Hockey Canada Names Chernomaz Head Coach for Deutschland Cup

My thanks to my good buddy David Wiwchar from "A" News for giving me a heads up on this one...

Read the release ON THE HOCKEY CANADA SITE HERE

Congrats to Rich!

I have already started the wheels turning with Hockey Canada to hopefully get an interview with Rich about this.



Hammer

Rick Mercer a treat, "Bulldogs This Week" tonight, Isaac Smeltzer update, "the roar"

Tonnes of feedback on the blog today....Thanks all for your emails and comments and texts!

First off - Yes, Rick Mercer was a true beauty. Thanks to Larry who sent me this nice email. And NO, I'm not running for office! BUT I believe I don't say any things bad enough on this blog to ever hurt my chances of being PM one day! And no, I'll never be naked and skinny dipping with him like ex-Ontario Premier Bob Ray!

-

Evan. Great interview you did with Rick Mercer. Thanks for inviting him to
pa. Keep working on him to visit is. Like a great fight you stood in there
with the best and did very well. Enjoyable to listen to. Just don't get
naked with him cus somewhere there is always a hidden camera. Guess you
can't run for office you have a blog. Once again. Good work. Larry

Bulldogs This Week is back tonight from 6pm to 7pm on 93.3 The Peak FM. The guest list includes Bryant Perrier, Brian Kang, Dan Marshall (play-by-play voice of the Nanaimo Clippers) and I'm still awaiting one guest to be confirmed for the final segment.

Again, tune in to THE PEAK or hear it online through our website and our listen live stream at www.933thepeak.com

I always love email questions for me or my guests. Send em in by CLICKING HERE

Here's a nice email update regarding former Dog Isaac Smeltzer:

re : Isaac Smeltzer's first games

Hey Hammer,

Thought you might want to check out the Brock Badger's website - (i'd copy the article for you to save you time but I'm not that great with all the tech stuff!) Isaac had an amazing couple of games for a rookie it sounds like. They have a little tournament between 4 universities called the Steel Blade Tournament to start each year. Brock won in overtime with a goal by Isaac at the 4min59sec mark of overtime! I believe he also won MVP of tournament!

From a proud billet Mom,

Beth

See you at the next game!

Thank you very much for the update Beth! I'm so busy I can't follow all the alumni out there....I really appreciate updates like this one!

Here's the update from the Badger's website, CLICK HERE TO READ IT

Last but not least - Someone emailed me for a clip of "the roar" from the pound....Trust me, it's not the same as really being there. But click the link below to listen. I love the crowd hanging on every single play with the OOOH's and AHH's with the puck around the net. I love Bryant Perrier clearly yelling SHOOOOOOOT IT from the bench right before Eliot Raibl clangs one off the post. Cool stuff.



Click to listen

(Audio Courtesy and Copyright 93.3 The Peak FM and the Jim Pattison Broadcast Group)



Hammer

RICK MERCER ON THE PEAK 8:10AM TODAY, Dogs get 1st win, Skate with the Bulldogs Sunday.

Yes, THAT Rick Mercer. If you don't know who Rick is, chances are you are American, or.....well I don't know anyone in this country who possibly couldn't know who Rick is.

The Rick Mercer Report debuts for another season tomorrow on CBC at 8pm. To pump it up, Rick is doing interviews with guys like me (if you can believe it) promoting what the show is all about.

And Rick is a blogger too, a darned good one, in fact. Check out his BLOG HERE

Be sure to tune in at just after the 8am NEWS/SPORTS/WEATHER today to hear one of Canada's Funniest Men.

If you can't be in Port Alberni, catch it on our website at www.933thepeak.com

_________________________________

It was nice to hear the ROAR of the crowd at the Pound back at the Pound on Saturday. I haven't really heard that yet this season, except for when the roof comes off for a goal.

It's different when the roar is there simply because the crowd appreciates the effort of the home team. Not scripted, just the emotion coming out. It's why Port Alberni is known as the best crowd in the league. The ROAR you get in the Pound is just a little louder than you get other places. I don't believe that you can describe it to someone who hasn't felt it themselves. Until you are right there in the building or listening to the game yourself and you are in the middle of all the emotions of the game, it's just impossible to understand.

Well done by the Bulldogs on Saturday. Lots of emotion from them, and their first 60 minute effort of the season. I'll give credit to the players and not to the lucky pink tie, HA HA.

I didn't make it out to the "Skate with the Bulldogs" event yesterday, but it looks like it was a great success from the pictures I checked out this morning on the Bulldogs Multimedia Site.

Great job Dennis on the pictures!

Penalties costly as Clippers down Dogs

A tight 2-1 game after two periods was blown wide open with two power play goals by the Clippers in a span of 2:28 before the third was six minutes old. A slashing penalty on a neutral zone face off, and a bench minor for too-many-men both ended up in Clipper goals.

The saying goes that penalties like those are harder to kill for some reason. Last night that appeared to be true.

Just 26 seconds later, an odd man rush saw the Clippers up 5-1 and the rout was on and the 2-1 score was but a distant memory.

Credit again to the Dogs for not quitting, as they came back to make it 5-2 but it was too little too late as the Clippers added another one on the power play for the 6-2 final.

The Dogs played a pretty good first 40 minutes, but again, games aren't 40 minutes long.

I hope the Dogs learned something about throwing pucks on the net on the power play, and driving the net on the power play, as the second and third Clipper goals were both rebounds put home from the top of the crease. The fourth goal was a harmless looking wrist shot that hit something and went in. The sixth goal was a loose puck hitting bodies on a scramble off an inital shot that ended up on the tape of Colton Cyr. Good things happen when you get the puck on the net, and you drive the net. Simple.

The Dogs look for that elusive first win tonight when they host the Powell River Kings for the second time this season.

Catch the pregame show at 6:45 and the puck drop at 7:00.

I have had no less than 5 people email me or call me or leave comments on the blog telling me that it's time for the streak-breaking Pink Shirt to come out. NOT YET. But I'll go halfway tonight and wear a pink tie. It's up to the boys go to the other half and play a FULL game.

Hammer

Bulldogs sign Kang, Fraser gets an "A" PLUS Midget Bulldogs Update, Game Tomorrow.

Two press releases came down from the Dogs today.

Brian Kang has been signed. Click HERE TO READ THE RELEASE

Secondly, Eric Fraser has been given an "A" Click HERE TO READ THE RELEASE

I finished my interview after the game day skate this morning with Bryant Perrier and said "I'd like to interview Eric Fraser for tonight" Bryant said "sure, we just gave him an A on his sweater"

Cool timing!

Talk to you with the pregame at 7:15.

One more I almost forgot- Here's an update on the Midget Bulldogs. Still sounds cool saying "Bulldogs"

The AVMHA Midget Bulldogs tested their readiness for the season on Saturday September 20 with an exhibition game at Panorama against Peninsula Eagles. Although Alberni dominated the first period with speed and puck control, Peninsula scored first with a power play goal at 13:10. Cody Isherwood evened it up at 9:41 with assists from Myles Fitzgerald and Jeff Dagg.

Peninsula went up again at the start of the 2^nd period and was answered seconds later by Andre Savard (from Darren Oscienny). In the third period the Eagles scored at the 12 minute mark. Alberni finally got ahead with goals at 9:52 (Oscienny from Leo Fitzgerald) and 9:29 (Savard from Oscienny). Unfortunately the Eagles tied it up at 4-4 with a minute left.

Coach Brent Demerais says he is impressed with the depth of the bench this year. Although smaller than many of their opponents, the team has speed and skill in its favour. Any of the lines is capable of scoring and the defence and goal tenders are also strong.

The Midget Bulldogs are currently classified in Tier 2 of the VIHL and hope to challenge for Tier 1 by doing well in the placement games during the next month. You can see them in action at home September 27^th at 3 PM versus Cowichan, October 5 at 2:30 PM versus Powell River and October 18 at 3 PM against Kerry Park.

Hammer

Dogs visit Clippers tonight, more Gordie Howe stuff.

The Bulldogs dropped their fourth straight one goal decision last night, 4-3 to the Quesnel Millionaires. They look to get their first win tonight as they travel to the Frank Crane Arena in Nanaimo to take on the Clippers for the first of TWELVE meetings between the teams this season.

The pregame on THE PEAK gets underway at 7:15 and the play-by-play follows the 7:30 puck drop.

Get it all on 93.3 The Peak FM, our website at www.933thepeak.com or the BCHL Fanzone.

Why did I say I was the only media guy at the Gordie Howe hang-out at Chances RimRock? I have no idea! I surely wasn't hiding anything....I even posted a picture below where David Wiwchar from A-News can be seen sitting and listening in on the hockey talk!

Maybe it's because I consider Dave a BROTHER and not Media! HAH.

Anyway, how about this great picture of the media getting along?! David Wiwchar interviews Mr. Hockey as I lend a helping hand.
After working hand-in-hand with the Alberni Valley Times on Wednesday, I sure am getting around! TV, Newspapers, Radio!

Mr. Hockey goes fishing.... Left to Right - Gordie's Grandson Travis Howe, Mr. Hockey, Bob Cole.

Rumour is Gordie said something about fishing in Campbell River, but he said he'd rather try his luck in the REAL Salmon Capital instead.

Thanks to Big Dog for the pictures!

Hammer

GAME DAY. Evan Pighin saga, David Aime released, Burnaby Express blog, Interior Power Rankings,

A whole bunch of stuff! Here we go....

The Bulldogs return to home ice tonight when they host the Quesnel Millionaires.

Head over to the Bulldogs website to READ MY PREVIEW FOR THE WEEKEND HERE

I'll be joined tonight in the first intermission by former Millionaire Matt Frydrysek. My second intermission feature guest will be Andy Oakes, President and Governor of the Alberni Valley Bulldogs.

I've often posted about "Taking Note" a great hockey blog by Gregg Drinnan, the Sports Editor for the Kamloops Daily News.

Gregg always has posts of interest, but a couple over the last day might be of special interest to Bulldog and BCHL Fans.

The first one is a story on the ever-ongoing Evan Pighin saga. I love the title of this one - "The Pighin Saga, Chapter ??

The second story is regarding former Bulldog netminder David Aime. Click HERE to read it.

I was sad to hear that David has been released, as I know his goal was to play in the WHL and his hockey future is now up in the air. David is a GREAT KID who worked hard and gave his all in a Dogs jersey. I wish you well buddy!

__________________________

A heads up and congrats to my buddy Eddie Gregory, the play-by-play voice of the Burnaby Express. Ed has joined the blogging world with "Burnaby Expressions"

Heck of a name Eddie!

If the blog is anywhere near as good as Eddie's broadcasts, it should be top shelf.

Here's the link - http://expressvoice.blogspot.com/

__________________________

Another BCHL Broadcaster who has a blog I've been linking to for a while is Ryan Pinder, the play-by-play voice of the Penticton Vees. His link is right over there --------> under "blogs I read" (that reminds me I have to ad Eddies blog there too)

Ryan has a feature where he does the "Power Rankings" for the Interior Conference..

Check it out HERE

He actually asked me if I wanted to take on doing the Rankings for the Coastal....Thanks for thinking of me, but NO THANKS! Just too busy already. I don't want to take something on that I cannot committ 100% to.

That's it for now....Hopefully we'll see you at the POUND tonight.

And don't' be shy to drop a line to the pressbox

Hammer

Gordie Howe Interview TOMORROW(THURSDAY) 8:10am....

I had the chance of a lifetime to chat with Gordie Howe on Tuesday when he arrived in Port Alberni....And now you'll have a chance to hear what Gordie is like.

Tomorrow Morning (Today, if you are reading this on Thursday) tune in to 93.3 The Peak FM for the interview with Mr. Hockey just after the 8am NEWS/SPORTS/WEATHER update.

If you aren't in listening range, head to our website at www.933thepeak.com to listen online.

The chat is pretty simple...Gordie being Gordie. He talks about Wayne Gretzky, Jack Adams, and teaching kids about the game and what playing with his own sons was like!

Don't miss it!

Hammer

Gordie Howe!

Me.....feeling 5 years old!

RAISE A READER DAY today!

It's a big day today, Canwest Raise-a-Reader Day.

I don't know all of the local events planned today....but I do know the Alberni Valley Bulldogs will be at Tim Horton's selling smile cookies and papers starting at 7am.

The Peak's Jolie McMullan will also be out and about phoning in on the morning show giving me updates on the happenings around town.

Later today, I will be on-location for THE PEAK at the Alberni Valley Times building on Napier from 11 to 2pm.

So be sure to tune in, or better yet come down and see us!

Hammer

Oh right...THE BLOG......Hanging with Gordie Howe, Kevin Ross and Matthew Wong interviews.

Wow, what an afternoon!

"Experience of a lifetime" doesn't even BEGIN to describe it.

I went with my good buddy the BIG DOG Les Doiron today to Chances RimRock expecting to attend a "Press Conference" as Gordie Howe arrived at Chances by Helicopter.

Very funny Les.....I noticed that there wasn't any "press" present when we got there, but I didn't make anything of it. Shortly afterwards Gordie lands, and I'm blown away to see MR HOCKEY in the flesh with my own two eyes. I couldn't get over how big he was. And that's by today's standards. I can't imagine him playing when he did and how feared he must have been.

SO, as I'm still stunned to be in the presence of Mr. Gordie Howe, I get a "come on let's go" from Wayne Coulson. Ok....where are we going?

Turns out we're going upstairs into the Coulson Group of Companies Boardroom and lounge, to LOUNGE with Gordie Howe. I kid you not. It STILL hasn't sunk in.

For over an hour 6 or 7 of us basked in the legend that is Mr. Hockey. Story after story. We hung on every word. He recalls names like it all happened yesterday, when it was 40 50 and 60 years ago.

The thing I was most impressed with and most blown away by was just simply how nice and genuine Gordie was.

A true beauty!

I have an interview I'll post later....YES, I got to interview GORDIE HOWE. I still can't believe it.

And I have some pictures I'll post below or later. Les got some great pictures of me and Gordie that I can't wait to see.

(P.S. get on that Big Dog)

Now - As promised and as requested, here's a couple interviews from our broadcasts over the weekend that I got emails about! As always, all audio is courtesy and copyright 93.3 The Peak FM and the Jim Pattison Broadcast Group.


Click to listen to KEVIN ROSS

AND

Click to listen to MATTHEW WONG



Thanks thanks thanks to Wayne Coulson and to Les Doiron. I don't know what I did to deserve this or what I owe you now, but bring it on and thank you very much!

Next up for Gordie - Salmon Fishing tomorrow morning, and then an lunch affair at Chances. I doubt tickets are still available....but you can try to get one by calling Chances RimRock at 724-ROCK!

Here comes Gordie!

Yes, I'm taking the picture in one chair, and Gordie is RIGHT THERE. I still really can't believe it. Wayne Coulson looks on, enjoying one of Gordie's great stories...
A cool pic with Les and Gordie. Wayne got Gordie to sign the wing of the Martin Mars Waterbomber Model.
And my own special autograph. Signed "Gordie Howe Mr. Hockey #9"
Thanks Gordie!
Hammer

Pictures from "Pathways" and random pictures off my phone

Sometimes I have stuff I want to post but the opportunity just doesn't come up. So here we go!

First off - PATHWAYS. What a great place this is! I have gone twice now to hang out, once to watch their Jam Session and once to get my rear end kicked at Nintendo Wii! Most of the people that go to Pathways are huge Bulldogs fans, so I was thrilled to get an invite.




The Bulldogs as a team were invited to Pathways for a party last year. As a gift, the Pathways crew gave them the sign below, which now hangs in the Dogs dressing room
Last night's colour commentator, Eliot Raibl. Of course I wish you were in the line up buddy, but you did a great job on the broadcasts. Here's Eliot saying "Hammer, these headphones KILL my hair!"
The view on the bus.
It's not called the BIG STICK for nothing. The world's biggest hockey stick, mounted on the Cowichan Community Centre.
Co-chair of the 2009 World U17 Hockey Challenge, Ron Paulson, in Duncan pumping up the event
A cool pic I snapped today before getting on the bus to Victoria.....The Bantam Rep BULLDOGS. Nice jerseys!

Pighin is in.

Not exactly sure HOW but Evan Pighim will play tonight against the Dogs.

I'm not sure if the Grizzlies are losing a returning major junior player either. I remember something about goalies not counting under that rule?

Anyone educated a bit more on this? I'll go check my manuals.

Hammer

Dogs drop 2-1 heartbreaker to Caps, visit Grizz tonight.

Another heart breaker for the Dogs last night as they lost 2-1 in Duncan to the Capitals as Mitch MacMillan tipped in a point shot on a power play with under five minutes to play.

Just minutes earlier the Dogs had their own power play looking for the go ahead goal but they couldn't find the net.

That simple really, gotta find a way to win and capitalize on your chances. The Caps did, the Dogs didn't. I worry about the mental state of the players as here we are 3 games in and they haven't found that winning feeling yet. At the same time I hope they are confident in that they played two great games on Sunday and now last night. They just need to put out a consistent SIXTY MINUTE EFFORT and maybe that will see them earn their first two points of the season.

Pregame show tonight from the Bear Mountain Arena is about 6:55pm, the puck drop is scheduled for approximately 7:15.

Hammer

Release from 2009 World U17 update yesterday, Dogs in Duncan tonight!

The Bulldogs are back in action tonight as they face their first road test of the season as they travel down to the BIG STICK in Duncan to face the Capitals.

-

The pregame show on Port Alberni Safeway Bulldogs Hockey on THE PEAK kicks off at 7:15 with the puck drop at 7:30.

-

Bryant Perrier and Scott Robinson will join me on the pregame show. Kevin Ross will be my first intermission guest, and Scott Didmon, play-by-play voice of the Victoria Grizzlies will join me in the second intermission.

-

Should be lots of fun at THE STICK....I was excited to hear that visiting radio broadcasters have once again been moved down to "the landing" as a broadcast position. Think a slab of concrete right between the benches, with stands on both sides of you, and fans standing above you.

-

I actually ENJOY broadcasting from this position, cause it's close to the action and there is no shortage of atmosphere. While the perspective isn't as good view-wise, it's still not bad.

Some shenanigans with visiting broadcasters and Capitals fans over the years made a move "upstairs" ordered by the BCHL brass...As far as I know at least, that's how it happened.

-

I have found that if you treat the game with respect and the opposition with respect, the fans there won't bother you. In all my years of broadcasting games in Cowichan, I have only had one incident....It was where one of the fans above me was going above and beyond the verbal abuse of a player stuff. He was actually directing it 100% AT ME for the purpose of getting on the radio. I took a quick commercial break and turned around and said, quite respectfully

-

"If you want to verbally abuse these KIDS, go right ahead and yell at them on the ice...If you want to try and wreck the radio broadcast for OUR and YOUR fans and direct it solely at ME, then you are obstructing me doing my job and we are about to have a problem"

-

Credit to whomever it was as they left me alone after that and just let the kids have it. Of course I wish there wasn't any verbal stuff of a questionable nature directed at the kids....But I've been around long enough to know it happens from PeeWee to the NHL and in every rink.

-

And to be brutally honest- I'll take a rink full of fans chirping the players over an empty rink sounding like crickets ANY DAY. And I know the players will agree with me 100% on that one.

-

I look forward to getting back to Duncan tonight to see some old faces and old friends I've made in my 5 years of trips there. Ahhh nothing like the sound of clackers!

September 18, 2008 Port Alberni, BC
For Immediate Release

The 2009 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge organizing committee hosted key Hockey Canada and BC Hockey executives Thursday during an information session at the Alberni Valley Multiplex.

Hockey Canada’s executive vice-president of hockey operations, Johnny Misley, spoke extensively on the Program of Excellence and its role in the development of young players.

Since its inception in 1982, the Program of Excellence has been a breeding ground for Canadian hockey talent, and it has led to big things on the international stage for Canada – ten gold medals in 15 years for Canadian regional teams at the World Under-17 Hockey Challenge, 12 gold medals in 17 years for the National Men’s Summer Under-18 Team, two gold medals at the IIHF World Under-18 Championship, 13 gold medals at the IIHF World Junior Championship, five gold medals at the IIHF World Championship and one Olympic gold medal.

“We feel that we have a world-class system for developing players, and I think the results back that up,” said Misley. “We’ve built it to the point that all young players want to be a part of the program.”

Mike Gerritts, director of operations for Team Pacific, echoed Misley’s comments on the importance of player development and provided additional insight into BC Hockey’s own High Performance program. Gerritts was able to update the progress of Team Pacific’s development enroute to the 2009 tournament and is excited about his team’s prospects this year. Team Pacific still has cuts to make and is expected to announce it’s final roster sometime in November.

On the local front, Dave McCormick, director of marketing & sales for the U17 group, presented an overview on corporate and small business sponsorship opportunities and launched the unique small business ‘event in a box’ package.

McCormick noted that he ‘event in the box’ concept is an exciting opportunity for all businesses in the Alberni Valley to throw their support behind the event and enhance the community-wide festival atmosphere that organizers are striving for. He added that contesting and promotion running under the banner ‘Show your Spirit’ will further connect valley businesses with this event in November and December. McCormick and his group will make a presentation on sponsorship opportunities at the Alberni Valley Chamber of Commerce networking luncheon on October 8.

Host committee co-chair Ron Paulson stressed that while many believe the event to be sold out, great seats are still available in the Alberni Valley and at partner venues across the central island. At this point organizers continue to offer full event-only packages.

Tickets are available through the following outlets:

Alberni Valley games www. tickets.com; 1–800–457–4463
Nanaimo games Frank Crane Arena
Cowichan Valley games Cowichan Center
Courtenay/Comox games Sid Williams Theater Box Office
Campbell River games Strathcona Gardens
Parksville/Qualicum games Oceanside Place

The tournament schedule is now confirmed, with the bronze medal game set for noon PST and the gold medal game following with puck drop at 5 p.m. PST. TSN has confirmed its plans to broadcast the gold medal game in prime time (8 p.m. EST). Island Radio has confirmed it will broadcast six games on its Port Alberni station 93.3 The Peak and organizers are negotiating additional television opportunities.

Media registration for the 2009 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge is now available on the website at http://www.ourgameourfuture.com/. All media attending the event must have advance accreditation secured. Please note that each media member requires individual accreditation and must complete registration. To avoid any delays, please ensure that you register for all venues that you are likely to attend.


Vancouver Island will be playing host to another Hockey Canada national championship during the 2008-09 season. From May 2-10, 2009, Victoria will welcome the top Junior A teams in the country for the RBC Cup, the National Junior A Championship. Ticket information is available at www.hockeycanada.ca/rbccup.

HAMMER

2009 U-17 Event TODAY at Multiplex, Chris Moulson and Doug Krantz interviews by request

(image Hockey Canada)

This event is open to the public TODAY, 11:30am at the Multiplex! Come one come all!

The 2009 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge host committee, BC Hockey and Hockey Canada invite you to attend an event update and media reception to provide further details on ticket availability, small business sponsorship opportunities and volunteer needs.

Date: Thursday, September 18, 2008
Time: 11:30 a.m. PT
Location: Alberni Valley Multiplex
3737 Roger Street
Port Alberni, BC

In attendance:

Johnny Misley – Hockey Canada
Executive Vice-president, Hockey Operations
Hockey Canada Program of Excellence

Ron Paulson – 2009 U17 Host Committee
Co-chair
Volunteer Needs
Ticketing

David McCormick - 2009 U17 Host Committee
Director of Marketing & Sales
Corporate Sponsorship
Small business opportunities/Event in a Box/Show your Spirit

Mike Gerrits – BC Hockey
Director of Operations, Team Pacific
BC Hockey’s High Performance program
Team Pacific development enroute to the tournament

- Refreshments and light snacks will be served -

If you can't make it to the event today, Ryan Robbins from Hockey Canada will be on the 93.3 The Peak FM Morning Show at 8:10am to give me and the rest of you an update on the event planning!

By request - Here's a couple links to interviews on 93.3 The Peak with myself, Chris Moulson and Doug Krantz.

All audio courtesy and copyright 93.3 The Peak FM and the Jim Pattison Broadcast Group. Click the links to listen.

Chris Moulson

Doug Krantz

Gotta fly!

Hammer

Mr. Hockey Gordie Howe to visit Chances RimRock

This is your chance to meet Mr. Hockey Gordie Howe! At the same time you support all of the 57 charities that benefit from Chances RimRock.

A dinner event is planned for Tuesday, September 23rd.

A lunch event is planned for Wednesday, September 24th.

Meet Gordie, get a picture with Gordie, get an autograph with Gordie...This is a chance of a lifetime.

50 tickets are available for the dinner event, and 50 tickets are available for the lunch event, and you can bet that they will go FASTER THAN FAST.

Get your tickets ASAP by calling Chances RimRock at 250-724-ROCK ext 2.

If you have read this far, they might be gone already, so HURRY!


Hammer

Les Doiron and Wayne Coulson 8:10am tomorrow on 93.3 The Peak FM Morning Show, Gordie Howe details

(Big Dog, Mr. Hockey)

Exciting news! As I told you yesterday, Mr. Hockey Gordie Howe is coming to Port Alberni next week. This is huge stuff!

I will let the gents tomorrow announce the details on the show as I don't have a press release to know exactly what they are....I CAN tell you that Gordie is coming to Port Alberni and you can meet him at several events.

A little birdie also mentioned that a great local hockey guy who might as well be the president of the Gordie Howe Fan Club will host one of those said events!

The whole story is just awesome for Port Alberni!

Hammer

Great stuff on Bulldogs MultiMedia Site

This will have to be a quick posting as I'm just on my lunch break from an "Exploring Entrepreneurship" course I'm taking today and tomorrow.

I figured that as I don't have enough to do already, I might as well do something to take up my time!

haha. Ok...the real reason I'm doing this would simply be that I believe I have some great ideas and skills to offer in some areas. My previous efforts to get more work and make them a reality have been frustrating at best, so I figured why not educate myself a bit and see if I can make them a reality on my own in the process!

Wish me luck!



I have really been lacking in following the Bulldogs Multimedia site at www.avbulldogsmedia.ca

You can simply click the link on the left side of the Bulldogs homepage if that is easier...I got an email reminding me about the site last night, and I couldn't believe the content on there....Huge photo galleries from the Dogs exhibition games, the Fall Fair Parade, The Boston Pizza Tailgate Party, and of course the 2 Bulldogs league games to date.

Dennis and Norm have been taking some great pictures...I specifically went and looked at the pictures from the Dogs vs. Kings game just to see what the camera saw on that Zack Mazo 2nd goal...There was a perfect picture of the puck under the goalies pad but not covered up. Cool stuff!

More later!
Hammer

Trivia Question Answer and Winner

Congrats to Judy Bailey for getting the trivia question right! We'll make room in the booth, don't worry!

And thanks as well to the 25 or so other people who emailed in answers.

George Tisserand wins second place for emailing about 10 minutes after Judy. Good try George sorry I don't have anything for second place though! How about we'll kick Dan out and let you in? As long as you do stats, of course! haha.

The correct answer - the Alberni Valley Bulldogs, the Nanaimo Clippers and the Vernon Vipers are the BCHL teams with the most NCAA committed players at four.

While some people may expect numbers like that out of Nanaimo and Vernon, I'm not sure if they would have out of Alberni.

But they SHOULD. Educational Advisor Tom McEvay and his crew of James Messenger and Ron Sandberg (and anyone I'm missing?) and the entire Bulldogs organization do an incredible job of not only improving their players on and off the ice in their scholastic and hockey abilities, but they also do an equally impressive job at promoting their players to NCAA and CIS schools.

THIS STUFF is what players and parents look for when they are choosing the Junior A route...The better your abilities as an organization are to move players on to the next level, the better your chance of landing those prized recruits.

Daniel Moriarty came to the Bulldogs and the BCHL for the sake of getting a scholarship. I'll do an interview later this year with him while he attends Harvard. Marcello Ranallo is another guy who worked hard to get a chance to further his career, and the team worked hard for him. On more than one occasion I sat in the coaches office last year and did business with Alan Kerr while at the same time Bryant Perrier was working the phones to get Marcello his chance. And I'll be doing an interview with 'Cello from the University of Connecticut at some point this season.

Good job Dogs. Good job Clippers and Vipers. In the end, the BCHL wins.

Hammer

Trivia Question!

OK, here we go!

Again the rules- The FIRST EMAIL I RECEIVE that has the CORRECT ANSWER will be the winner!

The prize - To watch a period of a Bulldog game this year of your choice from the Broadcast Booth.

The email is: bulldogs@933thepeak.com

The question is:

Name the BCHL team (or teams) that currently have the most NCAA committed players on their roster.....And tell me how many players they have committed.

GO GO GO!

Hammer

GORDIE HOWE IS COMING TO PORT ALBERNI!

WHAT?!!!

Yes, THEE Gordie Howe. As in MR. HOCKEY.

It's not often you are talking to your buddy on the phone and he says "I gotta call you back, that's Gordie Howe on the other line"

Details to come when I get them....Lots of public events will happen. We are talking NEXT WEEK for this as well so stay tuned!

I am excited!!

Hammer

Congrats Jamie Amos, plus BCHL Trivia!!

A huge congrats goes out to my good buddy and Bulldogs Assistant Equipment Manager Jamie Amos! Jamie was the NUMBER ONE fundraiser for this year's Terry Fox Run in Port Alberni with over $1200.00 raised. Atta boy Jamo!!

BCHL Trivia......

I have a little BCHL trivia for you this evening. Look on the blog around 7 or 8pm PST for a question.....The first person to email me the CORRECT ANSWER to the question gets a prize!

Now I don't really have anything in the way of prizes to give....So I have to get creative.....The prize will be one period of viewing from the Broadcast Booth at a Bulldogs home game. I'm not sure if this is something that anyone actually really wants, but I'm trying! The #1 comment I have heard from anyone who has been in the booth at any time is "wow, what a great view" SO, someone will get 1 period to watch from the booth this year during a Dogs game of their choice that also works with myself and Rick and Danno.

To email your answers once I post the question - use this address bulldogs@933thepeak.com

Again it's the order of which I receive the emails. First right one wins. Please put "Bulldogs Trivia" in the subject line cause I'd hate for you to get caught by the spam filter...Even email me ahead of time if you want to make sure it works!

Hammer

Bulldogs This Week...

Another fun edition of the show tonight. My thanks to Bryant Perrier, Eric Fraser, Scott Robinson and Doug Krantz.

I had to close the blinds as it was such a beauty of a day outside, I couldn't even see BP!

Don't worry, I never fail to appreciate the view out my window!

Hammer

Bulldogs This Week Tonight, Ty Watson House Quad Draw Winner!

The second edition of Bulldogs This Week on 93.3 The Peak FM airs tonight from 6 to 7pm pacific standard time.

I'll be joined by Bryant Perrier, a Bulldog player, Cowichan Valley Capitals Head Coach and GM Scott Robinson, and then I will air a replay of the Doug Krantz interview from yesterday afternoon's broadcast for those that missed it.

Doug has an incredible story where he went from someone considering quitting the game going into his overage year, to someone getting league awards and team awards as a 20 year old. And of course a ride to play for the Big Red at Cornell. Since finishing his amateur career just last spring, Doug has signed a deal with a Central Hockey League club, and an ECHL club.

Oh yah, he's also been invited to Boston Bruins Rookie Camp! Just such a crazy story, and a good one to hear for any parents and players who are 19 or 20 and need a little motivation to believe they can keep living the dream of playing the game.

Listen to the show on your radio in the Alberni Valley, or on your computer anywhere by using the LISTEN LIVE link on our homepage here www.933thepeak.com

We always welcome your questions for me or my guests. Feel free to send one in by clicking this link!

Now onto a great story - The Ty Watson Quad Draw put on by the Alberni Valley Hospice Society

Please read the below email but believe NOTHING that is said about me! Helma my dear you need to take some credit yourself for trying so hard for such a good cause! All we did at the station was do our jobs! You made it easy to let us inform the public about this great cause, so I am thanking you.

Congrats to Lynn and Shaw on being the big winners!!

Hi Evan; it's all over and it ended with a big hit of 101 tickets at the Toy Run, after 88 at the Bulldogs game and 84 at Wal Mart.

We sold a total of 1921 out of 2000 tickets in this raffle and collected $38,420 which means an approx. $27,500 for Ty Watson House after cost deduction. WOW! It blows me away!!

The ATV was won by Lynn Neufeld from Port Alberni and I happen to know that she and her family really really wanted that ATV, so that feels good! The $500 gift certificate went to Shaw Austin again from Port Alberni.

Today I can finally go to an event (Bulldogs game) without having to shout "Do you want to buy a TICKET!!" I am done, I am toast... but I am very satisfied and happy... and we would not have sold that much if it wasn't for your radio support. Way to go Evan Hammond you know how to Hammer the information!!! Many thanks also to Jolie, you two are awesome!

THANK YOU SO MUCH!!

Pictures and Videos from a weekend in the Valley - Bulldogs Home Opener and Tail Gate Party, 2008 Toy Run!

Rick and I ready to man the booth for another year...Of course the banner below honours Travis Cross there to drop the puck for the Dogs home opener.The Grizz broadcast team. Colour man Dan Webb smiles for the camera while play-by-play man Scott Didmon does what he does best!

Your 2008-2009 Alberni Valley Bulldogs.
Travis Cross addresses the crowd.
And then drops the puck as James Kerr and Lee Baldwin take the ceremonial face-off.Now, on to Saturday and the 2008 Port Alberni Toy Run!

Below - Patiently awaiting the arrival of the Bikes with the Peak Community Cruiser. Or maybe not so patiently, haha!

And here they come!

Lotsa bikes!
That's The Peak's own Wanda Keene in the Toy Run smiling for a picture!
The Toy Run gives a very Merry Christmas to a lot of kids that might not otherwise have one. Exhibit A - look at the toys!

Interviewing ToyRun Chair Scott Louden on the air. It's getting to be a yearly occurance that on Toy Run Saturday I manage to steal Scott to be on the air for three minutes and talk about YET AGAIN another record breaking Toy Run. Congrats to Scott and crew again for all they do for the Valley.

No, it's not just bikes that come, it's the people of the Valley. Like most stands are at events around this place, the ones at the Toy Run were packed.


Dinner. I named her "Charity" the pig, in honor of the Toy Run Charity of course. Thanks goes to Dave Wiwchar from A News, and the Toy Run Society for sending the below pics in. Some great shots of the bikes out getting ready at Little Qualicum Falls, and the last one of the Bikes heading down Johnston Road is an awesome shot!


Boston Pizza held a Tail Gate party after yesterday's game to sign kids up for the Bulldogs Kid's Club and raise money for the KIDSPORT Charity. Below - Eliot Raibl does his best Tom Cruise impression.

Adam Hout working hard.
Lots of kids came out for Road Hockey with the Bulldogs

Matt Frydrysek mans the pipes. Man who let THIS GUY play net? I yelled "Hey Matty" to take the picture. A split second after this image, he was burned 5-hole by a 5 year old. Focus Matty, focus.
Beautiful sun over Boston Pizza. And a true beauty in the helmet ready to go!
I wish these guys weren't injured....Frank Slubowski and Jackson Garrett man the Pizza tent.
Warren Muir gets goalie tips from Bernie
And now some videos!

Trying the Blogger video stuff for the first time, hope it works!

That's it for now....More later!

Hammer