good save on a Luke Shiplo slapper from the deep slot, only to have the puck go off his pads and off the body of Liam Finlay and just over the line to make it 3-1 Vipers. Liam Coughlin also drew an assist on the play 1:14 into the third. On the next whistle, all hell would break loose after the play at the Viper net, with ejections resulting to Chris Schutz - who was given 5 for fighting and a double ejection, without ever dropping his gloves and stick - and Mitch Makin, who never had an opportunity to fight with Colton McCarthy lying on top of him and attemping to get a cheap one in on him and not letting him up despite the Referee and Linesman attempting to remove him. The Bulldogs would get the extra penalty out of all of it somehow, and the Vipers would connect on it on a 2 on 1 down low as Liam Coughlin set up TJ Dumonceaux with a cross-ice one-timer that he buried from the slot. Liam Finlay also drew an assist on the play at 2:52 of the third to make it 4-1. That would do it for the scoring, but not for the stupid stuff, as it continued throughout the third period on several instances. The Bulldogs would end up with a full two minute 5 on 3 power play, and a three minute power play after the final after the whistle WWE style Rodeo, but they couldn't connect as the power play was missing the likes of Makin and Schutz and didn't look crisp.

Final shots were even at 29 aside, with Billy Christopoulos taking the loss and Jarrod Schamerhorn picking up the win. The Vipers went 3 for 7 on the power play and the Bulldogs went 0 for 7, a huge difference in the game.

The Dogs conclude their trip tomorrow in West Kelowna for a 2:30 start time.   

Dogs face Snakes in Vernon tonight, *6pm puck drop*

It's the second meeting between the teams in just under a month as the Bulldogs (18-14-1-3, 4th Island) return the favour and pay the Vipers (24-11-1-2, 2nd Interior) a visit tonight at Kal Tire Place for a 6pm puck drop.

The Vipers won the previous match up 5-3 at the Dog Pound on December 13th in a very entertaining hard fought affair.

The Dogs were in action last night in Trail where they dropped their second in a row in a heartbreaker, 5-4. This is the final game of a three game home stand for the Vipers, who hosted the Prince George Spruce Kings last night where they won their second in a row, 5-3 over the Spruce Kings.

It's another unique start time tonight, with Pacific Chevrolet Bulldogs Hockey on 93.3 The Peak FM kicking off with the pregame show at 5:45 with the puck drop to follow at 6pm.

If you aren't in radio 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.fasthockey.com

Tonight's 2nd Intermission guest is Kyle Anderson, the Play-by-Play voice of the West Kelowna Warriors, who the Bulldogs visit tomorrow for a 2:30 puck drop to conclude their road trip. 

Hammer

Dogs drop last second heartbreaker, 5-4 in Trail

A somewhat flat start to this one from both sides, but things picked up in a hurry as the Smoke Eaters took a 1-0 lead just before the game was five minutes old as Kienan Scott accepted a Jeremy Lucchini pass at centre and walked down the right wing where he snapped one high, far-side past the blocker of Nathan Warren from the right circle to make it 1-0 4:45 in. Just three minutes later it was 2-0 Trail as Craig Martin walked into the deep slot and beat Warren with a wrist shot blocker side, with Jake Lucchini picking up the only assist at the 7:30 mark. That would do it for Nathan Warren's night, as Billy Christopoulos entered the game in relief. The Dogs kept it 2-0 with a good penalty kill at the midway mark of the period, before drawing a power play of their own. They would win the opening draw and never let the Smokies clear the zone, attacking for a full 58 seconds and getting about six good chances before finally connecting after winning a battle on the half wall. Drew Weich would feed Mitch Makin who had covered his point, where he put a perfect pass to Brett Stewart in the right circle where he snapped one home high, short-side past the blocker of Clark to make it 2-1 at the 13:11 mark of the first. The score would stay that was through 20 minutes, with the Dogs leading the shots 16-13.  

The Bulldogs came out as if shot out of a cannon to start the second, tying the game at 2-2 just 1:03 into the period as Chris Schutz threw a big hit and found a loose puck from Scott Clark before putting a perfect pass cross-ice onto the tape of Mitch Makin who snapped it into the open side. The Dogs continued to carry the play, running up a 9-0 lead in shots just four minutes into the period, but they couldn't beat Brett Clark to break the deadlock. They would keep at it as the period wore on, going up 3-2 with five minutes left when Troy Dobbs intercepted a pass at the Dogs line on the right side, and banked one hard cross-ice off the left wing boards. It would take a perfect bounce into the Trail zone where Marcus Russell chased it down with blazing speed to race in on a breakaway that he snapped it home through the legs of Clark to give the Dogs their first lead of the game at the 15:00 mark of the second. The Dogs got some insurance less than a minute later when Eric Therrien put an outlet pass onto the tape of Tyler Povelofskie up the right wing before joining the rush to make it a 3 on 2 with Justin Marreck trailing the play. Povelofskie would put a drop pass onto the tape of Marreck who walked into the slot through the right circle where he snapped one home far-side off the glove of Clark and just over the line to make it 4-2 at the 15:58 mark of the second for a 4-2 Dogs lead after two periods, with  the Dogs out shooting the Smoke Eaters 15-14 for a two period advantage of 31-27.

 The Smoke Eaters would get back into the game just short of nine minutes into the third on a bad luck goal as Everett Putz won a faceoff in the Dogs end right at Billy Christopoulos. He would attempt to poke the puck up the left wing, but he misplayed it right onto the tape of Kienan Scott, who would slide it into the open net before Christopoulos could recover, to make it 4-3 at 8:55 of the third period. The Bulldogs wouldn't sit back as they continued to control the play and spent long stretches in the Smoke Eaters end. They couldn't build the lead though, and it came back to bite them as the Smoke Eaters dumped the puck down ice. A Bulldog would race off the bench to win a race to it, but rushed a clearing attempt up the boards that was kept in by Max Newton. He would walk into the right circle and rip one top corner, short-side high on Christopoulos for an assisted marker to make it 4-4 with 3:33 to play in the third. Again the Dogs didn't sit back, as they stormed the Smokies net, but again they couldn't get a bounce. The Smoke Eaters would go up 5-4 with 1:34 to play on another tough-luck goal as Dallas Calvin put a puck on net that went off a Bulldog stick and in past a puzzled Christopoulos as he couldn't located the deflection. Assists went to Charlie Zuccarini and Jake Lucchini. The Bulldogs would get their goalie out and get a mad scramble around the Smoke Eaters net in the final minute, but Brett Clark held the fort as the Dogs couldn't get the equalizer.

Final shots favoured the Bulldogs 48-40 with Billy Christopoulos taking the loss in a relief effort while Brett Clark picked up the win. The Dogs went 1 for 1 on the power play - the second straight road game they earned but one power play - while the Smoke Eaters went 0 for 3.

The Bulldogs are in Vernon tomorrow, for a 6:00pm puck drop as they visit the Vipers.

Hammer
 

Bulldogs visit Smoke Eaters tonight to kick off three game Interior swing

It's the start of a three-in-three swing through the Interior Division tonight as the Bulldogs (18-13-1-3, 4th Island) visit the Trail Smoke Eaters (13-23-0-2, 6th Interior) at the Cominco Memorial Arena in Trail.

This is the second and final Regular Season meeting between the teams, with the Bulldogs winning the previous match up 5-3 at the Dog Pound on October 11th.

The Bulldogs were last in action Sunday afternoon at home where they had a three game winning streak snapped with a 5-4 loss to the Cowichan Valley Capitals. The Smoke Eaters meanwhile last saw action Wednesday night in Salmon Arm where they lost their fourth in a row in a heart breaker, 3-2 to the Silverbacks.

The Cominco Memorial Arena is a beautiful old barn with great history - but it's a very tough place to play for visiting teams who don't have much experience in it as the boards are very lively and the corners are a little unique which leads to some bounces that you won't see in many other rinks. The Bulldogs will have to be extra ready not just for the building, but for the Smoke Eaters too as you can bet that this game will be a little special for the ex Bulldogs on their squad in Harlan Orr, Craig Martin, Kienan Scott and Adam Todd. Those four will no doubt come out with an extra jump to prove something tonight, as most guys usually do against their old team.

It's a rare bottom of the hour puck drop tonight, with the pregame show on Pacific Chevrolet Bulldogs Hockey on 93.3 The Peak FM getting underway at 7:15 with the play-by-play to follow at 7:30.

If you aren't in radio 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.fasthockey.com


Tonight's 2nd Intermission guest is Vernon Vipers Play-by-Play voice Graham Turnbull  as the Bulldogs head overnight to the Okanagan to visit the Vipers for a 6pm puck drop tomorrow night

Hammer