Please visit the links and support my friends and supporters!!!

Please visit the links and support my friends and supporters!!!

Thursday, December 30, 2010

Chiefs 4 Dogs 2

The Dogs dropped their 2nd straight tonight in a hard fought affair at the Langley Event Centre, 4-2 to the Chiefs.


The game was scoreless through one period, and 1-0 Chiefs after two. The Bulldogs were unlucky not to score when it was still 0-0 in the second, with Tyler Berkholtz and Casey Bailey both hitting the post just minutes apart.


The Dogs were victimized by a bad penalty call in the third as Kyle Weber pasted Josh Hansen with a huge check. The referee would call interference from the opposite corner of the ice, with replays showing Hansen clearly touching the puck. Of course the officials don't have the benefit of replay - making positioning and actually being able to see the play imperative. More and more clean hits are being called penalties nowadays aren't they?

The call would be a game changer, with the Chiefs scoring on said power play to go up 2-0. With seven minutes to go it was 3-0 Langley on a point shot that hit traffic in front and went in.


As they have done all season, the Dogs refused to quit, making it 3-1 on a power play goal with just over three minutes to play as Marley Keca drove the net and poked in a loose puck. Frank Riddle would be incorrectly credited with the goal, while Ryan Renz would be credited with the assist - while he of course wasn't in the game, or for that matter even the building. Yet that would be how the official credited the goals.

18 seconds later it was 3-2 Dogs as Casey Bailey tipped in a Brandon Adams shot from the corner (with Ryan Renz again given the assist from ice level) as it was a brand new game.


The Dogs would have to gamble for the equalizer and they would get burned in doing so as the Chiefs connected on a 2 on 1 to kill the comeback to skate to the 4-2 win as the Dogs valiant comeback attempt fell short.


Next up for the Dogs is the Exhibition Game with the Malmo Redhawks on January 2nd- game time is 5pm. Tickets are available starting at 10am on game day.


Hammer


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Congrats Pee Wee Dogs!

The Alberni Valley Peewee Bulldogs went undefeated this week at the annual Comox Valley Chiefs Christmas Tournament at Glacier Gardens Arena, posting 5 straight wins to claim gold.

The Bulldogs began the tournament with a 5 – 3 win over the Oceanside Generals. Oceanside came out strong in the first period of the game, outshooting the dogs 15 – 7 and holding a 1 – 0 lead until the dogs got on the board early in the 2nd period on a power play marker by Colton Lloyd.   The two teams went into the 3rd tied at 3 after an evenly matched 2nd period with both teams scoring twice including Alberni goals from Brock Elder and Austin Marling.  The dogs over powered their opponents in the 3rd with Alberni Valley player of the game Colton Lloyd scoring his second of the game and Kyle May adding another to secure the team’s first tournament win.  Austin Marling and Jakob Gitelman contributed with two assists each and goal tender Jaysen MacLean stopped 30 of 33 shots for the dogs.

In their 2nd game versus the Campbell River Tyees,  the Bulldogs came out hard in the 3rd period again , turning a 1 – 1 tie into a  5 -1 win with 4 unanswered goals in the final frame. Jakob Gitelman earned the Player of the Game title for his outstanding play.  Alberni Valley goals were scored by Gitelman, Pierce Adams, Kyle May, Wyatt Selva and Colton Lloyd. Brock Elder led assists in the game with 3.

A decisive 7 - 1 victory over arch rivals the Powell River Kings in Game 3 saw the Bulldogs move closer to their first place goal. Assistant Captain Kyle May led the offensive drive with a hat trick and was named player of the game. Austin Marling posted 2 goals and 2 assists with Wyatt Selva and Jakob Gitelman adding the remaining two goals. Nick Ross, Brittney Savard, Pierce Adams and Brock Elder all added assists to the score sheet.

An early 6am start on the final day of the tournament saw the dogs come up against the only other undefeated team, Sea Fair of Richmond with the Bulldogs winning 5 – 4 in a hard fought game. Alberni Valley goals came from Brock Elder, Ryan Rae Arthur, Austin Marling, Colton Lloyd and Wyatt Selva. The player of the game honors went to defenseman Nick Ross.

The gold medal game was a rematch against Sea Fair and it proved to be another tough, exciting, one game goal against the team from Richmond.  The Dogs were on the board first with a power play goal from Wyatt Selva mid way through the first but found themselves down 2 – 1 late in the game before Austin Marling tied the score at 2 (unassisted) with 8 minutes remaining. Player of the game, defenseman Tynan Smyth, then scored the game winner at 6:41 of the 3rd period and Bulldogs net minder Brayden Ward worked hard to hold off Seafair’s numerous challenges in the remaining minutes of the game, stopping 20 of 22 shots in the Bulldogs 3 – 2 win.

The team would like to thank their sponsors, the Best Western Barclay Hotel, Smitty’s and West Coast Cutting & Coring for their ongoing support. The Peewee Bulldogs will see their next action at home on Saturday January 8th versus Kerry Park in Island League play.

Dogs @ Chiefs, get your Malmo tickets!

The Bulldogs roadie concludes tonight when they visit the Chiefs at the Langley Events Center for the final meeting of the season between the two teams.

The Bulldogs took game 1 of the season series in OT while the Chiefs have won the last two with empty netters so expect a tight affair.

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

Don't forget the Bulldogs host the Malmo Redhawks on January 2nd at 5pm - tickets are still available - here's the info from the Dogs office:

We still have tickets for the Malmo Redhawks on Jan 2nd. Lets get the rink filled up and show Malmo what Port Alberni is all about.
 
Office is open Dec. 30th noon till 4pm
closed Dec. 31 and Jan.1st
Open Jan. 2nd 10 am through game time



Hammer




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Wednesday, December 29, 2010

Eagles 4 Dogs 1

The Eagles built their win streak to 3 and stopped the Dogs modest streak at 2 with a 4-1 win tonight at Minoru Arena in Richmond.


The Dogs had good jump early, having the advantage of playing last night, but they couldn't beat Karel St-Laurent. Surrey took a 1-0 into the room after one, and built it to 2-0 just over 5 minutes into the second. The #1 powerplay in the league certainly looked it on a perfect cross-crease set up that made it 3-0 with five to go in the period. Another Eagle powerplay goal just 45 seconds into the third period was a rude awakening for Frank Slubowski who entered the game in relief as it was 4-0 Eagles. The lone Bulldog marker came with just over three minutes to play in the game as Justin Morello was sent ahead by Terrence Limbert and Frank Riddle where he scored a beautiful goal as he busted through the Eagles defence before tucking it around Karel St-Laurent but that would be all the Dogs could muster.


The Eagles out shot the Dogs 38-35. Powerplays were a factor as the Eagles went 2 for 7 while the Dogs went 0 for 2.


The Dogs finish the trip tomorrow night in Langley as they visit the Chiefs - catch the pregame on The Peak at 6:45 with the puck dropping at 7:00



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Dogs @ Eagles @ Richmond

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Dogs @ Eagles @ Richmond

Beauty barn here!


Pregame on The Peak at 6:45, play-by-play at 7:00.


Tonight's 1st intermission guest is Kyle Weber, while former Bulldog Harrison May, now playing at the Univeristy of Ottawa, joins me in the 2nd intermission.


Hammer
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Tuesday, December 28, 2010

Dogs 4 Express 2

A great win for the Dogs tonight as they pick up their second straight win, their first win this season over the Express in their third try, and last but not least, sole possession of 6th place in the Coastal Conference.


The Express took an early 1-0 lead on a powerplay goal before the Dogs answered late in the frame to tie it at 1-1 on a Sam Mitchell tally. The Express fired back with another powerplay goal with just over a minute to go in the first to lead 2-1 after one.


A scoreless second saw the Dogs down heading into the third but they found the equalizer on a redirected Connor Varley point shot (that may have hit Lars Hepso) that came with the teams playing four on four. The Bulldogs took their first lead of the game with 8:08 to play as they connected just seconds into a powerplay chance as Tyler Berkholtz got credit for tipping in a Josh Mitchell one-timer from the line to make it 3-2.


An accidental high stick by Sawyer Mick saw the Express go to the powerplay with 1:11 to play in the third period to try to find the equalizer but the Dogs made the lead stand until the dying moments when Brandon Adams blocked a shot at the blue line and then just missed the empty net as his shot grazed the post. Trent Dorais would out race the Express back to their own end to fire the puck into the empty net for the 4-2 final.


Next up, the first meeting of the season between the Dogs and Eagles, and the first regular season game I'm aware of in Bulldog History to be held at a Neutral Site as the two teams will meet at the Minoru Arena in Richmond as the Eagles are out of their rink due to a big tournament there. I don't count the 2004 and 2005 games at the Juan De Fuca rink or the Save on Foods Memorial Centre as they are still in Victoria.


More tomorrow.


Hammer


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Whites on the road...

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Bulldogs, Blog, back in action, World Juniors back at it today...

Hello, good morning and welcome back to reality!


At least that's the feeling this morning for me after a much deserved and much enjoyed break for the Holidays.


I very much enjoyed making up for lost time by spending all of my time with my family and my friends. Excuse the lack of blog postings, but I get precious little time with my little guy and my girlfriend through the hockey season so once I got on Holidays I didn't crack the computer open more than once or twice over the last 10 days. And it felt AWESOME.


Here's hoping you and yours had as great of a break as I did!


But now its back to work - as I type this from the bus with the wheels moving us towards Vancouver for three games in three days on the Lower Mainland starting tonight in Coquitlam.


Read up on the trip on the Bulldogs website with my Weekly Preview Article at www.albernivalleybulldogs.ca


For now its some reading on the bus as we head to the Ferry. Lots to talk about as we get to game time and pregame time at 6:45 tonight on 93.3 The Peak.


Last but not least - Will Pullford, this is for you - Canada takes on the Czech Republic today in Buffalo at the World Juniors at 1:00 PST as they try to run their record to 2 and 0. Canada - and goalie Olivier Roy - looked nervous through the first part of the game on Sunday but when it came down to crunch time they buckled down for a good 3rd period and a good finish. The highlight for me in Game 1 was Casey Cizikas' incredible hard working shift in the 1st period with Canada down a man and down a goal as he killed what seemed like 30 seconds by pinning the puck against the boards and somehow out working 3 Russians to keep it pinned there...that's Canadian Hockey to me right there!


Should be a good challenge against the Czechs today. What a departure for Game 1 of the tournament this year vs Game 1 LAST year (that I was lucky enough to be able to attend in Saskatoon) as Canada was never even pressured in beating Latvia 16-0.


Hammer


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Wednesday, December 22, 2010

An early Christmas gift...

A rainbow, right over the Multiplex.

Here's to watching the Dogs chase the pot o' gold in 2011!


Hammer
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Tuesday, December 21, 2010

Merry Christmas!

Note the countdown clock!


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Monday, December 20, 2010

Aaron Volpatti buries one...

Congrats to the former Vernon Viper on earning his first NHL goal for the Canucks in their game against the Blues tonight.


I heard it in my car on 93.3 The Peak...it was very cool to hear on the mic at the net his "Yeeeeeeaaaaaaaah" when he scored it. Merry early Christmas Aaron!


Hammer
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Saturday, December 18, 2010

Dogs @ Capitals, a "Very Merry BCHL Christmas"

One more to go for both the Bulldogs and Capitals before they head home for the Christmas break as the two teams lock horns for a 7:30 puck drop tonight at the Big Stick.

The Dogs have won 4 of 5 in the season series, including both games at the Island Savings Centre by scores of 4-3 in double OT and 1-0 respectively so expect another hard fought battle.

Catch the pregame show at 7:15 with the play-by-play to follow on 93.3 The Peak FM and online at www.933thepeak.com Bulldogs Public Address Announcer Charles Mealey will again join me to provide Colour Commentary and Analysis.

Don't miss "A Very Merry BCHL Christmas" broken up in two parts during the 1st and 2nd Intermission as we get Christmas wishes and holiday greetings from the 16 BCHL Head Coaches and broadcasters and other various league executives and media personaities.

Hammer

Friday, December 17, 2010

Grizz 5 Dogs 4

A mad comeback was too little too late as the Dogs fell down 5-1 before adding two in the final two minutes to trim the gap to 5-4.


The Dogs won the shots on goal battle 36-29 in a losing cause and lost the special teams battle going 0 for 3 on the power play while the Grizzlies went 2 for 7.


The third straight lopsided powerplay opportunity game has made me decide that the Bulldogs are the cleanest dirty team I have ever seen, or that I can remember.


I can't remember so many games where they play is so close yet one team continues to repeatedly get the short end of the calls. I guess you can say that the Dogs need to work on their discipline - at the same time it would be nice to see things go the other way every once and a while but with the officiating we are accustomed to seeing I don't anticipate that any time soon.


Hard to argue it wasn't a factor in the game.


0 for 3 vs. 2 for 7.


Final score 5-4.


As we watch video on the bus - delete delete delete as some things are better left unsaid. Same old tiring story.


In the end the Dogs need to play better, and more consistently. Credit to the Grizzlies as they were opportunistic tonight. They now lead the season series 4-0, winning those 4 games by 5 total goals.


Next up for the Dogs, their final game before the Christmas break tomorrow as they visit the Capitals at the Big Stick.


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Dogs visit Grizzlies tonight, Caps tomorrow, A Very Merry Bulldog (and BCHL) Christmas....

If the Bulldogs have visions of candycanes and sugar plums dancing in their heads they need to lose them IMMEDIATELY as they still have some work to do before they head home for Christmas.

The Dogs are in Victoria taking on the Grizzlies tonight, as they visit the Grizzlies for just the second time this season. The Dogs and Grizz have met three times with Victoria taking them all by a combined four goals. 

The Dogs head back down Island tomorrow to visit the Capitals - THEN its home to friends and family.

Read my "Weekly Preview" article from the Bulldogs website HERE

Catch the pregame show tonight getting underway at 7:00 with the puck dropping at 7:15 on 93.3 The Peak FM and www.933thepeak.com

Bulldogs Public Address Announcer Charles Mealey will join me to provide colour commentary and analysis.

Tonight's 1st Intermission guest is Bulldogs Defenceman Frank Riddle.

In the 2nd Intermission you will hear my Christmas present to you - "A Very Merry Bulldog Christmas" as I caught up with every Bulldog player and as many members of the staff and executive that I could get a hold of so they could tell me what they have on their Christmas wish list this season. It's always a fun feature to put together so stay tuned for that tonight. Tomorrow night, its "A Very Merry BCHL Christmas" as I catch up with Coaches and Broadcasters from the other BCHL teams to hear what their Christmas wishes are.


Hammer

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

Tom's East Coast Road Trip Diary....Last one

Whew. It's been tough keeping up with Tom. Here's the final update from his exploits on Saturday and Sunday!

Thanks for taking the time to keep us up to date Tom! In this update - catching up with James Kerr, Kevin Ross, Johnny Rogic, Nolan Graham, and David Dziurzynski.


Tom and a couple of beauties after the Princeton game. Rossy and Kerr say hi you big beauty.
A thorn between two roses. A happy Tom with Nolan's wife Crystal and Brian's girlfriend Sachie prior to the RPI game vs Boston University.  Tom
Johnny is on the starting line up.
Opening faceoff RPI vs BU. Televised game with about 5000 fans. Great atmosphere.
4-1 RPI final. Got ugly at the end. It will be a fun dinner tonight. 
 Johnny and I after their victory over BU.
A couple of beauties at RIT.  Eliot and I out for lunch in Rochester. Eliot ays hi and wishes Port Alberni a Merry Christmas.  Tom
Big Dizzy -  Binghamton vs Rochester. 
The boys.
 And here's one Nolan sent in of Dizzy in the shoot out!
 

Monday, December 13, 2010

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Dogs Everyone Welcome Skate

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Incredible - Ryan scores with Koivu's stick..Around the Pound - LIVE AT DOLCE VITA TONIGHT, Bulldogs Winter Wonderland "Everyone Welcome Free Skate - TONIGHT, Alberni Wrestling Update

Just plain nutso here. Mikko Koivu steals Bobby Ryan's stick (while he is carrying the puck - NHL refs - FAIL) Bobby Ryan picks up Koivu's WRONG HANDED stick - and scores. Instant karma? Wild video....well done Ducks Broadcasters as well - they take about 5 minutes to figure it out.

 

 Don't miss AROUND THE POUND - the Bulldog Hockey Show live on 93.3 The Peak FM and live at Dolce Vita from 6 to 7pm tonight.

Tonight's Guest List - in order of appearance, and as always subject to change:

Bulldogs Head Coach and GM Paul Esdale

Bulldogs Defenceman Marley Keca

Bulldogs Educational Advisor Tom McEvay - a replay of his last phone update from the East Coast Saturday night

From the Bulldogs Booster Club - Gareth Flostrand - to talk about where exactly your money goes when you support the various Booster Club initiatives.

Last but not least - Highlights from the week that was.

Any questions for me or my guests? Send em in here

Hopefully we will see you at Dolce Vita!

If we don't see you there, hopefully you'll be up at the Multiplex tonight for the Bulldogs "Everyone Welcome Winter Wonderland Free Skate" Here are the details from the Bulldogs website.




The Alberni Valley Bulldogs are partnering up with Port Alberni Parks and Recreation, Quality Foods, and the Alberni Auto Group this season to help Fill the Food Bank. On Monday December 13, 2010 from 6:30 – 8:00 PM the Bulldogs will host an Everyone Welcome Winter Wonderland Free Skate.  

 
All those coming to enjoy the amazing Christmas display and the free skate are encouraged to bring a non perishable food item to help support this cause. Your favorite Bulldogs Hockey Players will be in attendance to sign autographs, and enjoy an evening of socializing and relaxed skating. In addition, by bringing a non perishable food item, you will have the opportunity to have your name entered into a free draw at the conclusion of the skate. 


 
The City of Port Alberni Parks and Recreation Manager of Recreational Services Ron Doetzel had this to say, “Quality Foods has already generously started filling the truck donating 30 cases of Campbell’s Soup. It is our goal for all people attending the Bulldogs Everyone Welcome Winter Wonderland Free Skate to meet or beat that contribution so everyone in our community can enjoy this Holiday Season.”  



(photo: Stuart Messenger or Chris Hines)


Alberni Wrestlers Magnificent on the Mats in the Mural City
Alberni Wrestlers from EJ Dunn, AW Neill and Alberni District Secondary travelled to Chemanius to compete in the Cougar Invitational on Saturday.  Wrestlers from all three schools had a strong showing at this tournament which featured athletes from all over the Island.  At the end of the day ADSS brought home the combined boys and girls team title and were third in the Junior (15 & Under) Division.  EJ Dunn Middle School placed second in the Junior Division.
Brianne Charles (69kg Girls), Austin Evans (59 kg Boys), Austin Jaworski (72 kg Boys), and Cullen Hines (74 kg Boys) led the way for the ADSS senior team going undefeated to claim gold medals in their respective weight classes.  Wes Boris (2nd at 72 kg Senior Boys), Samantha Anderson (2nd at 72+kg Senior Girls), and Bailey Durning (3rd at 63 kg Senior Girls) also added to the Senior teams medal count.  Sky Daoust (4th at 68kg Senior Boys) and Sheldon Haddad (5th at 62 kg Senior Boys) added valuable team points.  The ADSS Seniors finished with a total of 62 points, edging out the Cowichan Valley Wrestling Club who finished second with 60 points, and Esquimalt Secondary who finished with 53 points.  “The team score was a little closer than we might like but it is not really all that reflective of our standing on the Island.  The Cowichan Valley Wrestling Club has several high schools that feed into it while our team competes as just one school.  Our seniors wrestled well.  They did what we expected them to do.  We have some things that we can work on but I am really happy with how the wrestled,” concluded ADSS Assistant Coach Chris Bodnar.
ADSS also had a number of Grade 9s eligible to compete in the Junior (15 & Under) Division.  Despite having relatively small numbers the ADSS team finished third in the Junior Division.  Rhea Wing looked strong in her first tournament of the season claiming the gold medal in the 43 kilogram Junior Girls Division.  Golden boys Jesse and Jordan Wagner kept their streak alive winning the 48 kilogram and 51 kilogram divisions respectively.  Christian Anderson was dominant going undefeated in the Junior Boys Heavy Weight and even accepted an exhibition match in the Senior Division as an added challenge.  Tristan Schultze (2nd at 78 kg Junior Boys), Riley Neville (2nd at HWT Junior Boys), Elaina Todd (3rd at 51 kg Junior Girls), and Johnny Louden (6th at 57 kg Junior Boys) all contributed to ADSS’ third place finish in the Junior Girls Division.
EJ Dunn Middle School’s wrestling team had an outstanding performance to finish second in the Junior Team standings.  EJ Dunn was beat out only by the Cowichan Valley Wrestling Club.  The EJ Dunn Seahawks were led by gold medal performances from Jamie Durning (1st at 35 kg Junior Boys), Julia McGowan (1st at 64 kg Junior Boys), and Nolan Badovinac (1st at 70 kg Junior Boys).  Michel Kurucz (2nd at 54 kg Junior Girls), Emma Vanderlee (2nd at 64 kg Junior Girls), Oliver Witham (2nd at 54 kg Junior Boys), Remi Wells (3rd at 47 kg Junior Girls), Eryk McKenzie (3rd at 54 kg Junior Boys), Russell David (3rd at 57 kg Junior Boys), Lauren Barker (4th at 43 kg Junior Girls), Braydon Weiler (4th at 48 kg Junior Boys), Brittney Battie (5th at 51 kg Junior Girls), and Tyler Maxwell (5th at 60 kg Junior Boys) all contributed to the EJ Dunn Wrestling Team’s impressive second place finish.
While they only brought a few of their wrestlers Neill Middle School had some outstanding individual results as well.  Isabella Jones (2nd at 37 kg Junior Girls), Corinne Gough ( 3rd at 43 kg Junior Girls), Johannes Kulich (4th at 66 kg Junior Boys), and Chris Kurucz (6th at Junior Boys HWT) all competed for Neill Middle School on Saturday.  Despite some impressive results their numbers were not enough to place amongst the top teams.
Alberni wrestlers will be training hard this week in preparation for the War on the Floor at Simon Fraser University December 16 & 17.  Unfortunately due to the cancellation of the 9pm ferry middle school wrestlers are unable to compete this year.  However, a portion of the ADSS team will compete in the grade 9-12 novice running on Thursday December 16th and the Elite division is set for Friday December 17th.

Sunday, December 12, 2010

Dogs 1 Vipers 1

70 minutes of hockey couldn't find a winner in this one but the fans still got their moneys worth with a wildly entertaining finish after what was a tough first 40 minutes to watch as the Dogs spent almost half of it killing penalties. Even though half their team has moved on the Vipers looked everything like the two time defending RBC Cup Champions, and a team that was unbeaten in 9 games in regulation.


Vernon took a 1-0 lead just over 8 minutes into the second as Frank Slubowski raced out to a loose puck to make the first save but Darren Nowick skated onto it and beat Ryan Renz who attempted to stack the shin pads to keep it out. They were looking for more on one of those aforementioned penalties late in the period when Tanner Hicks turned the game and got the building into it with two huge shot blocks and an even bigger hit at centre ice. In the ensuing scrum in the late moments of the period David Robinson would pick up two minutes for unsportsmanlike. The penalty was a big one as the Dogs connected on the powerplay on an innocent looking broken play as Casey Bailey just plain put a puck on net that found its way through the legs of Halcrow for a 1-1 tie a minute into the third.


Neither team would find the net the rest of the way through the third period or 10 minutes of OT as the game ended in a rare tie - though each team has 3 now this season so I guess they aren't THAT rare.


The Dogs had the best chances early in OT to win it as Malcolm Lyles was sent off for high sticking as he drew blood on Casey Bailey. Referee Steven Bratt would shake his head no on the play and gesticulated a stick lift motion and play carried on. When play stopped the officials converged and as linesman can only call double minor or major penalties the Dogs went to a four minute powerplay.


While the Dogs moved the puck masterfully the Vipes killed the penalty just as well by blocking shots and taking away passing lanes. The Vipers had their best chances to win it in double ot as they controlled the puck on one shift for an extended period and had several good chances that were thwarted by Frank Slubowski. The best of which was on Adam Thompson as he one-timed a backdoor feed walking down from the line but Slubowski was lightning quick in getting over.


Slubowski was full value for his 1st star honours and made 2 similar sparkling saves on John Knisley earlier in the game. Kirby Halcrow was solid at the other end, but wasn't tested nearly as much as the Vipers out shot the Dogs 42-27.


The Dogs went 1 for 5 on the powerplay while the Vipers went 0 for 8.



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Saturday, December 11, 2010

Dogs vs Vipers

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Vipers @ Bulldogs tonight, phone update with Tom McEvay, Van Isle Ford shoot to win tonight!


The Dogs host the two-time defending National Champion Vernon Vipers tonight at the Dog Pound. Catch the pregame show at 6:45 with the puck drop and play-by-play to follow at 7:00 on 93.3 The Peak and online at www.933thepeak.com


Tonight's 1st Intermission guest is former Viper Sawyer Mick. Bulldogs Educational Advisor Tom McEvay joins me in the 2nd Intermission as his East Coast Roadie Continues.


Vernon is red hot, as they have won four in a row, including both on their Island swing so far - 5-2 over the Capitals on Wednesday, and 4-0 over the Grizzlies last night.

The Vipers are unbeaten in nine games in regulation. Over that stretch they have won seven, lost once in overtime, and also played to a tie.

It's a big night for former Vipers Trent Dorais and Sawyer Mick, as you can bet they will be motivated to face their old team.


Van Isle Ford is the game night sponsor tonight - they have been raising funds for a family going through a tough time through the holidays by raffling off a chance to shoot to win $30,000 towards a vehicle from the NEAR blue line - that goes tonight in the 1st Intermission show so don't miss it!

Hammer

Clippers 4 Dogs 3, 2OT

An odd night from the get go as referee Grant Tyson couldn't make the game, resulting in a start time approximately 20 minutes late, with just two linesman running the show for the bulk of the first period. They would make up for a lack of a referee by calling three minor penalties and one double minor as they made the most of what was a tough situation.

I was surprised neither linesman wore a single red arm band to at least have one arm to raise to differentiate between delayed offsides and icings versus penalties but maybe there wasn't anything suitable in the building. Its was a safe bet that any penalties would be called quick and neither goalie would be wise to race for the bench on what they thought were impending penalties.


The Clippers took a 1-0 lead on a sharp angle goal from Andrew Gladiuk just over four minutes in. The Clippers controlled the play as the Dogs were flat for most of the first, as 16 year old Nanaimo native Kiefer Giroux settled down after the first goal and kept his team in the game as the Clippers out shot the Dogs 11-5 in the first.


In an almost surreal scene, an "only in the BCHL moment" occurred late in the frame as referee Steven Bratt (summoned on an emergency notice on a night off from Port Alberni) joined the game out of no where at the end of play and instantly called a penalty. The Clippers would go up 2-0 on that advantage when Ryan Stanimir blew a one-timer high past Giroux through a screen from the top of the point.


It was 3-0 Clippers early in the second as a bad giveaway up the middle ended up on the stick of Colton Cyr who found two teammates all alone in front who worked the 2 on 0 to perfection as Kyle Kramer sent a cross-crease feed to Brayden Jaw. The goal was initially credited to Cyr, with no assists, but it was later corrected.


After having an earlier chance by Connor Varley clang off the post it looked like the Dogs were going to be denied again by the iron as Casey Bailey rang one off the bar from the slot but Josh Mitchell roofed the rebound for the power play goal with less than three to play in the second for a 3-1 Clipper lead after 2.


The Dogs were a different team from the word go in the third, making it 3-2 less than 30 seconds in as Trent Dorais set up Konrad Litke in the slot where he one-timed his first career goal home. Seven minutes later it was a tie game as Colton Sobchak made a nifty move to get the puck to the net where Casey Bailey battled the puck back out front where Josh Mitchell arrived just in time to somehow get it to go for his second of the game and a 3-3 tie.


Both teams would have their chances in OT but shots were hard to come by with the Dogs getting credited with just 2 and the Clippers with just 1 but it was the one that counted as Colton Cyr scored a beauty on the rush down the left wing ripping one from the circle top corner on Giroux for the winner 2:01 into double OT.


In the end the Dogs are most likely unhappy with the end result, yet happy with a single point earned with the overtime loss as they clawed back from a 3-0 hole to tie the game.


At the same time they can't be happy with their effort as it was certainly less than a "60 minutes effort" in a 67 minute game as they only really looked like they were pushing the pace in the third period.


The two time defending National Champion Vernon Vipers, winners of those RBC's thanks in large part due to their ability to bring a full and consistent effort - will be a huge test tomorrow.


I need a bed.


Hammer
Sent wirelessly from my BlackBerry device on the Bell network.
Envoyé sans fil par mon terminal mobile BlackBerry sur le réseau de Bell.

Friday, December 10, 2010

Tom's East Coast Road Trip Diary....#10 - At Princeton

Second period 1-1 Princeton and UMass Lowell. Kevin is playing well, regular shift and some pp and pk. James isn't dressed. Maury is the leader for Mass Lowell. 

Thursday, December 09, 2010

UPDATED - Dogs @ Clippers tonight - Discount tickets from Charles @ Alberni Chrysler, Tom's East Coast Roadtrip Diary #9







The Dogs are back in action tonight as they visit the Clippers at the Frank Crane Arena trying to pick up their first road win in this season series after sweeping all four games in Nanaimo last year.

This is a HUGE game - the Clippers have won the last two head to head to tie the season series at 3-3. The Clippers are three points up on the Dogs in the standings, with the Dogs holding a game in hand.

Catch the pregame show on 93.3 The Peak FM at 6:55 with the play-by-play to follow at 7:11.

Bulldogs Defenceman Tanner Hicks will join my in the 1st Intermission whileVernon Vipers play-by-play voice Todd Miller will be my 2nd Intermission guest.


Here's a note from Bulldogs P.A. Announcer Charles Mealey from Alberni Chrysler, offering discount tickets to the game in Nanaimo!



Hey Buddy,

Just wondering if you could pump my cheap tickets again for this tonight’s game in Nanaimo?

$10 each (reg price $14.50)

Due to popularity, I am now taking orders and I will be able to give the tickets to our loyal fans out front of the Frank Crane arena ticket window before the game. All proceeds goes towards the Vancouver Island Flag Football League and Port Alberni’s only team, the PA Roughriders! Support a local team, and cheer on our local Jr. A team in our rival’s barn for a discount price……it’s a win-win for the Alberni Valley!! Interested Fans can call me at work this week (250) 723-5331 to reserve their discount tickets!!! GO DOGS GO!!!

Charles will also be providing colour with me tonight, should be fun!


Bulldogs Educational Advisor and local educator Tom McEvay is currently on the road, reaping the rewards of his many years of dedicated volunteer service on behalf of the Bulldogs organization as he travels up and down the Eastern Seaboard to catch up with various former Bulldog Players that he helped move on to the NCAA level.


This will be a series of postings to try and keep up with Tom's travels as he lives my personal dream - an extended roadie to follow the game of hockey!


I have encouraged Tom with his BlackBerry and camera to snap us pictures of everything - planes, airports, hotels, rinks, college campuses, the players themselves, and any other interesting sights and sounds so we can attempt to go on the trip vicariously through Tom. With Tom's fearless and gregarious personality, who knows what he will see next!



We will also catch up with Tom on the phone in the coming days for some updates that way as well. Hopefully you the fans find this as neat as I do!


Tom's East Coast Road Trip Diary #9 - Harvard, UCONN. 

Below - University of Connecticut practice. Marcello and I will do a tour and lunch after practice. I drove in from Havard this morning and later today I will drive 4 hrs to Princeton. I will be there two nights. Tomorrow night Princeton (Kerr and Ross) play U Mass Lowell (Maury Edwards).  Tom
Smile Marcello!
Thanks again Tom! Great updates! We will have another update via the phone lines during Saturday's 2nd Intermission show to be sure to catch the broadcast.

Here's a cool video Tom sent alone with former Clipper and Vee Filiou and former Dog Gracel....Cool stuff!

I was in their room the day before this piece was filmed.  They have done quite the job decorating. They even have the dvd of a fire burning that they put on the TV to add atmosphere.   I had a great visit with them.    Tom


 
 
 

Wednesday, December 08, 2010

Dogs 4 Trail 2

Sent wirelessly from my BlackBerry device on the Bell network.
Envoyé sans fil par mon terminal mobile BlackBerry sur le réseau de Bell.

Dogs host Smoke Eaters, ADSS FOOD DRIVE, Tom's East Coast Road Trip Diary #8

The Dogs are back in action tonight as they host the Trail Smoke Eaters at the Dog Pound. Game time is 7:00.

Check out my "Weekly Preview" article from the Bulldogs website HERE

Don't forget to help the ADSS Leadership Class help those less fortunate - and to get out school early just before Christmas ;)

The Food Drive is on now until Dec.16th. We are collecting non-perishable food items the can be dropped off in front of the main office at ADSS. Our goal this year is to reach 5600 items for Totem 56'. If we reach our goal our reward is early dismissal on the last day of school before the break, which would be 12:30. We will be collecting food items our front at the beginning of the Bulldogs home game on Wednesday the 8th. We need the communities help to reach our goal. Half the food will go to the Bread of Life and the other half to the Salvation Army. Some items in need this year are proteins, such as peanut butter, canned meat, tuna, etc.

Thanks for your help :) We will be listening for you on the radio.
Catch the pregame show at 6:45 with the play-by-play to follow with Rick and I on 93.3 The Peak FM and online at www.933thepeak.com

Bulldog D-Man Connor Varley will be the 1st Intermission guest while tonight's 2nd Intermission feature guest is former Bulldog Andrew Ella - which brings me to the latest of Tom McEvay's East Coast Road Trip Diary Updates! The pictures FOLLOW the descriptions!

Harry and Jordan in the lobby of the Providence College arena.  Tom

Port Alberni's own Edward Dyson playing in the NAHL Prospects game in Marpole Mass. This rink is just down the street from Patriots field where New England plays the Jets tonight. When I came by this. Afternoon 5 hrs before that NFL game there already line ups into the parking lot at Patriots field.  Tom
 
 
Andrew Ella at Nichols College in Dudley Mass which is 30 min from Boston. Nichols is beautiful little college of about 1400 students in the country side. About 80 percent of the students play athletics. Andrew is in the Marketing program in his third year. Their team plays NCAA Div 3. His parents. Art and Patti were here visiting as well so we had a great reunion. Art and Patti are coming down to Providence tonight for the Brown vs Providence game and a visit after with Harry and Jordan.   Tom
One of the buildings at Nichols College in Dudley Mass. Nichols is exactly what I would have envisioned as the small town New England school in the countryside.    Tom
Brown vs Providence in the Mayor's Cup. Final 4-4 with both Harry and Jordan scoring. Harry and his line mate Jack McCelland led Brown back from down 2-4 to tie in the last 5 minutes. Many NHL scouts there tonight and they all love Harry.  Tom
 
Harry and I with Andrew Ella's dad Art after the Providence game.