I'm starting to consider post titles for specific days of the week, a practice that some of my other blogger friends use.....
There is just way to much to fit into the title today....and "Friday stuff" isn't very catchy, is it?
First things first - It's the only game in the NHL tonight as the Habs meet the Pens in Pittsburgh.
The magic doesn't die. Habs in 7.
The San Jose Sharks took a 1-0 series lead with a win over the Wings last night at the Shark Tank. The Sharks raced out to a 3-0 first period lead, and in true Sharks fashion they NEEDED it as the final ended up being 4-3.
The Vernon Vipers open up defense of their RBC Cup title tomorrow when they face the host Dauphin Kings. The Vipers are trying to become the first ever RBC Cup Champs to defend their title. They are also trying to become the first Junior A team in the country to win back to back National Titles since the Vernon Lakers won back to back Centennial Cups in 1990-1991.
Good luck Vipes!
If anyone reading this is heading to Dauphin, don't forget to take a trip over to "Amisk" - the 20 foot tall Beaver statue. Last I saw him (her?) it resembled Alvin, from Alvin & the Chipmunks as it was painted to be wearing a sweater with the letter "A" printed on it.
Ah, gotta love Manitoba!
Follow the RBC Cup by clicking this link to the official HOCKEY CANADA site
The Canucks open their Western Conference Semi Final series tomorrow with the 'Hawks at the United Center. If you don't know already, where have you been - you can catch EVERY SINGLE Canucks playoff game from start to finish on 93.3 The Peak FM.
This is pretty funny. Global went into the 'Nucks room and played the Hawks goal song for the players to get their reaction to it. Not surprisingly, they all cringe. Here's hoping it's not heard much in this series.
Sadly I won't be watching the game from the comforts of home tomorrow, as I'll be down in Parksville at the Morning Star Golf Course for this great event....
I will play in the event, and then throw on my MC hat to host the dinner and silent and live auction. If you are looking for a great cause to support, and a great time, give the Gold in the Net folks a call ASAP!
I was unlucky enough to play with Bulldog Goaltender Frank Slubowski last year. Good thing he's a great goalie, because his golf leaves something to be desired. Sorry Frankie!
Don't forget that Trent Dorais' bottle drive goes TOMORROW, from 10am to 1pm (hopefully longer) as he continues his efforts to raise money to travel to Austria this summer to represent Canada as a member of the Canadian Ball Hockey Team. Shoot me a message, leave a comment, call me, heck even come see me - if you have some bottles you need picked up!
Hockey players are THE BEST PEOPLE. End of story. No discussion, no argument. Nothin'
If you want to try and debate it, first read this incredible story from the puckdaddy blog about Washington Capitals forward Brooks Laich. Fresh off an absolutely horrifying Game 7 loss, driving home to begin the healing and forgetting process, Laich stopped to help some Capital fans in need on the side of the road. Just a great great story - READ IT HERE
The schedule for the Conference Semi Finals is now confirmed. Thanks to the folks at the PUCK DADDY BLOG
Of course you can get EVERY SINGLE CANUCK GAME on 93.3 The Peak FM with the pregame show beginning 30 minutes before puck drop!
Last but not least - Trent Dorais and the Canadian National Ball Hockey Team need your help!
Trent made the decision to stay here in Port Alberni and work throughout the summer instead of heading back home. As he said during his interview with me on 93.3 The Peak this morning - "I just love it here, the people are great....friendly, kind, they smile and say "hi" when you are walking down the street"
Now he's hoping that his newly adopted home town can help him raise some money this weekend and this summer.
Here's some background on Trent making the National team, from the Vernon Morning Star Newspaper - CLICK HERE TO READ IT
Trent figures it will take upwards of $2,500.00 to fund the trip to Austria, so he's working hard at fundraising.
His first effort coming up this weekend is a BOTTLE DRIVE on Saturday from 10am to 1pm. He's been going door to door handing out pamphlets over the last couple of weeks to raise awareness - if he hasn't reached you, and you have some bottles that he can come collect, please leave a comment, or shoot me a message bulldogs@933thepeak.com - or even phone the Radio Station 250-723-2455 - and I will put you in touch with Trent.
If Saturday doesn't work for you, or if you anticpate having plenty of empties after another round of Canucks playoff action, you can also head down to the Recycling Depot and donate your haul to Trent's cause as he has opened an account there. Just declare that you are donating to TRENT DORAIS - BALL HOCKEY.
A huge THANK YOU to you all from me, on Trent's behalf!
Thanks to the "Two Ronnies" for the heads up on this one....
Congrats to former Bulldog Aaron Schepers for winning the 2010 Allan Cup with the Fort St. John Flyers.
I remember Aaron best for scoring the game winner in the longest game in Alberni Valley Bulldogs history. "Sheps" as we called him, found the net 4:04 into TRIPLE overtime in round 1 of the 2005-2006 playoffs as the Dogs took a 2-0 series lead with a 4-3 win over the Cowichan Valley Capitals.
The total game time was 94:04, with 34:04 of that obviously in overtime. This was back in the days of an immediate 10 minute overtime period after regulation, THEN a flood, and 20 minute periods afterwards. Of course now it's straight to an ice clean and intermission and a full 20 minute OT.
Congrats SHEPS!
Quite an incredible performance last night by Jaroslav Halak as the Montreal Canadiens forced Game 7 against the Caps with a 4-1 win. The atmosphere was exactly as expected in Montreal - NUTS.
And Go COYOTES GO tonight, as they host the Wings in the desert for Game 7. That one gets going just after 6pm tonight.
Now for a whole bunch of local sports news...
MessageAlberni Valley Youth Soccer to host 68 teams in the 10th Annual Mini World Cup.
Teams from all over the Upper Island will travel to Port Alberni on May 1 and 2 to participate in the 10th Annual Mini World Cup. Teams from Nanaimo, Ladysmith, Oceanside, Comox, Campbell River and Powell River will join Port Alberni and be split into 4 continents to vie for the title. Each continent will be identified by a distinctly coloured t-shirt and points will be accumulated by continent to determine the winner.
Three girls divisions (U9, U10 and U11) will complement the four boys divisions (U8, U9, U10 and U11) in the fun tournament. Each team will play four games over the two days and will participate in a parade at 12:30 Saturday at Bob Dailey Stadium. Teams will also be creating banners for their teams for use in the parade. The top three team banners will receive a prize. Sunday local organizers will be providing lunch for the players.
Closing ceremonies are at 4:30 on Sunday. Sponsor for the event is the Alberni Valley Youth Soccer Association with support from Chances Rimrock Gaming Center. Co-chairs of the Tournament are Linda Rhodes, Val Jacobsen and Ralph Spencer
The Vancouver Canucks are off to the second round of the playoffs for the second straight year, after a 4-2 win in last night's game six in Los Angeles.
For the second straight game in LA the Canucks dug themselves out of a third period hole, and for the second straight game they scored the winner late in the game, this time it was Daniel Sedin with just over two minutes left in third.
The Canucks rest and wait for their second round opponent right now. I will certainly update the blog when the opponent is known and the schedule is out, so be sure to check back often.
For now all I can tell you is that you can catch every minute of the action from every game on 93.3 The Peak FM as we follow the Canucks on their run to the cup!
Here are the two biggest highlights -
Speaking of a run to the cup - congrats to the Vernon Vipers for besting the Spruce Grove Saints in last night's Game 7 in the Doyle Cup Series.
The Saints trailed the series 3-1 but won two straight to force yesterdays winner-take-all game. The Vipers are now not only back to back BCHL Champs, but back to back Doyle Cup Champs as well.
Now they attempt to become the first team to win back to back National Junior A titles since the Vernon Lakers won back to back Centennial Cups in 1990 and 1991. No team has won back to back RBC Cups.
Now - everyone is probably wondering what the congrats to the "Americans" is all about.
That's the Tri City Americans of the WHL of course, as they are off to the WHL Championship Series after a series clinching 5-2 Game 6 win last night at Pacific Coliseum over the Vancouver Giants in the WHL's Western Conference Final.
I was of course cheering for the Giants and former Bulldog Defenceman Luke Fenske. At the same time, I'm very happy for former Bulldogs Head Coach Jim Hiller, now the Bench Boss for the Americans.
Good luck to Jim and the Americans as they face the Calgary Hitmen (who bounced the Memorial Cup host Brandon Wheat Kings in 5 games in the East Final) as they fight for the right to advance to the Memorial Cup.
Huge game tonight as the Canucks try to advance to the Western Conference Semi Finals with a Game 6 victory in Los Angeles as they visit the Kings at the Staples Centre.
If you can't get to a TV, you can get it all on 93.3 The Peak FM with our pregame show at 5:30 and the puck drop and play-by-play to follow just after 6pm.
A Canuck win, and they are off to the second round. A King win, and it's back to GM Place for Game 7. Should be a beauty.
It's an even bigger game tonight in Vernon as the two time defending BCHL Champion Vipers try to make themselves two time Doyle Cup and RBC Cup Champions. It's Game 7 in Vernon after the Saints won Game 6 last night 3-2 to knot the series up at 3-3.
The Vipers if you don't know had a 3-1 series lead earlier in the week. Now it's all down to a one game winner take all. The Bulldogs of course know the painful feeling of holding a 3-1 lead in a series and not closing it out. It's my hope the Vipers don't learn what that feels like too.
Go Vipes!
One quick THANK YOU to the folks from the Alberni Golf Club for inviting me to be their guest speaker at their Junior Open House yesterday.
The horrible weather did little to dampen the spirits of the kids, or to make the parents keep the kids at home as there was a huge crowd on hand.
A cool story out of Brown University today, as former Bulldog Harry Zolnierczyk has been named Captain for the upcoming season. Of course the last Brown Captain was another former Dog - Devin Timberlake was Captain last year.
Cool stuff. Congrats to Harry. And congrats to the Dogs organization.
The Alberni Golf Club JUNIOR OPEN HOUSE goes tomorrow from 1 to 3pm.
It's FREE and open to ANY KID under the age of 18.
Have the kids there by 12:30 if you can, and by 12:45 at the LATEST as they want to be fully underway by 1pm.
Kids will learn about ball striking on the range, about the keys to the shortgame on the chipping green, and about where all the "dough" is, yup putting - on the putting green.
Instruction will come from Head Pro Bruce MacDonald, Assistant Pro Brian Rands, and a variety of other volunteers who know the game!
The best thing about it all is that it's FREE. The second best thing is that the kids will be fed a BBQ lunch afterwards. The third best thing - there will be PRIZES!
For the kids, they probably see things in the reverse order -
#1 WE GET PRIZES! #2 WE GET FED! #3 IT DOESN'T COST MOM AND DAD A CENT!
Get the kids out for this, I went last year and it was a great time!
A HUGE game tonight as the Vancouver Canucks and LA Kings meet at GM Place. With the series at 2-2, it's now quite simply a best of three, with the Canucks holding home ice advantage. Should be another fun one to watch tonight. Or listen to, if you can't get to a TV!
Get it all on 93.3 The Peak FM with our pregame show at 6:30 and the puck dropping shortly after 7pm.
A time change for Sunday's Game 6 - it's now a 6PM START. That's 6pm, PST Sunday night.
Pregame on THE PEAK at 5:30.
The Spruce Grove Saints stayed alive last night with a 3-1 win in Vernon to trail the Doyle Cup Series 3 games to 2. Everyone takes a night off tonight to watch the Canucks game...and then Game 6 goes tomorrow night in Vernon.
Roberto Luongo? Still not great. But the rest of the team sure was. And Luongo was good when he had to be with that huge breakaway stop on Frolov when it was 3-2 Kings. I'm not sure I can remember a more intense game in a good long while. That was NHL hockey at it's finest, in my humble opinion.
What a game it will be on Friday night at GM place!
Here's the highlights from last night!
A huge win last night for the Vernon Vipers as well, as they took a 3-1 series lead with a 6-3 win at home over the the Spruce Grove Saints.
A very tall order for Spruce Grove, as they have to defeat the defending Doyle Cup and RBC Cup Champion Vipers three straight games if they plan to move on to the RBC. Hey, Bulldog fans know all too well that a 3-1 series lead doesn't mean anything...hopefully the Vipers fans don't find that out too!
It's either a 2-2 series heading home with the 'Nucks holding home ice advantage in what would be a best of three. OR it's a 3-1 series lead for the Kings.
Some pretty big stakes. Gotta love playoff hockey!
Get it all on 93.3 The Peak FM tonight with the pregame show at 6:30 followed by the puck drop and the play-by-play shortly after 7 o'clock.
It's an even bigger game in Vernon tonight, as the Vipers lead the Spruce Grove Saints 2-1 in the Doyle Cup Series.
What makes it bigger than the Canucks and Kings game? The fact that the rest of the series will be played in Vernon.
If the Saints go down 3-1....well that's a tough hill to climb at the best of times. Trying to climb it while you are on the road for all the remaining games and you don't get home ice advantage even once? A pretty tall order to say the least.
Well, you aren't going to win a series (or a game for that matter) if you can't kill a penalty, and you can't get a save when you need it. It's that simple. And the Canucks got neither last night.
And they even got jobbed on a call.
Here's the response from the NHL, from the end of the broadcast last night.
Grab a shovel, Mr. Murphy. Incredible.
Luongo - Horrible. H-O-R-R-I-B-L-E. Don't blame the 4th goal on Welwood and Rome. Granted, they were handling the puck like it was a live hand grenade. Still, the puck is 4 feet from your net. Be READY, no?
I'm a perpetual goalie defender. The fact that I've been throwing Luongo under the bus for a while really shows me how bad it REALLY has become. The guy who always always ALWAYS sticks up for the keepers, is FED UP by this one!
I said a while back that he looks like a wet liccorice in there. No battle, so weak, always flopping...The third goal. How does that puck end up behind him, in the first place? It's a point shot that hits him in the hand.
Sorry Luongo lovers, but this guy is such a shadow of his former self., it is downright frightening! Every single shot at the net is an experience to say the least! Does anyone else almost EXPECT every single one to go in?
Remember in the day (not long ago) when you expected not a single one ALL GAME LONG to beat him?
The Vernon Vipers lead the Doyle Cup Series 2 games to 1 after a 3-2 double OT win last night in Spruce Grove as the series now heads to Vernon for all the remaining action.
Good luck Vipes!
It's a 1-1 series as the Canucks visit the Staples Center to face the Kings tonight. If you can't get to a TV, don't worry as you can can get all the action on 93.3 The Peak and our website www.933thepeak.com
Dare I say 3-2 in OT, AGAIN for someone tonight? Should be fun to watch/listen to. I followed most of the first 60 minutes on Saturday night but sadly missed overtime to head to THE TYLER SHOW.
From the sounds of all the talking heads on the TV (that I managed to stomach for a couple minutes) yesterday, the Canucks have a legit beef on the too-many-men call in overtime.
Oh well, that was Saturday, tonight is a new night. Go Nucks!
As excited as I am for the Canucks game, I might be even a little more fired up for the game at the Bell Centre in Montreal starting at 4pm our time. Even if it is on TSN. HA.
Why?
Well let me explain. I always have to do this when it comes to my love of Montreal, because I know not many people out in these parts are too fond of the Habs. Or anything East of British Columbia.
I was BORN a Habs fan. So please allow me to apoligize! My dad was drafted by the Canadiens in 1970, so he was a Habs fan and I grew up in a Habs house. My dad even told me the Habs logo was because of him - "Cal Hammond" the C and the H of the Habs logo he said, were named after him.
Credit to my dad to let me pick my own team when I got old enough to know what was going on.....but I still picked the Habs. The organization and I had a "falling out" of sorts when my hero and idol Patrick Roy and the team parted ways - in less than friendly circumstances. If the Habs weren't good enough for my hero, they weren't good enough for me.....which brings us to an interesting part in my hockey-fandom.
Put it this way - if you are a born and bred BC'er, consider yourself lucky that you could just cheer for "YOUR TEAM"
For some reason - probably a lack of TV coverage - I couldn't cheer for the Colorado Avalanche when Roy was traded there. For the same reason, I couldn't cheer for the Phoenix Coyotes - when the Winnipeg Jets went there. I'm a Manitoba Native. I was never much of a die-hard Jets fan, but at least they were "the team" for us in terms of Geography.
So the Jets up and leave, and this 14 or 15 year old was a confused fan. My hero had a falling out with my cherished team. My local team lost the battle of the economic landscape and the NHL realities at the time, and flew to the desert.
I didn't know who to cheer for all of a sudden.
In the 1993 playoffs I fell in love with a goalie who seemed to make highlight reel save after highlight reel save, who battled harder than any goalie in he game - Curtis Joseph of the St. Louis Blues.
So what happens next? A contract dispute, and Joseph ends up playing in the IHL of all places, in Las Vegas....Thankfully he was eventually traded to Edmonton, and I had a player I could watch again who would get lots of Media Coverage to boot. Outstanding! Those were some fun years to cheer for the Oilers, with upset playoff wins over the heavily favoured Dallas Stars and Colorado Avalanche a couple years apart. I had NEVER been an Oiler fan before, but it wasn't hard to cheer when the team was on CBC all the time, and when they were winning games every once and a while.
Joseph then ended up in TORONTO. GASP. NO. NOT TORONTO.
Remember, I grew up a Habs fan. Cheering for Toronto was a very very very tough thing to do. Until the first game of the season, that is. How can you not cheer for the Leafs if you are actually trying to cheer for them - they were on CBC every single Saturday night. And they had some lengthly playoff runs as well. All was good, it was fun to be a fan for sure. I went from a hater of everything Toronto, to a screaming at the top of my lungs fan. A little odd I concede, but that's the reality in this day and age of big contracts and franchises moving to and fro. You cheer for a player, or a team, or a fanbase. Which in a round about way brings me back to Montreal...
Curtis Joseph goes from Toronto to Detroit. I'm thinking "ok, I've always hated the Wings, but I hated the Leafs too, this won't be a problem"
WRONG.
The Wings were almost never on TV. I couldn't get into it. Cujo was there playing, but I still couldn't cheer. I was REALLY confused now.
I got into the 2003 playoffs on TV. The Vancouver fans inspired me to cheer for the Canucks, all the way from Manitoba. If I remember correctly, it was the year they started singing the National Anthem. Now I had a little Canuck fan in me from 1994 - I have tonnes of relatives in BC, who always drilled into me how great the Canucks were. But seeing the atmosphere in GM Place in 2003 had me on the bandwagon 100%. It was fitting that I moved to BC and the heart of Canuck Nation later that summer.
So that's my tale of hockey woe. Don't feel sorry for me though - I have been VERY VERY lucky to cheer my team, my born and raised and die-hard fan of TEAM to the Stanley Cup. TWICE in fact. 1986, and 1993.
An amazing rush you just can't describe. Now I just hope I can cheer the Canucks to one!
But back to Montreal, where I was taking this from beginning.....
You just don't find fans anywhere else like you do in Montreal. Maybe here in Port Alberni....but no where else in the NHL. The passion that they show there, is just plain at a different level. Which is the reason I cheer for the Habs and enjoy watching Games in Montreal.
A T M O S P H E R E
I love the rush that a crowd can create. And with just under 22,000 fans, no one does it like Montreal. I will be GLUED to my TV for the start of the game today - the team coming on the ice, the first puck drop, etc. I can't wait because I know even through my TV, I will get fired up by the fans there.
The passion there makes it special. Like the Maurice Richard ovation on the night they closed the forum, like the night Saku Koivu returned from Cancer. Some special things have happened on Montreal ice.
Nothing like 22,000 people politely telling the Public Address Announcer - SHUT UP, WE ARE GOING TO CHEER A LITTLE WHILE LONGER, WHETHER YOU LIKE IT OR NOT.
And here's what it will be like tonight! I am fired up!
Todays posting comes to you from the Blackberry, live from Alport Insurance in the 10th Avenue Plaza.
I'm here today for THE PEAK as we are helping to promote their "Customer Appreciation Day" as they celebrate 24 years of serving the valley.
Owned and Staffed by a great group of people who were born and raised in Port Alberni, they are celebrating their customers today because "they wouldn't be here today 24 years later if it wasn't for their great customers"
SO, please come out and take part in all the festivities! They are having a free BBQ, and they are giving away some prizes for those who try their hand at wearing the Drunk Goggles and those who spin the ICBC "Road Sense" wheel.
I'm here with THE PEAK until 3pm so don't delay!
Its a busy day besides this event, as of course tonight is Game 2 in the Canucks vs. Kings series. The 'Nucks lead the best of seven 1-0 after a 3-2 overtime win in Game 1 on Thursday.
If you can't get to a TV tonight, don't fret as THE PEAK has got you covered as we are part of the Canucks Radio Network! Which means - you can catch every single Canucks playoff game on 93.3 The Peak.
We have all the action from GM Place tonight starting with the pregame at 6:30 and the puck drop and all the play by play just after 7:00.
Go Canucks Go!
Another big event tonight is "The Tyler Show" a huge event that is close to sold out as friends, family, and the community at large are heading to the Glenwood Centre to raise funds for the Tyler Dupont Music Bursary Program.
Hopefully we will see you there!
That's it for now, back to work, come visit me at Alport Insurance!!
Hammer
Sent wirelessly from my BlackBerry device on the Bell network.
Envoyé sans fil par mon terminal mobile BlackBerry sur le réseau de Bell.
How about the Green Men? Pretty funny stuff, especially the head stand the one guy pulled off last night. Read more about the Green Dudes from the Canucks website here
And another Canuck tidbit. Sex is ok. According to Coach V, at least. Although he might not be gettning enough.
Read the story by clicking this link to the story from FANHOUSE
Huge congrats to the Alberni Valley Bulldogs organization, as their roster was named as the co-winners of the Alberni Valley Chamber of Commerce's "Youth of the Year" Award at their annual "Community Excellence Awards" night last night.
Another feather in the cap for the organization following up the Dziurzynski, Mark MacMillan, and Warren Muir "good news" we've had as of late. I've said over and over and over how great these guys are in the community, how good of a job the office does in getting the guys out to various events, etc etc. It's nice to see some official recognition, besides me flapping my gums. Way to go Dogs!
Don't forget, game 1 in the Doyle Cup Series goes tonight, in the home of possibly the best south paw goalie in the history of the game - The Grant Fuhr Arena - as the Vernon Vipers meet the Spruce Grove Saints. The winner of the series heads to the RBC Cup in May as the Vipers try to defend their Alberta-British Columbia and Canadian Championships.
The REAL SEASON is upon us! I'm just a little fired up as the Canucks open their playoff run tonight when the Kings visit the Garage.
I don't know about the rest of you, but I think this is going to be a tough tough tough series. The Kings are a lot better than people think. Or so I THINK at least. Hopefully I'm wrong.
Canucks in 7.
Catch every single Canucks game on 93.3 The Peak FM starting with the pregame show 30 minutes before puck drop. The broadcast begins tonight at 6:30 with the puck dropping shortly after 7pm.
How about night 1 of the playoffs? The Senators, Flyers, and Avs - ALL lower seeds - picked up wins to take 1-0 series leads. The Coyotes also picked up a big win in their first playoffs since 2002. I know they are not the lower seed, but lets be real here - are the Wings a true 5th seed with how they played down the stretch?
Yup, I'm wearing PINK as I do the PEAK morning show today!
Today is the day to TAKE A STAND, AND SAY NO TO BULLYING!
Here is the background story on how this day came about. Cool stuff from CBC.CA in 2007
How much steam has this cause picked up in 2010?
Well, I just went to check out the official Canadian website for the cause - www.pinkshirtday.ca and the website has crashed due to TOO MUCH TRAFFIC.
Cool stuff. Rock the pink today!
The Vernon Vipers know their opponents as they attempt to defend their Doyle Cup Championship, after the Spruce Grove Saints beat the MOB 6-0 in last nights Game 7.
Huge congrats to Branden. I will never know why he was let go in the 2008-2009 season by the Bulldog Coaching Staff. I LOVED the kid, he had huge effort, huge heart, and obvious skill to burn. I can still remember how absolutely stunned I was when I heard he wasn't with the team anymore.
But hey, that's why I'm the radio guy and not the coach I guess!
Best of luck to the Vipers.
The Stanley Cup Playoffs open up tonight as Ottawa is at Pittsburgh, Philly is at Jersey, Detroit is at Phoenix, and Colorado is at San Jose.
Pens in 6. Flyers in 6. Coyotes in 7. Sharks in 5.
There's my picks.
No, I'm not running the "Playoff Prediction" game, but if you want your picks known - add them in the comment section so we can keep track.
It was too much work for no gain to play the prediction game before. 95% of people would email me after the deadline to enter picks, everyone had an excuse, etc.
SO - enter your picks below.
Here's the scoring:
TWO POINTS for picking the correct team.
ONE point for having the right amount of GAMES, but the WRONG TEAM.
Outstanding news coming from the Bulldogs today, as one of the classiest and hardest workers to ever wear the sweater is moving on in his hockey career....
Congrats to the Vernon Vipers for defending their BCHL Championship last night with a 3-1 win over the Powell River Kings in Game 7 in Vernon.
The Vipers await the winner of the AJHL Championship, either Fort MacMurray or Spruce Grove.
You are our team now Vipes, go GET 'EM!!
And here's an update from the Alberni Golf Club and their "Men's Club" which goes every Sunday. Thanks as always to Gerry!
A good turnout for the Westwind Pub/Dave Gray Contracting Partner with a Pro competition on Sunday, with 75 men taking part. Darren Van Dyk was the winner, followed by the Club Captain, then Bill Barrett, Dennis Debolt, Bill Morin, Colin Hamilton, Joe Baker, Al Wright, Bob Turner, and in 10th spot David Turner. Cory Nielson and Don Clark were the winners of the draws for gift certificates courtesy of the Westwind Pub. Two draws for $50 each were won by Jim Harper and Tom Thompson. Gerry Toms was presented with $50 from the Men’s Club for his hole-in-one a few days ago. (Thanks for the drinks Gerry,) All prizes may be claimed in the Pro Shop.
In the ball sweep portion on the day, Dave Turner came in with a gross 72, taking home 3 balls. One of the Acland Brothers shot a gross 75 winning 2 balls, One ball each goes to Cory Nielson and Jim Proteau both coming in with 77. On the net side, Dennis Debolt shot 69 winning 3 balls, Bob Turner came in with 70 taking home 2 balls, Mickey Keeley and Darren Van Dyk both shot 71 winning 1 ball each followed by Bill Barrett who carded a 72 claiming 1 ball.
Mr Acland won the Charity closest to the pin on #2 and pocketed $50 for his effort. Other closest to the pin winners were Jeff Dagg on #4, Darren Van Dyk on #13 Jim Proteau on #17 and for his second shot on #11 it was Mickey Keeley. Also congratulations to Mickey Keeley he was the only one to get a birdie on #2 and collected $108. Way to go Mickey.
The Men’s Club would like to thank our sponsors for their generous contribution to this event.
Next Sunday is an open day with the Charity closest to the pin the money pot and ball sweep up for grabs. Book your own tee times starting at 7AM.
Here's your first round match ups. In PACIFIC time to boot!
Western Conference
#1 San Jose Sharks vs. #8 Colorado Avalanche
Game Match-up Date Time Television
1 COL @ SJ Wed, 4/14 7:30 CBC, VS*
2 COL @ SJ Fri, 4/16 7:30 CBC, VS*
3 SJ @ COL Sun, 4/18 6:30 CBC, VS*
4 SJ @ COL Tue, 4/20 7:00 CBC, VS*
5 COL @ SJ Thu, 4/22 7:30 CBC, VS*
6 SJ @ COL Sat, 4/24 TBD CBC
7 COL @ SJ Mon, 4/26 TBD CBC
#2 Chicago Blackhawks vs. #7 Nashville Predators
Game Match-up Date Time Television
1 NSH @ CHI Fri, 4/16 5:30 TSN2, VS*
2 NSH @ CHI Sun, 4/18 5:30 TSN, VS*
3 CHI @ NSH Tue, 4/20 6:00 TSN, VS*
4 CHI @ NSH Thu, 4/22 5:30 TSN2, VS*
5 NSH @ CHI Sat, 4/24 12:00 TSN, NBC
6 CHI @ NSH Mon, 4/26 TBD TSN
7 NSH @ CHI Wed, 4/28 TBD TSN
#3 Vancouver Canucks vs. #6 Los Angeles Kings
Game Match-up Date Time Television
1 LA @ VAN Thu, 4/15 7:00 CBC, VS
2 LA @ VAN Sat, 4/17 7:00 CBC, VS
3 VAN @ LA Mon, 4/19 7:00 CBC, VS
4 VAN @ LA Wed, 4/21 7:00 CBC, VS
5 LA @ VAN Fri, 4/23 7:00 CBC
6 VAN @ LA Sun, 4/25 TBD CBC, VS
7 LA @ VAN Mon, 4/27 TBD CBC
#4 Phoenix Coyotes vs. #5 Detroit Red Wings
Game Match-up Date Time Television
1 DET @ PHX Wed, 4/14 7:00 TSN, VS
2 DET @ PHX Fri, 4/16 7:00 TSN, VS
3 PHX @ DET Sun, 4/18 12:00 TSN, NBC
4 PHX @ DET Tue, 4/20 3:30 TSN
5 DET @ PHX Fri, 4/23 7:00 TSN, VS
6 PHX @ DET Sun, 4/25 11:00am TSN, NBC
7 DET @ PHX Mon, 4/27 TBD TSN
Eastern Conference
#1 Washington Capitals vs. #8 Montreal Canadiens
Game Match-up Date Time Television
1 MTL @ WAS Thu, 4/15 4:00 TSN, VS
2 MTL @ WAS Sat, 4/17 4:00 TSN, VS
3 WAS @ MTL Mon, 4/19 4:00 TSN
4 WAS @ MTL Wed, 4/21 4:00 TSN
5 MTL @ WAS Fri, 4/23 4:00 TSN, VS
6 WAS @ MTL Mon, 4/26 4:00 TSN, VS
7 MTL @ WAS Wed, 4/28 TBD TSN
#2 New Jersey Devils vs. #7 Philadelphia Flyers
Game Match-up Date Time Television
1 PHI @ NJ Wed, 4/14 4:30 TSN
2 PHI @ NJ Fri, 4/16 4:30 TSN
3 NJ @ PHI Sun, 4/18 3:00 TSN
4 NJ @ PHI Tues, 4/20 4:30 TSN2
5 PHI @ NJ Thu, 4/22 4:00 TSN
6 NJ @ PHI Sun, 4/25 TBD TSN
7 PHI @ NJ Tue, 4/27 4:30 TSN
#3 Buffalo Sabres vs. #6 Boston Bruins
Game Match-up Date Time Television
1 BOS @ BUF Thu, 4/15 4:00 CBC
2 BOS @ BUF Sat, 4/17 10:00am CBC, NBC
3 BUF @ BOS Mon, 4/19 4:00 CBC, VS
4 BUF @ BOS Wed, 4/21 4:00 CBC, VS
5 BOS @ BUF Fri, 4/23 4:00 CBC
6 BUF @ BOS Mon, 4/26 4:00 CBC
7 BOS @ BUF Wed, 4/28 4:00 CBC
#4 Pittsburgh Penguins vs. #5 Ottawa Senators
Game Match-up Date Time Television
1 OTT @ PIT Wed, 4/14 4:00 CBC, VS
2 OTT @ PIT Fri, 4/16 4:00 CBC, VS
3 PIT @ OTT Sun, 4/18 3:30 CBC, VS
4 PIT @ OTT Tue, 4/20 4:00 CBC, VS
5 OTT @ PIT Thu, 4/22 4:00 CBC, VS
6 PIT @ OTT Sat, 4/24 4:00 CBC, VS
7 OTT @ PIT Tue, 4/27 4:00 CBC
Thanks to Tom McEvay for the update on the Alberni Wrestling crew at the Nationals. Congrats to all, another incredible season!
For immediate release ….
Seven National Medals For Alberni Wrestling
Alberni Wrestling took nine wrestlers to the National Cadet/Juvenile Wrestling Championships in Burnaby this past week and returned home with seven medals while once again solidifying the local program as one of the best in the country.
The Nationals for Cadets (15-16 yr olds) and Juveniles (17-18 yr olds) returned to BC for the first time in many years and were hosted at Simon Fraser University. Over 700 of the top wrestlers in these ages from all across Canada converged on the Burnaby Mountain campus last Thursday and Port Alberni was certainly well represented.
The top finisher for Alberni Wrestling at this year’s Nationals was cadet wrestler Daley Forbes. Forbes avenged a disappointing high school season plagued by injuries by wining gold in the 72 kg Cadet women’s division. She went undefeated in the younger age group to move up from her silver medal that she won last year in Fredericton.
“Daley really worked hard this past month to prepare for the Nationals,” said Alberni coach James Messenger, “she was not happy with how the high school championships went last month and she certainly dedicated herself to be ready this week. We are very proud of how she came back.”
In the Juvenile division it was wrestlers Savannah Toth, Cody McEvay Cullen Hines and Kraig Doskotch who led the way with medal performances. Toth finished off a stellar season with a silver medal in the 66 kg weight class. Toth wrestled well all week at the Nationals winning most matches in dominating fashion. In the final she met a very tough Dori Yeats of Quebec and had to settle for the silver. For Toth it was her third National medal and fourth top 6 placing in the past four years.
“Savannah has had an excellent high school wrestling career and this was a great way to finish it off” said coach Messenger, “ she is right up there with some of the top female wrestlers we have ever had in Alberni. She has yet to decide what she will do next year but if she chooses to stay in the sport at the university level she has tremendous potential.”
For McEvay the Nationals were his swan song as a competitor and he finished off in style with a bronze medal in the 66 kg men’s weight class. The medal didn’t come easy as McEvay had to overcome a bug that hit his system on Friday and resulted in his only loss. He then came back with three straight wins to make the bronze final against Dominic Olver of Saskatoon on Saturday afternoon. In that match McEvay shut Olver down to claim his second National medal in three years.
“Cody wrestled tough all weekend and once again showed why he has been a leader for our team all season,” said Messenger, “ he never quit, even when he was feeling so poorly and was pretty banged up. He is very tough mentally and that will be a huge advantage to him in life. He is off to UVic next year but plans to stay in the sport as a coach and an official just as his brother did before him.”
For 16 year wrestler Cullen Hines the 2010 Nationals were somewhat of a coming of age. Hines has shown tremendous potential as he has come up the Alberni ranks. At this year’s Nationals he broke onto the national scene with a bronze medal in the 69 kg weight class. An early loss to the eventual champion didn’t deter Hines and he was unstoppable on day two on route to the bronze final. In that match Hines defeated a strong Ontario wrestler to take the medal. Hines was also fourth in the FILA Cadet trials on Sunday.
“Cullen showed some real growth on and off of the mats this season, “ commented Messenger, “in the past he has struggled with the mental part of the sport but he showed some real fortitude at the Nationals to overcome that early loss and wrestle so well on Saturday. He is of Juvenile age but is only in grade 10 so he has two years of high school wrestling ahead of him and we have high hopes for what he can accomplish in this sport.”
Senior Doskotch had two different stories in two tournaments. After being shut out of the placings in the National Freestyle Juveniles Doskotch came back on Sunday to take the bronze in the one day Greco Roman tournament. Messenger was pleased for his wrestler, “Kraig worked very hard this season and it was great to see him finish his high school career with a medal at the National Greco event. We don’t do a lot of Greco but Kraig was excited to have the opportunity and did well.”
Young Jordan Bodnar took two bronze medals for Alberni. Wrestling in the 42 kg Cadet women’s division Bodnar showed some real grit and determination in her first Nationals. A two time BC champion in the light weight 40 kg division, Bodnar showed she can compete at the higher level as well despite only being in grade 9. She was third in the cadet event and then on Sunday she placed third in the international FILA Cadet trials.
“We were very pleased with Jordie’s performance at the Nationals, “ said Messenger, “ she was really pushed to wrestle her best and she responded like a true champion. In the FILA Cadet trials she took third but there was an opportunity to challenge second to be the true alternate on the National Cadet team and she won that challenge. If the number one girl can’t go this summer Jordie could travel to Brazil with team Canada.”
The other top six placer for Alberni in the Juvenile division was Austin Evans at 54 kg. Evans finished 5th in what was surely one of the toughest weights of the tournament. As a grade 11 he will be looked upon as one of the leaders to take the reins of the tradition rich Alberni Wrestling program next year. Coming close to a top six finish were Juvenile Brianne Charles at 63 kg and Cadet Brittany Henderson at 49 kg.
The Nationals brings the 2009-2010 wrestling season to a close. Next up for the local wrestlers is their Annual Awards Night on April 29th at Echo Centre. This event starts at 7 pm and is open to all wrestlers, family and friends. Free tickets are available from all Alberni coaches. After another outstanding season there will be much to celebrate on April 29th.
Last but not least, Game 7 tonight in Vernon as the Vipers host the Kings with the BCHL Championship, the Doyle Cup, and a trip to the RBC all on the line. Should be a beauty!
The Fred Page Cup Series will go to a deciding Game 7 after the Powell River Kings picked up a 5-2 win last night at home in front of over 1300 people.
The Kings scored once shorthanded, once on the power play, and once into an empty net. The Kings built up a 4-0 lead after two before the Vipes got 2 quick ones to make it 4-2 but that would be as close as they would get.
Game 7 goes Monday in Vernon.
Do the Kings have the advantage being on the road with less pressure? And more importantly, because they had to play a Game 7 against the Dogs to get where they are?
How about former Vancouver Giant Evander Kane knocking out Matt Cooke yesterday? No one wants to see anyone hurt out there, yet I wonder how many people smiled a little bit and thought "you got what you deserved" or "what goes around comes around" in regards to Cooke. I just want to know what Kane did to become such a target? Oh well, as you can see, he has no problem taking care of himself.
Kane is named after boxer Evander Holyfield. Sure looked like it there, didn't it?
How absolutely incredible were the Sedins last night? And how amazing was THIS GOAL. Just plain sick. Filthy. Nasty. Not possible. I could keep going.
They looked like the Vancouver Globetrotters out there most of the game.
Now all eyes are on the Capitals and Bruins game today - you can watch it on NBC - to see if Alexander Ovechkin can pick up enough points to pass Henrik.
It's a beautiful day in the Alberni Valley.....what do you do when you are a hockey guy with no hockey? You golf!
If I listen close enough, I can hear the Alberni Golf Club callin' my name! See you out there later maybe!
A "Bulldog Pride" item sent in by Marion to start it off today.
A pretty cool picture as everyone was wearing their ":Beware of Dogs" shirts down at Disneyland, only to have Pluto spot them and THROW THEM IN THE DOG POUND!
Pictured - Karen, Gord, Kenny, Norm (behind the lock, sorry Norm), Matt, Marion, and of course Pluto!
Former Bulldog Brian Stewart is a pro hockey player now after signing an ATO with the Adirondack Phantoms
Way to go Stewie! And thanks to Steve for the update!
What is even more incredible is that the Flyers have TWO former Bulldog keepers in their system. Michael Lee Teslak is one of three goalies listed with the Phantoms..
The Vernon Vipers can win their second straight BCHL title tomorrow night in Powell River after a 4-2 win last night at home. The Kings will try to avoid being the bridesmaids two years in a row.
This one is just plain nuts. I know, I know, "boys will be boys" and boys celebrating will get a little out of hand. Still, this is one of the more crazy ones I've heard in a while!
Sports
Slovenian ice hockey champion terminates contracts of 6 players who beat up their coach
JESENICE, Slovenia - A Slovenian ice hockey team says the six players who beat up their American coach after winning the league title have had their contracts terminated.
Mike Posma, a former AHL player who took over as coach last year, was beaten up his players last weekend following Acroni Jesenice's celebrations for winning the title. The 42-year-old New Jersey native was not seriously injured.
Slovenian media say the six players were drunk, but the reasons why they turned against Posma are not known.
In a statement posted Thursday on its website, the club condemned the incident. Acroni also says it suspended contract talks with Posma, but didn't elaborate.
Posma has reportedly left Slovenia.
(The Associated Press)
Tiger Woods after winning the '97 Masters...
Yup, it's Bulldogs off-season. Which means lots of GOLF TALK on the BLOG! Sorry if it's not your cup of tea. Don't read it if that's the case!
Should be interesting today as Tiger Woods returns to Golf at The Masters.
I know one thing, I will be firmly locked into my couch with my TV locked to TSN at 10:42AM Pacific today when Tiger hits the first tee. I LOVE the Masters, always have, always will. Blame my dad for sitting me on the couch to watch it with him when I was a young lad.
Predictions? He'll either win it all, or miss the cut. For all he's been through, I hope he wins it all. What a story that would be. It's not just about golf though. As Augusta National Golf Club Chairman Billy Payne said yesterday:
"certainly his future will never again be measured only by his performance against par, but measured by the sincerity of his efforts to change."
Should be some great entertainment!
Oh yeah, the Canucks are also in San Jose tonight. Did you EVER, and I mean EVER think a time would come where you'd feel relieved, possibly even confident - that Andrew Raycroft would be in net?
I certainly didn't, but that's where I'm at right now!
And last but not least, the battle for the Fred Page Cup continues tonight in Vernon. It's a H U G E game, with the series tied up at 2-2.
