Bulldogs add Johnson, move Cooper

The Bulldogs announced a trade today, acquiring Owen Johnson from the Surrey Eagles for Tyler Cooper.

Check out Owen's stats here.

Welcome to the team and the community Owen, and best of luck in the future Tyler!

Hammer

BULLDOGS SWAP DEFENSEMEN WITH SURREY

PRESS RELEASE
December 9, 2015

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Port Alberni, BC – The Alberni Valley Bulldogs trade 1996-born defenseman Tyler Cooper to the Surrey Eagles for 1995-born defenseman Owen Johnson.

The Alberni Valley Bulldogs would like to thank Tyler for his contributions to the organization and are excited to welcome Owen to the Bulldogs family.

For more information please contact head coach and general manager Kevin Willison

Teddy Bear Toss Saturday, Winter Wonderland skate next Wednesday!

Read below for some details from the Bulldogs about the Teddy Bear Toss this Saturday and their everyone welcome Winter Wonderland skate next Wednesday!

Hammer



Bulldogs Teddy Bear Toss Night, Saturday, December 12

PRESS RELEASE
December 8, 2015
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Port Alberni, BC – The Alberni Valley Bulldogs’ annual Teddy Bear Toss Night will take place on Saturday, December 12th, 2015, at 7:00pm when the Bulldogs host the Trail Smoke Eaters.

Fans are once again being asked to bring new teddy bears to the game, and upon your Alberni Valley
Bulldogs’ first goal send the teddy bears flying onto to the ice. “It always brings a smile to everyone’s face when the Bulldogs score their first goal, the horn goes off and the fans collectively toss their new teddy bears onto the ice,” said Bulldogs’ general manager and head coach Kevin Willison.

The players will deliver all the teddy bears collected that night to local children and seniors the following week.

Fans are reminded that if you cannot attend the game you may drop off your newly purchased teddy bears at the Bulldogs office two hours before the game on Friday, December 11th. The Bulldogs would like to remind all those that will be purchasing a new teddy bear for this great event to shop local and support local merchants.

A helpful tip would be for fans to put their new stuffed toys in clear, see-through plastic bags so that the ice and moisture from the rink surface doesn’t get into the toys.

The Alberni Valley Bulldogs are also hosting their annual Winter Wonderland Skate on Wednesday, December 16th from 8:30pm to 9:30pm at the Alberni Valley Multiplex. As always, this skate is free to attend for the Bulldogs fans, supporters, and the public.

For more information of these two events, please contact Director of Marketing and Game Day Jolie McMullan at at 250-723-4412 or by email at jolie@albernivalleybulldogs.ca.

Dogs fall 4-2 to Grizzlies

Today's Game Report is brought to you courtesy of the Best Western Plus Barclay Hotel 

The BEST WESTERN PLUS Barclay Hotel, the largest full facility hotel in Port Alberni, BC. When staying with us there is no need to give up conveniences you are used to. You can discover treasures to take home at the Alberni Harbour Quay, and then browse our onsite Cold Beer, Wine Store and liquor store or retreat to our Stamps Cafe or Pastimes Sports Bar and Grill to enjoy a snack or to watch the game on our big screen TV. Then, relax in our sauna or pool before settling in our luxurious accommodations to enjoy the vintage wine picked up earlier. That's when you will truly understand why the tranquil setting of our hotel has been called the perfect place to call home. If traveling on business, our Port Alberni Hotel boasts over 4500 square feet of meeting space in four rooms that are perfect for small conventions, banquets, parties, meetings and weddings. AV equipment and catering are also available.

A tight start from both sides, with not much in the way of chances or whistles, but the teams playing somewhat tentative due to the magnitude of the stakes. The Grizzlies had the best early chance when Carson Schamerhorn went out to play the puck and coughed it up. He would make an initial desperation save getting back into his net before he got some help from Tyler Cooper who made a toe save on the crease to keep it scoreless. The Bulldogs would have a couple of looks later in the period, with Ryan Finnegan being stopped by the glove of Matt Galajda and two or three other good chances seeing the puck fail to cooperate and miss the net. The Grizzlies would appear to take a 1-0 lead in the back half of the period on a turnover in front of the Bulldogs net that saw Brayden Gelsinger walk in tight and lift one top corner, far-side over the blocker of Schamerhorn. I thought there was no question that the puck went in and was a good goal, but the Referee at the net waved it off. After a conference between all four Officials the Referee went and consulted with the goal judge, which is somewhat of a funny comparison to Sunday when the goal judge had the light on in Coquitlam for a Bulldog goal and the Referee wouldn't even look at him, better yet go and have a discussion with him. At any length the call was no goal as it stayed 0-0 after one with a low shot total favouring the Grizzlies 7-5.

The second period through the first 10 minutes was somewhat similar to the first period as both teams played it pretty tight to the vest with a combined 18 shots through the midway point of the second. Things would pick up in the back half of the period after the Bulldogs failed to generate either chances or momentum on a power play opportunity, which was almost immediately followed up by a Victoria man advantage. They would make quick work of it, going up 1-0 just 14 seconds into the advantage as Dante Hahn put a one-timer on net from the left circle that was stopped by Carson Schamerhorn, as was a follow up rebound. The puck would then appear to carom off a Bulldog defender cross-crease where Brayden Gelsinger fired it into the open side. PJ Conlon also drew an assist on the play at 14:43 of the second. Again immediately following the goal the Bulldogs were penalized with the Grizzlies connecting 45 seconds into the power play when a point shot by Kevin Massy hit traffic and took a Grizzlies bounce right onto the tape of PJ Conlon at the side of the net where he fired it through the legs of Schamerhorn. Dante Hahn also drew an assist on the play at 15:44 of the second just 1:01 after the 1-0 goal. Less than two minutes later all four Officials would miss a hand pass by the Grizzlies at the Bulldog line. Seconds later the Grizzlies would regroup and go up 3-0 on a net drive that saw Tyler Welsh fire the puck home five-hole on Schamerhorn, with PJ Conlon and Cole Pickup drawing the assists at 17:25. Off the ensuing puck drop Josh Adkins would take a fairly visious elbow to the head on a targeted hit at the red line by Cody Van Lierop. No arms would go up from the Officials, prompting Troy Dobbs to approach him and challenge him. Both players would drop their gloves somewhat simultaneously, with Van Lierop maybe landing the only punch of a what wasn't much of a fight before the Linesman stepped in. After a full 10 minutes to sort it out, it would be ruled a one-man fight, with Dobbs picking up seven minutes and Van Lierop picking up a double minor for roughing. There would be no scoring the rest of the way, with the Grizzlies out shooting the Dogs 11-4 in the period for a 18-9 advantage after 40 minutes.

The Grizzlies would have two plus minutes of power play time when the third period kicked off, and the Dogs problems were further compounded when they took another penalty early in the period putting themselves down two men for a full two minutes. The Grizzlies would again make quick work of the advantage, as Brayden Gelsinger circled the wagons in the attacking zone going from the right wing, across the deep slot, and to the net down the left side where he went top corner, short-side high on Schamerhorn. Kevin Massy and PJ Conlon drew the assists 1:11 into the third. The next ten minutes saw the Dogs look - pardon the pun - dog tired, as the Grizzlies had the better of the play in the attacking zone. The Dogs wouldn't go quietly however, as they made a game of it with just under eight minutes to play as Tristan Bukovec took a rink-wide pass from Josh Adkins after Paul Meyer kicked the puck up the wall. Bukovec would walk over the line up the left side and put a perfect shot top corner, far-side over the glove of Matthew Galajda at 12:05 of the third. The Dogs would pull their goalie with over two minutes to play and the gamble worked when they further trimmed the gap to 4-2 when Garrett Halls put a long indirect bank pass onto the tape of Chris Schutz, who head-manned to Ryan Finnegan up the right wing. He would drive wide and show great poise before sending a cross-ice pass onto the tape of Nathan Dingmann  who one-timed it home into the open side at 18:20 of the third. That's as close as the comeback would come though as the Grizzlies made the lead stand until the final buzzer.

Final shots favoured the Grizzlies 26-24 with Matt Galajda picking up the win while Carson Schamerhorn took the loss. The special teams were a huge difference as the Dogs went 0 for 2 on the power play while the Grizzlies went 3 for 5.

The Dogs are next in action Friday night - FINALLY at home when they host West Kelowna. They host Trail Saturday on Teddy Bear Toss night.

Hammer

Bulldogs visit Grizzlies tonight

It's the light at the end of the tunnel for the Bulldogs(11-16-2-1, 5th Island) as they finish a stretch of nine straight games away from home tonight as they face the Grizzlies (12-17-0-4, 4th Island) at the Q Centre.

The Bulldogs are unbeaten in two after a 5-4 double OT win over the Express in Coquitlam on Sunday afternoon, while the Grizzlies were also last in action on Sunday when they snapped a two game losing streak with a 4-1 win over the Kings in Powell River.

It goes without saying that this is a very big game - the Dogs are three points back of the Grizzlies with three games in hand. A win - and it's a pretty looking picture. A loss - while all isn't lost with the games still in hand, it's no where near as pretty a picture as being back a single point, or two.

Nanaimo Clippers goalie Evan Johnson was named the BCHL player of the week yesterday - receiving an honourable mention was Bulldogs forward Quinn Syrydiuk for his two goal, two assist week. Individual recognition comes with team success!

Get all the action on Van Isle Ford Bulldogs Hockey on 93.3 The Peak FM with the pregame show going live at 6:45 with the puck drop and play-by-play to follow at 7:00pm with myself and Bruce MacDonald providing the play-by-play and colour/analysis

 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.fasthockey.com





Tonight's 2nd Intermission feature guest is Kyle Anderson, the play-by-play voice of the West Kelowna Warriors, who the Dogs host on Friday night.

Hammer

Dogs unbeaten in two after 5-4 win over Express in double OT

Today's Game Report is brought to you courtesy of the Best Western Plus Barclay Hotel 

The BEST WESTERN PLUS Barclay Hotel, the largest full facility hotel in Port Alberni, BC. When staying with us there is no need to give up conveniences you are used to. You can discover treasures to take home at the Alberni Harbour Quay, and then browse our onsite Cold Beer, Wine Store and liquor store or retreat to our Stamps Cafe or Pastimes Sports Bar and Grill to enjoy a snack or to watch the game on our big screen TV. Then, relax in our sauna or pool before settling in our luxurious accommodations to enjoy the vintage wine picked up earlier. That's when you will truly understand why the tranquil setting of our hotel has been called the perfect place to call home. If traveling on business, our Port Alberni Hotel boasts over 4500 square feet of meeting space in four rooms that are perfect for small conventions, banquets, parties, meetings and weddings. AV equipment and catering are also available.

A very fast start again for the Bulldogs as they had two good looks in the opening minute of the game, including a Josh Adkins rebound off a Dominic Thom point shot that hit the post and stayed out. The Dogs continued to push the pace, and found the net first for the first time in eight games as Ryan Finnegan broke up a play at the Dogs net and raced up ice up the right wing and over the line before feeding Nathan Dingmann. He would snap one on net that hit the post and stayed out, but it took a Bulldog bounce and came right to him in the hash marks where he wasted no time in firing home low past the glove of Tyger Howat. Quinn Syrydiuk also drew an assist on the play at 4:37 of the first. It was a 1-1 game exactly five minutes later as the Express connected in the first half minute of a power play chance when Colton Kerfoot put a cross-ice pass onto the tape of Charlie Barrow at the top of the left circle where he blasted a one-timer off the pad of Brody Claeys and in. Owen Stout also drew an assist on the play at 9:37 of the first. The Bulldogs would respond almost immediately, as just 17 seconds later they took the lead right back when Josh Adkins fed the puck down the left wing boards behind the net for Chris Schutz, who wasted no time in one-timing one home from the slot to make it 2-1 at 9:54 of the first. Shots would favour the Dogs 15-9 after 20 minutes.

The Dogs looked like a team posessed to start the second, with each line applying pressure on the Express zone. It was 3-1 Dogs just 1:35 into the period when Ryan Finnegan put the puck on net on the rush where it was stopped by Howat, but Nathan Dingmann poked the rebound home for his second of the game. Quinn Syrydiuk also drew an assist on the play. The Dogs kept up the pressure and went up 4-1 just over a minute later when Chris Sarault worked the puck down the boards behind the net for Tristan Bukovec, who put it out front for Kyle Kaufmann. His initial chance was stopped, but he stuck with it and banged his own rebound home for his first career goal at 2:57 of the period. The Dogs poured on the pressure, but couldn't further build their lead and it would come back to bit them as the Express made it a 4-2 game on the rush when Owen Stout put a shot on net from the right faceoff dot top corner, far-side off the bar and in past the blocker of Claeys. Taylor Green drew the only assist at 6:55 of the second. Just 1:02 later it was a one-goal game as the Express were awarded a power play immediately following the goal and connected on it when Charlie Barrow put  puck at the net from the top of the point that was deflected up and over Claeys by Taylor Green. Owen Stout also drew an assist on it at 7:57 of the second. The Dogs responded well to seeing their three goal lead become one, as they pushed back to try and get back on the offense. It looked as it the Dogs went up 5-3 later in the period when Adam Donnelly worked the puck over the line up the right wing for Quinn Syrydiuk, who walked to the goal and picked the top corner, short-side high on Howat. It was clearly in from my angle, but Referee Jeff Eden waved it off. Shots favoured the Dogs 16-9 in the period, for a 40 minute advantage of 31-18.

The Dogs did anything but sit back on a lead to start the third, as they peppered Howat with 10 shots through the first half of the period. Chris Schutz would have a fantastic chance to build the lead just 10 seconds into the period when Josh Adkins set him up in the hash marks, but his one-timer hit the post and stayed out. Later in the frame, the Dogs appeared to once again take a 5-3 lead when Liam Conrad ripped a shot off the far post and in behind Howat before it spit back between his legs. Once again Referee Jeff Eden would wave it off. The COQUITLAM goal judge turned the light on immediately, and left it on apparently deliberately until he got the Refs attention, but it didn't appear to matter and it generate much of a second thought or a even discussion. Unsurprisingly the Dogs were immediately penalized softly immediately after the second no goal call, and the Express connected on it to tie the game when Austin McIlmurray found a loose puck in the top of the crease that he lifted top corner, far-side over the blocker of Claeys to make it 4-4 at 14:14 of the third period, with assists to Taylor Green and Owen Stout. The Dogs again didn't let the lost lead deflate them, as they played hard to the final buzzer to earn a single point and force overtime, with again having a great chance at the buzzer where Eric Margo had a one-timer chance from the slot only to have his stick slashed out of his hands as time expired.

Each team had a couple of chances through the first overtime, but both goalies stood tall as the five minutes of four-aside hockey settled nothing. It took less than a minute of double OT for the Dogs to win it as Paul Meyer gambled and won when he pinched up the left wing and got a rimmed puck past a defender to walk into the left circle where he fired a wrister through the legs of Howat for the 5-4 Dogs win. There was no assists on the play at 41 seconds of overtime. 

With the win the Dogs snap a five game winless slide, and are now unbeaten in two. They next see action Tuesday night in Victoria to finish off this crazy stretch of nine straight road games. 

Hammer

Dogs visit Express today to conclude weekend, Connor LaCouvee interview

It's the first meeting of the season between the teams today as the Bulldogs (10-16-2-1, 5th Island) visit the Express (12-14-1-3, 4th Mainland) for their third game in two and a half days and their eighth of nine straight games on the road.

While the Dogs have been busy, visiting Trail Friday night and Penticton last night, where they tied the Vees 4-4  , the Express have also had a heck of a week too, as they were in action Wednesday night at home against Vernon where they beat the Vipers 5-1 before heading up to Prince George right after the game for a Thursday  night tilt that they dropped 6-4 to the Spruce Kings. They were in Chilliwack on Friday night where they ended up on the wrong end of a 9-4 score to the Chiefs before having last night off from game action.

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

For all things Express, visit Eddie Gregory's blog,  Coquitlam Expressions HERE

Don't miss the early start on Van Isle Ford Bulldogs Hockey on 93.3 The Peak FM with the pregame show commencing at 1:45 with the play-by-play of the game action to follow at 2pm.

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.fasthockey.com

Today's 2nd Intermission guest is former Bulldog Connor LaCouvee, who is currently in his Sophomore season with the NCAA's Boston University Terriers. Connor was the MVP of the Bulldogs 2013-2014 season, and was instrumental in helping the Bulldogs dig out of the depths of an 0 and 7 start to the season to qualify for the Playoffs with a shut out in the final night of the Regular Season.

Connor recently came up with this save in front of over 17,000 fans at New York's Madison Square Garden in a shoot out to retain the Kelley Harkness Cup, which is up for grabs in the season series between Boston University and Cornell. Watch it here

Connor had a pretty busy summer, attending the prospects camps for both the New York Rangers and the Chicago Blackhawks.

Hammer

Bulldogs comeback to tie Vees 4-4 in thriller in Penticton

Today's Game Report is brought to you courtesy of the Best Western Plus Barclay Hotel 

The BEST WESTERN PLUS Barclay Hotel, the largest full facility hotel in Port Alberni, BC. When staying with us there is no need to give up conveniences you are used to. You can discover treasures to take home at the Alberni Harbour Quay, and then browse our onsite Cold Beer, Wine Store and liquor store or retreat to our Stamps Cafe or Pastimes Sports Bar and Grill to enjoy a snack or to watch the game on our big screen TV. Then, relax in our sauna or pool before settling in our luxurious accommodations to enjoy the vintage wine picked up earlier. That's when you will truly understand why the tranquil setting of our hotel has been called the perfect place to call home. If traveling on business, our Port Alberni Hotel boasts over 4500 square feet of meeting space in four rooms that are perfect for small conventions, banquets, parties, meetings and weddings. AV equipment and catering are also available.

A very good start for the Bulldogs as they had the early jump while the Vees appeared to fight the puck a bit. The Bulldogs opened up an 8-1 lead in shots - albeit that number seemed somewhat skewed both ways as the shots didn't appear to be going up on the scoreboard the way they were hitting the goalies. At any length the Dogs had the best chance early in the game when Adam Donnelly threw the puck on net from a sharp angle in the far circle. Anthony Brodeur would make the first save, and then two fantastic follow up saves on rebounds with his right toe off Eric Margo in the paint. The Vees would take a 1-0 lead somewhat against the flow of play on the rush as Ben Brar had his initial shot blocked by Tyler Cooper, but it came right back to him and before Carson Schamerhorn could get re-set he snapped it home, low short-side. There was no assist on the play at 12:29 of the first. The Bulldogs would push back and get the equalizer before the period was out as Garrett Halls gained the red line and dumped the puck deep into the Vees zone where it was chased down by Nathan Dingmann. He would out fight the Vees defender before getting it out front to Quinn Syrydiuk who fired it on net from a very sharp angle to bank it home off the skate of Brodeur and over the line to make it 1-1 at 18:34 of the first. Shots favoured the Bulldogs 12-7 after the first.

The Vees would take their second lead of the game just over a minute into the second when Nicholas Jones walked around a Bulldog defender and cut across the zone before feeding it to the crease where Colton Poolman deflected it home past the pad of Schamerhorn for his first career goal to put the Vees up 2-1 at 1:36 of the second. The Vees would have a great chance on the power play to build their lead a couple minutes later, but Carson Schamerhorn went side-to-side to rob Easton Brodzinski. The Bulldogs would kill off the Vees power play, and tie it seconds later as Nathan Dingmann stepped out of the penalty box and fought off some accidental contact from the linesman to find a Garrett Halls clear up the boards. He would race over the Vees line and put the puck at the net where it was stopped by Brodeur off a rebound chance by Chris Sarault, before Dingmann found it cutting across the crease and fired it home to make it 2-2. Assists on the play went to Sarault and Schutz, but it might have been Halls again deserving one at 8:03 of the second. Another fantastic save just over a minute later by Carson Schamerhorn would keep it tied as he flashed the leather with a great glove save on a Scott Conway shot from the hashmarks that appeared to be labelled top corner. Shots in the period were 9-6 Vees for a two period total favouring the Bulldogs of 18-16.

The Dogs had a great start to the third period, having a couple good looks around the Vees net just only to see the puck sail just wide. Later in the period the Vees went to the power play and connected on it just 10 seconds into the advantage as a shot was stopped by Schamerhorn only to be potted on the rebound by Nicholas Jones, with assists going to Easton Brodzinski and Colton Poolman at 6:57 of the third.  Just over a minute later the Dogs were whistled for too-many-men on the ice - it looked like they might have actually had seven players - and it would  come back to haunt them as just 20 seconds into the advantage it was 4-2 as Carson Schamerhorn made the first save but a mad scramble ensued that saw Scott Conway poke it home. Assists on the play went to Easton Brodzinski and Colton Poolman at 8:10 of the third. The Dogs were flat after the sudden turn of events, and a comedy of errors in the zone saw a turnover at the net send Taylor Ward in alone across the crease, only to have Schamerhorn make a huge save with his glove to keep it a two-goal game. The save would be huge, as just a minute later the Dogs connected on a power play when Dominic Thom took a pass from Josh Adkins that he pounded on net from the rigth circle. Brodeur would make the save, but Quinn Syrydiuk batted the rebound home from the top of the crease to make it 4-3 at 11:16 of the third. The Dogs would earn another power play soon afterwards, but took a penalty on a partial breakaway that saw Garrett Halls and Ryan Finnegan contact the Vees forward driving the net. During four-aside hockey the same call very frustratingly wouldn't be made the same way as Liam Conrad stole the puck from Scott Conway and skated in on a breakaway only to have Conway lay out and dive and chop Conrad across the arms to prevent him from getting a shot on net, but no call would be made. The Dogs would continue to push, and ended up tying the game with less than two minutes to play as Scott Clark threw a wild shot wide of the net that ended up in the corner. He would tie it up for Chris Schutz, who put it to the deep slot for Josh Adkins who beat Brodeur with a quick release five hole to make it 4-4 at 18:14 of the third to force overtime.

The Bulldogs would dominate OT, out shooting the Vees 8-1, but the best chance was awarded to the Vees when Scott Conway took contact on a partial breakaway to earn a penalty shot with 3:25 left in OT. Carson Schamerhorn would make the save with his stick to keep the game going. The Dogs had a flurry of chances in tight around Brodeur but couldn't convert, with his best save coming on a windmill glove stop on Dominic Thom on a slapper from the deep slot. Double OT saw the Dogs get their ire up again at the officiating as Nathan Dingmann was clipped in the face by a high stick, but none of four officials detected it. There would be only one shot in double OT and it was credited to the Vees, but they also had a great chance to end it with time ticking on a Easton Brodzinski breakaway that hit the post and stayed out as the game ended in a draw.

With the tie, the Dogs snap their losing streak at four but remain winless in four. The Vees had their winning streak stopped at five, and their home ice winning streak halted at sixteen, but they are now unbeaten in six overall and in seventeen on home ice.

Final shots favoured the Bulldogs 38-25, however the Bulldog stat keepers had the shots at 39-38 in favour of the Bulldogs. The Dogs went 1 for 3 on the power play while the Vees went 2 for 5.

The Dogs are next in action tomorrow afternoon at 2pm in Coquitlam when they face the Express for the first meeting of the teams this season.

Hammer

Bulldogs meet league leading Vees tonight in Penticton

It's a tough test tonight for the Bulldogs (10-16-1-1, 5th Island) as they face off against the defending Fred Page Cup champions and current league leading Vees (28-2-0-0, 1st Interior, 1st Overall) at the South Okanagan Events Centre.

It's the second meeting of the season between the teams, with the Vees picking up a 4-1 win over the Dogs at the BCHL Showcase in Chilliwack on September 24th in what was technically considered a "home game" for the Bulldogs.

The Bulldogs were in Trail last night, where they lost their fourth in a row, 1-0 to the Smoke Eaters. The Vees are concluding a five-game home stand tonight. They won their fifth in a row 3-0 over Vernon last night and beat Merritt 5-3 on Wednesday.

For all things Vees, make a visit to Vees voice Fraser Rodgers blog HERE

Note the 6pm start time of tonight's game - that means Van Isle Ford Bulldogs Hockey on 93.3 The Peak FM gets going an hour earlier, with the pregame show kicking things off at 5:45.

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.fasthockey.com


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

Hammer

Dogs drop 1-0 decision in Trail

Today's Game Report is brought to you courtesy of the Best Western Plus Barclay Hotel 

The BEST WESTERN PLUS Barclay Hotel, the largest full facility hotel in Port Alberni, BC. When staying with us there is no need to give up conveniences you are used to. You can discover treasures to take home at the Alberni Harbour Quay, and then browse our onsite Cold Beer, Wine Store and liquor store or retreat to our Stamps Cafe or Pastimes Sports Bar and Grill to enjoy a snack or to watch the game on our big screen TV. Then, relax in our sauna or pool before settling in our luxurious accommodations to enjoy the vintage wine picked up earlier. That's when you will truly understand why the tranquil setting of our hotel has been called the perfect place to call home. If traveling on business, our Port Alberni Hotel boasts over 4500 square feet of meeting space in four rooms that are perfect for small conventions, banquets, parties, meetings and weddings. AV equipment and catering are also available.

A fairly energized start for the Bulldogs, as they pushed hard off the opening puck drop and ran up an early 7-2 advantage in shots before the game was eight minutes old but Bailey MacBurnie was solid when called upon in the Trail net. The Dogs had the best chance early in the game as Nathan Dingmann just missed the net on a partial breakaway when the game was three minutes old.  The Smoke Eaters would push back after drawing the first power play of the game just after the media time out and put lots of pucks on net through a power play to get into the game but Brody Claeys was equally solid. Neither team had much in the way of wide open glaring chances as the period ended 0-0 with the Smoke Eaters up in the shots 15-12.

The second period saw the Dogs have a fantastic chance early on a power play to open the scoring on a quick cross-crease pass, but Bailey MacBurnie went post to post to make a fantastic mid-air pad save on Paul Meyer. Just past the midway point of the period the Smoke Eaters had a promising looking chance on a 2 on 1 rush after a Bulldog defender stepped up and missed at neutral ice, but Nathan Dingmann made a fantastic defensive play back-checking to intercept the cross-ice pass. Neither team would find the net throughout the period, as it remained scoreless through 40 minutes. Shots favoured the Smoke Eaters 20-18 after two, with the Dogs out shooting them in the period 6-5. For what it's worth, the Smoke Eaters staff in the booth counting shots had the Dogs credited with 13 shots in the period to the Smoke Eaters 5.

The Bulldogs would earn two more power play chances to start the third period, but they never did much to threaten as they struggled to move the puck or get pucks on net. Credit has to go the Smoke Eaters penalty kill as well, as they forced the Dogs into making mistakes, and they certainly made a big one with eight minutes gone in the period as the Smokies attacked the Dogs zone while shorthanded as Max Newton put a perfect cross-ice pass onto the stick of Kienan Scott who beat Brody Claeys high, far-side to make it 1-0 8:34 into the third. The Dogs would have a couple of chances the rest of the way, but couldn't get a bounce to beat MacBurnie as the Smoke Eaters made the lead stand until the final buzzer.

Final shots favoured the Smoke Eaters 30-24 with Brody Claeys taking second star honours with the loss while Bailey MacBurnie picked up first star honours with the win and the shut out. The Dogs went 0 for 6 on the power play while the Smoke Eaters went 0 for 3 while also scoring the winner and only goal of the game while shorthanded.

The Dogs are in Penticton tomorrow to face the Vees, a 6:00pm puck drop.

Hammer

Dogs visit Smokies tonight to kick off weekend three in three

It's the beginning of another three-in-three weekend tonight for the Bulldogs (10-15-1-1, 5th Island) as they make a visit to one of the grand old buildings of the BCHL as they face the Smoke Eaters (11-17-0-0, 5th Interior) at the Cominco Memorial Arena in Trail.

This is the first meeting of the season between the teams. After tonight the Dogs have just three teams that they have yet to face this season - the Coquitlam Express (who they visit on Sunday), the Surrey Eagles and the Merritt Centennials.

The Bulldogs are playing their sixth of nine straight games away from home tonight. They were last in action Saturday night in Victoria where they lost their third in a row, 4-2 to the Grizzlies.   The Smoke Eaters are back home tonight after finishing a string of six straight games away from home Tuesday in West Kelowna where they dropped their second in a row, 7-3 to the Warriors.

Don't miss a second of the action on Van Isle Ford's Bulldogs Hockey on 93.3 The Peak FM with the broadcasting going live tonight with the pregame show at 7:15 with all the game action to follow at 7:30.

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.fasthockey.com


Tonight's 2nd Intermission feature guest is Fraser Rodgers, the play-by-play voice of the Penticton Vees, who the Dogs visit tomorrow night for a 6pm puck drop at the South Okanagan Events Centre.


Hammer

Bulldogs add Finnegan, assign Savard, carding deadline tonight

Read below for all the details from the Bulldogs released today - welcome to the team Ryan! 

BULLDOGS ACQUIRE NCAA FORWARD FROM MERRITT, ANNOUNCE OTHER ROSTER MOVES

PRESS RELEASE

December 1st, 2015

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Port Alberni, BC – The Alberni Valley Bulldogs are excited to announce the acquisition of Ryan Finnegan from the Merritt Centennials in exchange for Future Considerations.

Finnegan will bring speed and skill to an already quick group of Bulldogs forwards. This season with the Centennials, Finnegan has scored 7 points in 22 games but has yet to hit his stride. Prior to that, Finnegan was a standout for the Skipjacks Hockey Club in the Under 18 United States Premiere Hockey League.

The Tecumseh, Kansas, native is known for his intelligence on the ice and can play and compete in small areas. “We are thrilled to add a player with the credibility that Ryan has,” says Head Coach and General Manager Kevin Willison. “It is always nice to add someone that can make things happen on the ice and we are looking forward to working with Ryan as he continues his development towards the NCAA Division 1 level.”

The 5-foot-8 Finnegan is committed to play NCAA Division 1 hockey at Quinnipiac University for the 2017-18 season. He will join the Bulldogs in time for this weekend’s 3-game road trip that sees the Bulldogs visit the Trail Smoke Eaters, Penticton Vees, and Coquitlam Express.

Earlier this week, the Alberni Valley Bulldogs reassigned 1996-born forward Logan Savard to the Oceanside Generals of the VIJHL. In 20 games with the Bulldogs this season, Savard failed to register a point.

This leaves the Bulldogs with an active roster of 21 players and one open spot. This allows the Bulldogs to bring in a player leading up to the January 10^th roster deadline without necessarily having to move a rostered player.

It is also expected that this weekend Bulldogs affiliate forward Kyle Kaufmann will make his BCHL debut. Kaufmann is a 16-year-old forward on the BC Major Midget League leading North West Giants where he has 17 points in 20 games. Kaufmann was the star forward on the Hollyburn Huskies midget team the year prior, recording 45 goals and 62 assists (107 points) in 51 games.

For further information or comment on the above story please contact Alberni Valley Bulldogs’ head coach and general manager Kevin Willison

Dogs drop third straight, 4-2 to Griz

Today's Game Report is brought to you courtesy of the Best Western Plus Barclay Hotel 

The BEST WESTERN PLUS Barclay Hotel, the largest full facility hotel in Port Alberni, BC. When staying with us there is no need to give up conveniences you are used to. You can discover treasures to take home at the Alberni Harbour Quay, and then browse our onsite Cold Beer, Wine Store and liquor store or retreat to our Stamps Cafe or Pastimes Sports Bar and Grill to enjoy a snack or to watch the game on our big screen TV. Then, relax in our sauna or pool before settling in our luxurious accommodations to enjoy the vintage wine picked up earlier. That's when you will truly understand why the tranquil setting of our hotel has been called the perfect place to call home. If traveling on business, our Port Alberni Hotel boasts over 4500 square feet of meeting space in four rooms that are perfect for small conventions, banquets, parties, meetings and weddings. AV equipment and catering are also available.

After the first two minutes were somehwat slow going, the pace picked up and the hockey was fantastic to watch through the midway point of the first as the teams went end to end with little whistles and no penalties to speak of. The Dogs might have been sparked by to huge back to back hits by Dominic Thom on Joe Visconti on the same shift early in the game. The game was scoreless through the midway point of the first, but the Grizzlies took a 1-0 lead with just over six minutes to play in the first when they hemmed the Dogs in their end for an extended period before PJ Conlon one-timed a pass off the right circle that snuck by a Dogs defender and bounced in off the blocker of Brody Claeys. Cole Pickup and Tyler Welsh also drew assists on the play at 13:50 of the first. The Dogs were penalized soon afterwards, but almost tied the game while shorthanded as Chris Schutz stole the puck at centre ice and raced down the right wing where he ripped a slapper that went through the legs of Matthew Galajda. It would be stopped before the goal line however, by Nick Guiney. As Schutz turned back to the net out of the corner, he would get tied up with Brett Stirling, who shot the stick of Schutz about 100 feet in the air into the rafters right out of his hands, but the Official watching it deemed it not worth a penalty. At the other end of the ice a second after the penalty had elapsed, it would be Brett Stirling who took a pass from below the goal line wide open in the slot that he roofed top corner, short-side high on Claeys to make it 2-0, with assists to Alex Peck and Spencer Hunter at 16:29 of the first. The Dogs would respond fairly admirably to the early hole, pushing back and attacking in the Grizzlies zone. They would however again be penalized in phantom fashion, as Garret Halls drilled Keyvan Mokhtari, only to somehow earn an interference call. The Grizzlies would seize the opportunity, going up 3-0 just 14 seconds into the power play when Jake Stevens drilled a one-timer off a cross-ice pass that beat Brody Claeys short side. While Stevens took the shot, he wouldn't even earn an assist on the play as Nick Guiney was given credit for the marker, with assists going to Keyvan Mokhtari and Cody Van Lierop at 19:03 of the first. Shots favoured the Grizzlies 9-6 through 20 minutes.

The Bulldogs would get a critical goal just short of three minutes into the second to get back into it, just seconds after a lunging second effort blocker save by Carson Schamerhorn - who started the period in relief - on a PJ Conlon follow up off a failed breakaway attempt. Chris Sarault would chip the puck to himself up the right wing where he made a defender miss to skate in on a 2 on 1 rush. Sarault would pass over to Nathan Dingmann, who had the pass hit him and go to the crease where Adam Donnelly tapped it in to make it 3-1 at 2:58 of the second. That would be the score heading into the third, with each team having their chances throughout the rest of the frame but with the Grizzlies having more of them, out shooting the Dogs 12-6 for a 40 minute advantage of 21-12.

The Bulldogs came out with a great push to start the third and had back to back looks on scrambles around the Grizzlies net, but they couldn't get a bounce. They would then get caught pushing too hard, and gave up an odd man rush as a result. The Grizzlies would connect on it as Brayden Gelsinger kept the puck and walked in tight to the net down the right side before putting a perfect wrist shot just inside the far post past the blocker of Schamerhorn to make it 4-1 at 1:23 of the third from Keyvan Mohktari and Brett Stirling. The Bulldogs would have their opportunities to get back in it near the midway point of the period with back to back power plays, but as has been the case lately they just couldn't buy a bounce as several scrambles and open nets saw the puck stay out before a Garrett Halls chance from the slot rang off the crossbar for a final exclamation point. The Dogs would play hard to the end, making it a 4-2 game when Nathan Dingmann stole the puck while shorthanded to skate in on a breakaway and deke one home on the backhand to make it 4-2 with 22 seconds to play, but that's as close as the Dogs got.

Final shots favoured the Grizzlies 27-26 with the Dogs out shooting them 14-6 in the third period. Brody Claeys took the loss before Carson Schamerhorn played the final two periods while Matt Galajda picked up third star honours with the win. The Dogs went 0 for 3 on the power play while the Grizzlies went  1 for 5.

The Dogs are next in action Friday night at 7:30 in Trail.