Round 2 FINALLY HERE, Alberni Wrestling Awards Night

FINALLY round two is here.

Does it feel like anyone else that we've been through what feels like an entire off season, just to get from one round to the next?

I guess that's what happens when you sweep though.

My round one predictions - Not bad. I lost out on only two series - On one it was a major upset, on the other, I PREDICTED a major upset. I guess I was just a little off on which top seed in the West I thought that would be knocked off.

Here's a link to my round one predictions. Not bad not bad..

On to the present...

FINALLY round two. From the Canucks website, here's the GAME PREVIEW and GAME NOTES

Of course you can get it all on THE PEAK, part of the Canucks Radio Network...We've got your pregame show at 5:30, with the puck drop and play-by-play shortly after 6:00pm.

Should be a beauty!

My prediction?

Well, I don't see the 'Nucks clinching the series in Chicago. So I'm thinking Nucks in 5 or 7 games. A coin flip says Nucks in 7. Final answer!

The other series? Wow, there are some beauties.

Wings vs Ducks - Ducks in 6

Caps vs Pens - Caps in 7

Bruins vs Canes Bruins in 5



Alberni Wrestling had their annual awards night last night. I think I have attended 5 or 6 of these nights now, and every year it's the same thing. I'm blown away with how well run and accomplished the club is, and how deep their history is. Another year, another feather in their cap, this time it was Olympian Travis Cross. The full awards list is below.

Congrats to all the athletes, coaches, volunteers, executive, parents, and on and on and on. It's a huge group!

2. Appreciation and Announcements

Coaches – ADSS -John McDonald, Richelle McKenzie, Ryan Dvorak,

Dunn - James Messenger, Russ Bodnar, Alex Magnusson

Neill - Erin Anker, Grant Coates, Jason Wolff, Brandon Coates

NIC - Ivan Diaconu, Travis Cross

NAIG – Preston Charles, Aaron Keitlah

Club - Chris Bodnar, Ashley Cross, Joe Kalugin

Recognition of Olympian Travis Cross

Travis Cross Speaks

Special Coaches Recognition – Gene Spencer and John McDonald

Executive – Tom McEvay, Stu Messenger, Darral Clark, Deb Coates,

Richelle McKenzie, Hubert Vanderlee

Officials Recognition – Patrick McEvay and Richelle McKenzie

3. Middle School Team Awards (Certificates)

Dunn Middle School recognition- won the Valley Dual Meet Challenge

Neill Middle School recognition.

4. Grade 8 Graduates (Certificates)

EJ Dunn

Cody Bauml, Jordie Bodnar, Anthony Fred, Colin Simister, Casey Davidson,

Dakota Sutton

AW Neill

Jonathan Spencer, Graham Villette, Hailee Becket, Shelby Oxley,

Preston Antonelli, Cody Charles, Michael Ferguson, Danika Geddes,

Austin Jaworski, Leviticus Samson, Colton Walton

5. Coaches Recognition (Certificates)

ADSS - Wes Boris, Dustin Haddad, Ashton Lommen-Clayton

Dunn - Lucas Bitter, Nolan Badovinac, Wes Frank, Michel Kurucz,

Corey Rasanen, Nathan Sutherland

Neill- Michael Ferguson, Colton Walton, Leviticus Samson, Austin Jaworski,

Jacob Arcus Jared Beckett, Vanessa Beckett, Bryce Feltrin, Clayton Henderson,

Caden Smith-Stephens Nicholas Young, Lynson Neilson, Cody Charles

6. Masterful Match of the Year (Certificate) – Cody McEvay

7. Comeback of the Year (Certificate) - Kyle Plaunt

8. Top Grade Awards (Certificates)

Grade 6 – Remi Wells, Emma Vanderlee, Russell David

Grade 7 - Rhea Wing, Jordan Wagner, Jesse Wagner

Grade 8 - Jordie Bodnar, Dakota Sutton

Grade 9 - Daley Forbes, Cullen Hines

Grade 10 - Brianne Charles, Isaiah Taylor

Grade 11 - Savannah Toth, Cody McEvay

Grade 12 - Michael Cappus

9. Rookies of the Year (Certificate) – Dustin Haddad, Preston Antonelli, Riley Kuxhaus

10 Dark Horse (Certificate) - Austin Evans

11. Diamonds in the Rough (Certificates)

Norman David, Alec Delcourt, Sky Daoust, Brittany Henderson, Colin Simister

12. Service (Certificates)

Kraig Doskotch, Danika Geddes, Cody Charles, Michael Ferguson, Dustin Haddad,

Travis Carey, Emma Vanderlee, Nolan Badovinac, Wes Boris

13. Most Improved Junior (Plaques and Scholarship) - Dakota Sutton

14. Most Improved Senior (Plaque and Scholarship) – Norman David

15. Gold Pin Awards (Team Total 130 )

Austin Evans (20) - Runner-up Isaiah Taylor (17)

Daley Forbes (16) - Runner-up Savannah Toth (14)

16. BC Summer Games (Certificate)

Cullen Hines, Kyle Plaunt, Isaiah Taylor, Jory Cole, Josh Readshaw, Austin Evans

Brittany Henderson, Tasis Pynn, Daley Forbes, Brianne Charles, Kyle Geddes

17. B.C. Placers (Certificates)

Michael Cappus – Gold 70 kg

Jordie Bodnar - Gold 40 kg

Daley Forbes - Silver 69 kg

Kyle Plaunt - Silver 57 kg

Cody McEvay - Bronze 66 kg

Isaiah Taylor - Bronze 78 kg

Austin Evans - 4^th 54 kg

Kraig Doskotch - 6^th 51 kg

18. Special BC’s Award – Michael Cappus (6 times BC placer)

19. National Placers (Certificates)

Cadet - Isaiah Taylor - Gold 76 kg … plus photo and Taylor Scholarship

Daley Forbes – Silver 70 kg

Juvenile - Michael Cappus – Bronze 69 kg ; Savannah Toth – 5^th 65 kg

Collegiate - Isaac Wing – Gold 65 kg CIS

Senior - Travis Cross – Gold 84 kg ; Ashlea McManus – 4^th 74 kg

20. International Honour Roll

Summer Olympic Games (Beijing, China) – Travis Cross

Senior World Championships (Baku, Azerbaijan) – Travis Cross – 8^th 84 kg

North American Indigenous Games (Cowichan, Canada)

Isaiah Taylor – 1^st 70 kg

Brianne Charles – 1^st 60 kg

Preston Charles – Coach

Aaron Keitlah – Coach

Wilma Keitlah - Manager

21. Attendance (Certificates)

College – Travis Carey

Sr. – Norman David, Savannah Toth

Jr. – Remi Wells, Lauren Barker, Jonathan Spencer, Cody Bauml, Anthony Fred

22. Junior Honor Roll (Certificates)

AWN: Chelsey Charlesworth, Jessie Geddes, Sarah Edmonds, Nickolas Young

Lynson Nielson, Rhea Wing, Michael Ferguson, Graham Villette, Danika Geddes

EJD: Nolan Badovinac, Barry Fred, Eric Gill, Enya Graham-Fred, Andrew Quach,

Sophie Vanderlee, Emma Vanderlee, Riley Kuxhaus, Jordie Bodnar, Dean Leyland,

Lyndsey Taylor

23. Junior Academics/Athletics (Plaque and Scholarships)

- Danika Geddes, Eric Gill

24. Senior Honor Roll (Certificates)

ADSS : Daley Forbes, Austin Evans, Cody McEvay, Savannah Toth, Sky Daoust,

Michael Cappus, Christian Hansen

25. Senior Academics/Athletics (Plaque and Scholarships)

– Michael Cappus and Cody McEvay

26. Junior Sportsmanship (Plaque and Scholarship) - Jonathan Spencer

27. Character (Plaque and Scholarhip) - Christian Hansen

28. Knights of the Armada (Plaques)

Michael Cappus, Kyle Plaunt, Christian Hansen

29. Special Appreciation (Plaques)

Jack Gilbert, Anne Cappus, Dave Cappus, Buy Low Foods David Turner

30. Leadership (Plaque and Scholarship) – Brandon Coates

31. Most Outstanding North Island College (Plaque and scholarship) – Travis Carey

32. Most Outstanding Juniors (Plaques and Scholarships)

– Jordie Bodnar, Jesse Wagner, Jordan Wagner

33. Most Outstanding Seniors (Plaques and scholarships)

– Daley Forbes, Savannah Toth, Michael Cappus

Hammer


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NHL releases schedule, broadcast schedule, for 2nd round of playoffs

The NHL has finalized their second round schedule. All times are EASTERN. Of course all Canuck games can be heard on 93.3 The Peak FM, with our pregame show beginning 30 minutes before game time.

Here is the complete schedule for the Eastern and Western conference semifinals:

SERIES I	#1 vs. #6	NETWORK
Fri, May 1	at Boston, 7:30 p.m.	VERSUS (JIP), TSN
Sun, May 3	at Boston, 7:30 p.m.	VERSUS, TSN
Wed, May 6	at Carolina, 7:30 p.m.	VERSUS (JIP), TSN
Fri, May 8	at Carolina, 7:30 p.m.	VERSUS (JIP), TSN
*Sun, May 10	at Boston, 7:30 p.m.	VERSUS, TSN
*Tues, May 12	at Carolina, 7:00 p.m.	VERSUS, TSN
*Thur, May 14	at Boston, TBD	TSN
SERIES J	#2 vs. #4	NETWORK
Sat, May 2	at Washington, 1:00 p.m.	NBC, CBC, RDS
Mon, May 4	at Washington, 7:00 p.m.	VERSUS, CBC, RDS
Wed, May 6	at Pittsburgh, 7:00 p.m.	VERSUS, CBC, RDS
Fri, May 8	at Pittsburgh, 7:00 p.m.	VERSUS, CBC, RDS
*Sat, May 9	at Washington, 7:00 p.m.	VERSUS, CBC, RDS
*Mon, May 11	at Pittsburgh, TBD	VERSUS, CBC, RDS
*Wed, May 13	at Washington, 7:00 p.m.	VERSUS, CBC, RDS
SERIES K	#2 vs. #8	NETWORK
Fri, May 1	at Detroit, 7:00 p.m.	VERSUS, TSN2
Sun, May 3	at Detroit, 2:00 p.m.	NBC, TSN
Tues, May 5	at Anaheim, 10:30 p.m.	VERSUS, TSN
Thurs, May 7	at Anaheim, 10:30 p.m.	VERSUS, TSN
*Sun, May 10	at Detroit, 5:00 p.m.	TSN
*Tues, May 12	at Anaheim, TBD	VERSUS, TSN
*Thurs, May 14	at Detroit, TBD	VERSUS, TSN
SERIES L	#3 vs. #4	NETWORK
Thurs, April 30	at Vancouver, 9:00 p.m.	CBC, VERSUS
Sat, May 2	at Vancouver, 9:00 p.m.	CBC, VERSUS
Tues, May 5	at Chicago, 8:00 p.m.	CBC, VERSUS
Thurs, May 7	at Chicago, 8:00 p.m.	CBC, VERSUS
*Sat, May 9	at Vancouver, 10:30 p.m	CBC, VERSUS
*Mon, May 11	at Chicago, 9:00 p.m.	CBC, VERSUS (JIP)
*Thurs, May 14	at Vancouver, TBD	CBC, VERSUS

* - if necessary

Canucks to face Hawks. RBC Cup begins this weekend, WHL final set, Game 7's tonight,

By virtue of the Anaheim Ducks win over the San Jose Sharks, and the Chicago Blackhawks win over the Calgary Flames, the second round is set, as the Wings will play Anaheim and the Nucks will have home ice advantage when they play the 'Hawks.

Read more from the Vancouver Province and this write up by Gordon Mcintyre.




The 2009 RBC Cup gets going this weekend at the Bear Mountain Arena. As is the case for any Hockey Canada event, the Hockey Canada website is your source for all things happening at the RBC Cup

I caught the overtime last night of the WHL's Western Conference Final Series between the Vancouver Giants and the Kelowna Rockets. A pretty odd situation as the Rockets scored in overtime, and the play went to video review. The second I saw it go in I knew it was going to be an interesting one. That's a pretty big video review, with the Rockets holding a 3-2 series lead and the Vancouver Giants season hanging in the balance. In the end, the goal stood, the Rockets won and the Giants had their season come to an end. A pretty tough call for me watching the game. The SHAW camera work on the broadcast couldn't provide an angle where you could see what the puck hit on Mikael Backlund, and where it hit either. The broadcast crew also weren't able to definitively say what the referee's call on the ice was. I'm not even sure the referees knew what their call was.

In the end, game over, series over, and the WHL finals will see the Calgary Hitmen take on the Kelowna Rockets for the right to go to the Memorial Cup. More great hockey to watch on your TV as SHAW will certainly have the series covered.

(image: capitals.nhl.com)

Two NHL series will be decided tonight, with the Capitals and Rangers along with the Devils vs the Hurricanes going to a deciding game seven. Read all about it FROM NHL.COM HERE

GO CAPS GO.

And I'm not even sure who I'm cheering for in the other series. Go.......QUADRUPLE OVERTIME!

A great site to follow the Capitals, is owner Ted Leonsis' blog - You can click the link to it on the right -------->, or you can click this link RIGHT HERE if that's more convenient!

Golf Golf Golf, 'Nucks still waiting, Capitals and Hurricanes force Game 7

Hello and Happy Monday!

All about the golf for a minute. Hey, I hit the links for 10 straight days with my dad out here visiting. What else do I have to talk about?!

We had a great time Friday late on the course - Thanks to Dennis See for the great picture below. From left to right - My dad Cal, The Big Dog Les Doiron, myself, Shawn Elder, Brandon Ford, Dennis See.

I *ahem* shot the best round. ahem.


Saturday I was proud to be the guest speaker at the Alberni Golf Club's Junior Open House. There were dozens of young Tiger Woods and Annika Sorenstam's running around. What a great time and a great opportunity for the kids.

Special thanks to the sponsors, Tim Hortons and Buy Low Foods! The kids had chipping, putting, and full-swing instruction from the pros. Cool stuff. See the pictures below.


The Vancouver Canucks continue to wait to see who they will face in round two. With the San Jose Sharks scoring in OT to force a game 6, everything is still up in the air. If the Ducks win that series, the Canucks will play the winner of the Flames-Hawks series. If the Sharks win, it's the Canucks vs. the Wings. Go Ducks!

Anyone counting Calgary out yet after a shellacking of the Flames by the Hawks in Game 5? I'm not counting them out, but I don't exactly like their chances. Here's hoping the Ducks down the Sharks, and Calgary and Chi-town go 7 games. The more bumps and bruises, the better for the Canucks. Yes, I'm somewhat concerned like the rest of the fan base that too much rest sometimes isn't always the best. But everyone being hurt and tired is worse!

I'm fired up that the Washington Capitals have forced Game 7 against the New York Rangers after a 5-3 win yesterday at MSG.

What do you all make of John Tortorella getting suspended? I'm Switzerland on the issue. At the same time, what's good for the goose is good for the gander. Don't scratch Avery for a lack of discipline saying that it would not only lose a game, but the series, and the next game get a suspension yourself. Yes, I know easier said than done in the heat of the moment.

I don't really care either way between the Carolina Hurricanes and the New Jersey Devils, but I was happy to see the 'Canes force Game 7. Game 7's are just plain fun to watch. As are the Canes cheerleaders, LOL. I was watching some of the first period yesterday, what a crowd in Carolina. For the same reasons I like Washington, I think I'll pull for Carolina in Game 7. Crazy fans. They stood and roared for most of the first period when I was watching. Impressive.

I got a pretty good laugh out of this one - the Canes are having a "beard a thon" for the playoffs. Check it out here

Hammer


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Breaking News - Taylor Pyatt rejoins Canucks.

I'm happy to hear this. The game and the team can be therapeutic in a time like this. Here's hoping Taylor will get some comfort in this tough time being back with "the boys"

TAYLOR PYATT STATEMENT

Vancouver, B.C. – Vancouver Canucks forward Taylor Pyatt returned to team activities today and issued the following statement:

“I would like to thank my teammates, coaches and the entire Canucks organization for their tremendous compassion and support during this very difficult time for myself, my family and the entire Bragnalo family. I would also like to thank the passionate fans of the Canucks for their support and the media who have given us the respect and time to grieve in private. I loved Carly very much. My family and I will forever miss her. At this difficult time for our families it is my wish to not speak about our loss publically. Thank you.”

UPDATE - Kevin Ross Audio from THE PEAK morning show today, I'm "On Location" at McDonalds today, Gold in The Net Golf Tournament!!

Alberni Valley Bulldog D-Man Kevin Ross will joined me on THE PEAK morning show today at to talk about winning the RBC National Scholarship Award

If you missed it, you can listen to the interview by CLICKING THIS LINK TO THE AUDIO, which is, as always, courtesy and copyright 93.3 The Peak FM and the Jim Pattison Broadcast Group.

Also - I will be on-location for THE PEAK today at the Johnston Road McDonald's location from 3pm to 5pm giving away free coffee and other stuff while telling you about McDonald's new premium blend coffee!

This is putting a major dent in my golfing plans ;)

Speaking of GOLF - The 4th Annual Gold In The Net Golf Tournament in support of the Aaron C Cornwell Memorial Scholarship Fund is coming up soon....Please click the images below to enlarge..The tournament not only supports a great cause, it's also a tonne of fun!

I was happy to attend and MC the event last year and I'll be back again this year.

A special shout out from Gold In The Net President and Director of Operations Perry Elderbroom goes out to Gord Unger in Port Alberni - You said you were entering a team Gord, so we expect to see you there!




Hammer

Vipers off to the RBC, Nolan Graham off to Merritt, Alberni Golf Club Junior Open House

A huge congrats goes out to the Vernon Vipers after their 5-2 win last night over the Grand Prairie Storm to secure a berth in the 2009 RBC Cup in Victoria. Pretty cool that the BCHL will be represented twice at the tournament.

The BCHL website has a recap on last night's game four RIGHT HERE

____________________________

The Peak held our Administrative Professionals Appreciation luncheon yesterday at the Alberni Golf Club. I was the MC for the event, and everything went off without a hitch.

Congrats goes out to Alberni Valley Bulldogs Head Coach and GM Nolan Graham, winner of the Grand Prize, a trip for 2 to Merritt Mountain Music Fest, courtesy of THE PEAK.

We did a "reverse draw" as everyone attending was assured a prize. The last name left in the draw box won the grand prize. When it was down to Nolan and just one more person, I suggested that as Nolan and I would be spending a lot of time together this season working with the Bulldogs, that we should "bond" ahead of time to ensure a great working relationship and that he should take me to Merritt with him!

Doubtful that this will happen...But congrats to Nolan none the less!

Speaking about the Alberni Golf Club again, don't forget about the Junior Open House this Saturday from 1pm to 3pm. Again this is a free event open to any kids 18 and under. You'll get professional instruction on chipping, putting, and full swings. To sweeten the pot, kids will also get a burger/dog and drink when it's done.

Parents are also welcome to come out and watch the event and have a bite to eat as well, courtesy of the Alberni Golf Club Junior Program.

The Alberni Golf Club wants to thank their sponsors for the event, Tim Horton's and Buy Low Foods!

That's it for now!

Hammer


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OK an extra bonus today. Some youtube candy!

Canucks sweep Blues, Olympic Torch in Port Alberni TODAY

Nah Nah Nah Nah, Hey Hey Hey, goooooooooooood byeeee.

See ya St. Lou. Best of luck in the future. You have a lot of young talent there and a bright future. But thanks for going away in four games.

How about Roberto Luongo? Wow. Alex Burrows? Wow.

The Canucks move on to face....who knows. Right now they rest up and heal up and try to stay sharp for round two.






The Olympic Torch comes to Port Alberni today...COOL. You can also meet an Olympian, Field Hockey player Anthony Wright. I've heard things about those Field Hockey-ers, LOOK OUT :)

Here's me with another RBC Olympian, Adam Kreek. Thanks to RBC for bringing these athletes - and now the TORCH to our community!

RBC BRINGS 2010 OLYMPIC TORCH TO PORT ALBERNI

PORT ALBERNI April 15, 2009 – RBC is celebrating the spirit of the Olympic Flame by bringing the 2010 Olympic Torch to Port Alberni. A free public event will be held on April 22, 2009 9:30 – 11:00 am at the RBC Port Alberni branch at 2925 3^rd Avenue, where community members will be invited to have their picture taken with the torch.

RBC Olympian Anthony Wright – Field Hockey will also be at the branch celebration for photographs and autographs.

What: 2010 Olympic Torch visits RBC branch in Port Alberni

When: April 22, 2009 9:30am – 11:00am

Where: 2925 3^rd Avenue, Port Alberni

RBC and the 2010 Olympic Torch Relay

RBC is proud to partner with Coke and VANOC to bring the Olympic Torch Relay to millions of Canadians in hundreds of communities across Canada. More than 12,000 torchbearers will carry the Olympic Flame as it travels 45,000 km from coast to coast to coast over 106 days. To be an Olympic Torchbearer and participate in the Relay, RBC is inviting Canadians to help create a better Canada by making a personal pledge to do something in their daily life to make Canada a better place to live. Enter today at rbc.com/carrythetorch.

Don't forget to hug an Administrative Professional today! Yes, send them out to the Alberni Golf Club for THE PEAK'S ADMINISTRATIVE PROFESSIONALS APPRECIATION LUNCHEON!

We'll see you there!!

AND HAPPY EARTH DAY!

Hammer

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