Dogs fall 4-3 to Warriors

The Bulldogs and Warriors both appeared to have a good jump in the opening minutes, but the Bulldogs were once again penalized early and quickly found themselves on their heels as the Warriors gained momentum on the power play, but they kept John Hawthorne busy. He would then make a big breakaway save on Max Bulawka to keep it scoreless. The Bulldogs would respond to open the scoring with a power play of their own as they cashed in on the rush as Sami Pharaon worked the puck to the Warriors line up the left wing for Paul Selleck. He would gain the line and put a perfect cross-ice pass onto the tape of Cole Polizani, who finished the chance beautifully with a top corner, far-side high shot off the back bar. The time of the goal was 8:10 of the first. The Dogs didn't have long to play with the lead, as the Warriors tied it just 34 seconds later as they won a draw in the attacking zone and worked the puck to the left wing wall where Michael Ryan threw it to the top of the crease where Max Bulawka deflected it home. Jake Harrison also drew an assist on the play at 8:34 of the first. The Warriors earned another power play less than a minute later, and pushed hard for the go-ahead goal, but John Hawthorne was fantastic to keep it tied. The Dogs earned a subsequent power play late in the period and had a couple near misses around the Warrior net, but also couldn't cash in. One more Warrior power play in the final two minutes of the period saw them threaten, but again they couldn't beat Hawthorne who was tested often. Shots in the first were 19-6 West Kelowna.


The Warriors took the first lead of the game inside of four minutes into the second, as a bad change combined with a failure to get the puck in deep at the attacking line resulted in a breakaway with a perfect head-man pass by Spencer Hora on the tape of RJ Murphy. He would race in alone and fake cutting wide before sliding it home five-hole on Hawthorne, making it 2-1 at 3:29 of the second. The Warriors kept the pressure up, but the Dogs earned a power play short of the midway point of the period. They weren't able to generate much in the way of momentum on chances on it, however. The Warriors created a Grade A chance in tight in front of the Dogs net late in the period to build the lead, but Hawthorne came up with a big glove save on a one-timer by RJ Murphy. The Bulldogs would get two fantastic chances in the final minute and change of the period, the first seeing Paul Selleck put a perfectly placed pass onto the tape of Jackson Doucet for a breakaway - he took an outstretched Warriors stick from behind into his arm and failed to get a shot on net, with no call coming. Doucet would then gain the zone and set up Selleck with a perfect pass to the deep slot, but Nik Amundrud made a fantastic save with his blocker to keep it 2-1. Shots in the period were 10-7 Warriors, for a 40 minute advantage of 29-13.


Jackson Doucet would get another breakaway inside the first minute of the third, but missed the net high and wide. The Bulldogs would tie the game half a minute later, when James Orban took a high and hard hit at the Bulldog line to get the puck out of the zone for a 2 on 1 rush. Tyler Vanuden would carry the puck up the left wing, and dish off to Keaton Mastrodonato who returned the puck cross-ice where Vanuden tapped it in 1:21 into period three to make it 2-2. The Warriors would answer back to take the lead when Wyatt Head blocked an up the middle clearing attempt by the last man back to skate in on a breakaway where he cut across the crease and lifted it high, long-side past the glove of Hawthorne. The goal was unassisted at 5:04 of the third. The Bulldogs would be penalized a minute and change later, but came up with a big kill to keep it tied. They would earn a power play later in the period where they tied the game on a goal that appeared to happen after a missed hand-pass by Ryan Steele on the faceoff. Play would continue, as Mitch Oliver put a puck on goal from the top of the left circle. Amundrud would make the save, but couldn't control the rebound. Ryan Steele would get it on net, and Tyler Vanuden would locate the rebound near side and lift it home to make it 3-3 at 12:55 of the third. The Warriors would take the lead back less than a minute on an unfortunate couple of plays at both ends of the ice as a rink-wide pass appeared to be shaping up for a partial breakaway for Christian Simeone. It would instead hit the Linesman and turn up ice and end up in the Dogs net a second later as Calvin Tilsley threw a floater on net from the left wing that handcuffed Hawthorne and went off his blocker or stick and in through his legs and just over the line with the Official being well positioned to see it trickle over. Assists on the play went to Michael Lombardi and Chase Dubois at 14:53 of the third.

Now, here comes the finish. James Orban threw a hard hit on Michael Lombardi, drawing a retaliation from the Warriors and an initial penalty. Keaton Mastrodonato would contact Calvin Tilsley at centre somewhat incidentally, drawing another penalty. Jake Harrison would retaliate to defend Tilsley, and went at Mastrodonato and threw a couple of punches - nothing malicious but certainly an infraction. He however would not be penalized, so opposed to a Bulldog power play it remained even strength. On the next shift, James Orban would catch Lombardi again at the attacking blue line with a high hit as he contacted him as he was looking down on a drop pass. The hit would send him cartwheeling as he landed on his face and was cut. The Warriors would again understandably retaliate and stand up for their teammate and the Bulldogs defended themselves. There would be no extra call on the retaliation this time and it was evened up, resulting in the Warriors earning a major power play. The Bulldogs would get the puck deep and pull their goalie for the extra attacker, when more "stuff" broke out, as Spencer Hora drove Cole Poliziani into the boards from behind as he was chasing a rim. The Referee would raise his arm initially, but then point at BOTH Hora and Poliziani - who would end up down injured and need assistance off the ice. Tyler Vanuden would quite vocally voice his displeasure and surprise at the diving penalty to Poliziani and received a 10 minute misconduct. He was then subsequently given Poliziani's diving/unsporstmanlike conduct penalty. One has to assume that this done so accidentally and the situation was incorrectly managed when the dust settled. At the same time it's impossible for one to not consider that it's a way to hang the penalty on him if any consideration was made after the fact that the initial call on Poliziani wasn't correct. At any length the Dogs didn't get a power play and had to keep their net empty to remain at even strength. They weren't able to generate a chance to tie it, and the Warriors held on for the 4-3 final.


Third period shots were 14-12 Warriors, for a game total of 43-25. John Hawthorne took the loss while Nik Amundrud earned 1st star honours with the win. The Dogs went 2 for 5 on the power play while the Warriors went 0 for 6.


The Bulldogs have now lost three in a row, they're next in action Friday in Victoria, before returning home to host Salmon Arm on Saturday.


Hammer
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Bulldogs host Warriors this afternoon *2:00 start*

It's the first meeting between the teams this season, as the Bulldogs (11-21-3-4, 4th Island) return home today to host the West Kelowna Warriors (19-18-1-1, 5th Interior) for a 2:00pm puck drop at the Multiplex.

The Bulldogs were last in action Friday night in Nanaimo, where they lost their second straight, 8-3 to the Clippers. This is the third game in two and a half days for the Warriors - they dropped a 7-3 decision in Victoria on Friday night. They bounced back with a 4-3 win in Nanaimo last night, to snap a three game losing streak, and a four game winless slide.

Bruce MacDonald and I will bring the game to you if you can't make it to it, on 93.3 The Peak FM's Van Isle Ford Bulldogs Hockey - the pregame show is on the air at approximately 1:45, with the game action to follow at 2:00pm.

Today's 2nd Intermission guest is former two-time Bulldog Evan Tironese, currently playing his Junior season with the NCAA's RPI Engineers. 

He had a hand - or foot - in on one of the most iconic goals in recent Bulldog history, an overtime winner by Mak Barden in the deciding game of the 2013 Island Championship series...

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

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

Hammer

____________________________________________________________

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

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

Dogs drop second staight, 8-3 to Clippers

The Bulldogs looked inspired over the first two minutes of the game, but the Clippers quickly pushed in the attacking zone. An end-board bounce was missed by Brock Lefevbre, but he then made two huge saves with his glove on the door step on Parker Colley. The Dogs were penalized a minute later, and the Clippers took but 13 seconds to strike when David Melaragni threw a puck on net that was deflected by Cal Babych. Lefevbre wold make the first save, but Babych was able to jam his own rebound home from in tight to make it 1-0 at 3:08 of the first. The Clippers would push for some insurance, but Lefevbre made a couple solid saves to keep it a one-goal game. The Bulldogs would have a couple great looks of their own later in the period, but Taz Burman was equally sharp. The Bulldogs earned their second power play of the game with just over four minutes to play in the first, and they made good on it as Darren Rizzolo found Tyler Vanuden on the right half wall. He fed Ryan Steele at the right side of the net, where he set up Keaton Mastrodonato in the deep slot where he one-timed it home far-side past the right pad of Burman to make it 1-1 at 16:20 of the first. The Dogs had a great chance a minute later when Tyler Vanuden was sent in alone - he would fight off a stick under his arm to get a shot away, albeit not a good one, as Burman made the save. At the other end of the ice Darren Rizzolo would be penalized on a Clipper net drive. The Dogs would keep it a 1-1 game into the second, with shots in the first being 14-9 Clippers.


The Clippers took a 2-1 lead before the second was two minutes old, as Brad Belisle walked down the left wing and from a sharp angle got Lefevbre down early where he put a perfectly placed shot short-side high over his blocker. The lone assist went to Sam McBean at 1:49 of the second. The Dogs didn't let the deficit deflate them, as they answered back to tie it on a pretty three-way passing play on the rush as Cole Poliziani put a cross ice pass to a trailing Jackson Doucet. He in turn fed it to the back post to Paul Selleck. Taz Burman would come up with a great initial save, but Selleck jammed his own rebound home to make it 2-2 at 7:26 of the second. The Dogs would be penalized later in the period, but instead of trailing their took their first lead of the game, on their first shorthanded goal of the season as Ryan Steele chased down a loose puck at centre, with the Clippers having too-many-men on the ice. Steele would race in alone, and fire a quick release past the blocker of Burman to make it 3-2 at 12:16 of the second, unassisted. The Bulldogs would protest that it should've also been a Bench Minor against the Clippers, but those claims fell on deaf ears. That would prove large a minute and change later, as the Clippers tied the game when Brandon Marinelli took a head-man pass in the Dogs zone, and skated completely unchallenged in alone on Lefevbre where he snapped a shot long-side past his blocker to make it 3-3 at 13:28 of the second, with assists going to Brady Lynn and David Silye. The teams would trade chances over the following minutes, with neither team finding the net until the late stages of the period when the Clippers took the lead back as Lefevbre made a great initial save with his left pad on a cross-ice one timer by Cal Babych, but couldn't get any help on the rebound as Tristan Crozier whacked it home before he could get his glove on top of it. Preston Brodziak also earned an assist on the play at 18:45 of the period. Lefevbre would make a great point-blank save in the dying seconds of the period on another wide open set up to the slot for David Silye, that he just got his left shoulder on to keep it out. Shots in the period were 12-8 Nanaimo, for a 26-17 edge after 40 minutes.


The Clippers struck before the third was a minute old to take a 5-3 lead, as Max Crozier stepped up to intercept a long pass attempt. He would walk over the Dogs line up the left wing and cut to the middle, where he put a perfectly placed top corner shot high over the blocker of Lefevbre and under the bar. Ryan Steele would finish his check on him after his release, and would subsequently be penalized the extra two minutes on a large scale dust up. No assists were given on the play at 39 seconds of the third. The Bulldogs killed off the penalty to keep in the game, but the Clippers continued to push, and went up 6-3 on a shot from the right point by Brandon Marinelli that snuck in short-side under the glove arm of Lefevbre. Assists on the play went to David Silye and Parker Colley at 6:13 of the third. Colley would be penalized on the goal celebration, but the fight was gone out of the Dogs at that point, as they were unable to generate anything. The Bulldogs were penalized after the whistle at their net at the midway point of the period, and would be again penalized less than a minute later as the Clippers cashed in on their second 5 on 3 power play of the game to make it 7-3 as Joshua Bourne partially fanned on a shot from the top of the left circle but snuck it by John Hawthorne's blocker. Tristan Crozier and Brandon Marinelli assisted at 10:27 of the third. One more power play goal rubbed further salt in the wound, as Hawthorne made the save on a point shot, but the loose puck snuck through him and wide of the near post where Preston Brodziak located it first and tucked it in from behind the goal line to make it 8-3, with assists going to Tristan Crozier and David Melaragni at 18:11 of the third to complete the scoring. The Clippers would earn one more power play before the buzzer, but couldn't cash in on it before time ran out.


Shots in the third were 14-1 Clippers, for a game total of 40-18 with Brock Lefevbre taking the loss while Taz Burman earned the win. The Clippers went 3 for 8 on the power play while the Bulldogs went 1 for 3.


With the loss, the Dogs have lost two in a row while the Clippers have won four in a row.


The Bulldogs are next in action Sunday afternoon at home against West Kelowna.


Hammer

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

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

Bulldogs visit Clippers tonight to conclude home and home set

It's the second meeting between these teams in just three days, as the Bulldogs (11-20-3-4, 4th Island) return the favour and visit the Clippers (21-13-3-2, 1st Island) tonight at the Frank Crane Arena.

These teams met Wednesday night in Port Alberni, a 5-2 Clipper win - their third straight.

Pacific Chevrolet Bulldogs Hockey takes to the 93.3 The Peak airwaves for the pregame show at 6:45, followed by the puck drop and play-by-play at 7:00. I'll call the play-by-play, Dan Tisserand covers team and individual stats and Bruce MacDonald provides colour commentary and game analysis.

Trevor Miller, the play-by-play voice of the West Kelowna Warriors, who the Bulldogs host Sunday afternoon, for the first game between the teams this season.

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

Clippers top Bulldogs 5-2

The Clippers spent the better part of the first couple minutes of the game in the Dogs end, but werent able to generate any chances. The Bulldogs would push back and have a good chance to tie it on the rush, but Jackson Doucet's shot hit the post behind Taz Burman and stayed out. The Clippers would continue to press, and took a 1-0 lead with six minutes to play in the period as Brad Belisle threw a quick pass to the lip of the crease where Lucas Vanroboys one-touch deflected it top corner, long-side past the glove of Hawthorne at 13:34 of the first. A very similar goal made it 2-0 less than two mintues later, with the same line on the ice as Brad Belisle again threw the puck to the top of the crease from the left side of the Dogs zone, this time it was Joshua Bourne who one-touch tipped it off the post and in, far side. Lucas Vanroboys also drew an assist on it at 15:08 of the first. Shots in the period were 8-6 Clippers.


The second period started with the Bulldogs again on the defensive side of the puck in their zone, with the Clippers winning a series of four straight faceoffs to generate offense with John Hawthorne coming up with a couple great saves to keep it 2-0. The Bulldogs would score against the flow of play to make it a one-goal game, as Ryan Steele made a perfect stretch pass to Keaton Mastrodonato over the Nanaimo line up the right wing. He drove wide to the bottom of the right circle before throwing a perfect cross-ice pass onto the tape of James Orban, who one-timed it into the open net to make it 2-1 at 5:06 of the second. The Bulldogs weren't able to push with the momentum, as they instantly ended up in penalty trouble, as 12 seconds into a Nanaimo power play they were again penalized at the side of their net. The Clippers made quick work of the long 5 on 3, working the puck around perfectly as David Melaragni found Jake Harris at the right side of the net near the goal line, where he put a perfect pass backdoor onto the tape of Tristan Crozier, who one-timed it low short-side before Hawthorne could get over to make it 3-1 at 7:41 of the second. John Hawthorne would come up big to keep the Dogs in it, stopping Joshua Bourne on a breakaway. The Dogs earned their first power play of the game late in the period, and made quick work of it as Ryan Steele and Keaton Mastrodonato threw back to back hits on the end wall in the Nanaimo zone, and Tyler Vanuden supported to find the puck and get it back to the blue line. Connor Welsh would find Darren Rizzolo at the right point, and he put it in deep to the right side of the net for Ryan Steele. He made a perfect backdoor pass for a moving in Welsh, who one-timed it home short-side before Burman could get over to make it 3-2 at 17:10 of the second. The Clippers would be penalized twice in quick succession to end the period, both on after the whistle infractions, with the Bulldogs having a 5 on 3 power play of 1:26 in duration to begin the third. Shots in the second 13-8 Nanaimo, for a 40 minute total in their favour of 21-14.


The Bulldogs had a couple good looks on the two-man advantage, but Taz Burman protected the lead as the Clippers killed it off. Just a minute later they would restore their two goal lead as a bad giveaway at the side of the net was one-timed on goal, with Hawthorne making a great save on Brad Belisle. He couldn't get any help from his defence in the paint, as Lucas Vanroboys jammed the bouncing puck over the line to make it 4-2, with Brad Belisle and Joshua Bourne assisting at 3:03 of the third. The Bulldogs wouldn't be able to generate enough to get back into it, as the Clippers put the game away with just over eight minutes to play as Sam McBean put a wrist shot on goal from the left point that was deflected home at the side of the net by David Silye. Parker Colley also drew an assist on the play at 11:56 of the third to complete the scoring for the 5-2 final.


Third period shots were 13-8 Clippers, for a game total in their favour of 34-22, with Taz Burman picking up the win while John Hawthorne took the loss. The Dogs went 1 for 3 on the power play while the Clippers went 1 for 5.


These teams next see action Friday night in Nanaimo.


Thanks as always for checking the blog.


Hammer 

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

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

Bulldogs open 2018 tonight, host Clippers

It's the first game of the New Year for both sides of the puck tonight, as the Bulldogs (1-19-3-4, 4th Island) host the Nanaimo Clippers (20-13-3-2, T-1st Island) at the Alberni Valley Multiplex.


The Bulldogs last played on New Year's Eve, where they picked up a 3-2 double overtime win over the Powell River Kings. The Clippers last played Saturday night in Duncan, where they won their second straight, 4-3 in comeback fashion over the Capitals.


The Clippers lead the season series with a 4-1-0-0 record, while the Bulldogs are 1-3-1-0. This is the first meeting between the teams in over a month. The last time they saw each other was November 25th in Nanaimo, a 4-0 Clippers win.  The last head-to-head meeting at the Dog Pound was a 4-1 Clipper win on November 11th. The Clippers won  2-1 in double overtime in Nanaimo on October 6th. The lone Bulldog win was 5-4 on home ice on September 29th.  The Clippers won the season opener for both clubs, 5-3 on September 8th.

The full crew will be in the broadcast booth tonight to bring the game to you, on 93.3 The Peak's Bulldogs Hockey brought to you by Van Isle Ford. Dan Tisserand tabulates team and player stats, Bruce Macdonald relays analyis and colour commentary and I'll call the play-by-play. The pregame show is on the air at 6:45, in advance of the 7:00pm puck drop.

Tonight's 2nd Intermision guest is former Bulldog Jared Wilson, now a Senior - and Co-Captain with the NCAA's RPI Engineers. It's from the ECAC Radio show, with host . Wilson was an integral part of the Bulldogs 2012-2013 Island Championship season, and was subsequently traded early in the 2013-2014 season to the Vernon Vipers. I'm hoping to get in touch with him before the season is out for my own interview with him so look for that still to come.

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

____________________________________________________________

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

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

Dogs comeback to top Kings 3-2 in double OT

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

Hammer


____________________________________________________________

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

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

Bulldogs host Kings for matinee affair today to ring in 2018

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

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

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

As always, get it all on 93.3 The Peak FM

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

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

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

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

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

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



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

Hammer



____________________________________________________________

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

Hammer


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

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

Bulldogs return from break to host Kings tonight

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

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

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

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

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

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

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



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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hammer

____________________________________________________________

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hammer

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

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


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


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


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


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

Have a great Christmas break players/fans/staff!


Hammer

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

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