Season starts TONIGHT, BIG PEAK ANNOUNCEMENT #1 + THE CHAMP epidsode for Bob Phillips!

Thanks for visiting the blog today....Very busy day, Game Day #1, a Friday for "Fall Fair" here in Port Alberni. It's a beauty of a morning and I hope the rest of the day shakes out!

It's Game #1 tonight, with an anticipated pre-game show start time at 7:20pm, with the puck drop somewhere around 7:40 to 7:45 as there will be pregame festivities a-plenty with the Clippers raising their 06-07 Championship Banner. Tonight's "feature guest" in our second intermission will be new Clippers play-by-play caller Dan Marshall. I hope you tune in, and it you do, send an email to the pressbox to let us know how it sounds, to answer our trivia question, to see if we might get a "shout-out" on the air for you. Click here to email us in the PRESSBOX

BIG NEWS FROM THE PEAK REGARDING BULLDOGS HOCKEY

After broadcasting all 60 games last season without a colour analyst as my teammate, I have company again!

Of course Alf Thompson was my "partner in crime" for three years on the broadcast. (after he did the Jr. B. Bandits and the first year of Bulldogs before I arrived) Ace stepped down last year to focus his time and efforts into the Midget Rep program as their Head Coach.

Please join me in welcoming RICK SCHIEVINK as colour-analyst for all 30 Bulldog home games. I'm very excited for this after going it alone last year, and I hope the fans are excited too. For those that don't know Rick, he has been involved in hockey at many levels throughout his life. As a player he suited up locally here in the Valley, and even as a pro in Europe. As a coach, he is coming off of three years as Assistant Coach with the Alberni Valley Bulldogs, and further involvement with Team BC and the "Best Ever" Program.

Rick stepped down from his Bulldogs duties in August to focus his time with his new big responsibility- Head Instructor with the Alberni Valley edition of the Hockey Canada Skills Academy.

The best news is that Rick still has free time at NIGHT. Not too much free time now Rick!

Rick brings a great knowledge of the game of hockey and the BCHL, and he will be a true professional in the booth. Rick has an incredible work ethic that he put into everything he does that I have seen FIRST HAND over the last three years. I look forward to Rick bringing this to the broadcast booth!

Welcome Rick! It will be no easy process but in no time I'm sure Rick and I will be working together like a well-oiled machine!

THE CHAMP does an episode for Bob Phillips

This could be about the coolest thing EVER to end off the post today. You might have heard of THE CHAMP. AKA Bro Jake from Rock101 in Vancouver. If you haven't heard of THE CHAMP, where have you been?

I will give you some advice- The Champ is....well...THE CHAMP. The best boxer that has ever lived. He's a bit tempermental now that he has retired and he isn't in the ring much anymore. It seems each and every single week SOMEONE is stupid enough to say SOMETHING to the champ that has some naughty innuendo involved. About his wife, about him, WHATEVER. And the Champ always loses it, SNAPS, and OVERREACTS on said person. After some upper-cuts and some flurries....He's THE CHAMP and the show ends.

Well this show isn't about THE CHAMP losing it, it's about giving some nice words to someone who is in his corner- Bob Phillips.

(Pictured above with his wife Star, the absolute MOMENT that Andrew Ella scored the OT winner over the Nanaimo Clippers for the 18th WIN IN A ROW for the Dogs. It's quite possibly the best picture ever. Great job BIG DOG on getting that pic)

Speaking of BIG DOG and this special edition of THE CHAMP. It seems Big Dog might've been in the Champ's corner back in his hey-day, and he called in a special favour for his friend Bob Phillips.

And THE CHAMP delivered.

Bro Jake, you ARE the CHAMP.

Big Dog, you are the champ too.

Bob and Star, YOU are the REAL champs.

Ladies and gents, I give you THE CHAMP for Bob. A warning- It brought a tear to my eye, and it might do the same for you! Click the link below to listen!

THE CHAMP FOR BOB

I was hoping to be able to play it on the air today on my morning show, but I couldn't get permission in time. I hope I'm not pushing it by putting it on the blog!

For more on THE CHAMP, please visit his official website HERE

And of course Bro Jake (Jake Edwards) The 'Stro (Martin Strong) and The 'Co' (Corrie Miller) are on Rock101 HERE

Some of my favorite CHAMP episodes we used to run when I was the Morning Man at CJ1240am in The Pas, Manitoba, include:

The Old Log Inn, The BlackHawks AND last but not least- Brett Hedican. Enough of those though, as this is a FAMILY SHOW!

For Bob Phillips' ALS Blog and to learn more about this horrible disease, please click below:

FU-ALS Blog

ALS British Columbia

FU ALS (Friends United, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis)

That's about all I have for today. Hockey game #1 tonight, and #2 tomorrow. Off to work for me.

Thanks for checking the blog!

Hammer

Rick Schievink interview UP, My first "Weekly Preview" article is up+HUGE NEWS FROM THE PEAK+Bulldogs looking for a "Bernie"

Peak Control

Hello and thanks for checking out the blog.

First today, I give you the Rick Schievink interview from my show yesterday here on 93.3 The Peak Fm. Click the link below to hear Rick talk about the Alberni Valley-edition of the Hockey Canada Skills Academy. Rick is the head instructor. All audio courtesy and copyright 93.3 The Peak Fm.

Rick Schievink Interivew 09/05/07

Expect TWO (at the very least ONE) huge announcements for Bulldog fans coming from 93.3 The Peak FM sooner rather than later. I would tell you more, but they'll kill me!

Want a hint? I already gave you one- see above "for Bulldog fans" I will say no more except this- We are doing our best here at The Peak for the sports fans in our audience. We are the home of the Bulldogs. We are the home of the Canucks. More to come!

Head on over to the Bulldogs website http://www.albernivalleybulldogs.ca/ to read my first "Weekly Preview" of the year...What a load of work this was, as I looked back at the changes the team had made throughout the spring and summer months up to camp. It can only get easier next week!

If you notice any errors- Spelling of players names, stats, what-have-you, please don't hesitate to let me know. I am very meticulous in my preparation but I am not perfect. I would rather know than keep on getting it wrong!

If you have a problem with my opinion- Write your own column!

The Dogs are looking for a "Bernie the Bulldog" If this sounds up your alley get your resume to the Dogs office by this Saturday.

I think that's it. TICK TOCK season starts tomorrow!

Hammer

Hockey Canada Skills Academy Video, Rick Schievink interview 8:10 Wednesday Morning on 93.3 The Peak FM

As previously posted, Rick Schievink will be on my show tomorrow (Wednesday, September 5th) to talk about the Alberni Valley Hockey Academy. Rick was kind enough to share this video with me, a very comprehensive story done by CBC's "The National" on what the Hockey Canada Skills Academy program is all about. If you have the time, I suggest watching the video by clicking the > play button below. Also, be sure to tune into the interview.

Instant Karma, Sutter nails slew-footer, exhibition season over+back doing work for the Dogs

Hope you had a great long weekend! It was a busy one for me with my "live on location" duties as Salmon Fest surrounding a Dogs game Saturday night. The weather wasn't great, but the times were!

Lets get down to business. The "(anything but) Super Series" shifts to Canada after our boys won all four games in Russia in fairly dominating fashion. It will be nice to see the Winnipeg hockey fans perform tonight as they are second to none with their noise and enthusiasm. I still remember the last days of the Jets and the '99 World Juniors in The 'Peg. Too bad that the hockey they may see may be a little less than intense. Who knows, maybe the Russians need to get on the road to get together?

Brandon Sutter on Alexei Cherepanov. At one end of the ice, Cherepanov throws a slew-foot on Sutter. At the other end, Cherepanov cuts to the middle with his head down, and Sutter puts him out of the tournament. Ladies and Gents, boys and girls, I give you INSTANT KARMA, INSTANT PAYBACK



I laugh at the penalty that was called on Sutter. Big hits just equal penalties in this day and age. Look up slew-footing in the rule book and find out it's a major penalty. There's a simple reason for that- it's extremely dangerous. The victim most of the time doesn't see you coming, and you instantly throw them to the ice on the back of their brain.

For ANY of the ________ ___________'s (I couldn't think of ANYTHING non offensive there so I'll let you fill the blank yourselves) out there that say for ONE SINGLE SECOND that Sutter's hit wasn't clean (ok CHARGING I will maybe MAYBE give you that) I will please ask you to look at the following video.



Enjoy watching the tournament from the stands Cherepanov. Too bad your slew-foot led to you cutting to the middle with your head down which led to you getting king-kong-ed.

Rant off.
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The Bulldogs prepare for the season opener Friday in Nanaimo after going 1-3 and 1 during exhibition. After going loss-tie-win the Dogs ended with two lopsided losses to Nanaimo and Victoria Saturday and Sunday. I don't have a problem with lopsided losses in exhibition (or the regular season even) as long as they are LEARNING experiences and not recurring experiences. I can't speak of the game Sunday in Victoria as I didn't head down there. What I can say about Saturday at home against Nanaimo is I hope the team learned to not get sucked in to the stupid stuff, and to keep their cool. Also, I hope they learned that the standard of play that is upheld at one moment won't be held up the next, but it might be held up later. Does that make sense? Expect nothing, be ready for what you perceive as bad calls and battle through it. Everyone goes through it. The team that does it best might very well end up higher in the standings than a team that doesn't, and further in the playoffs than a team that doesn't. It's a fact of life in the BCHL. It's a developmental league for the players as it is every one else associated with the league. I was standing with Clippers play-by-play voice Dan Marshall and I remember how dumbfounded I was with some of the things the Dogs got away with the last five minutes of the third. The Dogs sure paid for it in spades in the third with a couple of back to back 5 on 3's against. Bye bye hockey game, as the Clippers capitalized. It was an awful game for a fan to watch, and especially for a coach to watch, especially when coaches are using the games to evaluate talent. I don't know what if anything could be evaluated Saturday. Again, as I said off the top, I hope it was a learning experience.

I'm back doing the "Weekly Preview" and "Weekly Review" feature for the Bulldogs website this season, as I'm putting the finishing touches on the first edition coming out some time this week. A little hard to finish the write up and prep for my broadcasts this weekend as at the moment as I don't have the rosters for the Clippers or the Bulldogs or the Kings. Rest assured, I'm working on it.

For those that haven't read the feature before, it's pretty simple. I look forward at the Dogs "Games of the Week" and get some audio comments for your listening pleasure from a couple of players and a member of the coaching staff. Early the next week, I submit a recap of the games of the week. Then, I "lather, rinse, repeat" for every week of the season. It's just one of my duties throughout the season, but it takes alot of work. I won't let the blog go, but I will have to push the blog down a bit on the priority list.
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Last but not least- I am excited to have former Bulldogs Assistant Coach Rick Schievink in on my morning show tomorrow at 8:10am on 93.3 The Peak FM. The focus of the interview will be yet another BIG NEWS item in the local hockey scene, the emergence of Port Alberni's own Hockey Academy- of which Rick will be the lead instructor. This is great news and make sure to tune in tomorrow to hear more details. If you miss the interview, I will be posting it here on the blog along with running it during a Bulldogs broadcast coming up for those that missed out. Of course I will also get Rick's comments on the Bulldogs and the time he spent with the organization as Assistant Coach from 04-05 through 06-07.

That's it for today. Busy guy here, hi-ho hi-ho.
Hammer

Final- Dogs 6 Clippers 3

The Bulldogs won their first game of the exhibition season tonight, 6-3 over the Clippers at Frank Crane Arena. Sadly, I couldn't make it down to the game with commitments here in the Valley with Salmon Festival. Many thanks to Gary (AKA LRT) who caught the game after being in Nanaimo today on work, as he updated me throughout the game and passed along the final score.

Sounded like a great game for Sawyer Eichel and Marcello Ranallo.

Yes, it's just exhibition, but it's always nice to win.

Thoughts from anyone that was there? Please post below in the comments section!

Thanks for stopping by, see you at the 'Pound tomorrow!
Hammer

*Yawn* Canada goes 3 and 0, Dogs in Nanaimo, Salmon Fest weekend, more Bulldogs off to school

Team Canada beat Russia 6-2 today to lead the "Super Series" 3-0. Kyle Turris scored agian. That's 3 goals in 3 games. WOW.

Still a game to go in Russia, and Canada is up 3-0 before heading here for the next four games. I was having flashbacks today of the replays when Philly pounded the Red Army "they're goin home! they're goin home!" At this rate, the Russians might not even LEAVE home. Good job Canada.




The Dogs are back in action tonight with an exhibition tilt at the Frank Crane Arena at 7:30 against the Clippers. The Dogs are 0-1 and 1 so far in exhibition, the Clippers are 0 and 1 after dropping a 4-3 decision to the Powell River Kings Wednesday night also at the Frank Crane.

Tomorrow night these two bitter rivals go back at each other again, this time at the Dog Pound, a 7:00 start.

Ahhhhh.....Dogs vs Clippers. Where exhibition might as well be for the Stanley Cup-or the Royal Bank Cup, if you will. From my experience, I've found that most of the fans from both sides of this rivalry hate losing to the other team so much, they don't care if it's exhibition play or not. It's always neat to see the players absorb the rivalry and the feel of it. I remember what I was told about the rivalry when I came to Port Alberni, and I remember viewing it first hand for the first couple of times. Good stuff! Of course, all these Clipper games just give me the opportunity to "shoot the stuff" with my good friend "The Canpar Man" Bruce Sly so it's always a hoot!

It's Salmon Festival this weekend in Port Alberni so I won't be able to make the game tonight. I would appreciate any comments here on the blog from anyone who goes down tonight, so POST away! Salmon Festival is always a crazy busy time....I spend lots of time at the station on the air, and then equal amounts live on location with updates from Clutesi Haven Marina. It's hectic, but fun! I can taste the World Famous Kiwanis Club Salmon BBQ now!

Great story on the Bulldogs website today http://www.albernivalleybulldogs.ca/ regarding two more players moving on to school. Bradyn Melrose is heading down to The University Wisconsin-Superior to hit the books and hit the ice for the Yellow Jackets.

Stephen Pattison is heading to Brock University in Ontario- Scroll down to hear the entire interview with Stephen when he left Port Alberni a couple of weeks ago.

Congrats to both players and their families and support systems, and last but not least- the Bulldogs organization and Educational Advisor Tom McEvay- School and playing hockey, it's what Junior A Hockey is all about!

LASTLY- Does anyone have a suite for rent? A kitchen area, living area and sleeping area is all that is needed. Bulldogs trainer Leigh Fitzpatrick has asked me to try and help him find somewhere for the season- SO if you can help out with a place, or if you know someone else that has one, please call Leigh at the Dogs office at (250) 723 4412

I think that's it for today.

Enjoy the game at the 'Crane tonight if you are going. We'll see you at the 'Pound tomorrow!

Have a great long weekend!

Hammer

Canada 2 and 0 as Turris scores GWG, New 'Nucks Unis, A week and a day from Game #1

Canada is now 2 and 0 at the Super Series, and Kyle Turris has scored 2 goals in 2 games after scoring the game winner yesterday on a beauty give-and-go.

I would NEVER hope for Canada to lose, but I'm also hoping that this series won't be over before it even hits Canada. The 5 and 6am start times aren't helping, but it seems like not too many people care about this one. Imagine if they came back to Canada tied 2-2, or ended up going to game 8, in a winner take all game? OH, we would care alright.

Game 3 is tomorrow, 5am. Again, I am blessed with the fact that I'm up at 4:30am and on the air at 6am so I can again see some of the game. As diehard as I am, I will be honest- If I wasn't having to go to work, I wouldn't be getting up at 5 and 6 in the morning to watch these games.

Canadian Press

VANCOUVER (CP) - The Vancouver Canucks have had no success in winning a Stanley Cup in the 37 years since they entered the NHL, but the club may be hoping another new uniform will finally bring them the championship.
About 8,500 people, taking advantage of free tickets and enormous hype, trekked into GM Place on Wednesday to watch as five of the team's most popular players skated onto the ice wearing the new uniforms.
They will look strikingly familiar to fans.
The jerseys carry the most recent orca logo on the front and the original hockey stick emblem on the shoulders. But above the orca logo the word Vancouver is written across the jersey.

The sweaters are in the same blue, green and white colours the Canucks wore when they first joined the NHL

After finishing out of the playoffs since 2004, the Canucks advanced to the second round last season before losing to the Anaheim Ducks in five games.
The enthusiasm from the mostly under-30 crowd and the huge turnout of TV cameras and photographers almost made it look like the Canucks had won the Stanley Cup.
The new uniforms will go on sale next month for $139.95.
''It's really just to capture the dollars from the fans' pockets,'' says Nick Arcieri, a marketing analyst with All Sports Marketing in Toronto.
''In addition to ticket sales and beer sales and food sales, they need another stream of revenue, so merchandise is where it comes from.''
Many teams with great longstanding traditions would never change their uniforms, such as the New York Yankees and Montreal Canadiens.
In Toronto, said Arcieri, ''the fans don't want to see the (Maple Leafs) jerseys change. There have been some artists' renditions and all have been totally ripped apart by the fans. They like what's going on now.''
Every team in the NHL will be using new form-fitting, stretchier uniforms this season, and some of those teams took the opportunity to change other things.
''A lot of the teams are just using this (new form-fitting uniform) as an opportunity to update their logos and things since they're getting new jerseys anyway,'' says Arcieri.
Arcieri says the large crowd at GM Place is not surprising.
''It's considered the beginning of a new era so I guess a lot of fans want to be part of it. A hard-core hockey fan wants to be there.''
Star forward Markus Naslund modelled the new uniform along with Mattias Ohlund, Kevin Bieksa, Trevor Linden and Willie Mitchell.
Naslund was asked how important uniforms are for success.
''I think it's a big part of it,'' he said. ''You want to look good winning and I think this is a great step for us. We've got a new fresh outlook and hopefully that will be a positive thing.''
Bieksa said he liked having the word Vancouver across the jersey.
''It's strong and bold and the material is a lot more comfortable, too.
''When I first heard about the Vancouver across the jersey I was a little skeptical but after seeing it it looks good.''
He said he likes the new material.
''You notice the difference for sure. It's stretchy and it gives a little bit. It's a little lighter and a little more air gets through so I'll probably be just a little bit faster this year.''
Canucks fan Clarice Chow gave a thumbs up.
''I like the colours and I like how they kept the orca but I'm not sure about the Vancouver across (the jersey). Otherwise, it looks fine.
''Thank God it's not red and orange and black,'' she said, referring to the lamentable uniforms the Canucks wore through the 1980s that looked like something to be worn on Halloween.

Now before you bash the Canucks for not changing too much, check out the "new" Ottawa Senators sweaters

Ummm? Geez, at least the Canucks wrote "Vancouver" on the front. Nice effort Sens....

I actually don't mind the Canucks new sweaters, although I hoped that they would have really blown all of us out of the water yesterday with something totally "out of the box" Not so much.....When I dig it up, I will post it later today- A picture of a very cool Canucks memorabilia item from the Hockey Hall of Fame. It is a pennant with the blue/green/white colour scheme and a Johnny Canuck-like character. He would've been a cool idea for the new jersey, but I think the Vancouver Giants might have that area kind of locked down.

I'm not a hater of the "whale" like many people seem to be. It does say "BC" to me, before it says "Orca Bay"

Checking out sportsnet.ca today, I found what I was expecting when it came to fan feedback on the new jerseys. Canucks fans are hard to please, but are also very split in their opinions.

The sportsnet.ca poll question "What do you think about the Canucks' new Jerseys?"

37%- Hate them

34%-Indifferent

29%-Love them

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The Bulldogs have three more exhibition games, all in three days this weekend- Friday in Nanaimo, Saturday at the 'Pound at 7pm against Nanaimo, and Sunday at 1pm down at Bear Mountain Arena against the Grizzlies. After that, it's the REAL DEAL. A week tomorrow the 07-08 season officially kicks off as the Dogs open against the defending BCHL Champs, The Nanaimo Clippers. I'm not ready yet, but I will be!

Things are so busy around Port Alberni this weekend with Salmon Festival that I'm not sure how many of the final three exhibition games I will be able to watch. At the very least, I hope to see you all on Saturday night at the 'Pound.

Thanks for checking out the blog...As always, love to hear your comments or get your emails
bulldogs AT islandradio.bc.ca (replace AT with @....an anti-spam trick one of my hacker buddies has taught me)

Hammer

Dogs and Grizz play to 4-4 tie

Action again back at the 'Pound for 07-08!

A better picture of "ThankYou Fans" on the ice

New coaches, new staff, new players, lots of new faces on both benches

Score after 2 periods

It was a pleasure to get back into the 'Pound for a good ole' hockey game again tonight! Even better, it was one of the 5 or 6 times in 4 years that I have actually been able to WATCH a game as opposed to always being at WORK when I am at a game.

Here is what I managed to grab for a scoring summary. Yes, even when I'm not working, I'm still working!

First period scoring:

1-0 Victoria Brad Reid from Cam Reid and Shawn Stuart at 8:26

Second period scoring:
1-1 Isaac Smeltzer from Evan Michalchuk and Daniel Moriarty at 10:12, on the powerplay

2-1 Alberni Marcello Ranallo from Daniel Moriarty and Isaac Smeltzer at 17:08, on the powerplay

Third period scoring:

2-2- Karl Hagg from Sean Robertson at 3:52

3-2 Victoria-Brad Reid (2), unassisted, shorthanded 6:31

4-2 Victoria-Dustin Sobchal from Jordan Kwas, again shorthanded at 10:00

4-3 Victoria-Isaac Smeltzer (2) from Matt Thompson and Joey Perry 15:16 on the powerplay

4-4- Daniel Moriarty from Isaac Smeltzer at 17:06, shorthanded

There is no overtime in exhibition. Too bad, as the Bulldogs had a power play on the clock as 60 minutes expired.

Special teams were both awful and special at the same time for both teams. The Bulldogs were 3 for 11 on the power play, while the Grizzlies were 0 for 8. The Grizzlies also scored two shorthanded goals.

Final shots were 32-31 in favour of the Dogs.

Kevin Genoe started in goal for the Dogs and gave up 1 goal in 19 shots and 28:08 of work.

Jared Anderson came in and played the second half, giving up 3 goals on 12 shots

Matthew Wong started in goal for Victoria and gave up 1 goal on 16 shots in 31:40 of work.

Alex Kwong gave up 3 goals on 16 shots coming in for the second half.

That's all I've got....Again, it was nice to be back in the barn for an "almost real" game. Don't take my stats and summary as official by any means please!

Hammer

Caps beat Dogs 4-2 in rookie game (thanks capssuperfans.com)+ Exhibition home opener tonight! + Turris scores in Team Canada win

The Bulldogs kicked off their 07-08 Exhibition schedule last night in Duncan against the Cowichan Valley Capitals in an "all rookie game"


Big thanks goes out to Capital's SuperFans Lizz and Chris, as their website CapsSuperFans.com was the only place I could find the score and summary of last night's game when I went into the radio station this morning!


CapsSuperFans.com is a great BCHL website. Of course it is Capital-themed (in case the name didn't give it away) but they have some great information on there- newspaper articles, pictures, a message board, etc. I would suggest checking it out if you are itching for more BCHL info. I wouldn't suggest going there if you just want to cause trouble. They won't take any of that!

The Caps led 1-0, 2-1, and 4-1 last night, out shooting the Bulldogs 38-21. Bulldogs goal scorers were Andrew Hawkins and RJ Cetnarowski. Goal tending duties were split by Vincent Nelson and Kyle Sykes.

If you are interested in the full game summary, head on over to the CapsSuperFans.com site and sign up!

The Bulldogs return home tonight for their first Exhibition game at the 'Pound as they host the Victoria Grizzlies at 7pm. The Grizzlies have been through plenty of changes so far this off season. Then those changes changed....If you haven't been following that story down there, here's a brief summary. After the Grizzlies season ended with a second round loss last year to the Cowichan Valley Capitals, changes were made in the coaching staff as the team parted ways with Rylan Ferster and co. In came former Burnaby Express coach Rick Lanz as the new head coach. Before Lanz would even coach a game he was gone, accepting a scouting position with the Colorado Avalanche just last week. The timing was obviously awful for the Grizzlies, losing their new head coach a week before training camp. They have filled the coaching vacancy internally, as GM Jackson Penny will take over the coaching duties. Penny has coaching experience at the pro level in Europe. It will be interesting to see how the Grizzlies might change (or stay the same) under the guidance of Penny.

The puck drop tonight is 7:00pm at the Pound, I hope to see you there!

photo: hockeycanada.ca

Canada opened the Super Series '07 yesterday with a come from behind 4-2 victory over the Russians. Canada actually scored 4 unanswered goals after falling behind 2-0 early in the first period. One of those goals was scored by former Burnaby Express star Kyle Turris, on a penalty shot. Canada next sees action tomorrow, again at 6am for those of us in BC. Good thing I'm at the station and on the air at 6 anyway!

I will have a quick report on tonight's game posted later this evening or early tomorrow!

Regards,
Hammer

Summit Series Redux- take a little credit BCHL!+ exhibition season begins

photo: hockeycanada.ca

Well, it's one way to make a Monday morning a little less rough-throw an international hockey game on the sked! The "Super Series 07" kicked off this morning in Ufa Russia. Hmm, they have cheerleaders at hockey games in Russia. Who knew? Anyway, being that I'm stuck here at the radio station in the middle of doing a show I have to do my best to keep up to date on this game by relying on the scoreboard updates and when it works- TSN.ca broadband. I finally got that up and running in the second period. As I type this, it's 4-2 Canada late in the second period. I look forward to watching a game or two or more in this series. Should be interesting.

photo: sportsnet.ca

This is where the "take a little credit BCHL" part comes in. Canada's Captain for this tournament- none other than Vancouver Giant Milan Lucic. Yes, the same one that was named the MVP of the Memorial Cup. The same Milan Lucic that suited up in the BCHL with the Coquitlam Express in 2003-2004. Yes yes yes I know that he is playing in the WHL now and was playing in the Dub when he was named the Memorial Cup MVP. HOWEVER the BCHL is a developmental league and they should be taking some of the credit that a player that once played in their league is now wearing the "C" for our country, that a player that once played in their league was the Memorial Cup's Most Valuable Player.

I just caught a couple of seconds of game 1 on the TSN broadband feed. Unfortunately, the few seconds I caught involved Kyle Turris ending up teeth first into the top of the boards as he went overtop of the Russian player he was trying to hit as the Russian ended up falling down as the hit was coming.

Again, having a former BCHL'er (a recent one at that) in Turris playing for our country at the highest level is something that the league should be patting themselves on the back about.

As I haven't been able to watch much of the game today, I would appreciate any comments on how Turris looked out there from someone who got to watch most of it today. That might end up being a blog reader from out of province, as 6am on a Monday is a die-hard time to get up to watch a hockey game!

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It's time to play for REAL! Well.......sort of. Not for keeps, but at least for real. Does that make sense? Exhibition season kicks off tonight for the Dogs as they travel down to Duncan and the BIG STICK to face the Cowichan Valley Capitals, a 6pm start time. Sadly, I can't make it to this one as I will be over in Vancouver and back later today attending to some things. So, if anyone heads down there or if any Capitals fans are reading this, don't be shy to say a couple of words on the game and the players that stood out in the COMMENTS section below.

The Dogs travel home Tuesday for their first exhibition tilt on home ice, a 7pm start time as they host the Victoria Grizzlies.

That's it for today. Over to Vancouver and back for me so it's a busy day. Have a good one!

Hammer

Training Camp underway

Notice the nice touch in the picture above- "Thank You Fans" painted on the ice on either side of the rink. Whoever came up with that idea- well done! Please accept my apologies for the quality of the picture...I was testing out the camera on my new smartphone. Not bad, but the quality is nowhere near what I get with my regular camera.

It's been a hectic weekend down at the 'Pound as the new Bulldogs coaching staff has been busy putting the prospective players through a very hard working training camp. It was tough to find a place to hide for any players that were out of shape or hadn't skated enough this summer, as Friday's practice sessions had plenty of 1 vs 1 and 3 vs 3 skating drills. I think this shows the smarts of the coaching staff. They don't know much about their players, and they don't have much time to learn much about them. To me, it looks like they have designed their practices to give them the best opportunities to see what the kids can do.

I was smiling when I noticed Bulldogs assistant coach Bryant Perrier keeping a close eye on who touched the lines and who didn't when the players were skating. Again, a very smart and simple way to keep the players honest from the very beginning. "No shortcuts" might be the message being sent there.

One thing was very obvious to me- If you were one of the players who didn't go all the way to the line and Bryant raised his stick and let you know you didn't touch- you WERE NOT going to be short of that line ever again.

Camp ends tonight with the final scrimmage. Then it's off to the exhibition season that starts in earnest with the Dogs in Duncan to face the Caps tomorrow at 6pm, and then back to the 'Pound for the first home exhibition game Tuesday night at 7:00pm when the new-look Victoria Grizzlies will be in town. Friday night the Dogs travel to Nanaimo for a 7:30 start at the Frank Crane, before the back half of the home-and-home wraps up Saturday night at the Pound at 7:00pm. The Dogs exhibition season ends next Sunday when the Dogs head down to the Bear Mountain Arena for a 1pm start time there against the Grizzlies.

Thanks for stopping by, and as always, feel free to post comments/questions/complaints/suggestions or email me HERE

Hammer

Training Camp is here! + Bryant Perrier interview + the picture above is now a trivia question!

Hello and happy Friday. It's a very happy Friday indeed as FINALLY training camp is here! For the new coaches and ownership, this day might've come too soon as the group has been playing the catch up game in a big way since the ownership change officially went in the books and the coaches were named shortly after.

There will be many things to worry about and focus on over the next couple of months, but at least for the next couple of days and weeks the focus will be mostly on the ice and on the roster and getting this team ready through exhibition and into game #1 of 60 on September 7th in Nanaimo.

Here's the on-ice portion of the training camp schedule. The public is of course welcome to attend.

__________________________________________

2007 Training Camp Schedule

Friday, August 24th
6:00pm – 7:15pm Team Blue practice
7:30pm – 8:45pm Team Red practice

Saturday, August 25th
9:00am – 11:00am Scrimmage Blue vs. Red
11:15am – 12:30pm Goalie evaluation
4:00pm – 6:00pm Scrimmage Blue vs. Red

Sunday, August 26th
9:00am – 11:00am Scrimmage Blue vs. Red
4:00pm – 6:00pm Scrimmage Blue vs. Red

Monday, August 27th

9:00am – 10:30am Non-game player practice
6:00pm – 8:15pm Exhibition game vs. Cowichan

Tuesday, August 28th

8:00am – 10:00am Exit meetings
10:30am – 11:30am Pre game skate/practice
7:00pm – 9:15pm Exhibition game vs. Victoria

Thursday, August 30th
10:00am – 12:00pm Practice

Friday, August 31st
10:00am – 11:30am Pre-game skate/practice
7:30pm – 9:45pm Exhibition game vs. Nanaimo

Saturday, September 1st

3:00pm – 4:00pm Non player practice
7:00pm – 10:15pm Game vs. Nanaimo

Sunday, September 2nd
1:00pm – 3:15pm Exhibition game vs. Victoria
____________________________________________

And then the REAL work starts!

It was my pleasure to have new Bulldogs assistant coach Bryant Perrier in for an interview on my morning show on Thursday. He seems like a great guy and he surely is a great interview. Should make for some good radio over the season! My thanks to Bryant for coming in. Click the link below to listen to the interview in it's entirety. As always, audio is courtesy and copyright 93.3 The Peak FM.

Bryant Perrier morning show interview 08/23/2007

Ok and to end today's posting, here's some trivia, just because regular blog-reader Barb is having some trouble with the Blog's title picture. Take a look at the picture again below.....

The first person to post a comment or send me an email HERE correctly telling me the name of the Bulldog pictured will be the winner! What's the prize? No clue! My respect I guess. Guess away!

Thats it for the post today, hope you enjoyed it. See you at the POUND!

Hammer

Stephen Pattison interview.

You can almost smell the hockey rink, with training camp kicking off on Friday! I hope the rest of the fanbase is getting as excited as I am for another season....

I had the pleasure of interviewing former Bulldog Stephen Pattison on my morning show today on 93.3 The Peak FM. Stephen contacted me and said that he wanted to do what Jordan Kremyr did when he left Port Alberni in the spring- he wanted the opportunity to come in on the air to thank the community for all of their support. Of course I was happy to have one last talk with "Patty" and offer him the chance to thank everyone. The interview is indeed a long one, so please accept my apologies....With Stephen being a member of the Dogs from 2004-2005 through to this last season there was alot to talk about and remember.

My favorite quote from the interview: Stephen talking about Jordan Kremyr's 2 goals in 22 seconds early in the 05-06 season against the Clippers

"it was so loud in that rink....I could just hear a buzzing noise...I couldn't even hear the horn, I couldn't hear the crowd, it was just a buzz"

Now for those that know how loud the fans are, and how loud the horn is, imagine how loud that moment was! I'm going to see if I can dig up that audio, as promised during the interview.

Stephen is off to Brock University in Ontario...Best of luck Patty and thanks for the memories. Phil and Brenda, thanks for all the emails too!

Click the link below to listen to the interview..As always, all audio is courtesy and copyright 93.3 The Peak FM

Stephen Pattison Interview

Enjoy!
See you at the barn on Friday for training camp!

Hammer

Video of the day: "Send off at the Summit"

This video has been sitting on Youtube for two years as "private"
I didn't want to share it because the video contains a swear word......Don't worry, it's nothing too harsh, but just a language warning for the kids.

I think it's time to post this, maybe for the NEW players coming to play here, so they can see with their own eyes what this city will do when you play hard and honest for them. This is a pretty special video as it really shows how far the fans will go when you might be needing some extra motivation, and extra "boost" so to speak.

For many people, this is probably the first time they have ever seen this video. Chances are if you are a long time Dog fan, you were THERE when the bus went by. Or behind it, on your way to the Frank Crane!

You can blame me, the camera man, for missing about 3/4 of the people in the video. The sun was so bright on the front video that the camera couldn't see through it. I was glad I caught the second half of the crowd out the side window.

World U17 Hockey Challenge Interview up

Good Monday morning. Please click the link below to listen to the interview with Ron Paulson and Stefanie Webber regarding the World Under 17 Hockey Challenge being awarded to Port Alberni. The interview was from the 93.3 The Peak Fm morning show on Friday.

World U17 Hockey Challenge

Enjoy!
Hammer

Testing (update...IT WOOOORRRKSS!)

Firing up the blog again! Dogs news X3, and THE WORLD comes to Port Alberni

Good day, and thanks for stopping by. First off, I need to address a little "blog house cleaning" that I have done..

When I went on my first holiday back in June/July I turned the blog "comment" option OFF. Quite simply, I knew that I was going to be away from the computer and the internet for a good portion of the next month or so, and I didn't want some spammer or other evildoer to post something about cheap prescription drugs, pornography, or an offer of millions of dollars from some Nigerian prince. I reminded myself to turn the comments back on when I got home, and I indeed remembered when I got back that I had to do this. The problem was that I eventually forgot that I had reminded myself....So thanks to Angel and her mom for reminding me again! Comments are now back on!

Lets get down to business- A couple more big Bulldog news items to address as the team comes together off the ice and on. First off, the Dogs announced the hiring of BCHL veteran coach Bryant Perrier. For the press release, check out the Bulldogs website. Bryant's resume speaks for itself- BCHL stints in Cowichan, Merritt, and Penticton with over 350 wins in that time spanning 9 years. Most recently Bryant was the head coach of the Kamloops Storm in the KIJHL.

The Bulldogs also announced that they have filled the all-important role of Head Athletic Trainer, hiring Leigh Fitzpatrick from Regina, Saskatchewan where he previously worked with the Pilote Butte Storm.

hmmmmm.... I just noticed that the Dogs now have Bryant Perrier from the Storm, and Leigh Fitzpatrick from another Storm...I wonder if anyone from the Guelph Storm in the OHL wants to play or work here? Ok, I'll stop trying to be funny...


Leigh has an impressive resume, working with Team Atlantic at the '06 World U17 Hockey Tourney (more on that little event later!) Leigh also has worked with the University of Regina mens hockey team. I wonder if Leigh crossed paths with former Bulldog and now U of R Cougar James Ardelan? What a small world the hockey world is....Lastly, Leigh has been a member of the high performance program in Saskatchewan and Newfoundland and Labrador over the last 9 years as an Athletic Trainer.

The trainer position could very well be the most important, yes most overlooked job in hockey. At this level, these guys do absolutely EVERYTHING and anything. Equipment, laundry, sewing, injury work, the list goes on and on.

Lastly, the Bulldogs announced a trade seeing Daniel Hope heading to the Melville Millionaires in the SJHL for 20 year old forward Daniel Moriarty. Moriarty comes with some great numbers and a supposed highly competitive streak. My kinda player! Last season Moriarty had 28 goals and 24 assists with 130 pims in 58 games.

He's 5'9 and 185 so he is by no means huge. As anyone knows though, it's about the size of the fight in the Dog, not the size of the Dog in the fight!

In last years playoffs Daniel added 7 goals, 14 assists, and 60 penalty minutes.

His awards from last season included top scorer, top forward, and playoff MVP. Sounds like quite the player.

The Bulldogs currently have a 20 year old problem. With only 6 allowed and another coming in in this deal someone will have to go. It's a tough part of the business for sure, but it's the reality of it. I'm hoping that if no further moves are made before training camp then the #1 positive that can come out of all of this would be the level of competition for jobs with the team right from day 1. I have always been a fan of that, I think it makes a team more overall ready from the first puck drop of the season.

Another reality of the business is the fact that players move on....To Daniel Hope- You are a great kid and a good player. All the best in the future bud!

Big news if you haven't heard yet-The WORLD is coming to Port Alberni! Port Alberni will be the host city for the 2009 World Under 17 Hockey Tournament! Maybe relatives of some of the Russian sailors below? Who knows!

Here is the press release. I had Stefanie Webber and Ron Paulson in on my show Friday morning on 93.3 The Peak FM. I hope to have that interview uploaded here for you to listen to tomorrow morning, in case you missed it!

Alberni Valley to host 2009 Under 17 World Hockey Challenge

Hockey Canada announced yesterday that the Alberni Valley has been chosen to host the 2009 Under 17 World Hockey Challenge.

Bid Committee Chair Ron Paulson says his group is thrilled to have been awarded the event. “This particular event has never been hosted on the west coast and we’ve been given an amazing opportunity to show the world what Port Alberni and Vancouver Island are all about. There is already a deep level of commitment to hockey in our region and an event such as this will add significantly to the legacy of the sport in our community”. Paulson added that players chosen to compete at this level are of exceptional calibre and that the event is a proven showcase of some of the best young hockey talent in the world.

The Alberni Valley will host ten teams for the event. Five regional teams from across Canada will compete against one from the US and four from Europe, playing a series of 27 games over ten days in late December 2008 and early January 2009.

Duncan, Nanaimo, Parksville, Courtenay and Campbell River will also be involved as some games will be played in these communities.

An organizing committee is expected to start work on the event in September. More information on the Under 17 World Hockey Challenge is available on the hockey Canada website at www.hockeycanada.ca.

For further information contact:

Ron Paulson, Chair
Alberni Valley U17 Bid Committee
250-720-2803
paulson_ron@portalberni.bc.ca

This is HUGE HUGE HUGE for the city and the great hockey fans here. I can't wait! At the same time, people around the rest of the Island should be getting excited for this as well, as they will be seeing some games too. A huge congrats goes out to everyone on the committee who made this happen!

I think that's all for today...As always, leave a comment/question or shoot me an email!

Hammer

Cool!

WOW!

WOW what, you ask? WOW is when you click an internet link and in 10 SECONDS it dawns on you how important and great the game of hockey is, and what this game is REALLY about in a community like this.

Oh yeah, and in those 10 seconds you instantly feel really good about what you do as you realize how worthwhile, fulfilling, and powerful your job is.

Meet Angel. You'll be hearing more about her in the next while, I promise that!

Awesome Angel

The homepage is HERE

Thanks Angel for making my day!
Have a great long weekend.
Hammer

President and Govenor Andy Oakes interview, Coach and GM Alan Kerr interview

Two days in a row, two big posts for the Dogs fans. Someone take me out to lunch! Not you Danno, you've done that enough ;)

Click the links below to listen to the interviews with Andy and Alan from the 93.3 The Peak FM morning show. Of course, interviews courtesy and copyright 93.3 The Peak FM.

Andy Oakes

Alan Kerr

Enjoy!

Hammer