THANKS THANKS THANKS to The TEAM 1040 and the BCHL..

I was more than surprised yesterday when I got an email and phone call from BCHL Director of Media Services Jeff Dubois saying I had just been named the winner of the Team 1040/BCHL Broadcaster of the Year award


Alberni Valley Bulldogs play-by-play voice Evan Hammond has been named the Team 1040/British Columbia Hockey League Broadcaster of the Year for the 2008/09 season, the league announced Thursday.

Since 2003, Hammond has broadcast Alberni Valley Bulldogs games for CJAV-The Peak in Port Alberni. In that time, 'Hammer' has built a reputation as one of the league's most talented and hard working media members. He is also known as a key figure in the local hockey community, assisting in a number of fundraising initiatives and team activities.

"We are very fortunate to have Hammer involved as a part of our organization," Bulldogs president Andy Oakes says. "He is one of the best in the league and his loyalty and professionalism are second to none."

Evidence of Hammond's dedication to the BCHL and hockey on Vancouver Island includes his blog, which has become an online hub for Bulldogs and minor hockey fans.

"Hammer sets the bar high when it comes to his preparation and performance broadcasting British Columbia Hockey League games," BCHL media services director Jeff Dubois says. "That Evan is as committed to the community of Port Alberni as he is to the quality of his broadcasts says all you need to know about him as a professional and as a person."

Hammond will be presented with the award during an upcoming postseason game (date/time TBA). The BCHL Broadcaster of the Year award is presented in partnership with the Team 1040, Vancouver's leader in sports radio and the home of Vancouver Canucks hockey.


Now - At the risk of sounding too humble or cheesy or any of that stuff...

Please allow me to say a huge THANKS to everyone with the BCHL and here at the radio station and within Island Radio for making this all possible. They do all the work too, but I get all the credit and the notoriety. This is basically the same thing I said at the end of our final broadcast of the season. Thanks to all the staff from 93.3 The Peak FM, and all the staff with Island Radio in Nanaimo and elsewhere that do all the work to make it happen. Thanks to management for securing the broadcast agreements, those that do the logs, traffic, commercials, ad sales, board operating (and all the other behind the scenes radio-business stuff I have missed), Rick Schievink for doing colour, Jolie for doing the morning show when I'm "on vacation to POWELL RIVER or PRINCE GEORGE" (not a vacation, but...sigh...anyways)

Thanks as well to everyone with the Bulldogs organization - Alan Kerr, Andy Oakes, Dennis See, Blair Noel, Noreen Pelk, Laurie Smillie, Bryant Perrier, Chris Shaw, Jess Moser and all of the Bulldogs players. I have always understood and respected that there is NO SHOW without them, so a huge thanks to them for always being professional and available. It makes my job that much easier.

Thanks as well to all the Bulldog volunteers, fans, parents of players and billets as well. It is the support of this group that motivates me to work so darn hard! If I didn't know that we had SO MANY die hard listeners that appreciated the efforts, I might not be as motivated to give it my all!

Thanks to Dan "the stats man" Tisserand for his help in the booth...Thanks Brenda for always supplying us rosters and changes and officials at home games...Thanks to all of my peers in the business that so graciously gave me their time to fill my broadcast space.

LAST but CERTAINLY NOT LEAST - Thanks to the sponsors of the broadcasts. Without you it REALLY isn't possible!

I think I hear the 30 second wrap it up music already... "Thanks to the
academy, and to god, and and and..." OK - In all seriousness - one FINAL word - I really do appreciate the award and the attention it brings. BUT, I have won this thing before already. It embarrasses me to think of all of my peers, and all of their efforts and hours that they put in, and how they look at me winning it again. So please, give it to someone else!

(Not that I don't appreciate it and not that I'm not honoured for it)

Whew...

Hope that came out right!


THANKS THANKS THANKS

Hammer

Alberni Valley News Article on "The Best Job in the World" contest

Huge thanks to Susie Quinn from the Alberni Valley News for contacting me to do a story on my attempt to land the "Best Job in the World" with Tourism Queensland as their Island Caretaker for 6 months.

To check out the story, visit THIS LINK

Thanks again Susie......And remember, like I have said to everyone else who is supporting me in this...YOU CAN COME VISIT IF I WIN!!

Hammer



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T'was the night before playoffs

Twas the night (ok morning) before playoffs, and the Dogs aren't in.

So I turn to the internet to try and find a grin.

Facebook's a bore... and they blocked the BCHL message board so I can't read it anymore...

And when it all comes down to it, email's just work...So I turn to youtube and find a little smirk!




HAHAHA I'm a poet and didn't know it. Wowwwww was that ever creative of me, eh? Hey, what's a play-by-play guy to do when he's got no play-by-play to do??

A little youtube entertainment...First, Randy Moller, second year play-by-play voice of the Florida Panthers. It's certainly not MY style when it comes to calling a game. But I did laugh more than once.




And a great one from the Family Guy crew...With a sports connection.

This day in hockey history...Canada FINALLY wins gold again.

This day in history in 2002, Canada triumps over the USA in the Gold Medal Game of the Salt Lake Olympics to win gold in men's hockey, 50 years to the day since they last won.

And we haven't won since. Hopefully next year in Vancouver we'll be there again.

Some great memories....

Bob Cole at his absolute BEST.

Bobby Lou returns home at Habs host 'Nucks on THE PEAK, Alberni Wrestling/NIC Wrestling Update, Midget Dogs update.

Bobby Lou is back in Mon-real tonight as the Canucks visit the Habs.

Check out the Canucks Website HERE for more info to prep you on tonight. Get it on THE PEAK with the pregame show at 4:00pm and the play-by-play just after 4:30. Always love a game from the great atmosphere at the Centre Bell so I'm excited to check out the game tonight before I get ready for some bowlin'!






Alberni Wrestlers compete in Victoria at Island 15 and Under



A group of 31 wrestlers from Alberni made the trip down to Victoria early Saturday morning to compete at the Island 15 and Under, hosted by the Victoria Bulldogs. The tournament had a number of teams coming from the Island and one from Vancouver.


The Island 15 and Under is designed for wrestlers in grade 10 and younger to compete against each other in a variety of weight classes. The young Alberni wrestlers preformed very well and showed once again that Port Alberni has very strong programs. Alberni wrestlers won 9 of the 20 weight classes in the tournament and brought home a total of 22 medals. In the over-all team competition Dunn Middle school placed 2nd in the Girls followed by ADSS in 3rd place. In the Boys division ADSS placed 2nd , with Neill Middle School earning 3rd.


Coming away with gold medals in the Girls Division were Remi Wells (36 kg Dunn), Jordie Bodnar 41 kg Dunn), Brittany Henderson (52 kg ADSS) and Daley Forbes (69 kg ADSS). Gold medals in the Boys division went to Jesse Wagner (35 kg Neill), Jordan Wagner (38 kg Neill), Austin Evans (57 kg ADSS), Cole Walton (70 kg Neill) and Isaiah Taylor 78 kg ADSS).
Earning silver in the Girls division were Lauren Barker and Rhea Wing. In the Boys division it was Alec Delcourt and Preston Antonelli. Earning a Bronze in the boys division were Dakota Sutton, Norman David and Wes Boris. Placing 4th in their weight classes were Michel Kurucz, Jonathan Spencer, Cory Rasenan, Sky Daoust and Austin Jowarski. Rounding out the top 6 place competitors were Danika Bratt, Cody Charles, Jacob Arcus, Caden Smith-Stevens and Riley Neville.


This was the last competition for the majority of the Middle School Wrestlers as more experienced ADSS wrestlers head to the BC High School Championships in Burnaby later this week. The coaches would like to congratulate all the Middle School wrestlers who took part in their wrestling programs at Dunn and Neill this past season. Many of these younger wrestlers will be back on the mats to assist with Kid Wrestling in June and then to participate in the Alberni Summer Camp in July. Hopefully they will all be back when the school programs gear up again in late October.


North Island College Wrestlers Competitive at Western Canadian Open


North Island College took two wrestlers this past weekend to the Western Canada Open at Simon Fraser University. Harry Campbell and Travis Carey were both competitive in this high calibre event.


Campbell wrestled at 63kg and had one win one loss. He defeated John Forster in 3 rounds. After losing the first round he came out and changed the momentum early on and went on to dominate the final two periods. In his second match he lost to Canada West CIS Champion Rafiq Charania of SFU.


Carey wrestled at 74kg and went 0 and 2 for the day. He lost a close match to David Stemmer then lost to Raj Gill in a good effort against the older and more experienced Gill from SFU.



Coach and local Olympian Travis Cross commented on his wrestlers, “Both Harry and Travis have shown great strides of improvement over the year. Having to make the transition from the high school level to the college level can be very challenging and they have both demonstrated they have the potential to be very competitive at this level.”



The next tournament for NIC wrestlers will be the Junior Nationals in Regina, Saskatchewan March 20th.



While back at SFU Cross was able to to get some training and exhibition matches. He is preparing to defend his national title next March 21st at the Senior National Championships in Regina, Saskatchewan.


Here's an update on the Midget Dogs...Sounds like some pretty incredibly exciting action. Now GUT ONE OUT on the road Dogs! Thanks again Simon for the update.


MIDGET HOCKEY
TIER 2 BANNER WILL TAKE THREE GAMES


The Vancouver Island Tier 2 Midget Championship will go to a third and deciding game after the AVMHA Midget Bulldogs and Saanich Braves split their games on the weekend. Both games went to overtime and the teams were never more than a goal apart in over 140 minutes of intense hockey.


In Saanich on Saturday the Bulldogs came out fast and controlled most of the play until a penalty gave Saanich a chance to get on the board at 13:30 of the first period. Port Alberni evened it up within a minute. Myles Fitzgerald fed to Boden Wangler who jumped up from the blue line and picked the top corner. The Bulldogs continued to control most of the play with rapid puck movement but were unable to capitalize. The period ended 1-1.


In the second period Saanich got the first goal and threatened to take the momentum on another power play. But the Bulldogs were up to the challenge. At 10:54 Travis Coghill passed to Sheldon Trees to set him up with Darrin Oscienny behind the Saanich defence, and Trees scored the short handed goal. 30 seconds later the same line broke in again with Catlin MacLeod coming out of the penalty box to receive the pass from Trees and score. Seconds later the same combination almost worked for a third time, but Oscienny was hooked without penalty and the puck turned over. In the scramble that followed in front of the Alberni net, the puck slipped in. Late in the period Alberni played shorthanded for three minutes but held on to end the period at 3-3.


In the third period Saanich ramped up their offence and scored their fourth goal on a power play at 13:10. It was Kody Isherwood who got the puck through another battle in front of the Saanich net midway through the period. Trees assisted. The 4-4 score held up through the rest of regulation time and most of the ten minute overtime. Finally with a minute to go in OT, MacLeod and Trees combined with Oscienny who snapped it in. Eddie Dyson turned away 40 of 44 shots for the 5-4 victory.



At the Multiplex on Sunday, the Bulldogs took a while to get their offence going and spent most of the first period defending their own zone. In the second period they stepped it up, but still couldn’t find a way through the Saanich goalie. Late in the period Saanich was able to get the first goal of the game during a five on three power play. A Bulldog goal in the third period was denied when the referee ruled the net was off, something that seems to occur frequently when this goalie is under pressure. With time running out Alberni turned up the heat. With little over a minute left, Rata pinched in and, along with Trees, fed Oscienny for the tying goal.


This set up the first overtime period. Play went back and forth with chances at both ends but no score. A penalty early in the second overtime period gave Saanich enough of an edge to take the 2-1 win. Defensively, the Bulldogs played an effective game. Matt Larose played big throughout, stopping over 40 shots. On offence Alberni out-shot the visitors, but this time didn’t find enough combinations to beat the goalie.


The deciding game will be played at Pearkes Arena in Saanich starting at 5:30 PM on Saturday February 28th. The winner will be the Vancouver Island Zone Tier 2 Champions. If you are in Victoria or know Bulldog fans there, encourage them to come and root for our guys.




That's it for now...

Hammer


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Press Conference Audio

Here's a copy of the audio from the press conference at the Multiplex today. Audio Courtesy and Copyright 93.3 The Peak FM and the Jim Pattison Broadcast Group.

CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO THE PRESS CONFERENCE

Hammer

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BCHL Announces Award Winners

What a busy day....

Starting in the Interior:

Most Valuable Player (Vern Dye Memorial Trophy): Mark Zengerle, Salmon Arm Silverbacks

Most Sportsmanlike Player: Conor Morrison, Salmon Arm Silverbacks

Top Defenceman: Justin Schultz, Westside Warriors

Rookie of the Year: Garrett Milan, Penticton Vees

Coach of the Year: Mark Ferner, Vernon Vipers

Shifting to the Coastal Conference:

Most Valuable Player(Vern Dye Memorial Trophy) : Chris Rawlings, Cowichan Valley Capitals

Most Sportsmanlike Player: Darcy Oakes, Powell River Kings

Top Defenceman: Zack Currie, Cowichan Valley Capitals

Rookie of the Year: Mat Bodie, Powell River Kings

Coach of the Year: Kent Lewis, Powell River Kings

League Awards:

Chevrolet Cup, Top Regular Season Record: Victoria Grizzlies

Top Scorer, Brett Hull Trophy: Darcy Oakes, Powell River Kings

Top Goaltender: Andrew Hammond, Vernon Vipers (why isn't there Coastal and Interior Awards for this, like MVP, Sportsmanlike, Coach, Rookie???)

Top Goaltending Duo: Andrew Hammond, Graeme Gordon, Vernon Vipers

Bulldogs Presser this morning, Bulldogs This Week Tonight 6 to 7pm on 93.3 The Peak FM

In light of yesterday's announcement that they won't be renewing the contract of Head Coach and General Manager Bryant Perrier for the 09-10 season, the Dogs will hold a Press Conference today from 11am to 12noon at the Alberni Valley Multiplex.

I will attend the presser with the hopes of getting some audio for you to catch tonight on "Bulldogs This Week" from 6pm to 7pm to delve a little deeper into this decision by the Bulldogs Ownership.

Tonight's guest list:

Bulldogs President Andy Oakes

Bulldogs Forward Mitch MacMillan

BCHL Commissioner John Grisdale

Your questions are always welcome - send one in via email here bulldogs@933thepeak.com



My personal thoughts? Well, first off, don't expect me to bash the coach or question the organization. I don't work that way, never have, never will.

The timing of the decision combined with how the team finished down the stretch tells me that this decision was made already well before yesterday. The wording of the release sheds all the light one would need to know why the ownership group made this move. They simply weren't happy with the direction of the team, and they felt an obligation to their fans and sponsors to make a move that they thought will change that direction.

Being in my position, it's always tough to see anyone go - whether it's a player, coach, trainer, mascot, etc. As I work in close contact with the team, relationships and friendships develop over the course of a week or month or year or more. Bryant is a friend to me like anyone else involved with the team so it's tough to see him go through this. Bryant is as passionate as anyone I have come in contact with in my 10 years of doing this, and I know he worked extremely hard over some very long days to make things work here. BP always treated me well and never said no to an interview request and for a member of the media, that is more than you can ask for. I wish him all the best in the future.

More tonight on Bulldogs This Week after the presser this morning.

Hammer



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Breaking News - Bulldogs to make Coaching and Management Change

Just received this in my email from the Bulldogs...I'll reserve further comment for now. This sets up a more than interesting "Bulldogs This Week" tomorrow night from 6pm to 7pm on 93.3 The Peak.

Hammer

Bulldogs Not Renewing Coach’s Contract

PRESS RELEASE

February 22, 2009

Alberni Valley Bulldogs President Andy Oakes has announced that the organization will not be renewing Bryant Perrier’s contract for the 2009 – 2010 season.

“The ownership group of the Bulldogs organization has not been happy with the state of the club over the past year and feel a complete change in direction is needed in order for the hockey club to be what all the corporate sponsors, season ticket holders and fans want the Bulldogs organization to be.” “This has not been an easy year for anyone associated to this team and change is needed to bring the Bulldogs back to be a top team in the BCHL.” Stated President Andy Oakes.

“We thank Bryant Perrier for his efforts over the past two seasons with our organization”.

Andy Oakes will be making an official statement and will be available for questions and interviews on Monday February 23, 2009 at the Weyerhaeuser arena in Port Alberni from 11:00 am until 12:00.

Blair Noel

Business Manager

Alberni Valley Bulldogs

Ph (250) 723-4412 ext 224

Bulldogs end 2008-2009 season with 5-2 win over Clippers

Some highlights from last nights game that I managed to catch



And here are some pictures I grabbed.

The view out of the booth pre game one last time for 08-09
Introducing the players individually for the last game.
Celebrating one last time


Hammer


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Game 60 tonight as Dogs host Clippers

First - Happy Hockey Day in Canada!

Second- Some pictures from yesterday's final road game of the season.

One last "pow wow" before the final bus trip of the season. Love the sunglasses on Moulson
Beautiful Mount Arrowsmith from the brake check.
Final road game ends in a win.

Catch game 60 of 60 live on The Peak from the Pound tonight on Port Alberni Safeway Bulldogs Hockey with the pregame show at 6:45 and the play-by-play at 7:00pm.

My first intermission guest will be Bulldog Captain Eric Fraser.

My second intermission guest will be BCHL Commissioner John Grisdale.

For those that miss the interview with John tonight, I will replay it in it's entirety on the final edition of Bulldogs This Week Monday night on THE PEAK.

Dogs 5 Caps 4.

Gutsy....

After being down 3-0 after one, and 4-2 after two, the Dogs came out and scored three unanswered in the third for the 5-4 win, their second in a row.

It's been a theme all season - there's just no quit in these kids. Down 3-0 after one, it would have been pretty easy to pack it in. But don't underestimate the pride this team has in how they compete.



The Dogs host the Nanaimo Clippers Saturday night for their final game of the season. Catch the pregame show on 93.3 The Peak FM at 6:45 with the puck drop and all the play-by-play at 7:00

AND - Don't forget the post game show live at Boston Pizza after the game! Hopefully we'll see you there!

Hammer

Bulldogs @ Capitals, Happy Birthday Espo!

There's just two games left in the season for the Alberni Valley Bulldogs, and after tonight that number will be down to one as the Dogs visit the Cowichan Valley Capitals at the Island Savings Centre. Get it all on THE PEAK with the pregame show at 7:15 and the puck drop and play-by-play at 7:30.





Beauty...


1942
And in Today's Canadian Birthdays... Phil Esposito 1942-

Hockey centre, born on this day at Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario in 1942. Esposito was originally a member of the Chicago Blackhawks (1963-67), and was sent to Boston in 1967. Over the next eight seasons, aided by Bobby Orr on the blueline, he rewrote the NHL record books, becoming the first player in NHL history to score 100 points in a season (126 in 1969) and, two seasons later, set single-season standards of 76 goals and 152 points, which stood until Gretzky arrived on the scene. Over a five-year period (1970-71 to 1974-75), he scored 55 or more goals and totaled 127 points or more in each season with combined totals of 326 goals and 687 points. He was a 6-time NHL 1st teamer and 2-time MVP (1969, 1974) and 5-time NHL scoring champion. He was a star of the 1972 Canada-Soviet series. In 1975, he was dealt to the New York Rangers, where he was top scorer for four years, and helped them to the Stanley Cup Finals in 1979. He served as GM of the NY Rangers 1986-88 and is President-GM of the Tampa Bay Lightning. Espo had 778 career goals - he is 4th in NHL scoring after Gretzky, Howe and Dionne - and was the first League player to get 70 goals in one season





My personal favourite...Ah, the good ole' days!

Year End Award Winners

I had the pleasure this evening of hosting the Bulldogs Year End Awards Banquet..As I do every year, I forgot to take my list of the winners home with me so I'll try to remember them all...

Coaches Award - Eric Fraser

Top Scorer and Most Valuable Player - Evan Witt

Best Defenceman and Entrepreneur of the Year - Kevin Ross

Rookie of the Year - Brett Mohler

Unsung Hero - Colin Rundell

Fan Choice and Humanitarian of the Year - Adam Hout

Most Improved Player - Brian Kang

Most Sportsmanlike Player - Zack Mazo

Scholastic Players of the Year - Kevin Ross (College) Robert Lindores (High School)

That's all that I can remember..Any I have forgotten?

Jamie Amos was announced as the "Community Hero" for the Alberni Valley for all he does for the Bulldogs and the community..Pretty cool to read some of the words written about Jamie by former members of the organization - Jim Hiller, Matt Auerbach, Tyler Ruel, etc.

Keynote speaker Dixon Ward had many wise words about being a hockey player and how it is what you do - not who you are - and the lessons the guys need to take out of their playing experience and how to apply it to real life.

I'm not sure anyone was missed - Volunteers, the Booster Club, the Bus Driver, the Billet Co-Ordinator and the Educational Advisor, the Training, Coaching, Office staff - they were all thanked for their efforts over the season.

That's it for now...Bed time!

Thanks to the Dogs for allowing me to host the evening.

Hammer

Scary stuff - Albany River Rats (AHL) team bus crashes.

This just always makes my hair on the back of my neck stand up, the number of hours I've been on these things....Hope everyone makes it through OK.

Scary stuff.

HKY-AHL-Bus-CrashINDEX:SportsThree people seriously injured in AHL team bus crash in Massachusetts

BECKET, Mass. - Three people were seriously injured when a bus carrying the AHL's Albany River Rats rolled on its side on Interstate 90 in western Massachusetts early Thursday, state police said.


The bus was on its way home from a game in Lowell when it struck a guard rail and rolled on its side in Becket at about 3:35 a.m., Sgt. David Mahan said.


Three people were taken to Berkshire Medical Center in Pittsfield with what he called `serious' injuries. He did not release names. It was unclear whether those injured were players, coaches or management.


Twenty-nine others on the bus were taken to the hospital as a precaution.


Coach Jeff Daniels of Oshawa, Ont., told the Times Union of Albany that four people were admitted to the hospital and the injuries do not appear to be life threatening. He described them as lacerations.


The names of the injured would not be made public until their families were notified, Daniels said.(The Associated Press)

Video - Alex Ovechkin's crazy goal vs. Montreal last night , Dogs year end Banquet tonight.

Wow, what a ridiculous goal this is from last night. A warning - You will have to listen to Gord Miller and Pierre McGuire (unless you turn your sound down) but I'll even put up with them to see such a beauty goal.



The Alberni Valley Bulldogs 2008/2009 Awards Banquet goes tonight at the Italian Hall.

The evening begins with Cocktails from 5 to 6pm followed by dinner and awards. There will be silent and live auctioning of some great Sports Memorabilia and I'm sure some Bulldogs-schwag as well. Tickets are available at the Bulldogs office for just $25.00.

I will Mc the evening so I hope to see you there. Former NHL'er Dixon Ward will be the guest speaker.

This event has been more of a "team" event in the past but it's now open to the public and the fan base so I hope there's a good crowd on hand.

Canucks @ Flames on THE PEAK tonight, Bulldogs year end banquet Thursday night

The Canucks are back at it in Calgary tonight. Our pregame show begins at 5:30, with the puck drop and play-by-play shortly after 6pm.

Read all about it on the Canucks Website HERE

The Alberni Valley Bulldogs have two games left in their season as they visit the Cowichan Valley Capitals on Friday night before they finish the season at home Saturday night against the Nanaimo Clippers. Before the final two home games, the team will be hosting their 2008/2009 Awards Banquet at the Italian Hall. A change from recent years sees this year's banquet open to the public. The evening begins with Cocktails from 5 to 6pm followed by dinner and awards. There will be silent and live auctioning of some great Sports Memorabilia and I'm sure some Bulldogs-schwag as well. Tickets are available at the Bulldogs office for just $25.00.

I will Mc the evening so I hope to see you there. Former NHL'er Dixon Ward will be the guest speaker.




Hammer

Bulldogs This Week tonight, ADSS Wrestling Update, Midget Bulldogs off to Island Final.

"Bulldogs This Week" is back on the airwaves tonight from 6pm to 7pm on 93.3 The Peak FM.

The guestlist tonight is as follows (subject to change)

Bulldogs Assistant Coach Chris Shaw

Bulldogs Assistant Captain Chris Moulson

Nanaimo Clippers play-by-play voice Dan Marshall

Cowichan Valley Capitals play-by-play voice Alf Orton

Big congrats goes out to the Athletes and Coaches and everyone else involved with Alberni Wrestling after another hugely successful weekend. Thanks Tom for the update!

ADSS Wins Island Wrestling Titles in Both Boys and Girls

The ADSS Armada lived up to their number 1 Wrestling ranking on Vancouver Island by winning the Island Secondary Schools Wrestling titles in both the Boys and the Girls divisions in Campbell River on the weekend.

In the boys division it wasn’t even close as ADSS finished with a massive 152 points compared to second place Esquimalt of Victoria with 50 pts. Reynolds of Victoria were third with 30 pts with Ballenas of Parksville and Vanier of Courtenay rounding out the top five teams in the boys.

In the girls division ADSS took the title with 36 pts compared to Nanaimo’s Dover Bay with 24 pts. Ucluelet Secondary were third at 17 pts. Marks Isfeld of Courtenay and Queen of Angles of Duncan were fourth and fifth respectively.

The Alberni dominance at the Islands was also evident in the individual placers as local wrestlers won 11 of the 22 weight classes contested. For the boys it was Dakota Sutton of Dunn Middle School starting off the dominance with a gold at 45 kg. Then it was the ADSS juggernaught taking over with Kraig Doskotch (51 kg), Kyle Plaunt (57 kg), Cullen Hines (66 kg), Michael Cappus (70 kg) and Isaiah Taylor ( 78 kg) all winning their respective weight classes.

On the girls side ADSS won with quality not quantity as all 4 ADSS girls entered won their weight classes. Brittany Henderson won gold at 47 kg, Brianne Charles at 60 kg, Savannah Toth at 64 kg and Daley Forbes at 69 kg. Young Jordie Bodnar of Dunn took the gold in the 40 kg weight class.

Five ADSS wrestlers were silver medalists for the boys at the Islands - Austin Evans (54 kg), Sky Daoust (57 kg), Ashton Lommen-Clayton (63 kg), Cody McEvay (66 kg) and Christian Hansen (70 kg). Norman David of ADSS took the bronze in the 54 kg weight class while Alec Delcourt ( 54 kg) and Dustin Haddad (60 kg) were fourth place finishers.

ADSS also won both the male and female Outstanding Wrestler Awards. Michael Cappus continued his season long dominance with his selection as the top male Wrestler of the meet while grade 10 ADSS wrestler Brianne Charles showed her promise with the female selection. Both had exceptional performances.

In total 19 local wrestlers qualified for the BC Secondary Schools Wrestling Championships in Burnaby in two weeks. ADSS is currently ranked in the top 5 in BC for both the boys and the girls an accomplishment they are very proud of.

“ It is quite amazing that each and every year we field such competitive wrestling teams,” said ADSS head coach John McDonald, “ we have consistently been in the top 5 for probably 15 of the past 30 years and in the top 10 in all but a couple of years. To do this in both the boys and the girls divisions since the mid 90’s is unprecedented by anyone else.”

This coming weekend the younger wrestlers in the Alberni program hit the mats at the Island 15 and Under in Victoria. Some of the younger ADSS wrestlers will choose to use this as a tune up for the BC’s while for most of the Dunn and Neill wrestlers it will be their last competition of the 2008-2009 season.

Isiah Taylor of ADSS scores a take down in the 78KG final
Brianne Charles of ADSS on the podium as the Most Outstanding Female Wrestler at the 2009 Islands.
Daley Forbes of ADSS in action in the 68kg Girls Final



Thanks Simon for this update on the Midget Dogs....Way to go and good luck!

MIDGET A BULLDOGS IN ISLAND CHAMPIONSHIP

The Alberni Valley Midget A Bulldogs defeated the Juan de Fuca (AA) Grizzlies 7-2 in semi-final action at the Multiplex on Valentine’s Day.

They now advance to the best of three series for the Vancouver Island Tier 2 Championship against Saanich Braves. Saanich defeated Oceanside 5-2 in the other semi-final.

The Bulldogs came out hard from the opening face-off, skating fast and controlling play. Two minutes in AP Aaron Lambert made a long pass up the middle behind the Grizzlies defence to Catlin MacLeod, who then carried it in and scored. Seconds later MacLeod passed across the crease to Darrin Oscienny who snapped it behind the goalie on the right side. With a two goal lead in the first three minutes, the momentum was definitely with Alberni, but Juan de Fuca capitalized on the offensive mood of the Bulldogs midway through the first. They got behind the defence for two quick goals of their own to tie it up and pressed hard for the rest of the period.

Alberni regained some of their momentum to start the second period. In the second minute the small speedy line of Myles and Leo Fitzgerald and Andre Savard controlled the puck until Savard found a small opening and wristed it in on the stick side. The Bulldogs had to kill six penalties in the second period, but even so found ways to capitalize, forcing turnovers, and keeping the Grizzlies in their own end much of the time.

At 11:05 Sheldon Trees and Darrin Oscienny stole the puck and created a short handed two on one opportunity in which Trees made the first shot and Oscienny grabbed the rebound and put it in stick side for a short handed goal. At the 10 minute mark Bulldog forechecking turned over a break out attempt inside the JDF blue line, leading to their fifth goal. This time it was Savard who banged in the rebound off Kody Isherwood’s shot.

Down 5-2 at the start of the third period and knowing they faced elimination, the Grizzlies resorted to more physical play. They were rewarded with 41 minutes in penalties in the third including two misconducts.

For their part the Bulldogs mostly refused to rise to the bait and collected two more goals. In the first minute Carson McCulloch combined with Savard on a give and go to beat the defence and the goalie. The final goal of the game came four on four with defencemen Keenan McConnell and Boden Wangler jumping up to feed MacLeod for his second goal.

The score reflects a strong effort from all the Bulldogs on the ice. Playing without big defencemen Campbell and Rata, Alberni used speed, passing and tenacity to overcome their much bigger opponents. Team defence created numerous turnovers and kept JDF in their own end much of the game. On offence the Bulldogs outshot the visitors 37-18 through the first two periods. When the Grizzlies turned it up in the third period with 16 shots, Matt Larose stood on his head to turn away all of them.

Coach Brent Demerais was mostly satisfied with the play, but noted that the Bulldogs will need to play consistently at their best to win the final series that start next weekend. The Midget A Bulldogs are sponsored by GDM Boom and Sort and Rain Coast Erosion Control.

Bulldogs 6, Express 2.

Not sure how good the video will look as it's off my cell phone, but hey, I try!

Good game for the Dogs as they snap a six game losing streak with a 6-2 win over the Burnaby Express. The Express have now lost 5 in a row.

Way to go Dogs!



Hammer


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Bantam Bulldogs, Junior Bulldogs, in action today at The Pound.

Happy Valentines Day! I don't know about you but I can feel the love already!

The Bantam Dogs are in action in a big one today at the Alberni Valley Multiplex. See below!


Evan our Midget Bulldogs A team plays its Island semi final game - sudden death, Saturday Feb 14 at 2:30 pm in Weyerhaeuser. The game is against the Juan de Fuca Grizzlies. Please encourage your audience to attend and cheer them on..



The Junior Bulldogs host the Nanaimo Clippers tonight at 7pm. Get it all on Port Alberni Safeway Bulldogs Hockey on 93.3 The Peak FM with the pregame show on the air at 6:45.

Tonight's second intermission feature guest is Burnaby Express play-by-play voice Eddie Gregory.

Hammer



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Grizz 6, Dogs 5, in double OT.

A crazy game at the Bear Mountain Arena Friday night, pretty much what I would have expected for a Friday the 13th game. The Dogs trailed early, before firing four straight past Alex Peck to lead 4-1 after one. The Grizz then fired back with three straight in the second to tie it up at 4-4. NINE seconds later the Dogs took the lead right back, but the Grizzlies again tied it just three minutes later. The third saw no scoring, as did the first overtime. Tyler Gubb would get the winner in double OT.

A valiant effort for the Dogs, but they sadly fell short and they won't get that elusive win against the Grizzlies this season. The Dogs took the Grizz to OT three times this season but they just couldn't find that golden goal, with the Grizzlies winning two and the other one ending in a tie.

Next up for the Dogs is the Nanaimo Clippers on Saturday night, who lost 2-1 at home Friday to the Cowichan Valley Capitals. With the win the Caps secured 2nd spot on the Island and home ice advantage over the Clippers in round one of the playoffs.

The Dogs have beaten Nanaimo twice this season, but both of those wins came at the Frank Crane Arena.

It's the first game at home in a while after five straight on the road.

It's also time for bed. Good night!

Hammer

Happy Friday the 13th!! Weekend sports in the Alberni Valley..Bulldogs...Midget Dogs..Blacksheep Rugby, Alberni Invitational on SHAW TV

Happy FRRRIIIIDDDAAAYYYY the 13th!

Beware the spooky, scary, bad luck and all that stuff..

I'm superstitious so I don't like Friday the 13th's. I also don't like calling games on full moons either. Someone once upon a time said to me "Weird stuff happens during games on a full moon Hammer" and ever since then I have found it to be true.

But maybe it's just the way the puck bounces? I'm not that weird, I'm just a goalie.

It's a busy sports weekend (like any weekend is in Port Alberni) when it comes to local teams in action.

First off of course is the Alberni Valley Bulldogs. They are in action all weekend, with three games in two and a half days starting tonight down in Victoria.

Check out my weekly preview on the Bulldogs WEBSITE HERE

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Staying with the Bulldogs, but of a different level.....The Midget Dogs are in action tomorrow. Thanks Russell for the heads up.


Evan our Midget Bulldogs A team plays its Island semi final game - sudden death, Saturday Feb 14 at 2:30 pm in Weyerhaeuser. The game is against the Juan de Fuca Grizzlies. Please encourage your audience to attend and cheer them on..


You heard the man...Get out and cheer on the Midget Dogs if you can as this is a big one!!


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Shifting gears to Rugby..Thanks to Randy for giving me the heads up. Go Sheep!

The Black Sheep are home this weekend, Feb 14th. We start off with the Ladies kicking off at 11:00 am vs. Cowichan. The Div. 2 Men kickoff at 12:30 pm vs. Surrey followed by the Div. 1 Men kicking off at 2:00pm. The earlier kickoff times are to accommodate Surrey allowing them some time after the game before they head out for the ferry.


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The Dogs are of course in Victoria tonight. Get it all on Port Alberni Safeway Bulldogs Hockey on 93.3 The Peak FM and our website through our "listen live" link at http://www.933thepeak.com/ The pregame show gets underway at 7:15 with the play-by-play at 7:30pm from the Bear Mountain Arena.

Tonight's second intermission feature guest is former Bulldog Brad Herman, now playing for St. Norbert College.

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Last but not least...Kudos to the local SHAW crew for their coverage of the 2009 Alberni Invitational Wrestling Tournament....Catch the action on SHAW Channel 4

Catch the SHAW coverage of the Invitational starting TOMORROW - (Saturday February 14th) starting at 2:30pm. If you miss that one, catch the replay again on Sunday at 10am.



Hammer




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