Live today at Pacific Chevrolet, $10,000 up for grabs, Lacrosse tourney...

It's shaping up to be another gorgeous day in the Valley today, and a nice day to broadcast live from Pacific Chevrolet on 93.3 The Peak FM from 10am to 2pm from their "Battle of the Brands" sale as they also have all the Van Isle Ford vehicles and staff on site as the two dealerships battle it out to see who can out-sell the other.

SOMEWHERE out there in the Alberni Valley is the $10,000 winning "Battle of the Brands" flyer. 18,000 were mailed out, and ONE of them has the correct code on it. NO PURCHASE NECESSARY.

If you aren't in the market to buy a vehicle, I'm sure you are in the market to WIN $10,000 so take 30 seconds at the dealership to check your flyer!

NO, they won't try to sell you a vehicle! They WANT to give away the $10,000. So check your mailbox! If you didn't get a flyer, they have extra ones at the dealership. Maybe one of them is the lucky one.  

The Alberni Valley Minor Lacrosse Association is holding their 2^nd Annual Novice Ice Breakers Lacrosse Tournament today and tomorrow with games going throughout the day. The first game is at 11am today, and there’s a Masters game tonight at 6pm, so get to the rink and check it out!

Hammer

 

Black Sheep host Seattle for BC Semis, Junior Golf Open House Saturday, Gold in the Net Golf

The Black Sheep Rugby Club hosts Seattle Saturday at 1pm at the their pitch at the top of Argyle in the BC Semi Final game after a win over Velox in double OT on the road last Saturday 51-30 to clinch the Cowichan Cup, the oldest Rugby trophy in BC.

BC Rugby wrote this little piece about Seattle coming here...it sure fires me up. Didn't David beat Goliath anyway? Go Sheep! Thanks to Laurie Smillie for the heads up!

Seattle will have to travel to Port now, it's a David vs Goliath scenario with Seattle as the Goliath (population 3 million) vs Port Alberni playing David (population 18,000). Regardless of the mismatch one thing is for sure, Port won't shirk their responsibility and they'll face the challenge head on unlike some clubs this season. Win or lose this team of firemen, farmers, fishermen and loggers will show what BC rugby is really about - facing the challenge even when the odds are against you. 

The Alberni Golf Club holds their Junior Golf Open House this Saturday from 1pm to 3pm. Kids will receive instruction in driving/chipping/putting/etiquette etc, followed by a snack and refreshments. It's all FREE of charge.

It's no secret that I'm a huge fan of golf and a huge fan of the Alberni Golf Club. I have to sing their praises once more in regards to Junior Golf. Not only is the Open House great, and their program and rates fantastic, but I have been just blown away by the membership and the staff at the course and how they have treated my little guy Griffin since he has started golfing there over the last couple of years. One would think perhaps that a golf course isn't the place for a kid - I would have been one of those people. The reality is that it couldn't be further from the truth. Bruce, Kathy, Brian and all the staff have gone out of their way to make Griff feel welcome. Good, well behaved kids are welcome anywhere, and at the same time brats aren't! Whenever we are out on the course or on the range or chipping or putting everyone seems to take a lot of joy out of seeing a little guy out there.

I sadly won't make it, as I'll be at Morningstar Golf Course hosting the Gold in the Net Golf Classic to raise funds for the Aaron C Cornwell Memorial Scholarship Fund. If you want a great time for a great cause, get signed up ASAP! Click the above image for more details.

Hammer

Bulldogs sign Max Daerendinger, Vees lead 3-2, my hockey brain....

Welcome to the club Max!



Hammer

BULLDOGS COMMIT TO MAX DAERENDINGER FOR 2015/16

PRESS RELEASE

April 16, 2015

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Port Alberni, BC – The Alberni Valley Bulldogs announce that they have committed to 1998- born defenseman Max Daerendinger (dare-en-dinger) for the 2015/16 season.

Daerendinger, a product of the Vancouver Thunderbirds Minor Hockey Association and the BWC Academy, played in 6 regular season games as an affiliate with the Bulldogs in 2014/15. Daerendingerʼs assistant coach this past season was former Bulldogs star forward and current team scout Josh Bonar.

Bulldogs fans got a chance to see Daerendinger during the teamʼs first of two 2015 Spring Identification Camps held in Port Alberni, BC, this past April 3-5, 2015. The teamʼs second of two camps is coming up in Osoyoos, BC, from May 1-3, 2015.

"I am very proud to play for such a great team in a supporting community,” said

Daerendinger. “I look forward to becoming a member of the team for next season!" Daerendinger comes from some pretty good hockey bloodlines, as his great uncle Alex Delvecchio played all of his 23-year NHL career with the Detroit Red Wings (11 seasons as the Red Wingsʼ captain).

Bulldogs fans can expect to hear more exciting news and announcements from the team in the coming months.

The Alberni Valley Bulldogs are holding their annual Spring Identification Camp in Osoyoos, BC, on May 1-3, 2015. Spaces are limited. Prospects can register online by visiting www.albernivalleybulldogs.ca.

For further information or comment on the above story please contact Alberni Valley

Bulldogs’ head coach and general manager Kevin Willison

 The Penticton Vees carry a 3-2 lead into tonight's game six of the Fred Page Cup league finals series after a come-from-behind 3-2 in last night in Penticton. 

The turning point? It might be in the below video, an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty for snowing the goalie. While the Vees didn't score on the power play, they did score seconds later. 

I'm curious your opinion on this.

 Cheap call, or well deserved? On one hand, it's a call that maybe you don't like with the stakes being what they are. On the other hand, goalies have been a focus in this series, and maybe you don't blame the ref when a player travels that distance on a dump in from the blue line to deliberately (or so it appears) snow the goalie unnecessarily.  Maybe I only think the call is justified because as a former goalie I hated it so so soooo much. If I'm in the Clippers skates, I'm no doubt thinking it's pretty cheap. 

How about you?

And finally.... this is a pretty funny story, and a very good indication of how my brain works.

I had a couple of guests in the radio station this morning promoting the Alberni Valley Autism Support Community's ROCK THE WALK to raise awareness for Autism - registration is tomorrow at 10:00am at the Glenwood Centre, by the way. 

One of the guests this morning says "My nephew Zack Currie played for the Cowichan Valley Capitals about seven or eight years ago" , to which I immediately respond "He wore number 23, right?"  

The look on her face was absolutely priceless. I even impressed myself with that one. 

Meanwhile, ask me what I had for lunch yesterday...and it will take some thinking! Ha!

Hammer

Mark MacMillan signs with Habs, makes it a hat trick of former Dogs signing NHL deals

Fantastic news, as former Bulldog Mark MacMillan signed a two-year entry level deal with the Montreal Canadiens yesterday. Mark was drafted by the Habs in the spring of 2010 out of the Bulldogs organization after a career year as a BCHL rookie with the Bulldogs in 2009-2010. Huge congrats to Mark and family.

Read more from the Canadiens website HERE

Hammer

Bulldogs host Spring Camp this weekend

OVER 70 PROSPECTS COMING FOR THE BULLDOGS ANNUAL
SPRING CAMP THIS WEEKEND

PRESS RELEASE
April 1, 2015

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Port Alberni, BC – The Alberni Valley Bulldogs are once again holding their annual spring identification camp in Port Alberni this weekend, April 3-5, 2015.

Throughout the weekend, over 70 prospects will be working hard to impress the Bulldogsʼ coaching and scouting staffs.

In addition to several affiliates from the 2014/15 season, there will be a strong local flavor of prospects from the Alberni Valley, including players from the midget rep team, from the BC Hockey Major Midget League, and from the Canadian Sports School Hockey League.

Scrimmage games are open to the public. Here is the list of camp scrimmage times:

Friday, April 3rd: 4:00-6:00pm and 6:15-8:15pm.
Saturday, April 4th: 8:30-10:00am, 10:15-11:45am, 5:00-7:00pm and 7:15-9:15pm
Sunday, April 5th: 7:15-8:30am and 10:00-11:15am

Over three-quarters of the prospects in attendance have been by team invite, in addition to a handful of prospects that took advantage of the open registration. The organization feels that itʼs important to keep the camp to 4 teams, which will help maintain a high tempo through out the camp and give each prospect plenty of ice time and, thus, a fair opportunity to showcase themselves to the coaches and scouts.

In addition to the camp scrimmages, players will also be put through fitness testing, baseline concussion testing, participate in an educational seminar conducted by Bulldogs educational advisor Tom McEvay, and a separate goalie-only ice session with Bulldogs’ goalie coach Alex Evin.

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

Makin commits to Western Michigan Broncos

(imag: Garrett James)



The fantastic run of news from the Bulldogs organization continues as they announced today that graduating Captain Mitch Makin has secured an NCAA scholarship with the Western Michigan Broncos. Great guy, the epitome of what a Captain should be. Congrats Mitch!

Hammer



MITCH MAKIN COMMITS TO THE WESTERN MICHIGAN BRONCOS

PRESS RELEASE
March 30, 2015

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Port Alberni, BC – The Alberni Valley Bulldogs are very proud to announce that captain Mitch Makin has committed to the NCAA Division 1 program of the Western Michigan Broncos.

Makin spent the last three seasons as a Bulldog after being acquired by Kevin Willison from his former team the Olds Grizzlys in exchange for 1994-born defenseman Marc Eremenko.

Makin ended up playing for the Bulldogs in 141 regular season games, contributing 42 goals and 58 assists for a total of 100 points. Moreover, Makin helped lead the Bulldogs to 28 playoff game appearances over his last three seasons.

In 2014/15, Makin was named captain of the Bulldogs. He stepped his game up even more after significant injuries to Evan Tironese and Kurt Gosselin. Since January 1st, Makin led with 34 points in the final 26 regular season games.

Makin is the third Alberni Valley Bulldogs player to join the Western Michigan Broncos in recent years, following in the footsteps of goalie Frank Slubowski and defenseman Kenny Morrison. Slubowski ended up being named to the 2011/12 NCAA (CCHA) All-Rookie Team as well as the NCAA (CCHA) Tournament MVP after guiding the Broncos to the CCHA Championships. Slubowski went on to being named to the NCAA (CCHA) Second All-Star Team in 2012/13. Morrison, who a few weeks ago was signed by the Calgary Flames, also made an impact with the Broncos as he was named to the 2012/13 NCAA (CCHA) All- Rookie Team.

There were several teams that expressed interest in Makin, but Western Michigan became the best fit.

"I would like to thank the Bulldogs organization for everything they have done for me," said Makin. "Special thanks to my parents, coaches Kevin Willison and Adam Hayduk, my billets Larry and Nancy Doucette, Tom McEvay, and to everyone in the Alberni Valley for all the support given to me during my three years in Port Alberni," added Makin. "My experience and memories will last a lifetime. I am fortunate to have played my junior hockey is such an awesome place. I'm excited to attend Western Michigan and play for the Broncos. Thank you to everyone that supported me!"

Makin went on to say that he will especially miss the outstanding fan support that created such an amazing atmosphere for every home game at Weyerhaeuser Arena and how the best fans in the BCHL took that same home ice atmosphere on the road in the playoffs to Victoria's and Nanaimo's rinks.

The entire Alberni Valley Bulldogs family wishes to thank Mitch for his three years of service and wishes him all the best as he continues the next chapter of his hockey career at Western Michigan.

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

To be identified as the next Mitch Makin, Kenney Morrison or Frank Slubowski, the Alberni Valley Bulldogs are hosting two Spring Identification Camps. April 3-5, 2015 in Port Alberni, BC, and May 1-3, 2015 in Osoyoos, BC. Camp information and registration details are available online at www.albernivalleybulldogs.ca.

Casey Bailey signs with Maple Leafs, could play this week

More fantastic news came out over the weekend, as fresh off the heels of Kenney Morrison's signing with the Calgary Flames, former Bulldog Casey Bailey signed with the Toronto Maple Leafs after concluding his career with the  NCAA's Penn State Nittany Lions

Read more from the Maple Leafs HERE 

Could he suit up with the Leafs as early as this week? It's a possibility, according to THIS report

I'm very happy for Casey and his family - a great kid and a great family, they are still big Bulldog fans even from afar, with Casey having moved on in 2011. As much as it says something about them, I think it also says something about the Bulldogs organization and the people here, doesn't it?

Best of luck Bails! Can't say how much I appreciated Casey always finding time to do alumni interviews with me each season, despite being incredibly busy going to school and playing hockey.

Here's a video I posted earlier this season, he had a big league shot even then. Enjoy!

Hammer

Former Bulldog Kenney Morrison signs with Calgary Flames

Huge congrats to former Bulldog Kenney Morrison, who signed a two-year contract yesterday with the Calgary Flames.

Morrison played one season with the Bulldogs in 2010-2011, and it was a memorable one. He was the teams leading scorer for defenceman that season, and also the leading scorer amongst the rookies, earning him the Bulldogs Rookie of the Year award. He spent the following year with the USHL's Omaha Lancers, and the last three with the NCAA's University of Western Michigan Broncos where he was teammates with former Bulldog Frank Slubowski.

Very cool to see a former Bulldog signing with a big league club, congrats Kenney and best of luck!

For the story from Sportsnet, click HERE and for the story from the Flames, click HERE

C'mon though Kenney, anyone but the FLAMES! I'm not a fan...but I guess I am a little bit now!

Hammer

Bulldogs 2014-2015 Awards

Rookie of the Year -

Chris Schutz

Most Valuable Player - 

Billy Christopoulos

Coaches Award - 

Mitch Makin

Academic Player of the Year -

Eric Margo

Best Defenceman -

Kurt Gosselin

Unsung Hero -

Scottie Clark

Tom McEvay

Most Improved -

Brett Stewart

Community Hero -

Dylan Haugen

Humanitarian -

Scottie Clark

Chris Schutz

Top Scorer -

Mitch Makin

Most Sportsmanlike -

Drew Blackmun

Fan Choice Award - 

Garrett Halls

Dogs magical comeback falls short, Clippers win Game 7

A good start for the Bulldogs, as they managed to get the puck in deep on several instances and get the first couple of shots on net, although no scoring chances. The Clippers would get their first shot just over five minutes into the game. The game was hard fought through the first half of the opening period with the shots even at six-aside. The Bulldogs would open the scoring late in the frame when Drake Brown put an outlet pass from the Dogs zone cross-ice to send Josh Adkins up the right wing through centre. He would drive over the Clippers line and fight off a check to drive in on goal where he fired it by Decelles short-side. Assists on the play somehow went to Justin Marreck and Logan Savard at 14:04 of the first. Just a minute later the Clippers looked to have too many men on the ice, but all four Officials missed it. Just 30 seconds or so later, the Dogs would be penalized. The Clippers would connect on it after a couple good saves by Christopoulos when Nick Gushue walked into the top of the left circle and put a slapper home far side through traffic, blocker side. Brendan Taylor and Anthony Rinaldi picked up the assists on it at 16:24 of the first, with the shots favouring the Clippers 15-9 after 20 minutes.

The Dogs had a good start to the second in the early minutes, but the Clippers put on a push as the period wore on, having a good amount of chances in tight that Christopoulos was razor sharp on, most notably on a one-timer from the hash marks by Spencer Hewson. As the period wore on, it was obvious that the Dogs were labouring and feeling fatigued, but they bent and didn't break and Christopoulos came up huge to keep it at 1-1 after 40 minutes. Shots favoured the Clippers 13-10 in the period for a 28-19 advantage after 40 minutes. The Clippers would pick up a penalty at the 20 minute mark of the period with the Dogs beginning the third on the power play.

The Bulldogs would battle wet ice and didn't look good on their first power play of the game, taking a penalty near the midway mark of it after a good Clipper shot block. The Dogs went to a short 4 on 3 advantage after four-aside hockey when a Dog had a stick slashed out of their hands. They wouldn't be able to generate on the advantage however. The third period would go back and forth over the middle parts of the frame with each team having their chances, but the Clippers having more of the Grade A opportunities. The Bulldogs spent a long time in the attacking zone on a great shift with Marcus Russell, Drew Blackmun and Chris Schutz pushing hard but being unable to find the go ahead marker. Past the midway mark of the period the Dogs had two fantastic looks in the attacking zone but both Garrett Halls and Drew Weich misfired on shot attempts. Cole Maier would block a shot and race up the right wing and put a shot on goal long-side that was turned away by the blocker of Christopoulos. He couldn't control the rebound though, as Nicolas Carrier beat his check to the net and one-timed it home past a sliding Christopoulos who made a desperate bid to get over. The Dogs would have a fantastic chance to tie it when Guillaume Decelles came up with a game-saver point blank on Josh Adkins who was set up all alone in the hash marks. The Dogs came up with a big penalty kill when they were sent to the box with five minutes to go to keep it within a goal, and would then draw a power play with just over a minute to go to make it a 6 on 4 advantage. They had one sharp angle centering bid go through the crease, but that's as close as they would come as the Clippers did a good job to kill it off before they hit the empty net to seal the deal as Spencer Hewson fired it home from the Clipper blue line. The only assist went to Jacob Hanlon at 19:35 to make it 3-1. As has been their hallmark, the Bulldogs refused to quit and valiantly fought to the final buzzer with a series of scrambles in the Nanaimo crease but they couldn't beat Decelles as the Clippers killed the clock.

Final shots favoured the Clippers 40-24 (Dan had the Dogs credited with 31) with Billy Christopoulos taking third star honours with the loss - he was in my opinion without question the 1st star of the game, with Guillaume Decelles picking up the win. The Dogs went 0 for 3 on the power play while the Clippers went 1 for 3.

A heartbreaking loss for the Dogs, but they can certainly hold their heads high with their season and their efforts refusing to quit in the series, only to fall painfully short. I certainly feel for the graduating players, especially the guys that couldn't play due to injury in Kurt Gosselin and Evan Tironese. Best of luck to Drake Brown - boy did he up his game in the Playoffs. Dylan Haugen - what a 20 year old year for him with 19 goals. Mitch Makin - what a leader over his years in a Dogs sweater. Eric Therrien, another guy who upped his game in the Playoffs. Finally, Billy Christopoulos. Amazing performance from him all season, and through the Playoffs. Best of luck at Air Force. Wouldn't be at all surprised to see you playing pro one day.

That's all for now. Best of luck to the Clippers moving forward.

As saddened as I am that the season is done, and as bad as I wanted to see the run continue and a packed Dog Pound, I'm very much looking forward to a lighter work load and more time with my family. 

It's just insane how much time I put into this blog - I love it, and do it for you the fans, the parents,  and the players. But it's a LOT of time that I'm happy I can step away from for a bit. For the first time all year, I'm eating dinner on the bus while it's still warm! Thanks for reading as always, if you appreciate it don't hesitate to click the DONATE button on the right hand side as I would certainly appreciate it, but never expect it. 

Thanks!

Hammer

Dogs visit Clippers tonight for Game 7, Marcello Ranallo interview

It's the fourth do or die game in a row for the Bulldogs, and the first time that the Clippers face elimination, as the teams meet tonight in the finale of  what has been a fantastic Island Division Semi Final series. The Bulldogs forced this game tonight after winning their third straight last night, 4-3 at a wild and crazy Dog Pound.

The Bulldogs have of course been dealing with all the cliches for a while now, do or die, win or go home, backs against the wall, etc, etc. The Clippers no doubt were feeling the pressure the last couple of games after letting the Dogs back in the series, but it's a whole different level when your season is on the line.

It goes without saying that the Dogs will no doubt have to be at their absolute best if they hope to move on to the Island finals to face Powell River. Being in a do-or-die situation has brought out the best in them, and I expect that the Clippers will bring that same level of desperation that has helped the Dogs get to this point.

Having a 3-0 series lead and being the #1 seed, one has to think that all the pressure is on Nanaimo. It's hard to play that way, but it's also a motivator at the same time. Here's hoping that the Dogs can play loose with that nothing to lose feeling, but also keep up the intensity with the opportunity to pull off the improbable and advance to the next round right in front of them.

While it's always a challenge playing on the road, you can bet that a large contingent of Bulldog fans will be making the trip down to provide some noise and support for the visitors as they always do at the Frank Crane.

If you can't make it to the game, we'll bring it to you on Pacific Chevrolet Bulldogs Hockey on 93.3 The Peak FM starting with our pregame show at 6:45, with the puck drop and play-by-play to follow at 7:00pm. I will call the play-by-play, with Bruce MacDonald and Dan Tisserand providing the colour and analyis and team and player statistics.

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

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

Tonight's 2nd Intermission guest is former Bulldog Marcello Ranallo, who is currently playing and coaching in Italy's Serie A with Cortina SG after a four year NCAA career with the UCONN Huskies.

Hammer

Dogs force Game 7 with third straight win, 4-3 over Clippers

An energetic start to the game was quickly dampened when Mitch Makin was sent to the box just 30 seconds into the game on a boarding call. The Clippers would have two or three good chances, but Billy Christopoulos was sharp to keep it 0-0, most notably on a deflection in front where he kicked out his right toe to keep it out as the Dogs killed it off. The Dogs would score first for the second straight game just two minutes later when Mitch Makin took a Troy Dobbs outlet pass up the right wing and drove wide before throwing a cross-ice pass to the net front that went off Eric Therrien and in to make it 1-0. Guillaume Decelles would be the only Clipper to argue a possible kick in, but the Officials would conference and stick the original call of good goal, at 3:53 of the first. The Dogs would have their chances to build the lead with the momentum gained after the goal, but the Clippers kept it within a goal before drawing another penalty that they would connect on when Nick Gushue fed Brett Roulston on the left half boards where he walked into the circle and banked one in on a screened Christopoulos. Cole Maier picked up the only assist on the play, but that probably should have went to Devin Brosseau, at 11:29 of the first. The Bulldogs would take their second lead of the game late in the period on their second power play goal of the series as Drew Weich put a one-timer on goal from the left point that was tipped home through the legs of Decelles by Marcus Russell in front to make it 2-1 at 17:40 of the first, with the Clippers leading the shots 16-15 after one.

The second period would start with the Clippers having an obvious jump to their step, pushing to get back to even. It wouldn't take long for them to find the equalizer as just two minutes into the period Devin Brosseau roofed a rebound off a Nick Gushue slap shot short-side high past the blocker of Christopoulos to make it 2-2. Jacob Hanlon also picked up an assist on the play at 2:07 of the second. The Dogs would answer just three minutes later on the power play when Brett Stewart set up Mitch Makin in the right circle where he put a shot wide short-side, only to have the end board bounce come out front for Eric Therrien who banked it in off Guillaume Decelles to make it 3-2 at 4:56 of the second. A huge hit just following the goal saw Garrett Halls step up at the Clippers line and flatten Kale Bennett, but seconds later Anthony Rinaldi skated in on a breakaway where Christopoulos made the save to protect the lead. The Dogs would build the lead later in the period on the rush when a Ryan Coghlan shot missed the net short-side and rimmed up the right wing for Josh Adkins. He would put a perfect head-man pass up the middle for Logan Savard, who walked over the Clippers line and ripped a high shot off the blocker shoulder of Decelles. He couldn't control the rebound, and Josh Adkins would beat his check to the net and drill it home into the open side to make it 4-2, with Drew Weich also drawing an assist at 13:53 of the second. An ugly incident two minutes later would see Corey Renwick drive the Bulldogs net and run Billy Christopoulos, drawing a five minute major for the hit. Thankfully, Christopoulos wouldn't be injured. Despite several good looks on the power play, the Dogs couldn't build their lead as it stayed 4-2 after two, with the Dogs out shooting the Clippers 10-7 in the period for a 25-23 advantage after 40 minutes. 

The Clippers would come out to start the third and much like the second got right on the board as Jake Jackson took a rink wide pass and walked over the Bulldogs blue line up the left wing where he snapped one top corner, far-side off the bar and in over the glove of Christopoulos. The only assist went to Ryan Coghlan at 1:44 of the third to make it 4-3. The Clippers would draw a power play shortly afterwards, but the Dogs would quickly even it up when Josh Adkins made a great read to break up a pass and race away on an odd man rush, only to be tackled. The Clippers would earn another power play six minutes into the frame, but the Bulldog defenders came up with a solid kill. The score stayed that way until the late stages of the third with the Dogs protecting the lead and Christopoulos coming up big when needed. The fans in the Dog Pound would be up in arms with three minutes to go when Eric Therrien broke up a play at the line and attempted to race away on an on-man rush, only to get dumped by the Clipper defender. There would be no call, but a 10 minute misconduct afterwards to Therrien. A minute later, Dylan Haugen came up with a solid defensive play to cover at the Offensive blue line. He would then win a race to a loose puck in the Dogs end and get tripped up, drawing a penalty. The Dogs would kill the clock until just under a minute to play, and then draw another penalty - or so they thought, when Yanni Kaldis clipped Josh Adkins on a neutral zone faceoff. The back Referee would call the penalty, and Kaldis would be sent to the box. After a long discussion, Kaldis was freed from the sin bin and the penalty was "uncalled" as the Clippers would pull their goalie to make it a 5 on 5 situation. They would press, but the Dogs would protect the lead and kill the clock for the 4-3 final.

Final shots favoured the Clippers 36-31 with Billy Christopoulos picking up the win while Guillaume Decelles took the loss. The Dogs went 2 for 6 on the power play while the Clippers went 1 for 5.

With the win, the Dogs force a Game 7 tomorrow night in Nanaimo.

Hammer

Dogs host Clippers tonight for another must win Game 6

(image: Go Alberni)

Another night, and another must-win game for the Bulldogs as they host the Clippers tonight at the Dog Pound for Game 6 of this best of seven Island Division Semi Final series after staving off elimination for the second straight game with a 2-1 win last night in Nanaimo.

A solid effort last night by the Dogs to get it back to the Dog Pound tonight, but last night is just that, LAST night. While the Dogs should no doubt be feeling confident and good about themselves with their recent efforts, they need to remember that it's been nothing short of fantastic desperate efforts that have them in this position. Here's hoping they will still be motivated by the fact that they still face elimination, because you can bet that the Clippers will be wanting to end this tonight and not have to head home for a Game 7 tomorrow. It's not going to be any easier because it's on home ice.

It sure was nice to see the Dogs open the scoring for the first time in the series. While it didn't last long, it was a big key to winning. Another key possibly tonight is finding a way to win the special teams battle. The Dogs have yet to do that in the series, yet they have found a way to win a couple games. 

Ticket sales commence today at 7am, with season ticket holders having until 12 noon to secure their seats. After that they go on sale to the public. Fans are encourage to wear black tonight in support of a "Blackout"

 It will no doubt be rocking at the Dog Pound as we bring you all the action on Van Isle Ford Bulldogs Hockey on 93.3 The Peak FM. The pregame show kicks things off at 6:45, with the puck drop to follow at 7:00pm. I'll call the play-by-play with Bruce MacDonald providing colour and analysis and Dan Tisserand tabulating team and player statistics.

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

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

Tonight's 2nd Intermission guest is former Bulldog Teal Burns, who's off to the CIS National Championship this weekend in his second season with the Guelph Gryphons. 


The Gryphons are on a pretty fun run right now, as I caught up with another former Bulldog there in Tryg Strand last weekend after they had won the OUA Championship - and qualified for the Nationals - by defeating Windsor.

They kept the run going last weekend, beating Trois Rivieres 4-0 in the 104th playing of the Queen's Cup in front of a sell out crowd. I have to post one more picture - the look of joy on the faces of these guys is something else!

Hammer