Video: Keith Ballard KO's Tomas Vokoun.....

...Of all the weird things I've seen, this might take the cake.

Dogs back in National Rankings with "Honorable Mention" Dec 1 carding deadline, Grey Cup Golf

The latest CJHL Top 20 Rankings are out, and the Alberni Valley Bulldogs are back again in "Honorable Mention" category.

The Vernon Vipers retain their #1 ranking from last week, while the Penticton Vees fall from 5th to 6th. The Surrey Eagles fell from 13th to 18th.

Also receiving an honorable mention along with the Dogs - the Westside Warriors.



The BlackBerry's of most of the BCHL GM's (and the rest of the CJHL's GM's) will no doubt be very active over the rest of today with the December 1st Hockey Canada carding deadline coming up Midnight December 1st.

Will the Dogs make any moves? I don't know, phone the GM! (Actually don't he's probably pretty busy, haha)

All I'm trying to say is - I certainly don't know if any moves are planned. And I'm not going to speculate. I'm like the rest of you, waiting for a press release to see what the Dogs and the rest of the league do. If anything. Sometimes the best move you can make is no move at all. And sometimes the worst move you can make is standing pat. It's all a crap shoot!






What an AMAZING DAY yesterday at the Alberni Golf Club for the Grey Cup Golf Classic!

Just a couple rain drops, mixed with a little sunshine and cloud. For the end of November in the Alberni Valley, you can't ask for any better weather.

And you also couldn't have asked for any better conditions at the Alberni Golf Club. The course was in immaculate shape.
THE MC with the mostest, Bruce MacDonald, holding court and giving away the prizes will probably ripping me about my game.

Hey Bruce - my short game is much improved. I'm very coach-able, HA!

Huge thanks to my great teammates - Head Pro Bruce MacDonald, David Turner, Paul Malcomson, and Nolan Graham. We had a lot of fun, and we actually played some pretty good golf.

Bruce showed a couple of times "why his name is on the door" and David showed why his name used to be.

Paul, Nolan, and myself showed why our names NEVER will be.

HOWEVER - we all hit our fair share of good shots.

Back to the incredible weather yesterday - it was SO GOOD , that part of our team decided against watching the game and eating the amazing Alberni Golf Club dinner - because we wanted to play another nine holes. We lost a couple of our teammates who had "important" stuff to do - but the rest of us forged on and played the front nine again, it was just such a good time.

Thanks again to Bruce and Kathy and all the great staff at the course, just always a great time out there.

Here's hoping the weather for the SuperBowl Golf Classic is just as good! Yesterday was pretty far removed from the year when they had to shovel the greens before anyone played! True story that one!

Go Riders

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Grey Cup Classic

What an incredible day at the Alberni Golf Club





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Dogs 4 Caps 3....

The Alberni Valley Bulldogs won their fourth in a row, 4-3 over the Capitals on the strength of a good second period last night at the Island Savings Centre in Duncan.

Matt Hatch got the Dogs off to a 1-0 start with a shorthanded marker before the game was four minutes old. The Caps came back less than two minutes later scoring on a 5 on 3 to knot it at 1-1.

The Dogs would own the second, scoring three times to lead 4-1 after 40. Goal scorers were Mitch MacMillan, Casey Bailey, and David Dziurzynski.

The Caps made a game of it scoring seven minutes into the third to make it a 4-2 game, but they couldn't get any closer than that until they found the net on a scramble with 45 seconds to play to trim the gap to 4-3. After that the Dogs sealed things up and didn't allow the Caps a chance to get the equalizer.

With the win, the Dogs are 4 and 0 against the Caps this season, and they have won four games in a row.

The points picked up were big ones, as the Dogs are now two points behind the Conference leading Surrey Eagles, with two games in hand on them.

That's enough hockey talk for now.... A nice day off today that will be spent at the Alberni Golf Club as we tee up the Grey Cup Golf Tournament!

Go Riders!!

Hammer




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That's one big shopping cart!

I'm not sure what the deal is, but I'll try to figure out!



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Game Day Chat - Dogs @ Caps

No changes to the line up for the Dogs tonight.

Scott Lewan starts in net.

Here's the game day chat.

AVB win streak at three, Dogs @ Caps tonight.

What a comeback last night as the Dogs rallied from a two goal hole in the second period to beat the Victoria Grizzlies 4-2 for their third straight win.

Casey Bailey was the first star of the game, scoring the winner with ten minutes to play and then the insurance marker with five minutes to go.


Here's a full story on last night from Sharie Epp in Times Colonist...."Bulldogs gain revenge on Grizzlies"


We've got it all for you on 93.3 The Peak FM tonight from the Island Savings Centre in Duncan with the pregame show at 7:15 and the puck drop at 7:30.





My first intermission guest with be Bulldogs D Man Luke Fenske.

I will re-air the Bulldog Alumni Interview with Doug Krantz in the second intermission, as I've had so many requests from people that missed it.

Dogs 4 Grizzlies 2

Casey Bailey was the hero as the Dogs erased a 2-1 hole after two periods to beat the Grizzlies 4-2 at the Pound for their third win in a row.

More later


Hammer
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Victoria Grizzlies add Ryan Holfeld

(image: whl.ca)

I have just confirmed that the Grizzlies have added 20 year old goalie Ryan Holfeld.

As far as I can see, Holfeld played 2 games this season with the Tigers.

Check out his WHL numbers here

He will start for the Grizzlies tonight.

Breaking News - Tiger Woods injured in car accident. More notes on tonight...

Crazy story here. 2:30 this morning Tiger Woods was pulling out of his driveway and ended up seriously injured after striking a fire hydrant and a tree. Yet alcohol isn't believed to be a factor?

Check the story at cbc.ca by clicking here

Update - he has been released per cnn.com




For more stuff on tonight and tomorrow, visit the Bulldogs website to read my preview article here


I'm testing the posting my line up card.

I've received some requests about game day line ups here on the blog - who's in and who's out. I am able to click the below image, and once it opens click it again to make it full size. Hopefully it works the same for you.



Sam Mitchell is banged up and is "day to day"

Warren Muir is out for up to a month after getting injured blocking a shot Sunday against Merritt.

Sean Robertson has been out since game 1 of the season after he broke his femur in Nanaimo.

A word of caution when it comes to the information available in the BCHL regarding injuries - it's next to NONE, unless it's regarding the team you follow.

As broadcasters we sometimes don't get the scratches until moments before puck drop.

Hammer

Dogs host Grizz, Daniel Moriarty and Doug Krantz interviews, upcoming community events....Nolan Graham interview link.

The Dogs are back at it on home ice tonight as they host the Victoria Grizzlies for the second time this season, the first was way back on September 18th, their home opener - a 3-1 Dogs win.

The Dogs have a solid 2-1-0-1 record against the Grizzlies this season, however -the most recent game was last Wednesday, a 3-0 Victoria win at Bear Mountain Arena.

After three straight games head to head in Victoria, it will be nice to see these two teams on Bulldog turf tonight.


Alumni Interviews

It's pretty incredible the amount of feedback I get on these interviews. No less than 15 times since Friday have I received requests and inquiries about the Doug Krantz interview.

I ask most people who approach me if they have a computer, and if they say YES, I say "check the blog, I'll put a link up there for you to listen to it"

But about 4 or 5 people said they didn't have one.

So I've come up with a solution - I will air the Doug Krantz interview again tomorrow night from Duncan. I made the poor decision to air the Krantz interview last Friday at home - when it so happened that there were 1600 or so fans at the Multiplex, the biggest crowd in recent memory. So lots of people missed it. I usually try more often than not to run the alumni interviews while we are on the road but sometimes my schedule of available interviews doesn't always add up right.

SO - My interview with Doug Krantz will run TOMORROW from Duncan.

My interview with former Bulldog Captain Daniel Moriarty will run TONIGHT.

And in the future I'll get that interview up here on the blog or I'll air it again during a road game if the demand is there.

Catch the pregame show tonight at 6:45 on 93.3 The Peak FM or of course through our listen live link on our homepage at www.933thepeak.com


UPDATE

I had a request for a link to listen to the Nolan Graham interview from my morning show yesterday.

Click HERE TO LISTEN TO IT

Friendly reminder - all audio is courtesy and copyright 93.3 The Peak FM and the Jim Pattison Broadcast Group.



I'm always proud of how hard the team works to be community involved. They get out themselves and visit and take part in many community events, and they also help out when it comes to promotions at the rink where they encourage others to help out worthwhile causes.

Here's a list of fun stuff on the way over the next while:



In conjunction with their Grand Opening December 5th, Beaver Creek R/C is proud to host the Bulldogs Teddy Bear Toss that night as the Dogs host Powell River.

Bring a Teddy to the game, and when the Dogs score their first goal throw that furry bad boy onto the ice.

The Teddy Bears will be delivered by the Bulldog players the following week to West Coast General Hospital, Fir Park, Echo Village, Kuu-us Crisis Services, and the Salvation Army.

Join the Alberni Valley Bulldogs and ADSS in their Food Drive efforts December 8th as the Dogs host the Cowichan Valley Capitals.

Bring a non-perishable item to the game and have a chance to win a turkey or ham!

And last but not least -

Come on out and join the

EVERYONE WELCOME FREE WINTER WONDERLAND SKATE WITH THE BULLDOGS!

This goes December 16th from 6:30 to 8pm, put it on the calendar.

Thanks Laurie for the heads up on all this!


That's it for now.


Hammer

Happy Thanksgiving Americans, Nolan Graham on THE PEAK this morning, the NHL - founded this day.

First off, to the families of Casey Bailey, Matt Hatch, Nick Cecere, Jesse Halikas and Scott Lewan - HAPPY GOBBLE GOBBLE DAY!

I don't know if the guys themselves are lucky enough to get a second Thanksgiving celebration because they are living in Canada now, but I'm sure at the very least they are missing their traditions with their families today and vice versa. So hope everyone has a great day!

And this of course goes to any other readers in the USA as well.

Don't forget that Bulldogs Head Coach and GM Nolan Graham will be joining me at 8:10am (PST) this morning to chat all things Bulldogs on the 93.3 The Peak morning show.

Catch it on 93.3 The Peak FM, or through our website at www.933thepeak.com


And today in History - a big one for hockey fans.

1917

FOUNDING OF THE NHL Ottawa Ontario - Frank Calder 1877-1943 is elected President of the new National Hockey League, founded on this day. The new League replaces the National Hockey Association, and consists of the Montreal Canadiens, Montreal Maroons, Toronto Arenas, Ottawa Senators & Quebec Bulldogs. Quebec did not to operate that first season. Seven years later, the Boston Bruins became the first US club to get a franchise.

WHL Selects 2 Russia 1

Not a bad game, certainly not what I was expecting as it was 0-0 after 2 periods. Mostly thanks to Russia's goalie.




The game was 2-0 until Russia finally scored with 30 seconds left to make the finish interesting.




6,600 plus at the Save on Foods Memorial Centre for this one. Great crowd.




Hammer



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WHL Selects vs. Russia

From the Save on Foods Memorial Centre


Hammer





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Frank Slubowski story, Nolan Graham 8:10 tomorrow morning on 93.3 THE PEAK, Daniel Moriarty interview coming up..

Here's a great story from today's AV Times about Dogs goalie Frank Slubowski, by Shane Morrow.

Click here to read "Goaltender shows promise heading into second half of BCHL season"

Bulldogs Head Coach and GM Nolan Graham will join me tomorrow to talk about all things Bulldogs, from the action on the ice to the action off to it (see the below posting from earlier today)

I know I talked about it already on the pre and post game shows Sunday, but I need to mention it again for all the Bulldog fans that were in the rink Sunday that missed the broadcast.

I was quite shocked when I walked into the coaches room Sunday to do my pregame interview at about 12:20pm. When I greeted Paul and Nolan I asked them how their morning was and how their sleep was. Mostly because it was at the four games in five days point now, with the team returning late the night before from Duncan. Or early the morning of I guess. Needless to say it was feeling like the team had played 10 games by that point, not 4.I made the mistake of catching some shut eye on the ride home, and when I finally got home I paid for it as I couldn't sleep again until about 3:30am.

The whole reason I was shocked was because Nolan said his morning was great, he had just returned to town after catching a Midget game in Nanaimo!

When I told him he was crazy, he just said that it was a chance to catch a game with a couple teams that he didn't want to pass on.

After a late return from Duncan I don't know how early he would have had to have woken up to get from Port to Nanaimo and back to Port already before the Dogs game, but it must not have been a pleasant wake up.

When it comes to the coach's level of work ethic and passion that he obviously has for the Bulldogs hockey program, it sure makes sense when one sees how hard the players have worked game in and game out so far this season. They are an image of their coach, putting their work boots on every game every practice every day.

I do what I do, and I love doing that I do, because it's just so great to see them get rewarded for all their efforts. And I hope it keeps going!


Speaking of getting rewarded for their efforts...

(image: uscho.com)

One of the hardest working of 'em all. Daniel Moriarty. Not surprised ONE BIT that the above picture is the first I found when searching Daniel Moriarty. He's the guy in Harvard Crimson, wearing the Boston College goalie like he's a wet blanket.

Moriarty is an incredible story any hockey player needs to hear.

I don't want to tell too much because the interview is coming up on 93.3 The Peak pretty quick.

He was playing in the SJHL, going his 20 year old season thinking he needed the exposure the BCHL had to offer. He heard about the great off ice program in Alberni Valley run by Tom McEvay, and said he would love to go to the Island. Lo and behold he ended up in Alberni for 2007-2008.

The season didn't start well for the team, and it didn't start well for Daniel either. He was playing very poor, and didn't have a goal through the first 6 or 7 games of the season. He ended up getting his first in Victoria, I still remember it - going to the net, and getting four cracks on net before finally somehow willing one past the goalie.

Then he caught fire and he starting playing well. He adjusted to the BCHL. But the NCAA offer wasn't immediate. It took all the way to January for the offer to finally come. And how he's in his second year in Harvard, after winning the George Percy Award

The Dogs have done well in their short franchise history of moving lots of guys on like Daniel.

While I always look forward to catching up with the Alumni, my favorite part is watching the current roster working their butts off to be one of the alumni also playing hockey at the next level.

Hammer

WHL Selects vs Russia TONIGHT in Victoria, Bulldogs Press Releases - Corporate Sponsorship, Discounted Season Tickets, Supporting the Bread of Life...

I'm heading down to Victoria tonight with a group from Port Alberni to catch the WHL Selects vs. Team Russia in game 5 of the 6 game Subway Super Series. The CHL has taken the first four games with the QMJHL selects and OHL selects both winning their two games against the Russians. Here's hoping tonight is a good game!

AND I actually get to WATCH a game. Maybe even have a beer while I do it! Yay!





Join the Bulldogs Corporate Team

Press Release
Novemeber 24th 2009

The Alberni Valley Bulldogs are offering you a chance to join the Bulldogs Corporate Team. The Alberni Valley Bulldogs are offering pro-rated sponsorship packages and season ticket packages for the remaining 14 regular season home games of the 2009-2010 season. This is your chance to be a part of a winning team! With attendances averaging over 1350 over our first 16 home games of the season, let us help advertise your business with signage in the Multi-Plex. There are a limited number of rink boards, bleacher banners, end wall banners, and jersey sponsorships available, all for a special pro-rated price..

The Alberni Valley Bulldogs are also offering pro-rated season ticket packages. Bulldogs tickets are great as employee incentives, promotions, give-aways and gifts. As a corporate season ticket holder you will not only have your own seat for the remainder of the regular season, you will also have the first right of refusal on your seat during all 2009-2010 Bulldogs playoff games. In addition, you will also have the first right of refusal on your seats for the 2010-2011 Bulldogs season.

Show your community support by becoming a Bulldogs corporate sponsor today!
For further information on pro-rated corporate packages and corporate season ticket packages contact the Alberni Valley Bulldogs Director of Marketing Laurie Smillie in the Bulldogs office at 250.723.4412.

Good seats won’t last long, call today!

Alberni Valley Bulldogs Hockey Club
3737 Roger Street
Port Alberni, B.C., Canada, V9Y 8E3
Phone: 250-723-4412 Fax: 250-723-4452
www.albernivalleybulldogs.ca


And here's another press release from the team. Cool idea here.




Bulldogs help raise money for the Bread of Life through ticket sales

PRESS RELEASE
November 24 2009

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The Alberni Valley Bulldogs are helping raise money for the local food bank through the sale of tickets at local businesses.

The Alberni Valley Bulldogs tickets can be purchased at Alberni Chrysler, Echo Toyota, Beaver Creek Ace Home Center and Boston Pizza. Tickets will only be available at these outlets during the months of November and December.

Tickets are for sale at a discounted price of $10.00. One dollar from each ticket sold from these locations will be donated to The Bread of Life. Save $3.00 on the price of admission and help support your local food bank. Get your tickets now! Tickets are limited at each location.


Ticket Locations:
Alberni Chrysler
Boston Pizza
Echo Toyota
Beaver Creek Ace Building Center

Grey Cup Golf Classic, Vancouver Giants suite auction for Angel's Cookbook, video andpics and stuff from parents weekend and the road

The Montreal Alouettes and Saskatchewan Roughriders meet for the Grey Cup this Sunday. What are your plans for the game?

Might I suggest a round of golf, followed by a great dinner while you watch the game at the Alberni Golf Club? Yes, its time for the legendary Grey Cup Golf Classic! Here's an email from Gerry Fagan with all the details! Hopefully we'll see you there!

This Sunday November 29^th is the annual Grey Cup Tournament and party.

Please register in the Pro. Shop with your 4,5, or 6 person teams or as a single. The teams can consist of all Men all Ladies or a mixed team. There will be very few rules, just a fun day. Both golfers and non golfers are welcome to join in the activities. If you prefer not to golf come out for the lunch and watch the game on one of two big screen TV’s.

There will be 9 holes of golf with many on course obstacles to overcome.

It all begins with a shotgun start at 12 noon. After golf enjoy one of Alberni Golf Course’s world famous lunches, served by the greatest staff to be found anywhere.

Kick off is 3:15, with the best in the West against the best in the East. There will be 3 or 4 meat draws, at ½ time.

The price for this fun filled day is $ 25 for members and $ 35 for guests. If you come out just for lunch and the game the price is $ 15. This entry fee includes Golf, Lunch, ½ time appy’s and lots of prizes.

See you on Sunday.

One final note! Sunday December 13^th, in the Clubhouse is the 2010 golf draw. It gets underway at 1:30 sharp. The cost is $50 per team.

The Alberni Valley Bulldogs are helping Angel Magnussen raise funds for her cookbook. You and a group of friends could go see a Vancouver Giants game at Pacific Coliseum from a luxury suite!

Click this link to the BULLDOGS WEBSITE FOR MORE INFO!

And here's some random stuff off my computer from the last week or two or three!

Video from the pressbox of the parent introductions...I love the moms meeting their sons!






Some pictures from Cowichan...







"Parents weekend" opens with the parents being introduced to ice level Friday night
From a couple weeks back, my good buddy Jade with a sign from the other side of the rink, "Hi Evan!" HI BACK BUDDY!
The AVB finishing their pregame warm up at the Frank Crane Arena in Nanaimo before a 2-1 double OT win over the Clippers

Hockey Playing Bears, Top 20 rankings, Dogs hold 2nd in Coast. Dogs in schools program..

Wow, how about this story to lead your Monday off..

How the people from PETA don't protest this stuff like crazy I don't know. Actually I do know, it's in Russia, and who has the stones to protest in Russia!

MOSCOW, Russia (CNN) -- A bear on ice skates attacked two people during rehearsals at a circus in Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan, killing one of them, Kyrgyz officials said Friday.

In the incident, which happened Thursday, the 5-year-old animal killed the circus administrator, Dmitry Potapov, and mauled an animal trainer, who was attempting to rescue him.

"The incident occurred during a rehearsal by the Russian state circus company troupe which was performing in Bishkek with the program, Bears on Ice," Ministry of Culture and Information director Kurmangazy Isanayev told reporters.

It is unclear what caused the bear to attack Potapov, 25, nearly severing one of his legs while dragging him across the ice by his neck. Medical personnel were unable to save Potapov, who died at the scene.

The 29-year-old circus trainer Yevgeny Popov, who attempted to rescue Potapov, was also severely injured, according to doctors.

"The victim has sustained serious injuries - deep scalp lacerations, bruising of the brain, lacerations on his body. His condition is considered critical," Dr. Gulnara Tashibekova told reporters on Russian state television.

After the incident, the circus was cordoned off by police and emergency service workers. Experts have been brought in to examine the bear, which was shot and died at the scene.

Russia has a long-standing tradition of training bears to perform tricks such as riding motorcycles, ice skating, and playing hockey. Fatal attacks are unusual.




JUST a thought - maybe what they put the Bears through is a little too much? I'm not a fan of this stuff, but it's still pretty incredible to watch.







It seems there was more than bragging rights hanging in the balance Friday night as the Dogs hosted the Clippers.

Apparently there was also a spot in the CJHL Top 20 Rankings (in the honorable mention section at least) as the Dogs fell out of their honorable mention position with a 2-1-1-0 week, which improved their total to 37 points, a four point cushion in holding 2nd in the Coastal Conference.

The Clippers ran their unbeaten streak to nine with the win over the Dogs on Friday, but then promptly lost 5-2 to Westside on Saturday at home to sit tied for 4th in the Conference with Langley with 31 points. The Clippers this week picked up a spot in the honorable mentions.

Vernon remains 1st, the Vees fell from 5th to 6th spot, and the Surrey Eagles fell from 11th to 13th. The Clippers and Warriors pick up honorable mentions.



Click here to READ THE FULL RANKINGS




The Bulldogs in school program is a pretty special one. To read up on what it's all about, click this link to the story on the BULLDOGS WEBSITE

I love the picture of David Dziurzynski playing floor hockey with the kids, he looks 9 feet tall!



That's it for now.

Hammer

Dogs 3 Cents 2

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Dogs 6 Caps 1

The AVB got back in the win column tonight with a 6-1 win over the Capitals at the Island Savings Centre on the strength of four goals from Mitch MacMillan.



That's one way to break out of a slump!



Johnny Rogic and Mark MacMillan added the other markers.



Scott Lewan picked up his first career win in goal. And he had to be pretty good in the first as the Dogs gave up way to much defensively with Lewan coming up with point blank and breakaway stops on Anthony Perdicaro and Nick Anderson when the game was 1 and 2 nothing in favour of the Dogs. One of those goes in and its a completely different game. Instead he makes some big saves and the Dogs keep filling the net at the other end, leading 4-0 after the first.



Laurent Brossoit would replace Alex Peck for the final two periods, and he did a good job to keep it close.




Next up - the Merritt Centennials tomorrow afternoon at the pound. Get it on The Peak with the puck drop at 2:30.



More alumni stuff - Bulldog Dman Stephen Pattison - now with the University of Brock Badgers - will be my second intermission guest.



And how about this final stat - with the win tonight the Dogs have already equalled their season total from last year. And they aren't even halfway through this one.



Way to go Dogs!



Hammer





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Dogs @ Capitals game day chat, Island Savings Centre Video

AVMHA tag day, Bulldogs @ Capitals

Out buying provisions for todays roadie I ran into some of the guys and gals from Alberni Valley Minor Hockey out for tag day. Spare some change if you can please!

The Alberni Valley Bulldogs try to snap a 3 game losing streak as they visit the Island Savings Centre for the first time this season. The Capitals doubled up Merritt at the stick last night by a score of 6-3. Since losing 8-3 to the Dogs at the Pound on November 10th, they've won 2 of their last 3.

Nothing against the good folks at Island Savings, and I understand how the corporate naming rights bring in needed funds. But I'm all about REAL NAMES. Like "the big stick"

For those that don't know like some of the parents of new Bulldogs that might read the blog, the biggest hockey stick in the world is bolted to the outside of the rink.

Pictures after we arrive, I promise.

My first intermission guest tonight will be Bulldogs D man Brody Lynott.

Merritt Centennials play-by-play voice Alex Grebenyk will be my second intermission guest.

Get it all on 93. 3 The Peak FM at 7:15 with the pregame show followed by the play-by-play at 7:30.

Listen live wherever you are in the world through the link on our homepage www.933thepeak.com

Hammer

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What a game. Clippers 4 Dogs 3 in double OT

Where to start?

The biggest crowd at the pound in a long time?

The Sam Mitchell vs. Carson Schell captain vs captain scrap TWO seconds into the game?

Bill Bestwick returning the "Bestwick wave" from the fans on other side of the rink in the delay that followed?

The 19 power plays in total?

The Clippers fan bus making noise in the pound?



The Clippers won 4-3 in double OT, their second straight 4-3 overtime win in Port Alberni in a penalty filled affair. Luc Olivier Blain would give the Clippers a 1-0 lead banging a rebound home in front on the 5 on 4 power play seconds after the Dogs had got one man out of the box. The Dogs would even the game at 1-1 on the second of back to back power plays when Sam Mitchell tipped in a Kevin Ross point shot.

Before the celebration even died down it was 2-1 Clippers 38 seconds later as Cody Bremner put a perfect shot short side bar down on Frank Slubowski. The Dogs would out shoot the Shipmen 17-6 in the first yet trail 2-1 into the second as they couldn't buy a goal off of several scrambles around Loic Boivin.

The Bulldogs would tie the game at 2-2 with the only goal of the second period when Sam Mitchell found a loose puck in the slot and patiently steered it home. No assists would be given on the goal as referee Ryan Benbow said the Clippers had scored on their own net. After further review on our replay it looked clearly like Mitchell scored the goal. Assists on the play would have went to Kevin Ross and possibly Josh Mitchell as it was Josh's shot that was blocked and caromed back to Ross at the right point where his slapper ended up being blocked and found by Sam in the slot.

The Bulldogs took their first lead of the game just short of five minutes into the third on a goal that the Clippers protested, as Jesse Halikas found Matt Hatch alone in front with a pass off the end boards where he would put a five hole deke home to make it 3-2. My only guess on a Clipper protest would be that they wanted an icing call. In the linesman's defense they might have ruled no icing as it appeared Johnny Rogic was battling a Clipper stick as the pass arrived. The Dogs would go the penalty box three straight times to open the third, but their penalty kill was solid as they held the Clippers off the board for the first two chances. The third would be one too many as Nicholas McIntyre let a one-timer go off a carom from a Mark MacMillan shot block that found the back of the net with 9 minutes to go to tie the game at 3-3.

The Bulldogs would then have a glorious chance to win the game late with a 5 on 3 power play for a full minute with 90 seconds left in the third.

The best chance to win it in regulation came with less than 30 seconds on the clock when Mark MacMillan put a shot off the post from in tight that bounced out of play.

The Clippers would kill the remainder of the Bulldog power play to open overtime, and then a minute later it was the Dogs turn to kill as the Clippers went to the power play and had several great chances as all of a sudden Frank Slubowski was very busy.

The Dogs would kill it off and the game went to double overtime, where the Clippers would win it on a 2 on 1 with Cody Bremner putting a beauty cross ice pass to Joe Perry who one-timed a slap shot into the open side before Slubowski could get over.

My good buddy Al (even though he's a Clipper fan) who was in attendance sent me a message and said it was karma coming back to the Dogs for their third goal, as he thought the Clippers winner might have been offside. I didn't notice it on the play nor did Rick but interesting none the less. I actually went and looked at the replay and it's just too close to call. In the end I'll go with the lineman on it as he was right in position on the line.

Crazy game, albeit entertaining with a great crowd. It almost like a football game at times with the special teams playing such a huge part. It was as if one team would get possession of the ball for a while to try and march one into the net, and then the other team would get a crack and back and forth.


Up tomorrow, it's the Dogs visiting the Cowichan Valley Capitals. For now, I really need a bed!

Good night.

Great game, good efforts put out by both teams, great crowd from both sides of the puck.

Hammer

Parents!

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Hope to see you there!

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Get there EARLY - Dogs host Clippers, parents weekend, Doug Krantz interview, SHAW tailgate party, Boston Pizza post game show

What a title, on what it quite the weekend for the Alberni Valley Bulldogs.

Fresh off a 3-0 loss Wednesday night in Victoria that snapped their winning streak at five games (the first such winning streak since the last 5 wins of the infamous 20 game win streak during 05-06) the AVB host the streaking Nanaimo Clippers who are winners of four in a row. They are winners of 7 of 8 games, going unbeaten over the stretch with one tie in Salmon Arm being the only blemish.

This is a special weekend off the ice, with no less than 15 players having their parents, step parents, grandparents, brothers, cousins, aunts ETC in town from all over North America to see their boys play! All of the families present will be introduced on the ice starting at 6:45 so please make it to the rink early if you can to give them a nice welcome! The players will be presenting their families with Bulldog gift bags.

More incentive to get there early, beside the families being introduced on the ice...
Game day sponsor SHAW is throwing a Tailgater' in the parking lot of the Multiplex, serving up Burgers and Dogs under the tent so come rain, sun, shine, or monsoon!

As I mentioned last night they will also be auctioning off a HD PVR for charity, with the auction ending at the start of the first period.

Catch the pregame on 93.3 The Peak at 6:45, with the puck dropping at 7:00.

Tonight's first intermission guest is Casey Bailey, the second is former Bulldog Doug Krantz (with some great flo' going on down below) now with Cincinnati Cyclones of the ECHL so don't miss them!

Last but not least - don't forget the Boston Pizza post game show live at BP's after the game with myself and Nolan Graham on the air and the rest of the Bulldogs making their way down as well.



I say predicting is for Nostradamus, but when I interviewed Clippers play-by-play voice Dan Marshall he said that overtime was a good prediction for tonight, with the last two games between these teams needing extra time. The Dogs won most recently, 2-1 in double OT at the Frank Crane Arena on October 23rd on a Matt Hatch winner. The week prior, Andy Smith scored the winner for the Clippers in the first overtime period at the pound for a 4-3 final.



Hammer

Bulldogs Parents to be introduced on ice tomorrow night! And SHAW's Tail Gate Party kicks off at 5:30!

Just talked to Bulldogs Director of Marketing and Game Days Laurie Smillie, who informed me that the Bulldogs parents will be introduced tomorrow night on the ice starting at 6:45pm to kick off parents weekend!



Pretty cool stuff! So please take note and spread the word to one and all to come to the rink a little early to give the parents a nice welcome in front of a good crowd!!




Remember 6:45....6:45 the ceremonies start!!




AND don't forget that the SHAW tailgate party kicks off rain or shine or snow under the tent at 5:30 with free hot dogs and hamburgers!




AND - SHAW will be auctioning off a HD PVR. The price starts at zero, and the auction ends beginning of the second period. Value is $500.00 with proceeds going to charity.



Laurie says she'll be watching and the second the puck hits the ice for the second period the auction is OVER!



I think that's all for now.




And oh yeah - the Dogs host the Clippers tomorrow ;)




Hammer










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Grizz 3 Dogs 0

The Alberni Valley Bulldogs had their 5 game winning streak snapped with a 3-0 loss to the Grizzlies tonight at Bear Mountain Arena.

The Dogs fell down 1-0 ten minutes in, and then 2-0 with five to play.

The Dogs then got in penalty trouble, down two men for well over a minute. They came up with a big penalty kill, and futher seemed to gain momentum with a goal to make it 2-1. The goal however after some discussion would be disallowed.

The goal would prove to be a huge turning point as the Dogs didn't find the net after that as the Grizzlies added one more on a Jordan Heywood powerplay blast in the second for the 3-0 final.

Save from the 5 on 3 kill and the disallowed goal that followed, the Dogs didn't really have much in the way of offense in this one, generating just 19 shots. The Grizz didn't exactly shoot the lights out either putting 26 shots on net but they certainly out chanced the Dogs.

You can't win them all, and I don't think the Dogs will win many on nights like this one with how they played.

Just my two cents.

Now for my two bits.

I was quite shocked and ashamed - as I said on the air - when a doctor was called over the public address late in the game to the Bulldogs dressing room, which was met with a loud cheer and high fives by a group of Victoria die hards surrounding the broadcast booth.

During a commercial break I opened the door and said to the fans " Did they just call a doctor to our dressing room, and did you all cheer? You should be ashamed of yourselves"

First things first - I've never had a problem in Victoria. Quite the contrary actually. There's a great group of off ice volunteers and office people and game day staffers that I always enjoy chatting with on my trips to Vic.

And they have a great group of diehards that support their team, cheers, chants, rituals and the like. That's awesome stuff.

But if your ritual is to all cheer and high-five when the doctor gets called to a dressing room, yiu might want to take a long look at that one.

Maybe I feel this way because I just saw a player on Sunday get his face destroyed, and his career and life possibly changed as a result.

Maybe its because I know these guys are all kids, and humans, no matter what team they play for. Sons, grandsons, brothers. You get the picture.

In the end it gives me a greater respect and admiration for the fans in Port Alberni. A kid gets hurt from the other team in the Dog Pound, and when he gets up, its to a loud ovation. A kid gets seriously hurt like he did on Sunday, and I receive dozens of emails, texts, and phone calls from Bulldog fans into the night inquiring about the health of the Burnaby player and sending him well wishes.

Best fans in the league.

I'm not painting all the Grizz fans with the same brush, and I'm in now way attaching their actions to the organization in any way. So don't take it that way.

I'm just hoping maybe one or two of the people that cheered when the doctor was called will reflect a bit. Hey, I get fired up to and get caught in the emotion of things too. But I NEVER get my excitement from kids getting hurt. And neither should you.

Hammer

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Game Day Chat

Dogs in Victoria to start 4 games in 5 days

A busy week for the Alberni Valley Bulldogs begins tonight as they visit the Bear Mountain Arena for the third time already this season to face the Grizzlies.

The Dogs are unbeaten against the Grizzlies with 2 wins and a tie.

The Dogs started their current 5 game winning streak with a 4-2 win at Bear Mountain Arena on November 6th.

The game day chat will be back tonight, as it is for all road games. It's not for some, it's not for all, but it's open to all who want to come and hang and chat and listen to or watch the game.

Here's a story on the Victoria side of the puck from the Times Colonist by Sharie Epp, mostly focusing on Grizz Goalie Richie Virtanen.

Click here to read "Virtanen coming up big for Grizz"

And from the Bulldogs side of the puck from the Alberni Valley Times by Shane Morrow, mostly focusing on Mitch MacMillan

Click to read "Dog Pound: An opportunity to get to know the Bulldogs"

Oddly, there isn't a mention at all about the game tonight.

Oh well here goes then -

PREGAME 7:00. PUCKDROP 7:15. All on 93.3 The Peak FM.

My second intermission feature guest is Dan Marshall, the play-by-play voice of the Nanaimo Clippers, here to play the Dogs at the Pound on Friday.

Some Alberni Valley Bulldogs alumni interviews on the way over the next couple of games include Doug Krantz and Stephen Pattison, stay tuned!

Here's a look at the Bear Mountain Arena to better paint the picture for you tonight on what the rink looks like, etc.

Video - Watson saves the day, MacMillan wins it

Here's some of the highlights from Friday's double overtime. Great call by Rick on the Watson poke check. I was fooled with how it looked when it happened because he lost his stick as well.

It's been a long time since I've heard that kind of "pop" out of the crowd when that one went in and saw arms go up like that.

Awesome!

Bulldogs still "honorable mention" in Nationwide rankings, VIDEO - Friday's winner, Marcello Ranallo interview...

The Dogs didn't receive any more love from the CJHL ranking folks when it comes to the latest National Rankings. They are still an "honorable mention" which is nothing to sneeze at of course. However, I still hoped that three wins in three games since last weeks rankings might have bumped them into the top 20. No, the rankings don't really mean anything. But they are a nice recognition to the team for their efforts and a nice bragging point for the fans and the community.

The Vernon Vipers went up to #1 in the country, the Vees fell from 3rd to 5th, and Surrey fell from 9th to 11th. The Westside Warriors are now on the honorable mention list as well, with back to back wins over Penticton - the second a 7-3 thumping.

Click here to read the full release from BCHL.ca



I'm still working on some video of Friday's double overtime winner. Be sure to check back! Here's an image from the video to tide you over. Just love the emotion from the crowd!!





It was a pleasure to catch up with Marcello Ranallo for our second intermission show yesterday.

Here's a copy of the interview by request.

A kind reminder. All audio is courtesy and copyright 93.3 The Peak FM and the Jim Pattison Broadcast Group.

click to listen - Marcello Ranallo interview

And finally, here's a write up from the Alberni Valley Times covering the two Bulldog games this weekend.

Click to read the article by Dwayne Stern titled "Bulldogs chalk up two more wins at Multiplex"

That's it for now!

Hammer

Dogs win 5th in a row

The Alberni Valley Bulldogs won their fifth in a row for the first time this season with a 4-1 win today over the Burnaby Express at the Dog Pound.

The game started slowly, and the offense was even further behind it, as it took until the 14:42 mark of the second for the games first goal to go on the board. The AVB took a 1-0 lead on a hard working goal as Johnny Rogic found a loose puck at the top of the paint after a first chance had hit the post, and lifted it over Harrison May.

The second goal wasn't far behind the first as the Express scored a beauty on a three way passing play just thirty seconds later to tie the game at 1-1 with Jimmy Gerrin drove the net and tipped one home from Brad Reid and Colby Kulhanek.

The Dogs took a 2-1 lead on a great play by Mark MacMillan getting the puck up the left wing for David Dziurzynski, who found Kevin Ross for the perfect pass as he jumped on the breakaway chance and went backhand past Harrison May with less than two to play in the second.

The Dogs would throw plenty of shots on net pushing for the equalizer in the third period, and they would finally get it with just over five minutes to play in the game as the Express and Harrison May did a good job to keep it a one goal game. The 3-1 goal would come on a pretty three way passing play by the Dogs as Jesse Halikas found Matt Hatch in the right circle. Hatch turned his back to the net and found Johnny Rogic with a cross ice pass that he buried high glove side on May for his second of the game. Burnaby's comeback hopes were further dashed when Alex Petan picked up four minutes for high sticking. The Dogs made it 4-1 in the first half of the double minor as Mark MacMillan went backhand top shelf from in tight with Mitch and David Dziurzynski getting the assists with 2:22 left.

The game had several scary incidents with players getting hit by pucks, with one of them having painful consequences. As Express play-by-play broadcaster Eddie Gregory said to me via text message after the game - "what a difference and inch or two makes"

In the first period Warren Muir went down to block a shot from Chris Van Duynhoven that struck him in the visor, shattering it. Besides maybe being a little rattled, Muir appeared to come out of it OK and continued to play after getting a new visor. In the third period, Luke Fenske let a shot go from the blue line that appeared to hit an Express stick in front before hitting Chris Van Duynhoven in the face. He would fall to the ice and writhe in pain in a very scary sight for the fans at the Dog Pound.

After getting several emails and texts inquiring about Van Duynhoven's well being after the game I again got an update from Eddie Gregory, who said that it appeared to be a jaw broken in two places after X Rays at West Coast General Hospital. Eddie said the puck struck him just below the bottom lip. The ovation the Dogs fans gave Van Duynhoven and the care for his well being wasn't lost on the Express, as Eddie said to pass on thanks on behalf of the Express saying "You folks out there in AV are first class and prove again and again to be the best fans in the league"

Thanks Eddie. And I hope "Vandy" is as ok as morphine can make him right now and everyone in Alberni wishes him a speedy recovery.

For the Dogs, it's five wins in a row, second by themselves in the Coastal Conference. And maybe some fans will be like me and they'll be looking for the CJHL Nationwide Rankings tomorrow!

Hammmer



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Dogs host Express looking for 5th win in a row....Marcello Ranallo interview 2nd intermission show

The Dogs look for their 5th win in a row as they host the struggling Burnaby Express, losers of six in a row after they were shut out 3-0 last night in Cowichan.

Congrats to Port Alberni Native Laurent Brossoit for picking up his first career shut out in net after a tough night in the Pound Wednesday where he didn't get a lot of help in the first 35 or so minutes giving up 5 goals against the Dogs.

The Express are hurting in the win/loss column. They have lost six in a row. They have won just 1 of their last 10 games.

If you look at the month of October as a whole, it's simply not pretty - 12 losses in 14 games.

Having said all this, don't take the Express lightly. As the Kings were when they came into town on Friday, the Express will probably be a desperate team. And the Dogs know after Friday how tough a desperate hungry team can be to play against.

The only previous game between these teams was Halloween night in Burnaby, where the Dogs built up a 3-0 lead early in the second on goals by Mitch MacMillan, David Dziurzynski, and Warren Muir. But the Express fought back with a short handed goal, and a 5 on 3 power play goal to make it 3-2 and it was closer the rest of the way than the Dogs would have liked as they needed a Trent Dorais empty netter in the final minute to seal the deal.

Catch it all on 93.3 The Peak FM, and on our website at www.933thepeak.com with the pregame show at 2:15 and the puck drop at 2:30.

Former Bulldog Marcello Ranallo, now at UCONN, will be my second intermission guest!

Hammer