Please visit the links and support my friends and supporters!!!

Please visit the links and support my friends and supporters!!!

Friday, October 31, 2008

Halloween Sights at THE POUND, Pumpkin Bowling at THE PEAK

An incredible Bulldog Pumpkin done by Jess Moser, who apparently doesn't already have enough to do on game day. You'll recognize the logo as the one that adorns the Bulldogs 3rd jersey that Jess designed.

Office Manager Noreen Pelk in the spirit.

Leeanne says "I'm toast" for taking this picture!



Peak afternoon drive host Jolie McMullan prepares the Bowling Alley.
Bowlers starting to show up

Here's how it worked. Good fun, great job PEAK PEOPLE. I would have taken more pictures and video but I was doing a show at the time!



Happy Halloween! Dogs host Grizzlies, THE PEAK hosts Pumpkin Bowling!


Keep your head up!



First and foremost....Have lots of fun tonight, but please take care of yourselves and your loved ones and the little ones. Don't want anyone ending up like these guys...Thanks for the pic Danno!


The Dogs are back in action tonight as they host the Grizzlies at the Pound. It's the battle of losing streaks tonight. The Dogs have a run of ,8 the Grizzlies - 6. Something has gotta give!

Catch the pregame show on Port Alberni Safeway Bulldogs Hockey on 93.3 The Peak FM at 6:45 with the puck drop and play-by-play at 7:00.

Here's a story on the game from the Victoria Times Colonist written by Sharie Epp. Read it HERE

From Sonja Drinkwater and The Alberni Valley Times comes this one with a more detailed look at the Bulldogs visiting Pathways this week. Read it HERE

93.3 THE PEAK FM is the proud game night sponsor tonight as the Dogs host the Grizzlies. We'll have some treat bags for those dressed up in costume. Get there early, while supplies last!

The 93.3 The Peak promo and sales crew have been working hard lately preparing for Pumpkin Bowling outside our studios this morning. Take a look at the pic below. They are taking this serious! I'll take pictures of some of the hilarity to follow when our contestants come to bowl.

Last one for now - I'm kinda surprised it took this long for this to happen actually. Starting December 1st, helmets will be mandatory for Minor Hockey Coaches in BC. Read more about it from the Nanaimo Daily News by Craig Slater HERE

That's it for now!

Hammer

Tuesday, October 28, 2008

Bulldogs visit Pathways.

The Bulldogs visited Pathways tonight. I am very lucky to have been there to witness such a cool night.

There is NO bigger night at Pathways all year long as far as I'm aware of. You could barely walk in there it was so full. I showed up a while before the players did as I was the MC of the proceedings, and I needed to make sure I had my stuff straight. I couldn't believe how excited everyone was for the Dogs to arrive.

The players were absolutely awesome. The rookies were even made to have a dance party, and it might have been one of the funniest things I have ever seen!

Kudos to Laurie Smillie and the Dogs organization for being a part of this awesome event.


They even made me a sign! And since I don't have a number, I got 100% HAHA AWESOME!


The players arrive. Bedlam.


The Pathways Crew even made the players Doggie Bisquits!
Rookies dancing. That's Johnny Rogic if I remember correctly.
A huge shout out to Dean and the crew at Boston Pizza for providing supper!

Wendy in her 93.3 The Peak FM shirt!


James Kerr Sportsnet Connected Feature

Pretty cool stuff today to see the James Kerr feature on Sportsnet Connected with their "Smart Hockey" segment!

For those that missed it -


More SunSet pictures.

Here's a couple more pictures of the great sunset in Port Alberni last night. Thanks a bunch to Vern Mitchell for emailing them to me! Cool stuff Vern!




Hammer

Monday, October 27, 2008

Bulldogs vs. Express video highlights, incredible Port Alberni sunset.

I managed to snap this beauty pic of the sunset in Port Alberni tonight as I hosted "Bulldogs this week" As always the cell phone camera doesn't do it justice...but what an amazing picture!


Here's a cool thing - Video highlights of the Bulldogs vs. Express game Saturday night.


And here's the email that came with it. Thanks Cary for dropping me a line!

Hi there,
Here's a link to Saturday's game highlights (in low-res YouTube video):

It can also be found if you search YouTube for "BCHL Oct 25" or "Alberni Valley at Burnaby"
Feel free to forward on to anyone who may care to watch... I can also publish these highlights with the COMPLETE game on DVD in 16:9 Widescreen with the highest video quality available for the players, parents or friends - let me know if anyone wants this, ONLY $25.
Cheers,
Cary
Video & Slideshow Production Services.

Here's Cary's website: www.PurplePenguinProductions.ca

Hammer

Bulldogs This Week tonight, Multiplex expansion plans.

Hello and happy Monday! Good to be back at work after the roadie.

Tonight on 93.3 The Peak FM Bulldogs This Week airs from 6pm to 7pm.

The guest list includes Bulldog Coach Bryant Perrier and Bulldog forward Mark Morikawa.

The bottom half of the show I'll be joined by Kevin Parnell, the play-by-play voice of the Westside Warriors, in town to face the Dogs on Saturday night. The final guest tonight will be Todd Miller, voice of the Vernon Vipers. The Dogs don't have the Vipes on the schedule this week, but they will see Vernon in the early part of November. I'm more interested on what Todd will have to say not only about the Warriors but also the Victoria Grizzlies, the Dogs opponent at the Pound Friday night. Victoria finished a four game road trip in Vernon on Saturday.


Shifting gears - Here's an interesting story regarding plans for an expansion to the Alberni Valley Multiplex from the Alberni Valley Times by Shane Morrow. Read it HERE


Hammer

Saturday, October 25, 2008

Express 4 Dogs 3

Another one goal loss for the Dogs in Burnaby tonight, as the Express scored three on the power play and once shorthanded to win 4-3.

Once again the Dogs fell into a 2-0 hole in the first, but this time they battled back to make it 2-2 before the period was out on goals by Mark Morikawa and Chris Moulson. Zack Mazo set up both of them.

The Dogs again fell down by 2 in the second, before trimming the gap to 4-3 with just under 10 minutes left in the third. The Express withstood a 6 on 4 and 6 on 3 for the Dogs in the final 30 seconds to hold the lead and snap their losing streak at 6. The Dogs streak now sits at 8.

Hammer

Eagles 7 Dogs 1. Dogs add Sam Mitchell, visit Burnaby tonight

Not a pretty one last night as the Eagles were very high flying in Surrey beating the Dogs 7-1. This one wasn't pretty, and wasn't really close either with the Eagles taking a 2-0 lead in the first and never looking back.

Sam Mitchell made his debut as a Bulldog last night - HERE is the press release from the team talking about the trade that brought him to the Pound.

The Dogs try to salvage two points on their road trip tonight when they visit the Bill Copeland Arena and face the Burnaby Express for the first time this season. Catch the pregame show on Port Alberni Safeway Bulldogs Hockey on 93.3 The Peak FM at 7:15 with the play-by-play to follow at 7:30.

Hammer

Friday, October 24, 2008

Chiefs 3 Dogs 2, Dogs vs. Eagles tonight, 2009 World U17 Challenge stories.

Close but no cigar last night for the Bulldogs as they lost 3-2 to the Chiefs in Langley. Langley led 2-0 after one before the Dogs finally connected late in period two in the final minute to trail 2-1 heading into the third. The Chiefs came out flying in final frame, scoring the eventual game winner just 35 seconds in. The Dogs fought back to make it 3-2 on a Jackson Garrett goal, but that would be as close as they would get as Evan Witt appeared to tie the game moments later only to have the goal disallowed as the whistle went first due to a high stick making contact. For the record - since a dozen people have asked me since the game ended - NO I didn't see any high stick making contact anywhere on the play. I'm not the ref though!

Matthew Wong was sensational.

Jackson Garrett will be a huge addition to the team. I knew he would be after I saw how he played in game 60 last season in Powell River, scoring a goal and an assist. In his first game of the season last night he's on the board already. He is an offensive threat and a big body and he will be quite the player in this league.

Port Alberni Safeway Bulldogs Hockey on 93.3 The Peak kicks off tonight from the South Surrey Arena with the pregame show at 6:45 and the puck drop and all the play-by-play at 7:00pm.

While the Eagles are at the bottom of the Mainland Division at 4 and 11, they just beat the Victoria Grizzlies in their last game out on Sunday afternoon. So the Dogs must be ready for a team that might still be on a high after their big win.

Drop me a line in the pressbox HERE




Some stories now on the 2009 World U17 Challenge. Thanks again to Dan Tisserand for sending them to me.

First - "Island hosting some of World's Best" from the Victoria Times Colonist by Sharie Epp Read it HERE

Second - "House built for u-17 Trophy" from the Alberni Valley Times by Heather Reid
Read it HERE

I am more than just a little excited for this tournament to get going! (See the countdown box at the top of the blog)

Follow the tournament and get all the details you'll need on the official website

That's it for now - Talk to you from Surrey tonight!

Thursday, October 23, 2008

Bullldogs at Chiefs, Midget and Bantam Bulldog Updates.


Greetings from the hotel in Langley. The Bulldogs are back in action tonight as they visit the Langley Chiefs at the George Preston Recreation Centre. Pregame on The Peak is at 6:45, and the puckdrop is at 7:00pm. Should be a good one!


Thanks to Simon Read for the below updates on the Midget and Bantam Bulldogs.


MIDGET BULLDOGS HIT EMPTY NETS

The AVMHA Midget A Bulldogs completed their placement round with two victories on the weekend, giving them a record of 4 wins and 2 losses. Now it is a waiting game to see if this will be enough to elevate them to tier 1 for the regular season.

On Saturday the Bulldogs played host to Kerry Park Islanders, a team that likes to hit. Neither team gained an advantage in a first period of end to end hockey. It took a 5 on 3 in the second period for the Islanders to open scoring. Alberni responded exactly 4 seconds later when Catlin MacLeod rushed up the left side from the face off and released a quick shot for a short handed goal. Kerry Park got into penalty trouble after that and Alberni capitalized with 3 power play goals before the period was up. At the seven minute mark Jeff Dagg picked up the rebound from Kody Isherwood’s shot and put it in the open left side of the net. At four minutes Sheldon Trees and Travis Coghill combined on a rush with MacLeod who scored his second from the right circle. Kerry Park got their own power play goal a minute later. As the period closed it was Trees to Darren Oscienny who made a nice saucer pass across the crease to give MacLeod a hat trick.

Early in the third period hard hitting by the Islanders led to an opening and made it a 4-3 game. Alberni settled into a more defensive style, frustrating the visitors at every turn. Their coach was ejected with 15 minutes to go after arguing with the referee. Then a little luck went to the Islanders as a shot trickled through to tie it up. Alberni went ahead again as Oscienny and Trees fed MacLeod for his fourth goal on a hard shot from the slot. Kerry Park pulled their goalie, but the Alberni defence held up and with little more than a minute left Coghill potted an empty netter to ensure the 6-4 victory. As the handshakes began after the game a Kerry Park player dropped his gloves and began an altercation that resulted in multiple penalties to players from both teams.

On Sunday the Midgets faced Nanaimo’s second team at the NIC arena minus several players due to injuries and penalties. In spite of this they took the lead in the first period on goals from Oscienny assisted by Trees, and then a solo effort by Trees. Early in the second, Coghill made it 3-0 with assists from Oscienny and Ryan Campbell. After that they flattened out and allowed Nanaimo to come back with two goals. Dustin Diemert scored from Campbell to open the third period, but Nanaimo narrowed the gap to one goal again with six minutes left. It took an empty netter in the last minute (Carson McCulloch from Leo Fitzgerald) to seal the win at 5-3.


BANTAM BULLDOGS BEAT BRAVES

The AVMHA Bantam Bulldogs played two tough placement games on the weekend and came away with a tie and a win. On October 18th they played host to the top Nanaimo team and came within five seconds of an upset win. The first goal came from a strong rush when Cortland Thibodeau picked up the puck from Colby Lim and put a low backhand in. Nanaimo tied it up with a power play goal at the end of the period then went ahead early in the second. Near the end of the period, Austin Smith took the puck from the red line and beat both the Nanaimo defence and the goalie to tie it up.

In the third Cam MacAdams and Beau Wilson combined in a two on one with MacAdams finishing to give Alberni the lead again. Goalie Gianni Crema made several amazing saves to keep Alberni ahead. In the last minute Nanaimo pulled their goalie for the sixth attacker. The lack of a face off outside the blue line allowed Nanaimo to keep intense pressure on the Alberni goal. In the end a Nanaimo shot bounced off a defence man and bobbled over the line to tie the game at 3-3.

Coach Kevin Somerville commented that “The team played very well positionally and took options away from one of the best teams on the Island. Our goal tending kept us in it and we buried our chances. To have Nanaimo tie the game in the last five seconds was tough, but it will set up a good rematch.”

On October 19th the Saanich Braves came to town and opened strong, scoring two unanswered goals before the half time ice clean. After the break, the Bulldogs came out faster, got to the puck first and hit harder. They started passing and using the points more. With accurate passing and more shots from the point the momentum shifted. At 7:16 left in the second period, Lim backed by Smith and MacAdams scored the first goal for Alberni. Less than 15 seconds later Lim assisted MacAdams to tie it up. Then on the power play Wilson passed to Lim to put the Bulldogs up 3-2. They kept up the same intensity in the third period, most of which was played in the Braves’ end. With six minutes left Brandon Antonichuk got the insurance goal, Brent Williscroft assisting.

Somerville said “We were flat in the first half, but we kept the puck out of our net and we managed to turn it around in the second half.”

The Bantams went 2-2-1 in the placement round and hope their strong finish will be enough to raise them into Tier 1 for the regular season. They will know the answer by next week.

photo (Dave Cusson)

Hammer


Wednesday, October 22, 2008

Dogs add MacMillan, Rally this afternoon, head out tomorrow.

An incredibly busy day getting ready for the three-in-three roadie, my apologies for not posting sooner.

First off - News from the team from yesterday late saw them acquire Mitch MacMillan from the Cowichan Valley Capitals. Read all about it HERE

Welcome to the club Mitch!

Secondly - Don't forget the rally this afternoon at the Multiplex. About an hour away from now. I won't be able to make it, just swamped...I hope someone can send some pictures or videos along if you grab some though!

REMEMBER 4pm THIS AFTERNOON

Hi Evan:
We are going to have a rally for the Bulldogs, sort of like a sendoff on the summit, but they are leaving Thursday morning, so we have decided to have the rally at the end of their practice on Wednesday. Do you think you could really promote it on the radio and on your blog? We are asking everyone to meet in the lobby at the arena at 4:00 p.m. Wednesday Oct 22nd and we`ll all go into practice together at around 4:15. Hopefully it will help the guys for their road trip.


That's it for me for now, back to planning for the road trip!

Hammer

Tuesday, October 21, 2008

Fans plan Rally for Dogs, Evan Pighin situation, former BCHL'er Brad Thiessen player of the week..

Yikes haven't posted since Saturday! Been busy, my apologies!

Lets start first off with this, an Email from Nancy - only in Port Alberni does something like this happen!

Hi Evan:
We are going to have a rally for the Bulldogs, sort of like a sendoff on the summit, but they are leaving Thursday morning, so we have decided to have the rally at the end of their practice on Wednesday. Do you think you could really promote it on the radio and on your blog? We are asking everyone to meet in the lobby at the arena at 4:00 p.m. Wednesday Oct 22nd and we`ll all go into practice together at around 4:15. Hopefully it will help the guys for their road trip.

What an outstanding idea! It's on the blog and on the radio already! So tell one tell all please and get down to the rink Wednesday afternoon!

Don't remember or know what the "Send off at the Summit" is? Take a look at this video, from the 2005-2006 season.

(PG rating, mild language)






Thanks to Danno for sending me this update on the Evan Pighin situation. He's finally cleared to play for the Grizzlies. Read all about it from this article from the Victoria Times Colonist HERE


Not Bulldog related, but BCHL related...A nice little story here on former BCHL'er Brad Thiessen, recently named Hockey East Player of the Week


Nice to get an update from Bulldogs Head Coach Bryant Perrier last night on the state of Josh Pineiro's health. I didn't want to talk on here about the situation as I didn't know what was public knowledge or what the team wanted to share.

As Bryant said on the show last night, Josh is one tough hombre and proved it Saturday as he went through the pain of a dislocated jaw after an elbow to the face by Victoria Grizzlies d-man Todd Gebert.

For over half an hour the doc at the rink tried to get the jaw back in but couldn't. An overnight hospital stay in Victoria was the end result. What a way to spend a Saturday night.

Bryant also stated on the show that the Bulldogs have sent the tape to Dave Sales in the BCHL office with a request that the league look at the incident.

More news to come on this situation when I get it.

Hammer

Saturday, October 18, 2008

Clippers down Dogs, Dogs @ Victoria tonight, Hockey Canada suspends Evan Pighin...again

"take away two glaring up-the-middle giveaways, and that was a 2-2 game"

Those words were spoken to me after the game by someone from the Nanaimo Clippers side of the puck.

I agree. And in my opinion you can truthfully look at almost every Bulldogs loss this season and there would be two or so crucial mistakes each game that have ended up in the puck in the back of the net. And ultimately a loss at the end of the night.

I thought the Bulldogs played well again last night. I don't think two goals is going to do it on most nights for this club though. Or any club. I think with the way they've solidified their defense and the way their goaltending can play that three goals might be enough for some wins though. As long as you cut out the mistakes. If you have to work so hard to score 2 or more, you had better not be making 2 or more mistakes a game that lead to goals against.

In the Nanaimo Daily News today, Clippers Head Coach and GM Bill Bestwick said about last night's game: "Alberni outplayed and outworked us, make no mistake about that"

Read the whole story by Michael Rhode by CLICKING HERE

Moving along..

The never ending circus.

Evan Pighin has had his suspension reinstated by Hockey Canada.

A great update on the situation by Sharie Epp in the Times Colonist newspaper can be read RIGHT HERE

Thanks to my friends Bruce and Danno for keeping me up to date with the newspaper links.

The Dogs face the Pighin-less Grizzlies tonight at Bear Mountain Arena. Catch the pregame show at 6:55 and the play-by-play at 7:10 on Port Alberni Safeway Bulldogs Hockey on 93.3 The Peak FM

Hammer

Friday, October 17, 2008

I'm the POOL CHAMP, Dogs make several changes, host Clippers tonight.

Hello and happy Friday. A huge thanks to the Bailey's for making me a part of a little celebration last night for Warren Muir's birthday. I was attending to participate in and organize the billiards tournament, part of the entertainment for the evening.

And wouldn't ya know it, I ended up winning it. Just for the record - All the names were drawn out of a hat, so don't say I fixed it! It was quite the fun time and there were some pretty good games played. A tip of the hat to Zack Mazo who I ended up beating in the tournament final. It was almost "speed pool" with an early curfew last night that everyone had to be home for with the Dogs in action tonight.

A few chirps were sent my way by a couple of the boys. Just sour grapes. Yah, I'm competitive. Play to win baby.
A little insight into the sacrifices these guys make to play a "game" On a night where he was now at the legal age of 19, the only thing Warren Muir sipped last night was Gatorade. No toasts, no trips to the bar, nothing. I don't know about the rest of you, but I know when I turned legal age there was more than Gatorade consumed. It was a neat reminder for me of what these guys give up to chase their dream. Everyone looks at what the guys get - granted, it is a lot. Not many people know or think about the sacrifices. Someone last night told me to make sure I shared a cheers with Warren. I told them that while I wasn't sure, I was PRETTY SURE that there wouldn't be any of that going on. In the end, I was right. It was fun, but it was also all business with the big game tonight.

They are ALL big for the Dogs right now with where they are at in the standings.

As the Dogs host the Clippers tonight, they will ice a line-up much different than the one that played Wednesday in Nanaimo. I was more than a little surprised when I showed up at the game day skate this morning and saw some guys missing alone with some new faces. And that's besides Mark Morikawa, as that was released yesterday by the team.

There are still details to be taken care of before any of this is made official, so I can't give any details right now.....Check the team website and check the blog, and you'll get the news I'm sure before you show up to the game tonight.

6:45 is the pregame, 7:00 the puck drop and all the play-by-play.

Should be interesting.

Hammer

Thursday, October 16, 2008

Blackhawks fire Savard? Clippers drop Dogs 6-3, Dogs add Rogic, Kerr named to Team Canada West tryout roster, Happy Birthday Warren Muir

Just got an email that Denis Savard has been fired by the Chicago Blackhawks just four games into the season. I just don't get a firing this quick. If you only give your coach four games, he obviously wasn't "your guy", right? If he's not "your guy" then why do you have him there in the first place?

In comes Joel Quenneville.

I guess it's a gamble by the Hawks to turn it around and a statement to their fans that they are committed to winning.

Have the Hawks been that bad? I'm too busy to get to see many if any games so maybe I shouldn't comment on this. But four games? I understand an NFL or CFL team making a coaching move four games into the season. But their season isn't over 80 games long, it's under 20 games!

Anyway. Best of Denis Savard you are a beauty in my eyes!

I'd be curious to hear the opinion of any Chicago fans that follow the team close, but I don't know any.



A tough one for the Dogs last night at Frank Crane Arena as a couple tough goals against and several costly mistakes saw them end up on the wrong end of a 6-3 score to the Clippers.

The effort of Chris Moulson was again inspiring, as he managed to set up a circus goal by Warren Muir with an incredible extra effort, somehow getting the puck to the goal mouth from his stomach behind the net.

He also scored on a breakaway late in the second on a nice set up by Warren Muir.

Those two guys keep getting it done. After a Moulson turnover led to the 3rd Clipper goal, I just knew he was going to have a whale of a game to make up for it.

He plays incredibly inspired and determined to begin with, but I knew he'd just raise it another level after the mistake he made. Quite simply, that's what you need to do. Unfortunately his efforts were in a losing cause because not enough of his teammates were playing the same way.

Some were. With this team though everyone needs to be on board. As the coaches have said on more than one occasion.

Another bright spot in the game was recently added Johnny Rogic. I was very impressed with the skating abilities of this guy, he can absolutely fly and I'm sure his addition will be a big positive to the Bulldogs roster.

Check out his stats from last season and this season and his player profile here.

James Kerr has been named to the tryout camp roster for Team Canada West that will compete at the World Junior "A" Challenge in Camrose in November.

Read the release from the BCHL here.

Congrats and best of luck to James at the camp!

And one last thing today - A happy 19th birthday Warren Muir! It was nice to see him get a pre-birthday goal last night (his team leading 7th of the season) and now I hope he gets a couple more tomorrow and a win for his team as the Dogs are back at it hosting the Clippers.

Hammer

Wednesday, October 15, 2008

Game Day #13 Bulldogs @ Clippers. Midget Bulldogs Update


The Bulldogs are back at it tonight at the Frank Crane Arena for their second meeting of the season with the Nanaimo Clippers. Game time is 7:00, so that means the pregame show on Port Alberni Safeway Bulldogs Hockey on 93.3 The Peak FM is at 6:45pm PST.

Here's a great preview article on tonight's game courtesy of the Nanaimo Daily News and writer Michael Rhode. Click HERE to read it.

An update now on the Midget and Bantam Bulldogs...Thanks to Simon for the update.

MIDGETS TOP POOL IN COMOX TOURNEY

The Midget A Bulldogs competed in the Comox MHA Tournament on Thanksgiving weekend and proved they can compete with the best by finishing first in their pool. Playing without several players, the team demonstrated its depth by giving an outstanding performance all weekend. They opened against a strong Ridge Meadows team on Saturday, pulling off a 3-1 victory in a penalty filled game. It was well into the second period before Leo Fitzgerald scored the first goal, with assists from Dustin Diemert and Darin Oscienny. Myles Fitzgerald opened the third period with a power play goal on assists from Keenan McConnell and Ryan Campbell. Ridge Meadows narrowed the Alberni lead to one soon after, before Leo struck again, this time assisted on the short handed goal by Myles and Diemert.

Saturday evening Alberni faced off with the Cowichan Capitals. Kody Isherwood struck first for the Bulldogs at the ten minute mark of the first period, assisted by Carson McCulloch and Boden Wangler. They went up by two on Catlin McLeod’s goal near the end of the period. Assists went to Oscienny and Troy Rata. Cowichan evened it up early in the second period before the Bulldogs went ahead on Oscienny’s second goal, this time assisted by Jeff Dagg and McConnell. The Bulldogs held on to their lead until the dying seconds of the third period. The Capitals pulled their goalie and, with six attackers and a little luck, were able to slide one under the goal tender with 20 seconds left on the clock to steal a tie.

On Sunday morning, Alberni dominated in play against the PoCo Pirates. They scored first and never looked back. Myles Fitgerald got a hat trick in the 6-2 win and McCulloch, McLeod and Dagg had singles. Assists went to Isherwood (3), Oscienny (2), McLeod, Diemert, McConnell, Somerville, and Rata.

As the pool winner, Port Alberni faced Victoria Racquet Club in the semi-final. VRC went ahead by two in the first period before the Bulldogs battled back in the second. Leo Fitzgerald and McLeod scored to tie it up, with assists collected by Diemert, Dagg and McConnell. In the third, Sheldon Trees with help from McConnell and Oscienny gave Port Alberni a brief lead before VRC tied it up again. The battle continued through two scoreless overtime periods, before Racquet Club got the edge in the shoot out.

The team thanks Coaches Brent Demerais, Dave McConnell and Bryce Abbot, as well as Manager Janet Fitzgerald and Safety Person Sonia Somerville for all you do to make our game as good as it is.



PacificSport Welcomes Home Olympic and Paralympic Athletes

(Nanaimo, BC) – PacificSport Vancouver Island, in partnership with the Spirit of BC-Oceanside Committee and the City of Parksville, has scheduled a ‘Welcome Home’ event for Island athletes who participated in the 2008 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games in Beijing. The 5 PacificSport Vancouver Island athletes who competed in Beijing will be honoured at a public reception at the Beach Club Resort in Parksville at 5pm on Wednesday, October 15.

The ‘Beijing Five’ include Michelle Stilwell, Paralympic Wheelchair Sprinter; Trevor Hirschfield, Paralympic Wheelchair Rugby; Mike Mason, Olympic High Jump; Travis Cross, Olympic Freestyle Wrestling-84KG; and Tony Theriault, Parlympic Rowing-Mixed Coxed 4’s.

Stilwell, from Nanoose Bay, was a double gold medal winner in Beijing winning the T52 100-metre title at the Paralympic Games in a record time of 19.97 seconds while also adding the T52 200-metre title. Trevor Hirschfield also medaled at Beijing when his team captured the bronze medal.

“This is the largest contingent we have ever sent to the games”, states PacificSport GM, Drew Cooper. “It is doubly sweet to have them come home with some hardware. But best of all, it shows that the programs and partnerships we have set up are paying off. There are more athletes coming up through the system and we’re hoping to build on these numbers in future games.”

Friends, family and all fans of the games are invited to come for the celebration. The athletes will be available to meet with the public and sign autographs afterwards.

The Beach Club Resort is located off Highway 19A and Alberni at 181 Beachside Drive in Parksville. Members of the media and the public are welcome to attend.

PacificSport – Powering Sport Performance

The network of PacificSport Centres, in partnership with Canadian Sport Centre Pacific, delivers sport performance programs to help athletes and coaches win medals for Canada. Working in support of our national, provincial and regional sport partners PacificSport is creating a stronger system for the development of athletes, coaches, performance enhancement teams and sport performance facilities.

www.pacificsport.com


That's all for now.
Hammer

Tuesday, October 14, 2008

Bulldogs This Week 6-7pm tonight on THE PEAK

Be sure to catch "Bulldogs This Week" tonight from 6pm to 7pm PST on 93.3 The Peak FM

Guests tonight include Bulldogs Coach Bryant Perrier, Bulldogs forward Warren Muir, U17 Chair Ron Paulson and BCHL Commissioner John Grisdale.

Send in your questions to the show by clicking here

Hammer

Monday, October 13, 2008

Caps 4, Dogs 2. Bulldogs This Week TUESDAY.

Another tough one for the Dogs on Saturday, as they played 2 periods and a bit to lose 4-2 to the Caps. The Dogs had a 1-0 lead after one, and a 2-1 lead in the second before the Capitals turned the game and scored two quick ones to tie it and take the lead. And the Dogs couldn't get it back despite owning the third period. Same story as many games this season - a little let down, a couple shifts off, and the Dogs end up paying for it.

The fans in Nanaimo are apparently reading the blog closer than the Dog fans, as Bruce and Al were the first to let me know of the typo I made in my last post saying the Dogs are in Nanaimo Friday and then the Clippers are at the Pound on Friday. I think I'm the only guy that is expected to be in two places at once. HA.

WEDNESDAY Bulldogs are in Nanaimo.

FRIDAY Clippers are in Alberni.

SATURDAY the Dogs are in Victoria.

"Bulldogs This Week" goes tomorrow night, 6pm to 7pm on 93.3 The Peak FM. The show isn't going tonight with it being a holiday Monday.

By the way, a happy gobble-gobble day to one and all.

I'm thankful for great friends and family and a great job working with great people in a great city!

Hammer

Saturday, October 11, 2008

Grizz 3, Dogs 1, Dogs host Caps tonight.

A pretty good 45 minutes of hockey for the Dogs last night, but as everyone knows games are 60 minutes old. The Grizzlies did last night what they did last Saturday at the Pound, and that's score two goals in a span of just over a minute to take a tie game and all of a sudden lead by two. Last Saturday at the Pound a 2-2 tie turned to 4-2 Victoria in just over a minute in the second. Last night a 1-1 tie turned to 3-1 Victoria again in just over a minute late in the third. It spoiled what was otherwise an outstanding effort by the Dogs where they stuck to their game plan to perfection.

Here's a story on last night's game from The Times Colonist Newspaper in Victoria written by Sharie Epp. Read it right HERE

For those interested, the Burnaby Express went into Nanaimo and beat the Clippers last night by a score of 4-0. Here's a story on that one from the Nanaimo Daily News by Craig Slater. Read it HERE

The Dogs have a home and home sked with the Clippers next week with a game in Nanaimo Friday and then the Clippers make their first trip of the season to the Pound on Friday.

The Dogs try to make it two in a row over the Cowichan Valley Capitals tonight, catch the pregame on Port Alberni Safeway Bulldogs Hockey on 93.3 The Peak FM at 6:45 with the puck drop and all the play-by-play at 7:00.

My first intermission guest will be Dogs forward Ben Payne. Nanaimo Clippers play-by-play voice Dan Marshall joins me in the second intermission. Of course Bryant Perrier and Scott Robinson will be on the pregame show.

Don't forget the postgame show live tonight following the game at Boston Pizza on THE PEAK. I hope to see you there!


Hammer

Friday, October 10, 2008

I'm a bad film maker...but I still had fun.

Here's a video I made today in response to someone asking me why I call the broadcast location at the Bear Mountain Arena "the aquarium"



Hammer

Cool Picture of Port Alberni from "The Lookout"

You may remember a posting I did back before the season started about what I did over the summer, including getting up to "The Lookout" for an incredible view of Port Alberni.

Here's the view, in case you missed it!


As I was at the rink this morning during the Dogs game-day skate my phone buzzed as I got a text message from my "tour guide" Crystal who was up at the lookout at the time.

She took this incredible picture of Port Alberni, socked right in! Yes down there in the middle of the pea soup is Port Alberni. Cool.

While I hope the Dogs see some sunshine on the bus trip up the hump, 2 points are much more important!

Thanks Crystal for the great picture.

Hammer

7:30 puck drop tonight in Victoria...

Thanks to Dan "the stats man" Tisserand for sending me a story on tonight's game in Victoria.

I thought it was a misprint that the game time was listed as 7:30, and not 7:00, as every other single game in Victoria has started at. A further check of the league website says 7:30 is the start time.

I'm not sure why...Maybe to give everyone more time to get to the rink through the Friday afternoon traffic? It has never been at 7:00 before that I can remember though. Anyway, 7:15 pregame tonight, and 7:30 for the play-by-play.

Sorry for the mix up!

Hammer

Dogs in Victoria tonight, Video of Canucks tribute to Bourdon, Canucks DROP Where the Streets Have No Name???!

The Bulldogs go for two in a row tonight as they visit the Grizzlies in Victoria. Catch it all on Port Alberni Safeway Bulldogs Hockey on 93.3 The Peak FM or the BCHL Fanzone with the pregame show at 6:45 and the puck drop at 7:00pm.

I was quite impressed with the Canucks 6-0 drubbing over the Flames last night. The 'Nucks skated well, took the body well, and SHOT THE PUCK. I know it's just one game, but it was fun to watch.

I wasn't too happy when the Canucks came out to some song that WAS NOT "Where the Streets Have No Name" by U2. That song IS GM PLACE to me. I'm receptive to change...but not with that tune.

Best ice entrance EVER in my humble opinion. I used to listen to this particular version as I got ready to head out to the rink. Doesn't hurt to have 7.1 surround sound and a sub that vibrates the house with the bass...I really hope they go back to U2!

This one is my favorite. Trust me, it's a beauty. With the drums and the Canucks on the ice well before the U2 hits...Cool.


Outstanding job by the Canucks with the Luc Bourdon tribute. Brought more than a couple tears to this big baby's eyes. And what a great job by Tommy Cochrane (another great Manitoba boy) with the special version of Big League for Luc.

Here's the tribute from last night.



Hammer

Thursday, October 09, 2008

TWO HONKS

Sorry I haven't posted something sooner about the big 4-3 OT win for the Dogs last night.

It was a long day yesterday with the morning show and the trip down to Duncan. Getting out of the wrapper at 5am today after the midnight arrival back to the pound last night (or this morning?) wasn't easy! After the morning show I got a good run to the gym and pool in and a good workout done before a walk home, some lunch, and NOW I'm about ready to catch up on some much needed zzzzzzzzzzzzzzz's

But I couldn't shutter' down without a quick blog post.

"Two Honks"

What exactly is that?

I was standing in front of the rink Saturday night when the Grizzlies rolled out of the Multiplex parking lot on the bus and let a couple of honks go. I thought to myself "I hope the fellas can get that feeling Wednesday night"

You see, two honks signifies taking two points from the other team's rink. It's a great moment to witness. Even if it's an awfully poor video off my cell phone!

Enjoy.

Great job Bulldogs.


Wednesday, October 08, 2008

Dogs in Duncan tonight


The Bulldogs try to break a two game losing streak tonight when they visit the Cowichan Valley Capitals in Duncan.

Catch it all on Port Alberni Safeway Bulldogs Hockey on 93.3 The Peak FM or the BCHL Fanzone with the pregame show at 6:45 and the puck drop at 7:00pm.

Email the press box (or should I say "landing" as we are in Duncan)

HERE

Hammer

Tuesday, October 07, 2008

Ryan Hollweg hit from behind....Good job NHL.

Kinda funny that Chris Simon was the evil-doer for clubbing this guy in the mush, after he was concussed seconds earlier on a hit from behind by this guy, isn't it? Does anyone remember the hit that led to the slash? See below. A leaping forehead first smash into the glass.



OF COURSE I don't condone Simon's actions, but you tell me what's worse when Hollweg puts someone in a wheelchair in the near future.

Here's the latest hit from behind from a guy that's done it so much he's now been suspended for being a multiple offender. I know the game goes fast and things happen fast...this is 3 or 4 times now I've seen him hit someone like this.



I only wish the linesmen hadn't got in there so soon, and that BOTH of the Blues could've had a tune at him.

Hammer

Monday, October 06, 2008

Thanks fellas!

I've had tonnes of emails and people approaching me asking about moving and how it went. The answer- Awesome! Thanks to Alberni Wrestling and the Alberni Valley Bulldogs, that is. Tom McEvay approached me and asked if we needed some help moving, as he might be able to round up some troops from Alberni Wrestling and the Bulldogs....I said SURE and sure enough the next day he had it all set up. Thanks Tom!

I unfortunately didn't get a picture of the Wrestlers that came and helped, but I did grab this beauty of the fellas below. The only guy missing was Adam Hout who was there to help but took off before I took the picture!

SO, to Eric Fraser, Eliot Raibl, Ben Payne, Josh Pineiro, Chris Moulson, Warren Muir, James Kerr, Brian Kang, Colin Rundell, Brett Mohler and Kevin Ross....THANKS!

And thanks for not breaking anything! I owe ya one!

Hammer

"Bulldogs This Week" tonight from 6-7 on THE PEAK, fans call for the PINK SHIRT.

Hello and happy Monday.

Monday brings "Bulldogs This Week" back to the airwaves tonight on 93.3 The Peak FM and to the Internet-waves through our website at www.933thepeak.com (click the LISTEN LIVE link to....LISTEN LIVE)

My guest lineup tonight includes Bulldogs Head Coach Bryant Perrier, Bulldogs forward Brett Mohler, and Rich Chernomaz. I ran the interview with Rich in two parts over the weekend. Tonight I'll air it in it's entirety for the first time for those that missed it. The interview is regarding Rich being named the Head Coach for Team Canada for the Deutschland Cap coming up in November. And it's also a nice look at his career as a player and what it was like growing up in Port Alberni.

Send emails of any questions or topics for the show tonight to bulldogs@933thepeak.com

Ah, the pink shirt! The fans are calling for it big time, believing it will bring a stroke of luck to the Dogs to turn their fortunes around a bit. Of course I believe that success will come from the guys on the ice playing a full 60 minutes and doing the simple things like working harder than the other guys and taking the body and SHOOTING THE PUCK.

At the same time I'm as superstitious as the next guy...Or should I say I'm way more superstitious than the next guy? Anyway, I believe in luck and the pink shirt has brought it before. I like to break it out when I think it's really needed though.

Apparently the fans think it's needed right now.

Check out the facebook group by clicking THIS LINK

I'm not sure if you need to have a Facebook account to be able to view it or not!

Long story short Saturday at the game Melinda was urging me to wear the shirt. She said she was going to get a petition going and that she was creating a group to get me to wear the pink shirt going on facebook. I said I would wear it if the group reached 500 members.

Funny stuff.

Off to the gym and off to the rink to get some audio for my Bulldogs Preview article for the team website!

Hammer

Saturday, October 04, 2008

3rd unis



Hockey Night in Canada Anthem Challenge - Port Alberni native in the top 5!!!

A huge thanks to Jim Rutherford for giving me a heads up on this one....Gerry Mosby, one of the five finalists for the HNIC Anthem Challenge, was born in Port Alberni. I'm not sure if he was raised here, but I'm doing some more research on it. Cool story either way. I haven't even listened to the songs....but I'll be voting for Gerry!

Here's the voting details.

SURF, CALL OR TEXT: ROUND ONE VOTING OFFICIALLY OPENS FOR
CBC'S HOCKEY NIGHT IN CANADA ANTHEM CHALLENGE
Canadians have until Oct. 7 at 11:59 p.m. ET to cast votes for favourite anthem

As seen tonight during CBC'S HOCKEY NIGHT IN CANADA Anthem Challenge one-hour special broadcast, sponsored by Bell, Diet Pepsi Max and Expedia.ca, the top five semi-finalists have been presented, and it is now Canada's turn to vote for the nation's next hockey anthem. From now until Oct. 7 at 11:59 p.m. ET, Canadians can vote for their favourite anthem online, by phone or SMS. (Please see full voting details below).

The top two Anthem Challenge finalists will be announced on Thursday, October 9 during CBC'S HOCKEY NIGHT IN CANADA special mid-week doubleheader beginning at 7 p.m. ET (Toronto at Detroit / Calgary at Vancouver). Round two of voting then opens during the twin bill and continues to October 10 at 11:59 p.m. ET, as Canadians select the anthem that will become a part of hockey history. Canada's new official hockey anthem will be revealed on Saturday, October 11, during CBC'S HOCKEY NIGHT IN CANADA first traditional Saturday night doubleheader, starting at 6:30 p.m. ET.

Canadians can listen to the top five anthems on CBCSports.ca/anthemchallenge, or for those viewers who missed tonight's CBC'S HOCKEY NIGHT IN CANADA Anthem Challenge, CBC will present an encore broadcast at 12:30 a.m. on Sunday, Oct. 5.

The five semi-finalists for CBC'S HOCKEY NIGHT IN CANADA Anthem Challenge are:
Colin Oberst - Beaumont, Alta.
Robert Fraser Burke - Toronto, Ont.
Gerry Mosby - Toronto, Ont.
Graham McRae - Burnaby, B.C.
Christian St. Roch & Jimmy Tanaka - Chateauguay & Verdun, Que.

HOW TO VOTE:

Online:
Visit CBCSports.ca/anthemchallenge to cast votes

Telephone:
Call 1-900-451-9999 to cast votes from a landline or payphone. Each call costs $1.00, with a portion of the proceeds being used to support minor league hockey in Canada

Text Message:
Available across all Canadian Mobile Operators. Text the number for favourite anthem to 777 111. Each text vote is considered a premium message and costs 50 cents, with a portion of the proceeds being used to support minor league hockey in Canada

CBC/Radio-Canada is Canada's national public broadcaster and one of its largest cultural institutions. With 28 services offered on Radio, Television, the Internet, satellite radio, digital audio, as well as through its record and music distribution service and wireless WAP and SMS messaging services, CBC/Radio-Canada is available how, where, and when Canadians want it.

NHL season kicks off in Europe, Chiefs down Dogs 4-1, Dogs host Grizzlies tonight, 3rd Jerseys to be worn

Pretty cool to wake up and watch some NHL action at 9am! I was busy doing my prep work for tonight's game, so the Rangers vs. TBay game didn't command all of my attention. When I did watch, it sure seemed like a stinker. Very cool for Port Alberni's Rob Schick to get the job of being one of the referees to work the game in Prague. Pens vs Sens right now at THE GLOBE in Sweden. What a rink that one is.1-1 now as the Sens tie it in the first. This game is already better than New York vs. Tampa.



Not a great game last night for the Dogs....It was actually their best START of the season, as they scored their fastest goal to start a game when Kevin Ross scored on the power play just 3:11 in.

They wouldn't hit the net again though.

Langley scored two in 22 seconds to start the second, the second goal being one of the weirdest situations I've ever seen. Brad Goss scored what looked like a good goal. But referee Ryan Benbow waved it off and signaled a penalty against Langley. Against Goss.

After a conference with the linesmen, the goal was counted, the penalty stood, and Goss had his first goal and a two minute penalty.

WHAT?! No idea. But it really did happen, trust me!

The Dogs host the Victoria Grizzlies tonight. Catch the pregame on 93.3 The Peak and the BCHL Fanzone at 6:45.

The Bulldogs will wear their new 3rd jerseys for the first time tonight, so I hope they bring some luck!

Hammer

Friday, October 03, 2008

Back at it....

Sorry for the downtime. Moving is a drag!




The Bulldogs are back at it tonight and tomorrow as they host the Langley Chiefs and then the Victoria Grizzlies. Catch the pregame show both nights on Port Alberni Safeway Bulldogs Hockey on 93.3 The Peak FM at 6:45. The puck drop will be sometime around 7:00pm.

My second intermission feature guest TONIGHT and TOMORROW will be Rich Chernomaz, recently named Head Coach of Canada's entry into the Deutschland Cup. For those that miss it, I will re-air the interview in it's entirety on "Bulldogs this week" this upcoming Monday night. I know it's not necessarily Bulldogs specific, but there is a great local connection with Rich growing up in Port Alberni. Of course he was also once-upon-a-time a member of the Bulldogs ownership group.

He's a great interview and very well spoken. And it's the first time I've done an interview from GERMANY! You'd think phone lines would be great in this day and age of technology, but we had our challenges. At the very least, the interview will be understandable for all those that try to listen.



Check out my latest Weekly Preview article on the BULLDOGS WEBSITE BY CLICKING HERE


And a couple of pictures from last week..Here's Bulldogs Assistant Equipment Manager Jamie Amos, with the "Quebec Cup" a.k.a the World U17 Challenge Championship Trophy. Ron and crew were in Nanaimo last Friday night pumping up the event...
And here's the Bulldogs on the ice prior to the game.

Should be fun tonight!

Hammer

Wednesday, October 01, 2008

Moving....

Taking a blog day off.

No internet, moving....Will be back when I can be.

Thanks for all your support as always!

Hammer