OGLE TORP? OGLETHORPE!!

Busy morning. Enjoy a great clip from a classic. Interesting editing job at the end, but awesome anyway! (Mild language warning)

Tourism Queensland - Island Caretaker wanted for the "Best Job in the World" contest

This is going to be totally 100% NOT hockey related. Sorry!

BUT, I won't apologize a second further because I'm trying to win the "Best Job in the World" contest.

The job is a well paid 6 month stay as the "Island Caretaker" on Hamilton Island, Australia. What an incredibly smart promotional idea here...So popular, it has appeared to crash the website where one is supposed to get more information!

If it starts working again, for more details you can check out the Tourism Queensland homepage.

So what are the qualifications? You have to be able to swim and live an adventurous life. Um, HELLO? I grew up on the water. And adventure might as well be my middle name! HAHA.

Oh yah - You also need to run a BLOG to promote the Island and Australia to a "Global Market" through Audio and Video and pictures.

HELLO, look at this blog!

Here's my audition!

Audio - Here's a phone call live on THE PEAK morning show today to Tourism Queensland stating my case.

CLICK TO LISTEN - HERE


Maybe I could make them some videos like this (MY VIDEOS) that I made to promote the Alberni Valley and my hometown of Flin Flon, Manitoba and everywhere in between..







Hey, I need to do something in the off season from the hockey, right?

Hammer


--

Canucks on THE PEAK tonight

The Vancouver Canucks host the New Jersey Devils tonight at GM Place. Catch the pregame show on 93.3 The Peak at 6:30 with the puck drop shortly after 7:00pm. Read more - from the 'Nucks preview

No Roberto Luongo yet.

How about Brendan Shanahan? Yes, Shanny is back with the Devils.

Shanny is a beauty. Anyone remember the beauty below? The Ottawa Senators aren't good enough to make fun of anymore, but this is still funny to me.



Love it!

Hammer

The blog hits SIX figures, Canadian Troops to be honoured by Washington Capitals

Well, I am quite the happy blogger today!

It seems like only yesterday that I started this thing to promote myself, the Alberni Valley Bulldogs, and all the great events and individuals in and around Port Alberni.

Then I go and check my site traffic numbers today....and wow was I ever blown away. SIX figures?! I love the internet!

Hammers Bulldog Blog Site Summary
VISITS
	Total	70,477
	Average Per Day	204
	Average Visit Length	1:17
	Last Hour	20
	Today	76
	This Week	1,430
PAGE VIEWS
	Total	102,129
	Average Per Day	266
	Average Per Visit	1.3
	Last Hour	21
	Today	93
	This Week	1,864

Feel free to check them out yourself. Click THIS LINK or click the green and white SITEMETER button over there ------>

So how far has the blog come? I did some looking back through the "blog archives" and came across a post I made LAST NOVEMBER where I was thrilled that the blog was approaching FIVE digits. Read it here

I know, I know, this is still a pretty humble achievement. At the same time I'm darn proud! The difference between 5 figures and 6 is a big one!

So to anyone that reads the blog and visits daily, or to anyone that was here from the beginning spreading the word about the blog through emails and message boards and any other promotions..please accept my HEARTFELT THANKS for all your readership and support!

OK OK OK enough of the pumping my own tires. I just noticed this on the Sports Wire. Pretty cool stuff coming from Washington and the Caps organization. I've been on a Caps love-fest since last year when I learned more about Ted Leonsis and his cool blog. (Again, the link to that is over there ------------>) And I've been an Alex Ovechkin fan since day one.

Here's the story....Way to go Washington Capitals, the Alberta Enterprise Group, and anyone else involved.



EDMONTON - A group of 150 Canadian soldiers will be honoured with a tribute video before the Edmonton Oilers take on the Capitals in Washington on Tuesday night.

The colours of both countries will also be presented by a flag party comprised of Canadian soldiers.

The trip for the soldiers and their families is being sponsored by the Alberta Enterprise Group, a public policy advocacy group, that also arranged a similar trip to Washington for 300 Canadian soldiers and family members last year.

(The Canadian Press)

Dogs go from unbeaten in four to losers of three, Bulldogs This Week tonight, Angel update.

What a difference three days makes.



Spirits were extremely high going into the weekend with the Bulldogs unbeaten in four games. Those same spirits are no doubt dampened somewhat after three straight losses over the weekend.



One thing that always impresses me with these kids is their ability to wake up the next day and put it behind them and focus on what's AHEAD of them.



For a report on the weekend, check out this story by Dwayne Stern from the Alberni Valley Times by CLICKING HERE



For the first time since maybe week one of the season the Dogs have only one game this week, most likely due to the BCHL All Star game going Wednesday in Vernon. Bulldog netminder Matthew Wong will be the lone representative from the Dogs. Wong makes his second All-Star appearance after playing in the game last year as a member of the Victoria Grizzlies.



"Bulldogs This Week" returns tonight from 6pm to 7pm on 93.3 The Peak FM and of course on our website through our listen-live link at http://www.933thepeak.com/



Tonight's guestlist includes Bulldogs Head Coach and General Manager Bryant Perrier.

My player guest will be Bulldogs Netminder Matthew Wong, off to the BCHL All Star Game as previously mentioned.



For those that missed it, I will also re-air the interview from yesterday's second intermission show with former Bulldogs Interim Assistant Coach Greg Holst who is now back in the pro ranks after taking a job in Innsbruck, Austria.



To wrap up the program, I'm attempting to contact BCHL Coaches, GMs and Broadcasters with their comments on the trade deadline.



To pose your questions to my guests, send an email to me HERE



A final note here, an update on the Alberni Valley Bulldogs "Heart of an Angel" campaign, as they support Angel Magnussen's fundraising efforts for Variety:



Hello to all,

The first night of the Alberni Valley Bulldogs “Heart of an Angel” Campaign brought in $387.00, which brings the total raised by the Alberni Valley Bulldogs this winter to $687.00 thus far, with 5 more games to go. The Bulldogs have the very best fans going. Way to go Alberni Valley hockey fans!!

Angel’s newest fundraising total for the Alberni Valley, Ucluelet and Tofino is now over 5 thousand one hundred dollars. Thanks again for all of your support everyone. We’ll keep you updated as it continues to grow each week.

Cheryl

Out and about in Sport Alberni...Totem 54 update, Special O Bowling.

What a busy day in Sport Alberni! I first off went to ADSS to check out Totem 54 as the ADSS Armada took on the Bellenas Whalers.

Quick history on the Totem - It is the longest running Senior Boys Invitational Basketball Tourney in THE PROVINCE.

When I left after the third quarter, things looked good for ADSS as they had the lead. Unfortunately, the Whalers came back to win the game 76-67. I just hope I don't get blamed for the loss! Thanks to Kayley and Mike for the final score updates!

Next up at the Totem is Stellys vs Ballenas at 5:30 for 1st place. ADSS plays Timberline for 3rd place at 7:00pm at the ADSS gym,






And THIS is why I also like Rugby!
I then went over to Rainbow Lanes to take in the fun at the Special O Family Twosome Bowling. I couldn't go two feet without someone talking about the big game tonight. I think everyone is going to watch the Dogs and the Clippers!

My good buddy Jade, rocking the Peak shirt.
Very cool I might have to try a roll with this baby!
More PEAK stuff!
And yet more...Apparently with THE PEAK being a corporate sponsor I can bowl free sometimes! No one tells me anything!
That's it. Time for the pregame nap!

Hammer

Grizz 5 Dogs 2, Dogs host Clippers. ADSS ARMADA win Totem 54 opener.

The team that came out last night at the Bear Mountain Arena was no where near the team that played there last Saturday, as the Dogs seemed to lack the needed jump from the outset to get their first win of the season against the Grizzlies. While the Dogs didn't play BAD or AWFUL, it wasn't anywhere good enough to win. And right now, this team has to WIN. Playoffs have been mentioned. As Bulldogs President Andy Oakes said when he joined me in the booth during the first intermission: "it's now or never" (with emphasis on the NOW)

Well, the NOW last night wasn't good enough. I hope no one thinks I'm being too hard on the guys. They simply have shown us over the last 10 games what they are capable of. And last night wasn't near it.

For more on the game, check out this story by Sharie Epp from the Victoria Times Colonist Newspaper by CLICKING HERE

The Dogs opponent at the Pound tonight for their first game at home since before Christmas is the Nanaimo Clippers. The next closest team to them in the standings. With the Dogs loss last night, coupled with the Clippers 3-2 overtime win over the Cowichan Valley Capitals, the spread is now 20 points. You can see why it's "now or never" with back to back four point games against the Clippers tonight and tomorrow.

For more on the Clippers win last night, check out this story from the Nanaimo Daily News by CLICKING HERE

(thanks as always to Danno for the stories)

Tonight's pregame show kicks off at 6:45pm from the Dog Pound. My first intermission guest will be the newest member of the Dogs, Ethan Gardner. My second intermission guest will be a former Bulldog, now a Brock Badger - Stephen Pattison. "Patti" suited up with the Dogs from the 2004-2005 season through 2006-2007.

That's it for now - Off to the rink to get things set up, then off to Totem 54, then I'm not sure where else!

OH RIGHT - TOTEM. Congrats to the ADSS Armada, who picked up a resounding 75-48 win over Qualicum to open up the tourny last night. Today at 11:45 they take on Ballenas at the ADSS gym, get out and support them if you can!


See you at the Pound tonight!

Dogs visit Grizzlies, "Heart of an Angel" campaign kicks off at the Pound tomorrow..trading deadline tomorrow

The Bulldogs take a four game unbeaten streak into the Bear Mountain Arena tonight, looking for their first win against the Grizzlies this season.

Get it all on 93.3 The Peak FM with the pregame show at 7:15 and the play-by-play at 7:30

For a preview on the game, and the trading deadline, check out this story by Sharie Epp from the Victoria Times Colonist Newspaper by CLICKING HERE

Tonight's second intermission guests will be Adam Hout and Cheryl Magnussen, an interview from THE PEAK morning show yesterday promoting the "Heart of an Angel" campaign that the Bulldogs have running for all six of their home games this month.

If you can't catch the interview tonight, here's the details on the campaign from Cheryl.

Hi to all,

This is just a reminder that the Alberni Valley Bulldogs “Heart of an Angel” Campaign kicks off this Saturday, the tenth of January and runs during all 6 home games this month. The hearts will sell for a $2 minimum donation and will be hung from the ceiling in the multiplex during the campaign. Angel will also be collecting Coin Drive donations at the same time so please let people know they can bring their coins to donate to Variety’s Kids. The Alberni Valley Bulldogs are also hosting a Variety Game Night on the 17^th of January and they will be holding a Puck Toss for some awesome prizes that night.

Thus far Angel’s newest total stands just over $4,500.00 and is growing continually.

Sincerely,

Cheryl Magnussen on behalf of Angel

www.members.shaw.ca/awesomeangel

BCHL blogger Brian Weibe caught up with BCHL Commissioner John Grisdale for a chat about the trade deadline and what it's all about.

I love it when someone else does the work I would have otherwise done myself!

Check it out on Brian's blog HERE


That's it for now - talk to you tonight.
Hammer

Dogs make trade, Holst returns to Austria, Dogs howl out of Christmas break

All about the Dogs now!

First off, the Dogs announced yesterday that they had made a trade, acquiring 19 year old Dman Ethan Gardner.

Read the press release on the Bulldogs homepage by CLICKING HERE


The Dogs also announced last week that Interim Assistant Greg Holst has returned to Austria. Read more on the Dogs site by clicking "newsroom"

I'm trying to connect with Greg right now to get one last interview with him about his time here. I will keep you updated on that front.

A personal GOOD LUCK from myself to Greg. "Holstie" is a great personality and a great guy, and I know he will have nothing but success in the future. And here's hoping the Dogs have success due to his involvement too. So far, so good!

I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw how the Dogs came out to start the game Saturday in Victoria, and how they played throughout the 70 minutes of action. They looked BETTER than they had looked all year.

It's simply not supposed to work that way when you have two weeks off!

In all my years of doing this, a decade plus, I have never seen a team look as good coming out of the Christmas break as the Dogs did Saturday night. An early first period give-and-go between Evan Witt and Mitch MacMillan that set up a 2 on 1 rush was executed with a speed, quickness and crispness that I don't think I have seen all season.

What can this be attributed to? Who knows. Maybe the coaches were bang on when they said that going home and into the break with confidence and feeling good makes you feel even better when you return. Maybe the coaches got something through to the guys that was new or old in the 1 day of practice they had before they returned to action. Maybe the U17 action that the Dogs watched rubbed off on them, as the entire team had rink side seats to the under 17 year old players that ALWAYS pushed the pace and did everything with speed speed speed. Maybe it's a combination of everything mentioned above, or maybe it's something else entirely.

Maybe I just was seeing things?

I don't think I was seeing things though. The guys looked good. They are unbeaten in four.

BUT you are only as good as your next game, so I hope the level of commitment and work ethic never wavers because it is those two factors that have got this team to this point.



Hammer

Final post on the 2009 World U17 Challenge: Bronze Game, Mary Polak drops puck for Gold - Ontario steals it, Gold Medal pictures.

This will be my final post on the 2009 World U17 Challenge, at least for now...Some final sights off my phone from the Medal games Sunday at the final day of the 2009 World U17 Hockey Challenge.

Team USA lines up for their Bronze medals after a 4-2 win over a gutsy Team Canada West Squad.

And the celebratory team picture.


Mary Polak, Minister of Healthy Living and Sports, comes out to drop the first puck. Talking to Mary after the game, she said the young lad from Alberni Valley Minor Hockey that dropped it with her was quite upset after Team Ontario absconded with the ceremonial puck!

It wasn't a friendly puck drop by any means, with both teams fighting for possession. Don't see that too often.

Two great guys. Dave Randorf on the left who called the play-by-play, and Dave Reid on the right, who handled the colour and analysis for TSN's Broadcast.
What they were playing for...The Quebec Cup comes out before the Gold Medal Game to get shined up for one last photo op.
The DOME production truck. How TSN makes all the magic happen.
Ontario celebrates after the final buzzer.

I always get misty eyed when the handshake takes place. One of, if not THEE best thing about this great game.

Presentation of the trophy.
And the championship winning photo.
A big thanks to Freddie Hamilton to was cool enough to pose for a pic for me with his Hardware.

And a close up.

Thanks for the plug TSN....Ontario wins Gold, the REAL WINNERS - The Alberni Valley. CANADA for GOLD TODAY on TSN

I'm just like probably anyone else that was involved at any length from a volunteering, organizing or working perspective at the 2009 World U17 Hockey Challenge.

Yes, I'm in need of a day off, and a lonnnnnng nap. Unfortunately, I was on the air at 6am today with another CRAZY day with all the snow yesterday.

What a week. With the U17's, combined with a trip to Victoria for the great Bulldogs game there Saturday night, and then back to the Multiplex for the Bronze and Gold Medal Game-Broadcasts yesterday, it's been a little nuts. I'll be off the air at 10am today, and then getting a good rest in before the GOLD MEDAL GAME at the World Juniors, again on TSN this afternoon.

I'm lucky enough to have a couple of friends attending the tournament, my good buddies Bruce and Al. I always say it about these two - I love them even though they are Nanaimo Clipper fans ;)

Here's an update they sent me after Canada's Semi Final win. Thanks muchly Bruce and Al! Bring me back a puck PLEASE!

CLASSIC. Hammer we thought that the New Years come from behind win over the USA would be the game of the tournament. NOT! WRONG! Tonight's victory over Russia trumped that barn burner with the Jack of Spades. Canada scores Russia scores. Back and forth till Russia went ahead with 2 minutes and change left. Mr. Quinn pulled the goalie prior to the 1 minute mark there was not a butt on a seat in the barn. I recall a whistle with around 36 seconds left and a Canadian time out. The guy's we met in front of us grabbed their coats shook our hands and wished us well. PRETENDERS! We ripped them and sure enough one of the boy's ( #14 Eberle ) bagged one! How do you spell bedlam? Or pandamonimum? I dunn'o try scoring in a medal elimination game with 5.4 seconds left the goalie on the bench in a game anywhere in CANADA! Heart, never quit or say die, character Club wearin the Red White and Black again this year. Fantastic, unique, loud, just a Classic Game. High five'in everyone in your arms reach. Yellin screamin huggin going on all around you. Then 4 on 4 O.T. Which decided noth'in. Then a stupid shoot out to see which Club advances. Faces in hands all around us. People grippin, nail biting time for allot of the pretenders. The Kids stepped up again and got the Job done Eberle and Tavares both score and Tokarski stops 2 Russians on their attempts. Nuthouse all over again. What a win!!! One for the memory banks to be sure Hammer. Just away too much fun. Were punch'in in Monday again and GOLD is the goal. 5 in a row sure would be nice. Sweden is simply in the way and must be defeated. Should be another Classic but tonight is one tough act to follow. That's what I thought about the New Years game... All the best in 2009 Hammer. 41 and SLY hav'in away too much fun in the Land of The Ottawa.


Speaking of that great game...

It was a pretty neat experience Saturday at the Bear Mountain Arena, one that filled me up with a huge amount of Canadian pride....There I am, taking to the air to start the pregame show, knowing full well that Canada is down to Russia 5-4 with just minutes remaining. I'm seconds into my pregame schpeel when the arena ERUPTS with cheering. And I get chills and goosebumps because I just KNOW that Canada has tied it up as everyone in the building was around a TV somewhere. Throughout the early moments of the Bulldogs vs. Grizzlies game, there weren't many eyes on the ice. They were all on the TV's around the building as the game went to overtime. And then to a shootout. It was easy to know how the shootout was going with the reaction I kept hearing from the crowd.

Very very cool, and just very very Canadian.

The night continued with the same sort of trend. As I called the Dogs-Grizz game, text after text and email after email kept coming in from Port Alberni updating me on the Canada vs. USA Semi Final game at the 2009 World U17 Challenge. I so dearly wanted to be there watching it, or even better BROADCASTING it, but at the same time it was a really cool experience to get updates the way I got them, as I know I was in a pretty unique situation compared to everyone else trying to follow the game. Every time my cell phone buzzed I got a little nervous and a little excited. Knowing especially that Pacific was trailing throughout the third, I was even more tense. All the while I'm calling an epic barn-burner between the Dogs and Grizzlies that went into double overtime. When my phone buzzed and I saw PACIFIC TIES IT 1 MINUTE LEFT and then PACIFIC WINS IT IN OT, it took all my strength to not come out of my shoes!

Ontario ended up besting Pacific 5-1 for the Gold Medal. Backstop JP Anderson was selected as the player of the game for Ontario. A no brainer. Look for this guy in the U18's and U20's and the NHL one day. He was outstanding throughout the tournament.

A huge thanks to Dave Randorf and the TSN crew for the cool plug on National TV during the Gold Medal Broadcast. I received too many facebooks and texts and emails to mention during the game about that one. Even one from an old friend I hadn't heard from in FOREVER who was watching TSN in Bermuda.

Steve Thomas could be the most polite and down to earth guy I have had the pleasure of interviewing in my 10 plus years of doing this. As the interview ended and we went off air, I attempted to say "thanks so much for doing this" and he beat me to the punch and thanked ME. A true class act. Was it just me or does his son Christian play just a little bit like dad out there?

Dave Randorf and Dave Reid, the TSN Broadcast Crew, were also great guys to work alongside. I had the pleasure of meeting Dave Randorf at the 2002 Royal Bank Cup in Halifax as well.

I have too many thanks to even start mentioning them....but I'll try my best here. If I forget you I apologize, but chances are that your name or good gesture were replaced in my memory bank by one of the players on one of the rosters I had to memorize over the tournament!

From Hockey Canada -

Ryan Robins
Jason LaRose
Riley Wiwchar

These guys went above and beyond what I could have ever expected when it came to taking care of the local radio guys. WAY above and beyond. You guys are true pros. Thanks so much.

From the Media, Volunteers and Organizers - In no particular order.

Stefanie Weber
Aaron Vissia
Darlene Coulson

Again you all went above and beyond with your assistance to myself and Rick and Ian with making our broadcasts happen.

Dan Russell, Bill Wilms, Dan, George, and Grant and the rest of the crew from SHAW TV. Thanks for all your assistance, and thanks for giving me the opportunity to be on your broadcast. Cool stuff.

EVERY SINGLE VOLUNTEER for everything you did, to knock the socks off of Hockey Canada and all the visitors to the tournament. When we get the Royal Bank Cup, or another great event, it will be because of you guys and gals.

Tom McEvay, Ron Paulson, and everyone else on the Host and Organizing Committee. You guys and gals are amazing. Thanks for putting Port Alberni on the World and National Stage.

To the FANS for just plain doing what you do - Impressing everyone with your support and NOISE.

To the PEAK staff for all their efforts. Rick Schievink and Ian Holmes in the booth with me.

Jolie for her efforts on air.

Bobby, Kyle, and Alie for operating our games.

Brian, Diane, and Wanda for making everything else happen.

And a special special thanks to Jolie, Al, (and Brian?) for braving the weather to get us on the air yesterday as the crazy snow knocked us off for a spell.

That's all I can remember for now, but I know there's more. There is ALWAYS more when it comes to Port Alberni, that's why this place is so amazing.

And a special special thanks to those that helped me work my brain over the coals to memorize all the names!

So what's my personal favorite memory of the tournament? It has to be the age old rivalry. Canada vs. Russia. Game 1 of the tournament. My first experience calling a game at the International level. And a finish to remember.

Canada trails all game. Ties it up. Goes ahead 30 seconds later on a beauty by Brendan Gallagher. Place goes AS NUTS as I've EVER heard it. Russia ties it 30 seconds later. Places goes as silent as it has ever been. Russia goes to a 5 on 3 power play in a tie game with two minutes left. And the place is a nervous as I have ever heard it. Canada kills it off with several huge saves and shot blocks, and the rest is history as the fans somehow raise it ANOTHER level from where it was just three minutes earlier blowing the roof off the place with some last second heroics by Brett Connolly.





That's it for now!

All Canadian Gold Medal Game, Pacific downs USA 6-5 in OT

The Alberni Valley Multiplex must have been louder than it's ever been as Team Pacific pulled one out of the fire by tying the game with just over a minute remaining before winning it in sudden death overtime.

I must have received well over 200 texs and emails with updates on the game from friends and fans at the Muliplex or watching the game on SHAW. Exciting stuff.

I said earlier today - Don't write Team Pacific off just yet....Way to go fellas! That's the first loss of the tournament for Team USA, who will have to play now for Bronze against Team West at noon at The Multiplex on 933 The Peak FM.

The Gold Medal match (5pm Pacific Time on 933 The Peak F9 and TSN) will be a rematch of the Friday night Pacific vs Ontario game where Ontario won 6-3 to take first place in Pool A. Team Ontario advanced to the finals by beating Team West earlier today by a score of 7 to 4.

While all the action happened in the Alberni Valley, the Bulldogs were busy in a barnburner of their own as they played to a 3-3 tie with the Victoria Grizzlies at Bear Mountain Arena.

Can't wait until tomorrow. Right now, it's time for a bus nap.

Hammer

On the road again..Dogs visit Victoria, Semi Final Saturday at World U17's.

Greetings from Highway 4 and the Bulldog's Bus. Yes, I have to step away from the U17's as the Dogs return from their Christmas Break with a meeting tonight at the Bear Mountain Arena, home of the 2009 RBC Cup host Victoria Grizzlies.

Catch the pregame show at 6:55 tonight on 933 The Peak FM and our website at www.933thepeak.com with the puck drop at 7:10.

The Dogs are looking for their fourth win in a row for the first time this season, and also their first win against the Grizz this season, who have won the previous 8 contests.

It's tough to step back from the U17's just as action REALLY heats up, but knowing I'll be back for the Bronze and Gold Medal games tomorrow makes it ok!

So who will play for those medals? That will be decided today with the Semis going at 3pm and 7pm.

Semi Final #1 sees the unbeaten Team Ontraio facing off against Team Canada West at 3pm. Semi Final #2 sees the "host" team, Team Canada Pacific taking on the unbeaten American squad. The chatter around the rink has Team Pacific written off already, as they lost to Team USA 11-0 in Exhibition Action before the tournament opened. I would't be writing the BC and Alberta boys off just yet, especially in a single game elimination. Home ice advantage at the Alberni Valley Multiplex needs to be HUGE tonight. As does Kent Simpson, if he gets the start in goal again. Team Pacific has NOT played a full 60 minute game yet. If they can do it today, they just might be playing for Gold tomorrow.

Both games will be broadcast on SHAW TV today.

The Bronze Meda game goes at NOON tomorrow, with THE PEAK being the only broadcaster covering the game. Ian Holmes will have the play-by-play while I will do colour. For the Gold Medal Game at 5pm, TSN will broadcast from Coast to Coast, while we will also have the game for you on your radio or on your computer with our Internet Broadcast through our homepage at www.933thepeak.com I will call the play-by-play while Ian Holmes will provide the colour.

It was a neat experience to interview Dave Randorf of TSN yesterday. What a polite and personable individual he is....I was in the Media Room getting ready for the broadcast when I asked Media Director Stefanie Weber if there was any chance that I could interview Mr. Randorf. She turned to Jason LaRose from Hockey Canada and asked the same question. Jason then fired up the BlackBerry, called Dave, and 10 seconds later he said "yep, you're good to go with Dave" Cool. The only stipulation was that I couldn't ask about specific players as Dave had just arrived and he didn't have a chance yet to see much of the action.

SO I asked about broadcasters instead, to see if he remembered sharing press box with a 21 year old ME at the 2002 Royal Bank Cup in Halifax. While he didn't remember me, he did remember the game and everything came flooding back.

What a cool job this guy has, he's living my dream and I'm not shy to admit I'm beyond jealous!

It was pretty funny when one thing led to another and Dave recalled the 2001 RBC in my hometown of Flin Flon. He even said it was in his Top 5 all time games, with the atmosphere in the crowd and the MOOSE LEG (yes, Moose leg) that they throw on the ice.

SO I started thinking....Once upon a time they threw Salmon in Port Alberni. We are the Salmon Capital of the World and all! It's been a couple years since we've seen one on the ice, but I think it's time again tomorrow. YES YES I know there are rules about throwing things on the ice, and safety issues.

I also know that you need to take advantage of the FIRST and maybe ONLY time you will get 2 plus hours of National Exposure on TSN to leave an impression and send a message. What better way to say "Come with your friends and family to visit the Alberni Valley, The Salmon Capital of the World" than by throwing one on the ice on National TV?

Dave Randorf remembers it 8 years later from Flin Flon, so it obviously worked for them. Not sure how many people go Moose Hunting there now of course, but people remember!

Just my 2cents.

Nap time on the bus now, I will talk to you from Victoria tonight.

Hammer

2009 World U17 Challenge Continues, Dogs back in action tomorrow.

Troy Rutkowski scored the winner last night as Team Pacific remained perfect at the 2009 World U17 Challenge with a 4-3 overtime win over Team Atlantic.

OK, I guess not "perfect" But unbeaten. At this tournament, perfect is a regulation win, worth three points, while a overtime win is worth just two.
The win sets up a big game tonight with first place on the line as Team Ontario (3-0) provides the opposition for Pacific. Both teams have already booked their semi final tickets for tomorrow, it's just a matter of who finishes where and who they'll face.

Plain and simple - both teams will want to go in on winning note.

Catch the game on 93.3 The Peak FM or on our website at www.933thepeak.com Broadcast start time for us is 6:55pm.

You can also catch the broadcast on SHAW TV, I believe they get underway at 7:00pm

Don't forget about the Alberni Valley Bulldogs, they are back at it after their Christmas break tomorrow as they visit the Victoria Grizzlies. More on that later.

Hammer

Team Atlantic Bench

All Canadian Match Up at 2009 World U-17 Hockey Challenge

Team Canada Pacific celebrates another win Tuesday night over Team Germany by mobbing player of the game Ryan Harrison.
The final.


After an off-day yesterday, the "home team" is back at it today at the Alberni Valley Multiplex as Team Canada Pacific takes on Team Canada Atlantic at 7:00pm PST.

Get the broadcast exclusively on 93.3 The Peak FM starting with the pregame show at 6:50pm.

Tonight's second intermission feature guest will be Team Canada Pacific leading scorer Brendan Gallagher, a member of the Vancouver Giants.

Get it all in the Alberni Valley on your radio on THE PEAK or on your computer through our website at www.933thepeak.com

For all your up to date tournament information, check out hockeycanada.ca or the official tournament site at www.ourgameourfuture.com

2009 World U17 Challenge update - Pacific 2 and 0, FIREWORKS TONIGHT, Angel's Fundraising Update.

It wasn't the thriller that Pacific vs Russia was, but in the end it was great hockey and a great end result as Team Canada Pacific beat Team Germany 4-1 to go to 2 and 0 to open the tournament. Canada came out flying, up 2-0 by the time the game was four minutes old. One more in the dying minutes of the period saw a 3-0 lead for the home team into the dressing room after one. The teams would exchange goals in the second, and that would be it for the game's scoring.

It's an off day for Team Pacific today, before they face Team Atlantic tomorrow.

Here's a quick video from the Broadcast Booth I took during the opening ceremonies.





This one is super cool....Big thanks to Team Canada Pacific Equipment Manager Cory Cameron, who was nice enough to allow me a quick trip inside the dressing room to take this video. Thanks Cory!




This should be a fun event tonight....

It’s a celebration! New Years eve at 945pm catch the Alport Insurance New Years Eve Light Up The Night Fireworks Show" presented by Alport Insurance, Alberni District Coop, and The Alberni Valley Lions Club. The fireworks display takes place over the fall fair grounds behind the Alberni Valley Multiplex following the December 31^st U17 Tournament match up between Quebec and Team USA! Ring in 2009 – Wednesday night at 945pm with the Alport Insurance Light Up The Night Fireworks Show.

And here's an update and a heads up on Angel's fundraising efforts for VARIETY at the U17's.

Hello to all,

If you are able to can you please ask people who are attending the World U17 Hockey Challenge Games to please stop by Angel’s Variety table in the front lobby and consider purchasing a Variety Gold Heart Collector Pin or making a donation to the Jeneece and Friends Coin Drive for Variety. Angel wants so very much to reach her goal of helping to bring in $100,000.00 for Variety’s Kids this year. Business was very slow at the exhibition game last night but we also have a different crowd coming in to see the games. There are many people from other countries who are may not be aware of what Variety is or the work they do in BC and around the world. I don’t want Angel to feel that her work in trying to raise funds for Variety’s Kids is going no where nor do I want her to lose faith that she can motivate people to help her. One game down, 15 more to go this week.

Many thanks!

Cheryl

Alright, that's all the time I have....Maybe more later but I'm off to Nanaimo for a spell. Get out and catch some of this great action if you haven't already.

Hammer

Team Pacific wins a classic, 6-5 over Russia

Excuse the late update. I was without internet for most of the day today due to a service outage in Port Alberni.

What else would you expect out of Canada and Russia? Just another classic last night at the Multiplex. Canada battling back all night. Canada gutting out a huge penalty kill with two men in the box with two minutes left in a tie game. Canada winning it with a last second goal. Might as well have been Paul Henderson instead of Brett Connoly.

I gotta run to get ready for Canada vs Germany, but here's some pictures from yesterday and today to get you behind the scenes and in the booth!





93.3 The Peak colour analyst Rick Schievink.


Ceremonial Puck Drop.

Outside the Team Pacific Dressing Room. Home is what you make it or something like that.
FINAL.
CELEBRATION.

Final Score in U17 Exhibition Action....

USA 11 - Team Canada Pacific 0

Not much for the crowd to cheer for here at the Multiplex (besides the great quality of hockey, of course) as Team USA beat Team Canada Pacific 11-0.

Final Shots - 43-22.

For details on the game, check out www.usahockey.com

More tomorrow, when the tournament REALLY begins.

Hammer

2009 World U17 Challenge sights and sounds

Some sights and sounds from the 2009 World U17's



Past Champs..Nice ice.

Americans warm up.