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

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

Saturday, January 31, 2009

Kings top Dogs 3-2, Dogs visit Eagles, pictures from the road.

The view out of the booth at the South Surrey Arena and it's International-sized Ice surface.




We've made it, several hours early to the South Surrey Arena. A perfect chance to get some blogging done!

A tough one for the Dogs last night as they dropped a 3-2 decision in Powell River. Big credit to the Dogs for bouncing back after the Kings took a 3-1 lead late to make it 3-2. Sadly, the comeback fell short.


Today - It's the Surrey Eagles on their international ice here at South Surrey Arena. Catch the pregame show on Port Alberni Safeway Bulldogs Hockey at 3:15 with the play-by-play at 3:30.

Today's first intermission guest is Brian Kang. My second intermission guest is former Bulldog Jordan Kremyr, now attending Providence.

Get it all on the fanzone and on the THE PEAK

Alright some pics now from the road!

The end of Ferry #1 Saltery Bay - Gibsons I believe? I was sleeping most of the time!
Approaching Ferry #2 at Langdale

The view as we're awaiting the Langdale Ferry to get to the Mainland
The laugh of the nite in Powell River last night. Super Heroes of a different kind.... the "Super Savers" from Coast Capital.
The view outside the rink in Surrey. Reminds me a bit of Port Alberni, with all the recreation surrounding the arena. Nice day here!
My new job....We need you back and miss you Amos!
In the mirror - the face of the man who's feet get us to and fro safely - Bulldogs bussie Ron Sandberg.
Pacific Coliseum, home of the WHL's Giants, former home of the NHL's Canucks. Beauty barn.
Downtown Van City on a nice day here.

That's it for now!

Hammer

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Friday, January 30, 2009

Dogs in Powell River tonight. WIN a DODGE CHALLENGER from Alberni Valley Minor Hockey (and tickets on THE PEAK), Canucks jokes.

Hello from my hotel room in Powell River. I have a couple minutes of free time right now.

FREE TIME? I'm confused and cold and frightened and scared! Sorry I just don't get much time to do....nothing!

Ah, the friendly seas... What a trip over to Powell River!

Some friendlier Sees - The See Group of Companies - have supplied a car to the Alberni Valley Minor Hockey Association to raffle off. (draw date April 4th, Licence #12786)

Not just any car....
For more details, check out the AVMHA website HERE.

And for more details on the Challenger, check out the Alberni Chrysler Website here.

The Peak will be giving away tickets next week....Listen in for more information!

And don't forget to tune in tonight as the Dogs visit Powell River to take on the Kings. Pregame on the air at 7:15, play-by-play at 7:30pm.

Listen live through our website at www.933thepeak.com



And last but not least...YIKES are the Vancouver Canucks ever struggling right now. So bring on the jokes via email! Thanks Lyle for sending it along!

BC Law: The RCMP is cracking down on speeders heading into Vancouver. For the first offense, they give you two Vancouver Canucks tickets. If you get stopped a second time, they make you use them.

Q. What do you call 30 millionaires around a TV watching the Stanley Cup Playoffs?

A. The Vancouver Canucks

Q. What do the Vancouver Canucks and Billy Graham have in common?

A. They both can make 20,000 people stand up and yell 'Jesus Christ'.

Q. How do you keep the Vancouver Canucks out of your yard?

A. Put up a goal net.

Q. What do you call a Vancouver Canuck with a Stanley Cup ring?

A. A thief.

Q. How many Vancouver Canucks does it take to win a Stanley Cup?

A. Nobody knows and we'll never find out.

Q. What do the Vancouver Canucks and possums have in common?

A. Both play dead at home and get killed on the road.




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Talk to you tonight from the PR Rec Complex!

Hammer

Thursday, January 29, 2009

Bulldogs 2 Chiefs 1 in 2OT

That's for you Amos!After a scoreless first, the Chiefs took a 1-0 lead into period three on a Brad Goss shorthanded marker.

Five minutes into period three Brian Kang ripped a one-timer stop shelf after a great Chris Moulson steal-and set-up effort for a 1-1 tie.

Adam Hout was the double overtime hero, getting an ugly one (that never looked so pretty) to go in from behind/beside the net off the skates of Joe Rodwell.

The Dogs are in Powell River taking on the Kings tomorrow (Friday) with the pregame on THE PEAK at 6:45pm and the puck drop and all the play-by-play at 7:00pm

Hammer


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Win one for Amos night!

It was a tough and sad day today, as I attended the funeral of Judy Amos, mother of Bulldogs Assistant Equipment Manager Jamie Amos.

Just plain tough for me to see Jamie and his loved ones hurting. I know what I'm going through is no where near what faces them now, so please throw a prayer their way if that is your thing.

A very nice and classy move by the entire Alberni Valley Bulldogs organization to attend the service today to support Jamie.

From the ownership to the office and support staff to the coaching staff and volunteer crew - and of course the entire roster, everyone was there.

And a good number of the extended Bulldog family was there too. Jamie is so incredibly loved. It's an amazing thing to see and be a part of, but everyone that knows Jamie knows it is deserved.

I would have been understanding, but upset, should the team have decided not to come today, due to it being game day and all. Sometimes, there are things much bigger than the game. Way to go Bulldogs.

Just to clarify -I haven't heard if the team isn't calling it "Win one for Amos night" or not, I am just hoping, and think that this is what the rallying cry will be.

The Dogs host Langley. Pregame on THE PEAK at 6:45pm.

Hammer

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Wednesday, January 28, 2009

Grizz 6, Dogs 1...Old Time Hockey? Happy Birthday - Paul Henderson.

Maybe it's my fault for talking about Slap Shot and putting a video up here yesterday? Nah!



I never need an excuse to put some Slap Shot stuff up on here..

The Bulldogs are still without a win against the Victoria Grizzlies this season after a 6-1 Grizz win last night. After a scoreless first period, Robert Lindores gave the Dogs a 1-0 lead early in the second. The score stayed that way until a controversial Grizz goal tied it at 1-1 just past the halfway mark of the game. I certainly couldn't tell from my position in the booth if it was in, and it appeared the referee couldn't tell either from his position right at the net if it was in or not as the puck went up in the air before being stopped by Colin Rundell. The referee was in great position but didn't make an immediate call whether it was goal or no goal. After consultation with his linesmen, it was ruled a goal.

The Grizzlies would then strike twice in just over a minute late in the period to blow a 1-1 game open into a two goal advantage at 3-1. Unlike Sunday afternoon, where the Dogs recovered from two quick goals against to fight back, they couldn't muster a comeback this time. They kept the score close with a good penalty kill throughout the majority of the third, but the Grizzlies finally built their lead to three goals with just under six minutes left. After two more Dogs penalties, and also two more Grizzlies goals, the game got more than a little heated with several fights, including one situation that looked like it was going to develop into a full-scale line brawl. Credit to the linesmen and the players on the ice for it not getting that far.

Old Time Hockey. As Don Cherry says - It's not everyone's cup of tea.

Next up for the Dogs is a date with the Langley Chiefs Thursday at the Pound.

And in Today's Canadian Birthdays...

Paul Henderson 1943-
hockey player, was born on this day. Henderson played junior with the Hamilton Red Wings, then moved to the Detroit Red Wings, before being traded to the Toronto Maple Leafs (1968-74). Henderson retired in 1981 after stints with the WHA Toronto Toros/Birmingham Bulls and the NHL Atlanta Flames. He scored the winning goal in the Canada/Soviet Union Summit Series on Sept 28, 1972, with 34 seconds remaining.





THANKS Paul for scoring that one!


Hammer


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Tuesday, January 27, 2009

Bulldogs Host Grizzlies, Happy Birthday - Reggie Dunlop, Bob Uecker and Wayne Gretzky.


The Dogs have won three of four entering play tonight, as they host the RBC Cup Host Victoria Grizzlies. The Dogs are winless in 10 against the Grizz - 1 tie, 1 OT loss, 8 regluation losses.

So, there's no better night than tonight!

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

My second intermission feature guest will be former Bulldog Andrew Ella.



Some great birthdays yesterday with a sports touch. The best coach of all - Reggie Dunlop. LANGUAGE WARNING




This one brings a tear to my eye.





And the GREAT ONE

Monday, January 26, 2009

Kevin Ross OT winner, Bulldogs this Week tonight, NHL All Star Game, THANKS AL AND BRUCE, busy busy busy

First 0ff - some audio of Kevin Ross' double OT winner yesterday in Nanaimo. Anyone have some video? Someone actually asked me last night if I managed to grab a video of it off my camera. Sheesh. I'm only one man! Sorry, too busy dealing with my #1 priority of calling the game on the radio to grab a camera. If anyone has the video, I'd love a copy! Love the noise out of the Frank Crane Arena from the Dogs supporters..

Click to listen - Kevin Ross wins it.

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


Bulldogs This Week is on the airwaves on 93.3 The Peak tonight (and of course on our website)

The guest line up - as always, subject to change:

Bulldogs Head Coach and GM Bryant Perrier

Bulldogs defenceman Kevin Ross

Powell River Kings Play-by-Play Voice Dean Merrick

Surrey Eagles Play-by-Play Voice Colin Tiggelaar

Your questions are always welcomed at bulldogs@933thepeak.com

HUGE THANKS to my good buddies Al and Bruce, who grabbed me the below souvenirs on their recent holidays, including a trip to the 2009 World Juniors in Ottawa.

Top - A World Juniors Puck! I have a streak of 4 years going with World Junior pucks

Left - A new Nanaimo Clipper game puck. Even with the rivalry between the teams, I'll gladly except the Orange and Black biscuit for my collection. I just realized I don't have a Bulldogs game puck from this season....gotta get on that one.

Right - An official Moose Jaw Warriors game puck that Al picked up on his trip to the family ranch outside Moose Jaw.

Thanks a bunch fellas, you guys are good friends!

Even if you are Clipper fans ;)

That's it for now....Busy day with the talk show tonight, and the Dogs right back in action tomorrow as they host Victoria.


Hammer



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Sunday, January 25, 2009

Gutsy.

Dogs 5, Clippers 4, in 2 OT.

What a game. The Dogs had plenty of times in the game they could have rolled over and played dead - 2 Clipper goals in 15 seconds to erase a 1-0 lead. Two quick Clipper goals in the second to erase a 2-2 tie and go up 4-2. They kept on digging though. A Brian Kang breakaway goal made it 4-3 after two, before a Johnny Rogic breakaway tied things up.

The Clippers had the best chance to win it in double OT as Russell Goodman was awarded a penalty shot as he was taken down on the way to the net, but Colin Rundell came up with the save.

The Dogs then had their best chance to win it when the Clippers were called for interference in the Dogs zone off a face off. First I've ever seen that call in double OT with the penalty shot being the result. Not knocking the penalty, but most officials just plain wouldn't have the guts to call that one. Kevin Ross would score a beauty goal going backhand forehand on Jonathan Jobin for the 5-4 double OT win. What a beauty!

Saturday, January 24, 2009

Boston Pizza Postgame Show Tonight

Yes, don't forget the post game show!


Bernie

Dan "the stats man" Tisserand

Dogs go for three in a row as they host Capitals

The Alberni Valley Bulldogs go for their third win in a row tonight as they host the Cowichan Valley Capitals at the Pound. Get it all on Port Alberni Safeway Bulldogs Hockey on 93.3 The Peak FM with the pregame show getting underway at 6:45 and all the play-by-play at 7:00.

Don't forget to bring that spare change for the "Heart of an Angel" campaign continuing for the remaining home games this month as the Dogs have teamed up with Angel Magnussen and the Variety Coin Drive!

Hammer

Thursday, January 22, 2009

Dogs 3, Cents 1

Not the prettiest game, but two points for the Dogs and their second win in a row to kick off parents weekend with a 3-1 win over the Merritt Centennials.

I like Gooooooooold.....and other pictures.

Thanks to Stefanie Weber for sending me this beauty - Myself and 2008 Beijing Gold Medallist Adam Kreek. Whatever Adam said was pretty funny....I don't think I've ever smiled so big! I have never won an SUMMER Olympic Gold Medal though! I specify SUMMER because I have worn an Olympic WINTER Gold Medal - Cassie Campbell's.
A welcome site at the gameday skate this morning. Dogs goaltender Frank Slubowski (rehabbing from off season knee surgery) wearing FULL GEAR.
Special thanks to my good buddy Josh Bonar who dropped by the radio station to prove that he made good on his promise of getting me a puck from his team in Norway where he began this season. I was shocked to hear that things didn't work out for Josh over there, especially because he had not bad numbers. I'm happy to report that he is off soon to play for the Rapid City Rush of the CHL. Thanks for the puck Bonez!
On the reverse of the puck - a special honour to Johan Hedberg, aka THE MOOSE. Would you believe that I have a pair of Hedberg's goal pads? TRUE STORY.

I spent a Wednesday night off out for a walk with a couple of friends. We ended up at Starbucks, where the Dogs held down one corner of the store with a mini study group. Brian Kang, Mitch MacMillan and Kevin Ross work away. I just missed Robert Lindores who was there just a minute earlier. Maybe he had a hall pass. Who would have thought that the players spent the night before a game hitting the books? Here's your proof.
That's it for now.


Hammer


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Dogs host Cents! Blog break - Catching up with Dogs Alumni

The Dogs are back in action tonight as they host the league-worst Merritt Centennials on Port Alberni Safeway Bulldogs Hockey on 93.3 The Peak FM with the pregame show kicking off at 6:45 and the puck dropping at 7:00pm.

Tonight's second intermission feature guest will be former Bulldog Sawyer Eichel.

Yes, I haven't posted on the blog since Monday. Please accept my humblest of apologies!

I have a good excuse though - I have been working extra hours every day trying to catch up with former Bulldogs still playing the game at a higher level.

So far so good, as I've at least made contact with a collection of guys - Sawyer Eichel obviously, Devin Timberlake, Andrew Ella, Jordan Kremyr, Michael Lee Teslak and Brad Gorham.

If there's anyone I'm missing, drop me a line and I'll try to find them somewhere out there. No easy task with hockey and school and everything else most guys are dealing with!

Hammer

Monday, January 19, 2009

Bulldogs This Week TONIGHT on 93.3 The Peak

Bulldogs this week is back tonight on 93.3 The Peak FM (listen live through our website at www.933thepeak.com ) from 6pm to 7pm.

Tonight's guest list - as always subject to change:

Bulldogs Assistant Coach Chris Shaw

Bulldogs Defencemen Ethan Gardner

Nanaimo Clippers play-by-play voice Dan Marshall

Merritt Centennials Colour Commentator Brian Weibe

Alberni Valley Bulldogs not ready to give up - Alberni Valley Times

Thanks as always to Danno for keepin' me up on the news articles out there.

This one is by Heather Thompson from the Alberni Valley Times - READ IT HERE





Hammer




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Lookout!





How I spent my Sunday off. Well work the hike!

Hammer





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Sunday, January 18, 2009

More success with Alberni Valley Athletes in Kamloops...this time Wrestling.



Between the Midget Bulldogs winning their tournament, and the showing by Alberni Wrestling, I wonder if Kamloops will ever allow our athletes back?


Way to go Alberni Wrestling!


Below - Michael Cappus and Savannah Toth receive their Most Outstanding Juvenile Wrestler Awards from Tournament Director Brian Dick





Alberni Wrestlers Reap Medals Haul In Kamloops

Alberni Wrestlers arrived home late Saturday night with a bus load of medals from the Western Canada Age Class in Kamloops. The annual age class event features over 800 wrestlers from all over western Canada in five different age groups for both boys and girls. A large contingent of local wrestlers from Neill and Dunn Middle schools and Alberni District Secondary made the trek to Kamloops along with their sister team from Ucluelet Secondary.


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Four Alberni wrestlers won their respective weight and age classes to bring home gold medals. The team was led, as they have been for the past year or more, by ADSS wrestlers Michael Cappus and Savannah Toth. Cappus was unbeatable in the very tough 69 kg Juvenile boys division (17-18 yr olds). He dominated many of his matches before defeating a very formidable Jag Basra of Abbotsford in the final. Teammate Cody McEvay also had a strong tournament at the heavier 69 kg weight and despite battling some hand injuries he placed fifth.


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“Michael is wrestling very well right now and he is getting better all the time,” commented his ADSS coach John McDonald, “he continues to be a student of the sport and consequently he is moving ahead of his competitors. Wrestlers that used to be closer to him are no longer able to stay with his speed, fitness and technical prowess. It is great to see his dedication in his final year of high school wrestling as he prepares to make the move next year to the university level. We were also impressed at how Cody stayed mentally tough to compete this weekend”


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The grade 11 Toth was also dominant in the 65 kg Juvenile girls division but she had to beat some very good opponents. After winning provincial and National titles last year the concern from her coaches was who would push Toth this year. The answer was found in her semi final match where Toth was being beaten by a wrestler new to BC from Carson Graham and had to come from behind to record the win and get to the final.


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“It was great to see Savannah have to overcome some adversity,” said coach McDonald, “ Carson has a wrestler who was Ontario high school champion last year who has moved out west and she gave Savannah all she could handle in the semi. Savannah had to come off her back in the final round to pin that girl. That is what Savannah needs and she responded like the true champion she is.”


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Cappus and Toth were recognized for their efforts at the Age Class by being named the Most Outstanding Male and Female Wrestlers in the Juvenile division. “That is quite a compliment to Michael and Savannah and also to our program that they should both win that prestigious award, “ said McDonald, “there were many, many top high school wrestlers for the judges to consider but our two rose to the top and we couldn’t be prouder of them.”


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Local coaches were also very proud of Cadet aged wrestlers (15-16 yr olds) Daley Forbes and Isaiah Taylor. In only her first year as a Cadet, grade 9 ADSS wrestler Forbes won the 69 kg girls weight class while the grade 10 ADSS wrestler Taylor won the 76 kg boys division. Forbes is proving to be the heir apparent to Toth on the girls side as she impresses everyone with her progress. In Kamloops she wrestled well to win her second Age Class gold medal. Last year she won the Schoolgirl division and was named the top female in that age group by BC Wrestling.


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Taylor continues his rise up the wrestling ranks with a strong performance in Kamloops. He had to earn his gold as he met a tough opponent from Hazelton in the final. The northern wrestler dominated Taylor in round one and round two ended in a tie forcing a clinch situation. After several controversial starts Taylor won that round to force a third and deciding round in which he dominated his opponent to win the weight. Taylor, like Forbes, will be potential seeds even at the high school level at the BC’s in afew weeks.


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Alberni wasn’t done with just gold medals. Five locals captured silver and four took bronze medals in their respective weights and ages. Senior Kyle Plaunt appears to be making a strong comeback after a subpar grade 11 year. Plaunt had a excellent tournament at 58 kg Juvenile and to place second. He was rewarded with his performance with some serious interest from the University of Calgary scout who was in Kamloops.


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“It was great to see Kyle wrestling like the old Kyle,” said McDonald, “last year was a rough season for him and his priorities got off track. This year we see a renewed commitment and a fire in his belly to finish off his high school career in fine fashion and we are extremely pleased.”


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Grade 10 teammate Brianne Charles was a silver medalist at 60 kg Cadet girls. She had an excellent tournament and has shown that she will compete against the best at any age. Charles is another of a strong group of young female wrestlers that will likely have ADSS in the top 3 this year and a contender for the provincial title in the next two years. Grade 10 up and comer Austin Evans won the bronze at 54 kg Cadet boys. Evans is one of the young ADSS crew that coach McDonald is so high on.


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“We have some tremendous talent coming up on both the boys and the girls side,” said McDonald, “both our ADSS Cadet boys and girls placed in the top 4 teams and they have shown they will be competitive for many years to come. When you add in the great kids our middle schools continue to produce it is very exciting to look at the future of our program.”


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In the younger School Age divisions for grade 6-8 middle school wrestlers Alberni also had some great performances. Neill’s Jordan Wagner and Cole Walton took silver in their respective 37 kg and 67 kg boys weights. Dunn’s Jordie Bodnar was a silver medalist at 41 kg in the girls division. Bronze medals were earned by Dunn’s Dakota Sutton (41 kg) and Cody Baumi (45 kg) and Neill’s Preston Antonelli (69 kg). Rhea Wing (36 kg) and Jesse Wagner (33 kg) of Neill both placed 5th in their divisions.


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“We were extremely pleased by all our young wrestlers,” said Dunn and Neill coaches James Messenger and Grant Coates, “ they showed a lot of maturity travelling all the way to Kamloops and competing well at a tournament of this size. We were proud of the way they conducted themselves on and off the mats. They showed great potential for the future.”


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The Age Class marks an important point in the school wrestling season as it and the Simon Fraser War on the Floor in December really set to rankings for the season leading up to the high school championships at the end of February. It appears at this stage that ADSS will continue to be ranked in the top 5 in both the Boys and Girls divisions a feat not accomplished by many teams.


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“It is a real credit to our program and our very dedicated coaches at all levels that ADSS continues to emerge each and every year as one of the top wrestling schools in BC for both boys and girls,” said local wrestling director Tom McEvay, “many schools have good teams in certain years but it takes a pretty special program to develop the type of consistency we have seen from Alberni for the past 25 years.”


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Local fans get a chance to see the local wrestlers compete this week when Dunn plays host to a junior and senior dual meet with Campbell River. The up Island contingent will travel to Alberni for a 4:30 pm match up against many of the local middle and secondary school wrestlers. In three weeks the big show is on as Alberni hosts their prestigious Alberni Invitational Wrestling Tournament February 5-7 at the Multiplex. Over 600 wrestlers are expected to descend on our community for what is widely considered one of the top school wrestling tournaments in Canada.


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Thanks to Tom McEvay for the update. Again, well done Alberni Wrestling.

Midget Bulldogs Champs

Don't know the details but I do know the Midget Bulldogs are champs of the Kamloops tournament after winning the final game in overtime. There wasn't a lack of drama in the championship game as the Bulldogs trailed late but tied the game in the final 30 seconds to force overtime.

Way to go Midget Dogs!

Midget Bulldogs into finals in Kamloops

I'm happy to report I have been informed that the Midget Bulldogs continue to roll along in Kamloops.

Here's the update we had on the air last night about their advancement to the Semis.....



Well they did it the Dogs won against Kelowna 4 - 3, in a great skating game. Goals scored by Myles Fitzgerald - 3 (game MVP) and Andre Savard - 1. Edward Dyson in the goal. There record is now 4 - 0. Go dogs go



And here's the latest word this morning on their victory to book a spot in the finals.

Powered by Dustin Diemerts hattrick and great team performance the Midget Bulldogs are into the Kamloops final where they will face their Island rival Kerry Park. The dogs faced Winfield Bruins in the semi who they beat 8 - 0. Another shutout for Matt Larose. Game MVP was Keenan McConnel. Final face off is at 12 noon.


GO MIDGET DOGS! And thanks Rusell for the updates!


Hammer

Saturday, January 17, 2009

Dogs over Capitals 3-2


A tight finish after the Dogs took a 3-0 third period lead. The Capitals played their best hockey of the game when they were down two men and three goals. Loving Matthew Wong with the wave as he doesn't have a stick for the salute.

Dogs host Capitals, Midget Bulldogs Update


The Alberni Valley Bulldogs are back in action tonight as they host the Cowichan Valley Capitals for their only game of the weekend.

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

Tonight's second intermission feature guest will be Joe Scali, a Bulldog from the 2003-2004 to 2005-2006 seasons. Joe now plays with the Cornell Big Red in the NCAA.

Here's another short and sweet update on the Midget Bulldogs in Kamloops. Thanks again Russell.



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The Midget Bulldogs are now 2 - 0 having defeated Peninsula Eagles 11 - 1. Edward Dyson faced 24 shots and game MVP Sheldon Trees scored 4 goals. The team is using the Olympic ice to its advantage with exceptional passing and speed.


We'll see you at the Pound tonight!

Hammer





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Friday, January 16, 2009

Update - Midget Bulldogs in Kamloops

Thanks to Russell for keeping me in the loop! Way to go Midget Dogs!

The AV Midget Bulldogs opened their Kamloops tourney this afternoon with a decisive 7 - 0 win against Quesnel Thunder. Matt Larose faced 41 shots for the shutout. Goals were scored. By J Dagg 2. T Rata 1. M Fitzgerald 1, D O,Scienney 1. K McLeod 1 and S Trees 1

Friday night off...What to do! Curling Action - Senior Ladies Provincial Playdowns in Port Alberni this weekend, Dogs in action tomorrow.


A Friday night off...WOW. If I didn't have the morning show today, it would've been a WHOLE DAY OFF! Ah well, I'll take a Friday night, it's a start!


Shifting gears, but saying on the ICE....Alberni Curling hosts the BC Senior Ladies playdowns this weekend. Here's the details...
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Playdown season is in full swing as competitive curling teams across the province work towards their ultimate goal of attending a National Championship.
This weekend Alberni Curling will host 6 Ladies teams vying for the last two berths at the Senior Ladies Provincial Championships, which gets underway February 24th at the Valley Curling Club in Surrey.

Port Alberni’s Lorraine Jefferies is no stranger to this competition, having played in several provincials and a national championship in the past. Jefferies has put together a team comprised of Nanaimo’s Zorka Smith, Alberni Curling club mate Marilyn Staub and Eileen Mitten. Jefferies hopes to once again see her name on the list of 8 competing for the title of BC Champ. The local favourite will be up against some strong competition including two time provincial winner Kathy Smiley and her team from the Royal City Curling Club in New Westminister. Smiley was BC Senior Ladies Champion in 2005 and 2007. Other teams competing at the Coastal Backdoor this weekend include Jane Adam of Chilliwack who has also appeared at provincials for two years running, along with rinks skipped by Lynn Noble, Barb Stott, and Chris Gervais. This weekend’s qualifiers will join the 6 other ladies teams that have already cleared playdown competition.

Draws will be played at 9am, 2pm and 7pm on Saturday and 9am and 2pm Sunday. For further information, contact the Alberni Valley Curling Club at 250 723 3111.



Back to Hockey Ice...The Alberni Valley Bulldogs are back in action tomorrow when they host the Cowichan Valley Capitals on "Variety Game Night" See the post below for all the details on the great prizes you can win during the 1st Intermission Puck Toss supporting Angel Magnussen and Variety, the Children's Charity.
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I'm considering auctioning off space in the pressbox for those that might like a better angle to throw those pucks ;)
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Angel is absolutely TEARING IT UP with her fundraising efforts. Click THIS LINK to see her latest total!
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And you can check out her personal webpage HERE
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Other than that, I'm going to enjoy my Friday off by heading with some friends to see the Christopher Wallace bio-pic Notorious. I don't usually talk about movies on the blog, but I usually don't have night's off to watch many of them!
This movie certainly won't be everyone's cup of tea. And that's fine by me. You are free to watch the Sisterhood of the Travelling whatever's or whatever else, I'm into this story from the age I was when Biggie became big.
Have a great Friday!
Hammer
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Thursday, January 15, 2009

Roberto Luongo returns as Canucks host Coyotes on 93.3 The Peak

FINALLY, Bobby Lou returns tonight. And wow do the Canucks ever need a boost right now.

For more on tonight's game, check out the preview from the Canucks website HERE

The pregame show kicks off at 6:30pm with the puck drop and all the play-by-play shortly after 7:00pm on 93.3 The Peak FM and our website at www.933thepeak.com

One more tidbit - Former BCHL star Kyle Turris is also expected to play tonight after Wayne Gretzky healthy-scratched him last time the 'Yotes were in Vancouver.

Hammer

MONSTER POSTING. BCHL All Star Game in Vernon (In Nanaimo next year?), Minor Hockey Update, Kraft HockeyVille Update, Angel update.

Well, once and for all it has been settled! The Coastal Conference is vastly superior to the Interior, with a 13-5 win last night in Vernon. Oh wait, it was just an All-Star game and it meant nothing? Drat.

Ryan Pinder, play-by-play voice of the Penticton Vees, has an entertaining recap of the game available from his blog, as he did live updating from the game last night. Check it out HERE

Well done Ryan. However - I think the rivals in the Coastal Conference hate each other just as much as the guys in the Interior do.

Apparently the All Star game goes to Nanaimo next year. Read more on that from this story from the Nanaimo Daily News by Michael Rhode by clicking HERE

Too bad that the Bulldogs won't be hosting. I'm not sure how the actual process works and if the Dogs have even attempted to host this event. It would certainly be cool if it did come here one day.

I guess for now hockey fans here will have to settle for International events, with week long National TV Exposure on SHAW TV and TSN.

Speaking of TSN...Huge thanks to Gary for sending me this cool picture of TSN play-by-play voice Dave Randorf and Director Andy Bouyoukos taking some time to pose for a cool pic with the Bulldogs.

Minor Hockey now...

The Alberni Valley PeeWee Bulldogs traveled to Sooke to partake in a tournament on December 27-29th. The PeeWee Bulldogs dominated in round robin play and found themselves playing the hosting team Sooke Thunderbirds for the Gold Medal. The round robin game between these 2 teams was a Port Alberni win of 5-3. Bulldogs knew that they would have to work hard if they wanted to bring home the gold medal and thats what they did as they skated home with a 7-3 win and big shiny gold medals going all 5 games in the tournament undefeated.



The Alberni Valley's local PeeWee Bulldogs Team is currently in 1st place in the league standings, and they continue to work hard at their goal of winning the Tier 3 banner! Their goal got closer on the weekend as the Dogs hosted rivals Nanaimo Clippers on Saturday, and skated away in a 3-3 tie. Next up on Sunday, the dogs hosted another very important game -vs- the Juan De Fuca Grizzly's, who is the only team to hand the PeeWee's their only league loss. The Dogs knew they would have to outplay JDF in which they did in order to win a close 4-3 game. Last game of the season for the PeeWee's is this upcoming weekend -vs- Sooke Thunderbirds. A win from the PeeWee Bulldogs will see the locals win the Vancouver Island Tier 3 Banner that would hang high in the rafter's at the multiplex. Come out to cheer the bulldogs on at the multiplex Saturday January 17, @ 12:45!

Coach's are very proud of this small, fast, defensive, young hockey team, which consists of only 2 returning player's from last year. This is the first year of full contact hockey for most of our team, and they have improved at all the goals that were set in place for us as a team. We have very solid, consistant, goaltending which has shown in our league play too!

KAMLOOPS BOUND

The AVMHA Midget A Bulldogs tuned up with a couple of close Tier 1 games this weekend after three weeks off the ice during the U-17 World Hockey Challenge. With Ryan Campbell and Luciano Somerville back from injuries it was the first time the team played with a full roster since early in the season. On January 10 in Nanaimo they played 52 minutes of disciplined fast hockey during which the Bulldogs skated faster, passed better and hit harder than their bigger opponents. Alberni defence limited the number of good opportunities and Matt Larose was solid in turning away most of the others. Unfortunately, although there were a few good chances at the other end, including a couple off the posts, none of them found their way into the Nanaimo net. A flukey goal in the first minute and a third attempt over a sprawling Larose with two minutes to go were enough to let Nanaimo get away with a 2-0 final.

On Sunday at home they played well again against Cowichan. After a scoreless first period, the visitors got on the board first at the start of the second, the went up by two at the eleven minute mark. Within seconds Darrin Oscienny combined with Catlin Macleod to close within one. It was nearly 20 minutes until the next goal. Luciano Somerville and Leo Fitzgerald set it up for Myles Fitzgerald to tie the game. Cowichan got the game winner on a power play goal at 9:26 of the third period.

Coach Demerais said the team played well considering their long lay-off and should be warmed up for the tournament next weekend. The team goes to the Kamloops MHA Argo Road Warriors Tournament January 16-18. In Kamloops they will open in a pool with teams from Kelowna, Quesnel, Abbotsford and Peninsula.


KRAFT HOCKEYVILLE 2009 TOP 10 COMMUNITIES SELECTED

Canadians have until January 18 to vote for their favourite hockey town

Toronto, ON – January 14, 2009 –Ten communities have been selected from over 7,100 nominations to proceed to the next phase of Kraft Hockeyville 2009. CBC’s Ron MacLean and Cassie Campbell announced that Harbour Grace, NL; Stanley, NB; Acton Vale, QC; Thetford Mines, QC; Woolwich Township, ON; Lincoln, ON; La Broquerie, MB; Terrace, BC; Penticton, BC and Humboldt, SK will now compete for the coveted Kraft Hockeyville 2009 crown. These ten communities now enter a knock-out phase as Canadians from coast-to-coast vote for their favourite hockey-crazed community.

Canadians can vote by visiting CBCSports.ca/hockeyville, via telephone by calling 1-866-533-8066 or by texting (text VOTE + community name to 222111 – Standard text messaging rates apply to all texts sent and received in connection with voting. Text voting is limited to people 13 years of age and older). Voting is unlimited but will close on January 18 at 11:59 p.m. EST. The first of the top five communities will be revealed on CBC’s HOCKEY NIGHT IN CANADA on January 25 during its NHL® All-Star Game broadcast, beginning at 6 p.m. ET.

“The top ten communities demonstrated real devotion to their hometowns and beat out a record number of submissions,” said Dino Bianco, President, Kraft Canada. “The overwhelming volume of entrants is a testament to strong community spirit and the love of hockey in Canada.”







The Alberni Valley Bulldogs will be hosting a Variety Game Night on January 17th at 7pm. They will be holding a Puck Toss during the first intermission. Thanks to some very generous local businesses there are some awesome prizes to be won. Prizes include the following:

Main Prizes:

Alberni Valley Bulldogs Jersey ~ Donated by The Alberni Valley Bulldogs

Kodak Easy Share C713 ~ 200mm Digital Camera ~ Donated by Zeller’s

Other Prizes to be won include:

$25 gift card ~ Donated by Canada Safeway

One of 2 gift certificates for a box of dilly bars ~ Donated by Dairy Queen

One of 4 $25 gift certificates ~ Donated by Quality Foods

One of 2 Windriver Back Packs ~ Donated by Mark’s Work Wearhouse

$25 A&W gift card ~ Donated by Dorothy Young

2 one day passes ~ Donated by Boogaloo Bears Indoor Play & Café

Dinner for 2 at Stamp’s Café ~ Donated by Best Western Barclay Hotel

Gift Certificate for a turkey ~ Donated by The Magnussen Family

The Alberni Valley Bulldogs “Heart of an Angel” Campaign continues to run during each home game this month so please remember to stop by, say Hi to Angel, and purchase a heart for a minimum $2 donation. Through your donation you can help make an incredible difference in the life of a Variety Child and their family. Donations to the Coin Drive can also be dropped off at the Variety table during the game.

Cheryl Magnussen on behalf of Angel