Dogs double Express..

The Alberni Valley Bulldogs won their second in a row overall and on this road trip with a 4-2 win tonight in Burnaby.

The Dogs made things maybe harder on themselves than they had to be as they had a 3-0 lead early in the second but they allowed the Express back into the game with a shorthanded goal and a 5 on 3 goal to make it 3-2 Dogs after two.

The AVB took a 1-0 lead just over two minutes into the game when Mark MacMillan and Mitch MacMillan raced away on a 2 on 0 breakaway. Mark did a perfect job of driving the net and faking a deke to his backhand before sliding the puck over to Mitch to score into the open net. It was 2-0 Dogs short of eight minutes into the game with Josh Mitchell and Kevin Ross setting up David Dziurzynski on the power play. Warren Muir continued his strong play as of late as he found the net early in the second off a Johnny Rogic power play set up for the 3-0 advantage.


The game was won on a big 5 on 3 kill for the Dogs with 10 minutes go to in the third where Frank Slubowski was solid and his defenders around him did a great job to clear loose pucks to hold the 3-2 lead.

Next up - the first ever game for the Dogs at the new Langley Event Centre tomorrow at 2pm to finish off the road trip. Get it all on THE PEAK starting with the pregame show at 1:45.

Way to go Dogs. Now do it again tomorrow!



Hammer

And I forgot about this one, sorry I didn't have time to get it up before the game. The Bill Copeland Arena for those that haven't seen it before!






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On with Eddie...

Here's a picture of me being interviewed by Burnaby Express play-by-play voice Eddie Gregory. Yes, I took the picture. Multi talented!

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Life Game Chat, Bulldogs @ Express

Amos at work..

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Beauty Day, Moriarty Honoured

Breezy and chilly here in the Lower Mainland, but nice and sunny.


Moriarty Receives George Percy Award PRESS RELEASE October 31st, 2009

Daniel Moriarty became cemented into the permanent history books at Harvard University this past spring. The former captain of the Alberni Valley Bulldogs enjoyed a successful freshman season and was honored by receiving the George Percy Award.

The George Percy Award is presented annually to the member of the Harvard freshman class whom best displays enthusiasm, sportsmanship, team spirit and loyalty. The award is voted on by teammates as well as the coaching staff.

The award was first presented in 1971. The award is named after George Percy, first marshal of the class of 1918, captain of the freshman and varsity hockey teams from 1914-17 and a member of the 1916 varsity baseball team.

After Harvard, Percy continued to show his outstanding qualities serving in the United States Marine Corps in both world wars and was awarded the Navy Cross for heroism in Iwo Jima, 1945.

As Moriarty prepares for another successful season at Harvard he continues to leave his mark on the places he’s been, just like George Percy did.

The Alberni Valley Bulldogs are proud to have Daniel Moriarty as an alumnus and congratulate him on winning the George Percy Award.



Hammer







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Video - Ben Fanelli hit

What a scary one this is. Saw this today on CBC during the Senators vs. Thrashers game.



The video isn't great at all....But what I see is a player TURNING. And getting really hurt. Doesn't appear the player left his feet to make the hit. Maybe charging, maybe an elbow a little high....But what's the end result if Fanelli doesn't turn? He sure doesn't hit the boards head first.

Just my 2 cents. Thoughts and prayers are with the player and his family, I'm not being insenitive to his situation. Just looking at it from both sides of it.

I mentioned players TURNING and showing their backs to an on coming checker on a Bulldog Broadcast a couple games back. I even went so far as to get the video, slow it down, and watch it over and over to make sure I wasn't wrong with saying the player turned into the check.

Kids - DONT TURN.

Nanaimo at Victoria Cancelled due to H1N1.....Dogs visit Express

Just wow....The H1N1 is some scary stuff. Scary enough to cancel the Grizzlies home date against the Clippers tonight...

Check the Clippers website for more information...Thanks to Bruce and Al for updating me on the story. Wow.

Just wondering - whats the difference between the Grizzlies situation, and the Centennials situation. The Cents were very ill and apparently wanted to postpone last nights game against Vernon but they still played. Now Victoria hosting Nanaimo is called off. I`m sure there is more to the story.
I am back on the air tonight with the Bulldogs looking for two in a row on this road trip as they visit the Express in Burnaby. The Dogs were 3-0 shutout winners last night over the Eagles. The Express were 8-0 shutout losers in Penticton.

The Dogs would be very happy if the goose eggs stay on the same side again tonight of course, but they just want a win to keep the roll going. The Express might be a little fatigued, but the Dogs certainly cant take them lightly.

Catch the pregame show at 7:15 with the puck drop and play-by-play to follow at 7:30 all on 93.3 The Peak and www.933thepeak.com

Hammer

The Alberni Valley Bulldogs opened their three game road trip tonight with a 3-0 shutout of the Surrey Eagles.

The South Surrey Arena hasn't been kind to the Dogs, as before tonight their last win in Surrey was December of 2006.

The Dogs took a 1-0 lead late in the first when Matt Hatch found the rebound after Johnny Rogic was stopped by Vinny Lessard on a breakaway. The Dogs made it 2-0 past the halfway mark of the game when they again scored a rebound off a breakaway save by Lessard.

This time it was Kevin Ross sending Trent Dorais on a shorthanded breakaway. Lessard again made the save, but Warren Muir dug the puck to Dorais who slid it home to make it 2-0.

The goal was the third shorthanded marker by the Dogs this season.

It was then the powerplay that gave the Dogs a big cushion just minutes later as Matt Hatch put a perfect pass from behind the net to Johnny Rogic in tight where he one-timed it home. Warren Muir was again in on the play picking up an assist.

The Eagles had their chances in the third out shooting the Dogs, but they couldn't break the shutout as Slubowski was sharp and he was well supported.

Final shots were 28-24 Eagles. The Dogs were 1 for 5 on the powerplay while also scoring once shorthanded. The Eagles were 0 for 9.

A great start to the trip for the Dogs. Next up the Express tomorrow.


Hammer



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Dogs blank Eagles..

Details to follow...


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Bulldogs @ Eagles, Game Day Chat, Video of Surrey Arena

Off to pre game...

They may look like they are on their way to a funeral, but they are just wekk dressed...

A quick pic of the Dogs on their way to their game day meal.

Hammer



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Off the road..

And onto the water...looks like a nice day to cross!


Hammer




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Dogs hit road for three, in Surrey tonight

There's your link for the game day chat tonight as the Dogs are in Surrey to take on the Eagles.

Pregame on 93.3 The Peak FM is 6:45 with the game starting at 7:00pm.

I must run, I don't want to miss the bus! Talk to you tonight!

And yes, pictures and video to follow so be sure to check back!

Hammer

Midget Dogs update, Angels Surprise Auction

Angel, her mom, Les Doiron, and possibly Dr. Chris McCollister will be in on the 93.3 The Peak FM morning show with Jolie McMullan (I'll be on the road with the Dogs, thanks Jolie) to talk about Ange's upcoming "Surprise Auction" to raise money for her Celebrity Cookbook. So be sure to tune in during the 8 o'clock hour to catch it!

Here's the latest information email I received from Angel's mom Cheryl to promote the event...

” Angel’s Surprise" Auction is being held on November 3rd, 7pm in the upper lounge of the Alberni Valley Mulitiplex. Funds raised at this event will offset the cost of printing her upcoming "Celebrity Charity Cookbook". The cookbook will be available just in time for Christmas shopping and all funds generated will go towards supporting Pediatric Care at West Coast General, Nanaimo Regional General and Victoria General Hospitals as well as Variety, The Children's Charity.

The “Surprise” will be the items you bring in to donate for the auction. Please search through your home to see if you have something that will be of value to others. We'll also gladly accept homemade gifts such as jams, bread, crafts, knitting, etc. If you have an item you'd like to donate please call Les at 250-720-5380.

Musical composer Andrew Oye will be providing entertainment.

Celebrity Guest List includes: King Richard Brodeur, Olympian Travis Cross, The Alberni Valley Bulldogs and more.



Some of the many auction items include:

Brendan Morrison Washington Capitals Autographed Jersey
West Coast Getaway Package includes: 2 Night Stay at the Haida-Way Loft on Chestermans Beach and a 6 hour salmon fishing trip with BraedyMack Charters
2 Night Stay at Barclay House B&B in West Vancouver
North Port Bookkeeping - Business Accounting package for 6 months of service
Vancouver Giants – Suite for 14 persons at home game on March 12, 2010.
The Funk Trunk- Ladies package

Alberni Golf Club - 4 rounds of golf, 2 power carts and $80 in restaurant certificates
Rob Shick - monogrammed NHL referee ice skates
King Richard Brodeur, framed autographed painting


Sounds like some pretty cool stuff!

_________________________

Thanks for the update goes to Simon Read....

BRAVES – BULLDOGS BATTLE CONTINUES



The close rivalry between the AV Midget Bulldogs and the Saanich Braves carried over from last year’s Island championship (which the Bulldogs won in a tight three game series) to an exhibition game in Saanich on Saturday. The game was close through three periods keeping the crowd, which included several scouts, on the edge of their seats. It ended in a 3-3 tie.



Coach Brent Demerais is pleased with how the team is coming together this year. He said “They played pretty well against a larger physical team. We controlled the puck most of the time. Gianni Crema was strong in net and Brady Jansen had a really good game.”



Jansen assisted on the first Alberni goal, which was scored by Jeff Dagg, and scored the second goal. Colby Lim deflected Luciano Somerville’s shot for the tying goal with 30 seconds left in the game.

Dogs Pink Jerseys Up for Auction

Bulldogs Pink Jerseys up for Auction

PRESS RELEASE

October 28th 2009

The Alberni Valley Bulldogs are excited to announce that seven pink Bulldog jerseys are up for online auction. The Bulldogs wore the inaugural pink jerseys on October 25th to support the fight against breast cancer.

The jerseys that are up for auction are #3 Brody Lynott, #9 Casey Bailey, #12 Tyler Berkholtz, #14 Nick Cecere, #28 Robert Lindores, #35 Scott Lewan and Bernie the Bulldogs.

Jerseys are available online at www.albernivalleybulldogs.ca. Click on Game Worn Jersey Auction and start your bidding. Auction will be closed on November 10th at 5:00pm.

Don’t miss out on this one of a kind Bulldogs Jersey.

What a day!

October 27th, and I'm out on the Golf Course, just wow..

The Alberni Golf Club is just incredible today.

Now if my game was better than it is...
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AV Times Article "Power of pink proves to be great for Dogs"

Here's a nice read on the Bulldogs "Pink the Rink" campaign from today's Alberni Valley Times by Heather Thompson.

Click HERE TO READ IT

Thanks Danno for the link. My pictures and videos from Sunday are down below on Sunday's post during the game.

Hammer

Vees 4 Dogs 3

What a wild finish.

The Vees jumped out to a 2-0 lead before the game was five minutes in on goals by Luke Curadi and Beau Bennett, on the powerplay.

The game changed when Brody Lynott ran over Denver Manderson as he chipped the puck out at the Blueline.

Credit the Vees for defending their star player as the reaction took mere seconds as Lynott would barely get up before he was faced with 2 Vees players with their gloves off, the second in appearing to be Luke Curadi who threw him down to the ice and threw two punches with Lynott on his knees. Casey Bailey would react to his teammates defense and be accosted by two more Vees players. Then Sam Mitchell and Warren Muir joined to make it into a 4 on 4.

When the dust settled Curadi would get 5 for fighting and 2 for instigator, and Lynott would get 2 for roughing. Casey Bailey would get the 3rd man in and a game ejection.

When play resumed the Vees would be sent to the box after 20 seconds of four on four hockey. Two more Penticton minors over the next 2 minutes would see the Dogs go to an extended 5 on 3. It would be the Vees who ended up with the best chance, as Eric Filou was robbed by the left toe of Lewan on the deke. Lewan would then somehow snare the follow up chance to keep the Dogs in it. They would reward him by finding the net when Luke Fenske one-timed a Ryan Corbiell pass that was re-directed home by Sam Mitchell.

The Vees stormed out in the second making it 3-1 when Logan Johnston banged in a rebound in the slot. Ben Sexton would increase the lead to 4-1 with eight minutes left in the second when he deflected a Matt Paltridge point shot off of a faceoff win.

Credit to the Dogs for not quitting, as they got back within two just over a minute later when Jesse Halikas potted a rebound off a Nick Cecere point shot for his first career goal to make it 4-2.

Playing their fourth game of their roadtrip the Vees did a great job of holding their two goal lead as they still led 4-2 with five minutes to go.

The Dogs kept at it though, as they really made it a game of it as Warren Muir banged another rebound home after a Robert Lindores wrap around to make it 4-3 with just over three minutes left.

With the Pound energized the Dogs generated a flurry of chances off a late powerplay chance that ended with a frantic scramble around the Vees net ending with the buzzer sounding.

Sean Bonar came up huge as he made 4 or 5 big stops over the last minute of the game to earn the win.

You know the enterainment value is high and the effort of the two teams is appreciated when the home team comes up short at the end to lose - yet the Dog Pound crowd responds with a standing ovation.

Only in Alberni!

I didn't hear the official final tally raised with PINK THE RINK at the end of the game but Nolan Graham said he believed it was over or around $6,000

Yes, I won the chuck a puck. I was just defending The Peaks prize, which I promptly donated to the Bulldogs PINK THE RINK total!

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PINK PICTURES

Dogs maul warriors 8-1

Another crazy Saturday night in the Pound has the Dogs on a two game winning streak as they jumped to an early lead and never looked back in beating the Westside Warriors 8-1.

Just a minute in the Dogs were up 1-0 with Mark MacMillan scoring on the power play. Four minutes later it was Mitch making it 2-0.

The Dogs would kill off a 5 on 3 early in the second before Mitch scored his second of the game to make it 3-0. Mitch then completed the hat trick for a 4-0 lead on a 5 on 3 power play. In the final minute of the period it was 5-0 as Matt Hatch scored on the power play.

Hatch again found the net for a shorthanded marker in the third to make it 6-0 before Max French potted a wrap around to spoil Frank Slubowski's shut out bid. The Dogs would make it 7 and 8-1 on goals from Warren Muir and Nick Cecere on 5 on 3's with Westside in big penalty trouble after Caylen Wells was given six minutes for instigating and leaving the bench.

Next up it's PINK THE RINK with the Vees in town Sunday afternoon looking for their fourth straight win on this road trip and their fifth overall. Penticton has taken points in EVERY game this month, with seven wins in eight contests and their only loss being a 2-1 defeat in OT to the Vernon Vipers.

Don't forget to WEAR PINK and don't forget that if you have entered the draw boxes around town to win a pink jersey that will be worn tomorrow YOU MUST BE PRESENT AT THE END OF THE GAME to win!

Great job Dogs!

Bulldogs 2 Clippers 1 in Double OT, Westside Warriors at the Pound tonight!

Please don't think the picture is an attempt to rub anything in. Quite simply, by the time I thought to grab my camera, it's the only image I could get. The score clock was off and the Dogs were gone off the ice. I didn't see it with my own eyes, so lets just say it came from a less than happy Nanaimo Clipper bench.

It wasn't the most exciting or prettiest games, but the Dogs could care less as they snapped their four game losing streak with a 2-1 double overtime win at the Frank Crane Arena.



The Clippers took a 1-0 lead after one on a Cody Bremner goal. That lead held all the way until the final 10 minutes of the game when Matt Hatch found a loose puck in the slot that he fired home to tie it up.



While the 1st OT was plodding and cautious at best, both teams had their chances in double OT as Mark Segal made a great save on Nick Cecere, and then Frank Slubowski stopped Andrew Gladiuk on a 2 on 1 chance. Off the ensuing faceoff the Dogs were immediately away on a 2 on 1 as with their incredible speed Matt Hatch and Johnny Rogic were off to the races. Hatch would drive wide and beat his man down the right wing before sliding a perfect pass over to Rogic who fired it home for his fourth of the season, and his second OT winner.


Tonight it's the Westside Warriors at the Dog Pound, as they bring a solid 10 and 5 record into the game after a 1-0 win in Powell River last night.

The Warriors trip opened Wednesday in Surrey, where by all accounts they were robbed of the game tying goal late when the puck went THROUGH the net.

Looking at their numbers, this is a great hockey team. 10 and 5, that's just two points behind Salmon Arm and seven points behind Penticton, with games in hand. They have the leagues best power play, and a top 5 penalty kill to compliment it.

The Dogs had best be ready to elevate their game tonight or they will end up on the wrong side of the scoreboard!

Catch the pregame show at 6:45 and the play-by-play at 7:00 with Rick and myself on 93.3 The Peak FM.

Tonight's first intermission guest is forward Johnny Rogic. My second intermission guest is Ryan Pinder, the play-by-play voice of the Penticton Vees.

Of course don't forget that the post game show will be live on The Peak following the game from Boston Pizza!

Bulldogs @ Clippers Game Day Chat, Video of Frank Crane Arena

Confirmed - Clippers move Jake Baker to Victoria for Todd Gebert and Teal Burns..

WOW, what a game day we are having here!

You can call that deal confirmed. And I'd assume the goal would be for Gebert and Burns to suit up tonight. What a game day for those guys, I feel for them. With Victoria scheduled to play in Surrey tonight it would be interesting to know if the Grizzlies were on the road yet, and if the two players were with them.

Andy Smith, as reported earlier is off to the Notre Dame Hounds of the SJHL.

On the Broadcast tonight - My first intermission guest will be former Clipper and Nanaimo native Warren Muir.

John Harding, the play-by-play voice of the Westside Warriors will be my second intermission guest.

Catch the pregame at 7:15 and the play-by-play at 7:30 from the Frank Crane. I'm alone on the air but Dan Tisserand "the stats man" will be accompanying me compiling individual and team stats throughout the contest.


Hammer

HUGE weekend for Dogs starts tonight

What a big weekend for the Dogs - three games in 2 and a half days!

It all starts tonight as they head to the Frank Crane Arena for their third meeting of the season with the Clippers, but the first on Nanaimo ice.

They have a one point lead on the Clippers as they head to the Frank Crane Arena tonight. It's Nolan Graham's home town. They are winless in four. This is a big one.

Some news items - Andy Smith is already gone for Nanaimo, leaving saying he didn't like it there.

Loic Boivin is injured, Mark Segal will get the start in net.

And Port Alberni Native Myles Fitzgerald will suit up for the Clippers.

Read about all of the above and more, from this article by Michael Rhode in the Nanaimo Daily News "Graham makes his return home tonight"


After tonight the Dogs return home as they have the Westside Warriors visiting the Pound tomorrow night - don't forget the Post Game Show live at Boston Pizza following the game - and then Sunday afternoon the Penticton Vees (ranked 4th in the Nation) pay the pound a visit for the PINK IN THE RINK game.

Busy busy!


Hammer

"Clippers posess know-how after beating Bulldogs", Angels Cookbook!

An interesting look from the other side of the puck with some comments from Clippers players and coach Bill Bestwick from the Nanaimo News Bulletin can be found by clicking the following link... Greg Sakaki wrote the story which can be FOUND HERE

AND, Angel Magnussen is coming out with a Celebrity Cookbook (even I got asked to submit a recipe!!) with proceeds of course going to charity...Read more in this article from the Alberni Valley Times by Heather Thompson "Cookbook profits will support pediatric patients"

Way to go Angel!

And thanks Danno for the links!

Hammer

The Bulldogs @ Pathways

Its been about 3 or 4 years now that the Bulldogs have had a part in Pathways, without a doubt the biggest collection of die hard Bulldog fans in Port Alberni.

This is the highlight of the year for everyone that comes to Pathways, they literally every year finish their Bulldogs party and the next day start planning the next one!

Another great example of the team going the extra mile to make a positive difference in the community. Way to go Bulldogs!!


Hammer


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Midget Dogs, Bantam Dogs, Bulldog Game Day Winners, Stephen Pattison Update...

BANTAMS SPLIT

In weekend action at home the Bantam A Bulldogs outscored their opposition by 13 to 3, coming away with a lopsided victory over

Oceanside and then falling one goal short in a 3-2 loss to Powell River.

On Friday, Oceanside woke the Alberni team up by scoring in the first minute of play. The Bulldogs responded by controlling play and shutting out the visitors for the rest of the game.

At the top of the scoring were Corey Beecroft (2G, 3A), Connor Gagnon (2G, 2A) and Logan Savard (2G, 2A). The final score was 11-1.

It was different story on Saturday as the Bulldogs speedy forwards had trouble finding a hole in the Powell River defence. Powell River scored at 15:20 of the first period and again at 17:42 of the second. Liam McLeod got Alberni Valley on the board at 15:51 of the second assisted by Austin Smith and Spencer Pierce. Powell River went up by 2 early in the third period. Then at 12:31 the Bulldogs power play got them close. Beecroft and Beau Wilson got the puck on goal and Pierce was able to pull a rebound back from the goalie and put it in the open side of the net. However, in spite of some good chances for Alberni, that was the last goal of the game.

____________________________

MIDGET BULLDOGS MAUL KINGS

The midgets took the ferry ride to play Powell River Kings in their last placement round game on Saturday October 17^th.

There was no score in the first period, but the Bulldogs wasted no time getting on the Board in the second. Dylan Haugen scored the first of four unanswered goals at 19:33 with an assist from Jeff Dagg. At 11:43 it was Keenan McConnell from Carson McCulloch, then Dagg on the power play unassisted at 9:03 and Luciano Somerville to go ahead 4-0 at 6:02. Powell River scored twice to end the period at 4-2.

After that penalties became a factor as the Alberni team had to contend with seven adverse penalty calls in the last 22 minutes of the game. They survived a 5 on 3 at the end of the second, but the Kings scored on power play early in the third period to close within a goal. Less than a minute later McCulloch from McConnell combined to get it back, only to see another Kings power play goal again narrow the difference to one. In the middle of the third the Bulldogs got their own power play opportunity and Bryan Read from the point combined with Brady Janzen and Somerville for the insurance goal and eventual game winner. Powell River used the man advantage for another goal with 4:18 remaining, before Haugen finished it with his second goal to make it 7-5 at the buzzer.

_______________________________________

Safeway Game Day Winners

PRESS RELEASE

October 20th 2009
The Alberni Valley Bulldogs are proud to have Safeway as a sponsor and would like to thank them for their continued support.

Congratulations to Steve White and Mr.Andow for each winning a 250.00 gift card in the Safeway Frisbee Toss during the 2nd intermission.

Also the Bulldogs would like to thank Ron Gray for donating a Willow Chair for a free draw during the Bulldogs game on October 3rd. Congratulations to Bob Perkins on winning the chair.

______________________

Here's a great email (that's WAY to kind to me, but I think it's neat to read the words from the parent) and a great article on former Bulldog Stephen Pattison.

I love "Patti" even though he's been sending me condescending messages lately on my BlackBerry about the Phillies beating the Dodgers! Way to go Patti, and thanks so much for the nice note Phil!!

Howdy Hammer,

I still check back with your blog etc. to see how the Bulldogs are doing. I even listen occasionally to hear Rick and yourself describe the Bulldog games. For what it’s worth, both the quality of your play by play and the sound quality itself are tremendous!

I enclose a Word document of an article from the St. Catharines Standard http://www.stcatharinesstandard.ca/ - Sports - that I copied from Saturday October 17, 2009. It turns out Stephen assisted and then scored the winner short-handed in a 2-1 win over the Windsor Lancers and then tied the game on Friday past in the last minute allowing the Badgers to ultimately win their fourth in a row early in this year’s season. From a Dad’s perspective, Stephen’s perseverance over his career has allowed him to sample a great number of hockey experiences. Never the best, arguably very often in the bottom third, he has put up with the healthy scratches, very spotty ice time etc. and now seems to be having a decent year. You will have to mention to Tom McEvay the possible medical school thing – I’m sure it will surprise him as I was knocked over myself! Last year Stephen mentioned to me his goal of achieving ‘Academic All-Canadian” (80 avg. and playing a CIS sport), a goal he obtained at the end of last year.

Perhaps I’m boring you to death, and if I am I apologize. The Alberni Valley was very important to Stephen’s development and it is a debt that I will forever remember. Perhaps the community would like to know what’s happening with an individual they touched and has since moved on. I know Stephen has a big place in his heart for all his friends and colleagues he met while there.

Keep up the great work – you are also a big asset to the Alberni Valley.

Sincerely,

Phil Pattison

Hockey Badgers reverse pre-season record

Shootout win puts Brock at 4-0 to start season

Posted By ROD MAWHOOD, Special to The Standard

Posted 1 day ago

The Brock Badgers men’s hockey team is quickly adding to the notion that pre-season hockey doesn’t mean a thing.

Brock went 0-4 in exhibition play, but two weeks into the regular season the Badgers are a perfect 4-0 after battling back to beat the Waterloo Warriors 4-3 in a shootout in their home opener Friday night at Seymour Hannah Sports and Entertainment Centre.

Third-year forward Stephen Pattison sent the game into overtime, scoring his second goal of the season at the 18:35 mark of the third period. He’s a prime example of perseverance paying off.

The 23-year-old Red Deer native played in just 17 games in his first year at Brock, recording one goal. He played in 25 games last season, netting two goals and an assistm a total he’s reached in just four games this year.

“Honestly, it’s kind of a dream come true,” Pattison said. “In my first year, I didn’t see a lot of ice time and then last year I got moved up to forward and really didn’t see a lot of ice-time in the first half of the year.

“By the end of the season, I was more of a checker, more of a guy that was taking on the other team’s top line, and not getting a lot of scoring opportunities. Now, to be put out there (in the final minute of the game), it's a honour to me.”

Head coach Murry Nystrom and assistant Ryan Lounsbury rave at Pattison’s dedication on and off the ice.

“He’s improved so much,” Nystrom said. “His strength, his feet are quicker, and he's a very reliable, responsible player.

“He can get the pucks. He’s good along the boards. He’s come along way as a player and he's one of those guys that when he’s not in the lineup, you really miss him. You’re always looking for him.

“Tonight, it was nice for someone like him to be in a position where he could make the difference in a game.”

Pattison senses something special in this year’s Badgers.

“My first year was the year we went to nationals (Canadian Interuniversity Sports championships),” said the biology major, who would like to attend medical school in the future.

“This team reminds me a lot of that team. We’re a very tight group. We’re like a family and it’s nice because last year, we got at each other’s throats a few times.”

The Badgers now travel on the road to take on arguably the most talented team in the OUA, the Lakehead Thunderwolves, Friday and Saturday night in Thunder Bay. Brock’s next home game is Oct. 31 against the Windsor Lancers.

Notes: Welland’s Derek Brochu opened the scoring for Brock with his team-leading third goal of the season.… Rookie forward Vince Scott leads the Badgers with five points.… First-year goaltender Mark Yetman made 20 saves and has started in all four games for the Badgers.

The SCOOP

Badgers 4 Warriors 3 (SO)

Standard Star of the Game: Brock Badgers forward Stephen Pattison with his second goal of the season to send the game into overtime.

For the Brock Badgers: Derek Brochu (3), Joe Tolles (3), Pattison (2). Shootout goal: Ryan Allen.

For the Waterloo Warriors: Shane Hart 2; Thomas Cardiff.

Game stats: Shots on goal: by the Badgers on Keaton Hartigan 24, by the Warriors on Mark Yetman 23; Penalty minutes: Brock 12, Waterloo 12; Power plays: Brock 0-for-6, Warriors 1-for-6.

Attendance: 273.

Up next: Brock travels to Thunder Bay next weekend for a doubleheader with Lakehead. They return home Oct. 31 to face the Windsor Lancers at Seymour-Hannah Sports and Entertainment Centre at 7:30 p.m.

_____________________

Awesome stuff! Thanks again to Phil, and to Simon Read for the Midget and Bantam Dogs updates!

Hammer