Chiefs top Dogs 5-1 to take a 3-0 series lead

The Chiefs came out looking more like the team with their back against the wall, not the Bulldogs, in taking a 2-0 lead after one period on a pair of rebound goals from Brandon Thompson and Mike Tebbutt.

Credit to the Dogs, as they came out in the second and raised their game, getting the Dog Pound rockin' on a Casey Bailey goal six minutes in. While they were down 2-1, it felt like the Dogs had the Chiefs right where they wanted them, carrying the play and generating good scoring chances.


However, when you play from behind and get in a hole early, one mistake can kill you. A bad turnover right in the slot in front of Frank Slubowski ended up in a 3-1 Langley lead on a Mason Blacklock goal that went against the flow of play to make it 3-1 just over 11 minutes into the second. The goal was a momentum killer, with the Dogs were unable to recover once again from a two goal hole. A late power play marker after two penalties to the Dogs in the final three minutes of the second was the final nail in the coffin as Josh Myers wristed one home from the hash marks for a 4-1 Langley lead after 40 minutes.

The Dogs battled hard in the third to get back into it, but they couldn't beat Wyatt Galley. Final shots favoured the Dogs for the third straight game, 38-32. The Chiefs went 2 for 8 on the power play while the Dogs went 0 for 4.

I'll start this off by saying that I am a Taurus. I am way way wayyyyy too stubborn. Down 3-0? Well that's just a great chance for an epic comeback then. I'm especially too stubborn to give up on this group of guys. 

You can be negative and look at the faults and failings. I for one will instead look at the strengths and potential for success.

I don't know the record for Minor sports. I do know that in North American Professional Sports that only four teams have comeback from 3-0 holes to win a series. 

The first was the 1942 Maple Leafs. They came back from an 0-3 hole to win the Stanley Cup. The next was the New York Islanders in 1975, who won 4 straight to beat the Flyers in the Quarter Finals. I still remember the 2004 Boston Red Socks coming from from 0-3 down to beat the Yankees in the ALCS. 

Anyone remember the 2010 Flyers, who came back from 0-3 down in the first round to beat the Bruins? They were an OT goal away from forcing Game 7 in the Stanley Cup Finals.

We know the answer to "what if" the Bulldogs don't fight back. 

I would love to find out the answer to what they could accomplish, if they DO. 

I believe.

If you wanted a chance to go down in history fellas, you got it. Or you can be just another number.

Hammer

-

Dogs Vs Chiefs Game 3 TONIGHT

Huge game tonight at the 'Pound - get down to the Bulldogs office and get your tickets, great seats are still available...pack the shack!!

Hammer

Morning Show Host:
93.3 The Peak FM
Play-by-Play Voice:
Alberni Valley Bulldogs
Blogger:
www.hammersdogs.blogspot.com

Sent wirelessly from my BlackBerry device on the Bell network.

Huge game, Dogs host Chiefs, Alberni Wrestling Update....more local sports....

That's what it's about tonight.

W - I - N

It's a huge Game 3 at the Dog Pound as the Chiefs hold a 2-0 series lead with action shifting from the Langley Event Centre to the Alberni Valley Multiplex. It's either a 2-1 series or a 3-0 series after tonight. That's how huge this pivotal Game 3 is.

I'm somewhat surprised in the negative vibe I've felt from the FEW people I have talked to since we got back to the Valley yesterday. Yes, the Dogs are down 2-0. Yes, they were tough losses. All the Chiefs did was hold serve on home ice. Now the Dogs have to do the same. The fact that the Dogs played the Chiefs so tough (although not as tough in Game 2 as Game 1) was certainly encouraging. I had no doubts that the guys could win this series, and after seeing Games 1 and 2 my thoughts were confirmed. It's all about finding a way to win tonight. Worry about tomorrow - tomorrow.

Catch the pregame show tonight on 93.3 The Peak at 6:45 with the play-by-play to follow at 7:00pm. Listen live by heading to www.933thepeak.com

We will catch up with Nanaimo Clippers Broadcaster Dan Marshall in our 2nd Intermission show for an update on the Clippers vs Grizzlies series, which has so far played out the same as the Dogs vs Chiefs series with the Grizzlies winning two on home ice to open the series - although they destroyed the Clippers 9-1 in Game 1, and won Game 2 by a score of 5-3.

Its up to you now fans - pack the shack, and bring the noise - make home ice just that HOME ICE and give the guys an advantage!

Alberni District Secondary Takes BC High School Wrestling Combined Crown

For the second year in a row the ADSS Armada boys and girls wrestling teams combined to win the prestigious BC Secondary Schools Wrestling Championships Aggregate title.  This year it wasn’t even close as ADSS finished with 98 points well ahead of second place Carson Graham of North Vancouver at 62 pts and Yale of Abbotsford with 61 pts.

The performance by the ADSS wrestling teams was one admired by many across the province at this year’s BC High School Championships in Abbotsford. Alberni’s rich tradition in wrestling added another proud chapter as it is one of the few schools in BC that can boast a well balance program with both the boys and the girls teams very strong.

Both the ADSS boys and the girls teams were second in the respective divisions and both were in the thick of the hunt for BC titles. In one of the tightest races in years in the boys competition ADSS finished with 58 points to first place Rick Hansen of Abbotsford who had 67 pts. Perennial powerhouse Burnaby Central were third with 54 pts followed by WJ Mouat at 50 pts and Guildford Park at 49 pts. On the girls side it was Smithers with their first ever championship taking the title with 58 pts followed by ADSS with 40 pts, Yale, 32 pts, Carson Graham 28 pts and St Thomas Moore 26 pts.

“We are extremely proud of the fact that our program gives equal opportunity for both boys and girls and has developed such strong teams in both genders,”  said program director Tom McEvay, “ our coaches have done an amazing job with these young athletes starting with our kids programs and working all the way through the middle schools and then at ADSS.  There are very few programs in any sport, anywhere in Canada that can rival what we have accomplished here in Alberni.”

Those accomplishments have now included three BC High School Wrestling Aggregate titles, five boys individual team titles and two girls individual team titles. Perhaps more impressive is the fact that the ADSS boys have been in the top five in BC in 21 of the past 29 years and the girls have been in the top five 12 of the past 16 years.  Individually ADSS has had 69 BC High School Champions and 183 BC High School medalists in the past 32 years.

Adding to those impressive totals this year were BC gold medalists Jordie Bodnar on the girls side and Isaiah Taylor for the boys. For Bodnar it was her incredible third BC title in a row as she won the 43 kg weight division. Bodnar won this year in very dramatic fashion as she edged teammate Rhea Wing with a point scored at the buzzer in the final round.  Coach Richelle McKenzie commented, “It was also very gratifying to see Jordie to come back this year to win again after a serious injury to her elbow early in the season.” McKenzie and Bodnar’s dad and long time Alberni coach Russ Bodnar were in her corner for her exciting victory.

For Taylor it was a fitting way to end his high school career as the 84 kg BC Champion. Taylor’s victory was also somewhat of a comeback as he had recently returned from Nanaimo where he lived for the past year after many years in the Alberni program. Taylor had not competed in any tournaments this year until he returned to the valley to finish his grade 12 year at ADSS and Vast this semester. Consequently he was not seeded going into the BC’s and had to defeat the number four and number one seeds in the prelimins before a close victory over Manpreet Virk of John Oliver in the final.

“It was a bit of a roller coaster ride for both Jordie and Isaiah this year and in particular the past few weeks as we worked hard to get them ready for the BC’s,” said ADSS coach John McDonald, “it is a real credit to them, their coaches and their families that they were able to compete and ultimately triumph as BC High School Champions. We will undoubtedly use their stories of overcoming adversity and persevering as motivation for future athletes.”

Four ADSS wrestlers won silver medals at this year’s BC’s.  It was the young guns who lead the way in the light weight for the local program.  Rhea Wing followed up her impressive bronze medal at last year’s championship with a very impressive silver this year as a grade 9. The only thing that stopped Wing was two time BC champion, teammate and friend Jordie Bodnar and that wasn’t until the last second of their match in the final at 43 kg. On the boy’s side it was the grade 9 Wagner twins, Jesse and Jordan who took second at 45 kg and 48 kg respectively. Both ended up against older more experienced opponents in the final but both had upset some tough opposition to make it to the finals.

“All three of the ADSS grade 9’s who took silver’s at this year’s BC’s came from Neill Middle School this year where they learned their craft the past three years under coaches Erin Anker, Jason Wolff, Grant Coates and others,” pointed out McEvay, “ without tremendous feeder programs with such dedicated coaches at Neill and Dunn our high school program is not successful and may not even exist. We have a very strong developmental model that we have worked hard at for many, many years and results like these are proof that it works.”

Another Neill product is grade 12 senior Brianne Charles who capped a terrific high school wrestling career with a silver at 64 kg.  The daughter of wrestling alumnus and volunteer coach Preston Charles, the younger Charles had an outstanding BC’s with some tense matches leading up to the final. The final was no different as she and her opponent Monika Podgorski of St Thomas Moore battled in an evenly fought match. With Podgorski leading and time running out Charles attempted her patented hip toss and came ever so close to changing the outcome.

Two ADSS veterans captured bronze medals this year. Grade 11 Cullen Hines took third at 74 kg and grade 12 Austin Evans was third at 57 kg. Both were disappointed and unfortunate not to be in the finals as they suffered tough losses in the semi finals Friday night. In perhaps one of the most difficult tasks to accomplish they both came back Saturday morning to put in courageous performances and comeback with two victories each and the bronze in their respective weight classes. Both wrestlers were products of the Dunn wrestling program before coming to ADSS.

Another Dunn product and still only a grade 8 at that middle school is 47 kg wrestler Remi Wells who had a terrific first BC’s. Wells took 6^th place in her first BC’s appearance. She is part of another strong group of grade 8’s who will move to the high school program next year. They will join a fabulous group of grade 9 and 10 athletes who will definitely continue the tradition of excellence that has become a trademark of ADSS wrestling.

“We are extremely excited about this group of young athletes coming up through our program,” said coach James Messenger, “our results this year were exceptional but we know that this may only get better with the talent coming up.  There were many young wrestlers, both boys and girls, who didn’t place this year but who showed they are ready for this level with their performances at this year’s championships. The program is definitely in good hands for the near future.”

The Alberni Wrestling program can also lay claim to two other silver medalists at this year’s BC’s. Daley Forbes took a silver medal for North Peace Secondary in the 69 kg weight class. Daley and her father Brian moved this year to Fort St John from Port Alberni forcing Daley to leave the local wrestling program where she had developed over the past four years. Forbes was a national gold medalist for Alberni last year. In the boys 60 kg division Alec Delcourt took second for Vanier Secondary of Courtney. Delcourt wrestled for Alberni through middle school and into grade 10 before moving up Island two years ago. 

That immediate future includes preparations for the national cadet and juvenile championships in Windsor Ontario April 6-10. Messenger expects to take between 6 and 10 local athletes to this year’s nationals. Fundraising has started as it is not cheap to get this many athletes to Ontario. If you want to help please contact Tom McEvay at Vast at 250-723-3744. 

More local sports....

Good morning hammer
 
Our Atom Rep Bulldogs went into Saanich on Sunday needing a win to clinch a playoff spot. The boys played very well and walked away with a 4 to 2 win. We now have our final league game next weekend vs. Comox on the road and then it is off to play for the Atom Rep banner on the weekend of March 12th.

Coach Mike

The Alberni Valley Impact U15 girls defeated Powell River 5-1. Goals scored by Julia Clarke, Sarah Stefiuk , Dana Williscroft and 2 by Mackenzie Berry.

The Van Isle Ford Midget Bulldogs lost 5-2 at Bear Mountain Arena to Juan de Fuca. Next game is at home here Saturday March 5th at 245 pm. The boys played real flat, no urgency to their game... come out next Saturday and fill the Multiplex!


That's it for now!

Hammer

-

Chiefs 3 Dogs 1

The Dogs played at no where near the level they were at last night, while I thought the Chiefs were better.


The result? A 3-1 win for the Chiefs and a 2-0 series lead heading back to Port Alberni for games 3 and 4 Monday and Tuesday at the Dog Pound.


Langley took a 1-0 lead in the first on a broken play when Tim Daly found a loose puck in the slot and fired it past the blocker of Slubowski. It was 2-0 Chiefs later in the period when the speedy Josh Myers found a loose puck of a shot block on the rush and split the Dogs D and beat Slubowski five-hole on the quick breakaway.


Frank Slubowski came up with a breakaway save early in the second and that would prove huge as just seconds later it was a 2-1 game when Justin Morello set up Brandon Adams on a 2 on 1 rush.


The Chiefs would take the two goal lead back just short of seven minutes into the second when Darnell Dyck found a loose puck on another broken play in front of the Dogs net that he ripped under the bar for a 3-1 lead.


There would be no two comeback on this night as neither team hit the net over the remaining 33 minutes. The Dogs had their chances, as did the Chiefs, but both goalies stood tall.


Shots favoured the Dogs for the second straight game in a losing cause, 39-37. The Dogs went 0 for 5 on the powerplay while the Chiefs went 0 for 2.


The Chiefs have done their job on their home ice. Now the Dogs need to do the same.


Hammer



Morning Show Host:
93.3 The Peak FM
Play-by-Play Voice:
Alberni Valley Bulldogs
Blogger:
www.hammersdogs.blogspot.com

Sent wirelessly from my BlackBerry device on the Bell network.

Dogs @ Chiefs Game 2

Morning Show Host:
93.3 The Peak FM
Play-by-Play Voice:
Alberni Valley Bulldogs
Blogger:
www.hammersdogs.blogspot.com

Sent wirelessly from my BlackBerry device on the Bell network.

Dogs @ Chiefs Game 2 tonight

If you missed it below, it was a very very very tough way for the Dogs to lose Game 1 of the Playoffs last night in Langley.

Last night was just that though, LAST night. If the Dogs hope to head home with an even 1-1 split in the series, they will have to "bring it" tonight, remember what they did well last night, and forget about the ending from last night.

It was a great hockey game - the Dogs played well, they played disciplined, and they dug out of three seperate two-goal holes to tie the game up and force overtime. I expect the Chiefs to be better - not to say that they weren't good once the game wore on, but they were very slow out of the gate so the Dogs had better be ready to play like they were from the opening puck drop yesterday.

About the Pay-Per-View Broadcast problems from Langley last night - 100% out of my control I'm afraid. This isn't something that should be new to everyone after 60 Regular Season games, but I'm responsible for the play-by-play of 93.3 The Peak FM's Bulldog Broadcasts and nothing more.

All I can do is notify them of a problem. That's it that's all.

It's impossible for me to take myself away from my job, and the broadcast at hand, to go try and fix the Internet. I'm sorry, but I trust that most of you understand that. I have 30 scant seconds during commercial breaks - only 4 of them a period - and it's tough to keep my stats, watch the game, and email and respond to every message I get about what the problem is, and can I fix it - As I said to one repeat e-mailer - I work for the Radio, not the Internet Company, sorry! I'm not going to get myself fired by stopping my broadcast for the sake of all of our listeners in Port Alberni and online around the world to fix Langley's Internet problem - a problem that apparently existed in all areas of the building, not just up top in Press Row.

If the problem still exists tonight - thank your lucky stars for 93.3 The Peak FM and our listen live stream at www.933thepeak.com, as if it weren't for us NO ONE would have been able to follow last night's game at all!

Catch the pregame show tonight at 6:45 with the puck drop and play-by-play to follow at 7:00

Tonight's 2nd Intermission feature guest is former Bulldog Head Coach and GM Nolan Graham.


Hammer


-

Blown Call in OT leads to 5-4 Chiefs win

The way the game was officiated, its almost fitting how it ended. But what a horrible horrible way to end a great game as the referee missed a hand pass directy in front of him that seconds later turned in the winning goal on a power play in overtime.

The home team won though, so who cares right?

The Dogs came out of the gate ready to play, out shooting the Chiefs 11-4 but they were unable to find the net. Langley went up 1-0 on a Trevor Gerling goal three minutes into the second and 2-0 less than two minutes later as Kevin Tuohy banked one in from a bad angle on the power play. The Dogs battled back with a power play goal of their own as Justin Morello converted a Dylan Nowakowski pass from behind the net to make it 2-1. The Dogs turned it on for the next several minutes but it would be the Chiefs scoring against the flow of play with a Kody Dhaliwal tip in of a Tim Daly shot from the high slot to lead 3-1 after two. The Dogs got on the board just over five minutes into the third to make it 3-2 as Dylan Nowakowski took a Casey Bailey pass down the right wing and snapped one home. Less than a minute later it was 4-2 Chiefs as a bad turnover back of the Dogs net ended up in it as Josh Hansen got his own rebound off a wrap around and banked one home.

No surprise, the Dogs didn't quit. Casey Bailey scored three minutes later on a give and go with Nowakowski on the powerplay to make it 4-3, and three minutes later it was 4-4 on the as Kenney Morrison kept the puck in at the line for Casey Bailey who found Connor Varley walking in off the point where he snapped one high short side.

The Dogs had a great chance to go ahead with just over a minute to go when Brandon Adams raced in on a breakaway but couldn't fight off a stick from behind by Tyler Miller, forcing the shot out of the building. Compared to the relatively weak call in overtime, the Dogs might have wanted a call on this play.

Both teams had great chances on scrambles in OT, and both teams had shots hit the post. The Chiefs would take a 1-0 series lead on a beautiful goal by Trevor Gerling to win it - too bad the play should have never happened as I mentioned off the top as a hand pass set up the play.

Its one thing when you lose a game and 2 points because of a bad call or bad no call. Its another thing entirely when you lose a Playoff game. Officiating for the most part has been sub-standard at best this season, unfortunately they aren't going to get better overnight just because the Playoffs are here.

Bulldogs Coach and GM Paul Esdale wasn't impressed with the officiating on the postgame show, which is quite understandable. While the penalty in question in OT and the non-call on the hand pass on the winning goal were brought up, Esdale was more unhappy with how the game was called as a whole, as he believed his team was the more disciplined team, not getting into it after whistles or behind the play while the Chiefs were doing exactly that.

The Langley Event Centre crew had the referee "mic'd up" during the game, giving the night a "big league" feel. However it felt small all over again when the referee called a penalty against the Chiefs and once play was stopped he didn't know who the penalty was against. He was caught with his mic on saying to his linesman "who was the guy" and ended up announcing #20 white - while #14 Austin Plevy was sent from the bench for the penalty. Hopefully the mic'd up experiment won't end as a result.

The Dogs went 3 for 4 on the powerplay while the Chiefs went 2 for 5. Shots favoured the Dogs 44-34.

Game 2 goes tomorrow night in Langley.

Hammer
Morning Show Host:
93.3 The Peak FM
Play-by-Play Voice:
Alberni Valley Bulldogs
Blogger:
www.hammersdogs.blogspot.com

Sent wirelessly from my BlackBerry device on the Bell network.

Blown Call

Morning Show Host:
93.3 The Peak FM
Play-by-Play Voice:
Alberni Valley Bulldogs
Blogger:
www.hammersdogs.blogspot.com

Sent wirelessly from my BlackBerry device on the Bell network.

Bulldogs vs. Chiefs...

Listen live www.933thepeak.com
Morning Show Host:
93.3 The Peak FM
Play-by-Play Voice:
Alberni Valley Bulldogs
Blogger:
www.hammersdogs.blogspot.com

Sent wirelessly from my BlackBerry device on the Bell network.

Dogs @ Chiefs

Morning Show Host:
93.3 The Peak FM
Play-by-Play Voice:
Alberni Valley Bulldogs
Blogger:
www.hammersdogs.blogspot.com

Sent wirelessly from my BlackBerry device on the Bell network.

Bulldogs open 2010-2011 Fred Page Cup Playoffs in Langley

The Langley Events Centre. I thought it was a very appropriate picture with the bright outlook that comes with the arrival of the post season. Everyone gets a fresh start. The previous 60 games don't matter anymore. Anyone that had a great year - it can be forgotten with a forgettable playoffs. Anyone that had a bad year - it can be forgotten with a playoffs to remember.


I for one believe in this group - they have shown all year that they are a resilient bunch. They have not only shown that they CAN play a tough and physical game - they are actually at their BEST when they are playing that way. Perfect for how you have to play to win in the Playoffs. They have the goaltending, and they have the special teams.


Can they bury their chances, can they bring a consistent effort, composure, discipline....I could name off 100 more. That's the whole fun in watching. 



Read more on the series in my "Weekly Preview:" write up from the Bulldogs website by CLICKING HERE

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

Former Bulldog Jeff Reppucci will be my 2nd Intermission guest, now at Holy Cross

Hammer

Blues @ Nucks, Dogs off to Langley for Game 1 tomorrow.....

The Canucks try to bounce back from a 3-2 loss to the Habs on Tuesday (maybe I was bad luck for the Nucks, or good luck for the Habs?) when they host the St. Louis Blues tonight at Rogers Arena.

We've got the pregame show tonight starting at 6:30 with the puck drop and play-by-play to follow just after 7:00pm. Catch all the action on THE PEAK, and www.933thepeak.com, part of the Canucks Radio Network.

From the Canucks website, click to read the PREVIEW GAME NOTES and LINE UP

The Dogs open up the playoffs tomorrow night in Langley! Is there anything as beautiful (or ugly sometimes?) as PLAYOFF hockey?


The Dogs will be trying to get it done in Games 1 and 2 at the beautiful Langley Events Centre...more later on the series...





Hammer

Habs @ Nucks..

I am honoured to be at leg 8 of 8 nights 7 games 5 cities 4 provinces...

Thanks to my lifelong friend Jordy Schaworski for giving me the chance to be here!!

Hammer

-
Morning Show Host:
93.3 The Peak FM
Play-by-Play Voice:
Alberni Valley Bulldogs
Blogger:
www.hammersdogs.blogspot.com

Sent wirelessly from my BlackBerry device on the Bell network.

Not bad seats....

Morning Show Host:
93.3 The Peak FM
Play-by-Play Voice:
Alberni Valley Bulldogs
Blogger:
www.hammersdogs.blogspot.com

Sent wirelessly from my BlackBerry device on the Bell network.

Habs @ Canucks tonight on THE PEAK....

Catch the Montreal Canadiens at the Vancouver Canucks on 93.3 The Peak tonight and online at www.933thepeak.com, part of the Canucks Radio Network.


From the Canucks website, click to read the

                                 PREVIEW GAME NOTES and LINE UP


I'll be the guy in the Manitoba Moose jersey about 10 rows up from the ice, right behind the benches....Yes, I know I am very very very lucky to be able to go. I am lucky to have such great family and friends. In this instance, I am lucky to be included in the final leg of my buddies "8 games, 8 nights, 5 cities and 4 Provinces" tour that started out East and has gone across the country through the Heritage Classic to Vancouver tonight. Now they are REALLY lucky!


Hammer


-

Final Edition of "Around the Pound" tonight at Dolce Vita, tough one for former Bulldog/Spruce King Kevin Genoe...

Tonight marks the final edition of "Around the Pound" the Bulldog Talk Show as we take the show live-on-location to Dolce Vita one last time. Drop by to catch the show with some great dinner from 6pm to 7pm.

Here's your guest list - in order of appearance, as always, subject to change:

Bulldogs Head Coach and GM Paul Esdale

Bulldogs Players Connor Varley and Josh Mitchell

Langley Chiefs Head Coach Harvy Smyl

Highlights from the week that was....

Questions for me or my guests? Send them in by clicking here

Moving along....I'm lucky enough that with all my years of goaltending I never let one in like this....I don't fault Genoe as it was a puck up in the air that it looked like he just plain never saw.....



Hammer

Heritage Classic...

Morning Show Host:
93.3 The Peak FM
Play-by-Play Voice:
Alberni Valley Bulldogs
Blogger:
www.hammersdogs.blogspot.com

Sent wirelessly from my BlackBerry device on the Bell network.

Graduating Players..

Morning Show Host:
93.3 The Peak FM
Play-by-Play Voice:
Alberni Valley Bulldogs
Blogger:
www.hammersdogs.blogspot.com

Sent wirelessly from my BlackBerry device on the Bell network.

Bulldog Year End Award Winners

Coaches Award: Frank Slubowski

Rookie of the Year: Kenney Morrison

Academic College: Ollie McCluske

Most Valuable Player: Frank Slubowski

Best Defenceman: Connor Varley

Unsung Hero: Kyle Weber

Most Improved: Konrad Litke

Community Hero: Trent Dorais

Humanitarian: Ollie McCluskey

Entrepreneur: Trent Dorais

Fan Choice: Sawyer Mick

Top Scorer: Josh Mitchell

Most Sportsmanlike: Lars Hepso

Congrats to all the winners!

Hammer

Morning Show Host:
93.3 The Peak FM
Play-by-Play Voice:
Alberni Valley Bulldogs
Blogger:
www.hammersdogs.blogspot.com

Sent wirelessly from my BlackBerry device on the Bell network.

IMG01699-20110220-1159.jpg

Morning Show Host:
93.3 The Peak FM
Play-by-Play Voice:
Alberni Valley Bulldogs
Blogger:
www.hammersdogs.blogspot.com

Sent wirelessly from my BlackBerry device on the Bell network.

Kings 4, Dogs 1, Year End Awards Banquet this morning

A flat game for the most part, with no scoring in the first period and only 13 combined shots. The start to the second was again rather slow, but once the Kings struck on a breakaway by Brendan Hawryluk seven minutes in to go up 1-0 the pace picked up a bit.

The biggest cheer for the home fans came just after the halfway mark of the game when Liam Darragh won a decision over Justin DaSilva. Darragh had challenged DaSilva after it looked like did something behind the play to Dylan Nowakowski.

The Kings built their lead to 2-0 on a 2 on 1 rush two minutes into the third converted by Scott Renner, and held that lead until just over four minutes remained in regulation when Kenney Morrison spoiled Michael Garteig's bid for the single season shut out record with a blast from the point to make it 2-1.

The Dogs would give up another breakaway pressing for the equalizer, resulting in a Kings power play that they made good on to get insurance back with a Matt Garbowski power play goal with 1:46 to play. An empty netter by Jason Yee - his first marker since November 2009 - sealed the deal for the 4-1 final.

To read my Weekly Recap of the Bulldogs action this week, head to the Bulldogs website HERE


Next up, it's the Year End Awards Banquet at 11am today at the Multiplex - hopefully we'll see you there!


Hammer

Morning Show Host:
93.3 The Peak FM
Play-by-Play Voice:
Alberni Valley Bulldogs
Blogger:
www.hammersdogs.blogspot.com

Sent wirelessly from my BlackBerry device on the Bell network.

Anti Bullying...

Note the Pink Sticker on Frank Slubowski's helmet. Every Bulldog has one tonight - Bullying Stops Here.

Hammer

-
Morning Show Host:
93.3 The Peak FM
Play-by-Play Voice:
Alberni Valley Bulldogs
Blogger:
www.hammersdogs.blogspot.com

Sent wirelessly from my BlackBerry device on the Bell network.

Game 60 - Regular Season ends with Dogs hosting League's best + Year End Banquet, Bantam and Midgets in Playoffs tomorrow

The Bulldogs finish the 2010-2011 Regular Season with a visit from the Powell River Kings tonight at the Dog Pound. Then it's off to the playoffs as the Bulldogs visit the Langley Chiefs for Games 1 and 2 Friday and Saturday in Langley before returning home for Games 3 and 4 next Monday and Tuesday. It's the last chance for the Dogs to head into the playoffs on a winning note - and there is no better test to prepare for the "real season" than by playing the BCHL's top team.

The Kings are in the same position the Dogs are in last year - they are coming off a franchise record season, and they are heading into their final game tonight before 14 or so days off to prepare for Round two of the playoffs with a first round bye.

You can bet the Kings will bring their best tonight as they don't want to head into the downtime on a losing note - but hey, maybe that's good motivation too. The Kings have several things to play for tonight that might find them some extra motivation - Michael Garteig is still chasing the BCHL single season shut out record, as he's currently tied with Brad Theissen's record of 7. He is also trying to set the lowest GAA in a season record, set last year by Blake Voth in Vernon. Lastly, if the Kings hold the Dogs to four or less goals they will break the BCHL record for fewest goals allowed in a season, set by Vernon last year with 119.

The Kings have won three straight in the season series, and four or five total. The Dogs beat the Kings 3-1 in the first meeting of the season at the Dog Pound. The last time these teams met was January 4th in Powell River, where the Kings scored a late empty netter to seal the deal to win 4-2.

Catch the pregame show tonight on 93.3 The Peak with Rick and I at 6:45 with the puck drop and play-by-play to follow at 7:00. You can also listen live on our website at www.933thepeak.com

Jonathon Jackson, author of the above book, will be our 2nd Intermission guest.

It's a busy day tomorrow at the Multiplex with the Bulldogs Year End Awards Banquet going at 11:00am in the Upper Lounge.

On the ice, the Bantam Bulldogs host Sannich in playoff action starting at 1:30. That game is followed up by the Midgets hosting Peninsula at 4:00pm. Both teams are Island Champs and have secured home ice advantage, admission is free so get out and watch some of the stars of tomorrow, today!

If you are at the rink all day tomorrow, don't forget to set your PVR if you have one as the Heritage Classic goes in Calgary with the Habs visiting the Flames at 3pm Pacific. GO HABS!

That's it for now


Hammer


 -

Clippers 3 Dogs 2

It felt like the "old days" at the Frank Crane Arena  (for me, that's anywhere from 2003-2004 to about 2006-2007) as a huge crowd of 2799 turned out on "last chance to use your free ticket voucher night"  as the Dogs dug out of a 2-0 hole only to drop a heart breaker with another late goal against for a 3-2 final. 

I have said to several people over the last couple of years how I remembered the Friday night 2000 plus crowds in Nanaimo for Dogs vs Clips games and it was nice to feel some atmosphere in there again tonight. The 40 plus volunteers on the bus that the Dogs sent down plus the Bulldog fans that made their way to the game themselves also certainly added to the atmosphere.

The Dogs got off to one of their better starts in recent memory, but they were unable to find the net. The Clippers went up 1-0 at the 10 minute mark on a rebound off of a wrap around as Andrew Gladiuk jammed it home. Frank Slubowski didn't like the goal and protested to the official - it was hard to see from my angle but it looked like he might have had his hand on it only to see it jammed in. It was 2-0 later in the period on the power play on a great shot just off to the side of the net by Danick Malouin that was deflected into the top corner by Brayden Jaw.

The Dogs made it 2-1 in the second on a great set up by Casey Bailey as he dropped back to cover the point on the power play and made a perfect pass through the seam to Dylan Nowakowski off the back post where he fired it into the open side. The score stayed that way into the third period where the Dogs evened it up when Ollie McCluskey found Sam Mitchell in the slot where he ripped one high past Premont to tie it at 2-2.

The Clippers would catch the Dogs with a long stretch pass that resulted in a breakaway for Andrew Gladiuk. Mike Puddifant would pick up a tripping penalty as he tried to dive to knock the puck out of the way - I wouldn't have been surprised if a penalty shot was awarded, but it was just a two minute minor. No matter, the Clippers scored early in the power play for the 3-2 lead with 2:01 to play. The Bulldogs got Frank Slubowski out for the extra attacker with 1:45 to play but they couldn't get the equalizer as the Clippers held on.

Shots favoured the Clippers 20-19. The Dogs went 1 for 2 on the power play while the Clippers went 2 for 4.

The Dogs have one game left in the Regular Season as they host the Powell River Kings Saturday night at the Dog Pound.

The Dogs know who they will face in the playoffs starting Friday night, as the Langley Chiefs clinched 3rd place with a 7-6 OT win over Salmon Arm on home ice.

Bed time, more tomorrow.

Hammer



Morning Show Host:
93.3 The Peak FM
Play-by-Play Voice:
Alberni Valley Bulldogs
Blogger:
www.hammersdogs.blogspot.com
Sent wirelessly from my BlackBerry device on the Bell network.

Bulldogs @ Clippers tonight, Year End Banquet Sunday, Bantam, Midget Bulldogs in action Sunday

It's the final game in the "Battle for the Rival Hammer" series tonight as the Bulldogs travel to Nanaimo to visit the Clippers for the 10th meeting in the season series. Not the special 8pm start time, due to minor hockey in Nanaimo.

The season series has been a fun one. The Clippers have won five games entering play tonight. The Bulldogs have won four. This is a big one for the big Hammer and the bragging rights that exist between the two teams.

The Bulldogs will be thanking their small army of volunteers that make the team run by taking them all via bus to Nanaimo tonight, so hopefully they will make some noise for the 'boys on the road.

For more on tonight's game, and tomorrow's finale against Powell River, check out my Weekly Preview article from the Bulldogs Website HERE

The Bulldogs website also has a good story on how the team (and The Peak's own Jolie McMullan) are involved locally in Anti-bullying awareness. Click HERE to read more

Catch the pregame show tonight at 7:45 with the play-by-play to follow at 8:00pm on 93.3 The Peak FM and online at www.933thepeak.com

Tonight's 2nd Intermission feature guest is Fraser Rodgers, play-by-play voice of the Powell River Kings and blogger

Don't forget that the Bulldogs Year End Awards Banquet goes Sunday at 11am in the Multiplex Upper Lounge. Get your tickets at the Bulldogs Office.

Also don't forget that the North-Island Champion Bantam and Midget Rep Bulldogs are in action Sunday as playoffs continue. The Bantams host Sannich at 1:30 while the Midgets host Peninsula at 4:00pm.


Hammer

Hump Closed...

Morning Show Host:
93.3 The Peak FM
Play-by-Play Voice:
Alberni Valley Bulldogs
Blogger:
www.hammersdogs.blogspot.com

Sent wirelessly from my BlackBerry device on the Bell network.

SNOW

Morning Show Host:
93.3 The Peak FM
Play-by-Play Voice:
Alberni Valley Bulldogs
Blogger:
www.hammersdogs.blogspot.com

Sent wirelessly from my BlackBerry device on the Bell network.

Alberni Golf Update, Midget, Bantam Bulldog Updates, Bulldogs Year End Banquet, Playoff tixs..

First off, thanks to Gerry for the update from the Alberni Golf Club..

Sunday February 20 the club will be hosting the annual Men's Cherry Creek Shootout.

  
This is a four man event with the best two nets counting on each hole.Please enter in the Pro Shop as a foursome, or as a single and Bruce will put you in a group. If you can't  make it out to the club phone 250-723-5422 to have your group entered in the event. The cost for the day will be $35 for members and $45 for guests. This price includes 18 holes of golf with a shotgun start at 9 AM, lunch at 2PM and lots of prizes. This will be your tune up for the start of the season which is scheduled for March 27th. Remember Gentlemen guests are always welcome at the Alberni Golf Club.

And thanks to Simon, Al, et all, for the updates on the Bantam and Midget Bulldogs....

We are getting lots of inquiries about when this game is.  The team would appreciate if you can keep this in your announcements this week, so we can get a good crowd out for the game on Sunday.

After winning three straight in North Island play-offs, the Van Isle Ford Midget Bulldogs have home ice advantage for the semi-final against South Island second place Peninsula Eagles.

The semi-final game is Sunday February 20^th from 4:00 PM to 6:30 PM at the Alberni Multiplex, Weyerhaeuser Arena.  Admission is free, so let’s get a good crowd out to cheer on the home team.

___________

I don't have any further details on the Bantams, but I can tell you that their game will go at 1:30pm Sunday, ahead of the Midgets game - so why not get out and watch both?

 You can make it a whole Sunday at the rink if you wish, as the Bulldogs Year End Awards Banquet gets going Sunday at 11am in the Upper Lounge of the Multiplex - tickets are on sale at the Dogs office, along with PLAYOFF TICKETS so get down there or give them a call at 250-723-4412

Hammer

-

 

NHL deal awaits Brown Captain - former Bulldog, Canucks visit Wild tonight on THE PEAK

I've had this one in my inbox for a long time but forgot to post it - please accept my apologies - thanks to Laurie for sending it along -

Click to read "NHL deal awaits Brown Captain"

Catch the 'Nucks at the Wild on 93.3 The Peak FM tonight, with the pregame show beginning at 4:30 with the play-by-play to follow just after 5:00pm.

From the Canucks website - here's the PREVIEW GAME NOTES and LINE UP

Hammer

Dogs playoff tickets go on sale today, Awards Banquet goes Sunday

Bulldogs Playoff Tickets on Sale

PRESS RELEASE
February 15th, 2010

With two convincing wins at home this weekend, the Alberni Valley Bulldogs have secured a position in the BCHL’s Fred Page Cup playoffs.

This season’s playoff format will see the top team in the BCHL’s Coastal Conference receive a first round bye, while the 8th place team at the end of regular season will miss the playoffs.

The Fred Page Cup playoffs are set to have the first round begin on Friday February 25th, 2011. The first round matchups are based on the regular seasons final standings. The first round will see the 2nd seed vs 7th seed, 3rd seed vs 6th seed, and the 4th seeded team facing off against the 5th seed. All series in the Fred Page Cup playoffs are the best of seven. The top seeded teams in each series will have home ice advantage during Games 1,2,5*,7* (*if necessary) in each round. Teams will then be reseeded for round two, with the first placed team entering in as the top seed. The Bulldogs first two games at the Multiplex will be February 28th and March 1st.

Round 1 start dates:
Game 1 Friday February 25th, 2011Opponent is Home
Game 2 Saturday February 26th, 2011 Opponent is Home
Game 3 Monday February 28th, 2011 at Alberni Valley
Game 4 Tuesday March 1st, 2011 at Alberni Valley
Game 5ThursdayMarch 3rd, 2011 Opponent is Home (if necessary)
Game 6 Friday March 4th, 2011 at Alberni Valley (if necessary) Game 7
Saturday March 5th, 2011 Opponent is Home (if necessary)

2011 Alberni Valley Bulldog playoff ticket prices are as follows:
Adult $14.00 (all tickets include HST) Senior $12.00 Student $ 8.00 Child $ 6.00

Playoff Tickets go on sale February 15, 2011 at 10:00am at the Bulldogs Office. Playoff tickets will be available for purchase online at www.albernivalleybulldogs.ca or thequb.com after 4:00pm PST on February 22, 2011.

All non reserved tickets (currently not held by a season ticket holder) will be on sale beginning Tuesday February 15, 2011 at the Bulldogs office.

Season ticket holders will have until February 22, 2011 at 4:00pm PST to purchase their seats for the first two home playoff games. To purchase your seats season ticket holders must have your season ticket card number available to reserve your seat, this can be done by stopping in at the Bulldogs office, calling or emailing your season ticket card number to npelk@albernivalleybulldogs.ca.

Beginning February 22, 2011 after 4:00pm PST tickets not secured by season ticket holders will be opened up to the general public for purchase.


AND - the Bulldogs Year End Awards Banquet also goes this Sunday in the upper lounge of the Multiplex, tickets are available at the Bulldogs Office for $15.00

MIDGET BULLDOGS ADVANCE TO ISLAND SEMI

The Van Isle Ford Midget Bulldogs locked up first place in the North Island division of their play-off series by defeating the Tyees 5-3 on Saturday February 12 in Campbell River.  The Bulldogs will now move on to the Vancouver Island semi-final with home ice advantage against Peninsula Eagles.  Oceanside will travel to Bear Mountain to meet Juan de Fuca in the other semi.

Saturday’s tilt was a grinder game with neither side able to gain the upper hand early.  Several Bulldogs were battling flu as well the Tyees.  Campbell River connected first with an outside shot at 4:26 of the first period.  Port Alberni evened it up with a power play goal to open the second period.  Brady Janzen hit a post, then Colby Lim picked up the loose puck behind the goalie and finished it off.

The Tyees went ahead again on their first power play a minute later.  There were not a lot of penalties in this game, but the teams made the most of them.  Campbell River scored on the first two of their five opportunities and Port Alberni three out of seven times with a man advantage.  The Bulldogs evened the score again on their next power play.  Carson McCulloch deflected the puck nicely from the half-boards past two Tyees defencemen to give Brett Williscroft open ice in front of the net at 16:20.  Alberni finally got ahead with a buzzer beater to end the second period.  Jesse York redirected a point shot from Cory Beecroft to score.  But the Tyees came right back with their second power play making it 3-3 at 18:13 of the third period.

The Bulldogs edged ahead again at 13:25 when Lim found a loose puck in the slot, faked a shot and then scored five hole before the goalie could recover.  Eleven more long minutes went by without a goal, although there were several missed chances at both ends.  The final goal came with 2:20 left and Brandon Antonichuk and Beau Wilson racing in on the net.  The goalie knocked it off its mooring, but the referee ruled that the puck was in first and awarded the goal to Wilson for a 5-3 final.  The Bulldogs were outshot 37-30, but their greater defensive energy in the third period made the difference.  They killed three penalties and kept Campbell River off the board for the last 18 minutes.  Andrew Cusson was between the pipes for the win.

The semi-final game will be at Weyerhaeuser Arena at 4PM on Sunday February 20.  The Midget A Bulldogs will face off against Peninsula Eagles.  Although the Bulldogs won against a short handed Peninsula team in their only exhibition match up this season, anything is possible in a play-off.  This is a single game knock out, so come out and make some noise for your Alberni Valley team.

Hammer

Dogs 3, Eagles 1...Dogs clinch playoff spot, "Around the Pound" tonight, Alberni Wrestling Update

A week ago, I wrote of how the Dogs looked a step behind as they played their third game in two and a half days, while the Merritt Centennials had more jump and won more battles in a 4-3 win in Merritt. Seven days later the Dogs were the team that looked a step ahead all afternoon, that won the bulk of the battles, while the Eagles looked a step slow.

After a slow start the Bulldogs came up with two big penalty kills to keep in the game in the first 10 minutes. After a Tyler Berkholtz goal from the point (that fooled everyone in the booth as we all thought it was Kenny Morrison, odd sometimes how your eyes play tricks on you and something looks so different from side of the ice versus the other) and an extended scrum that saw the Bulldogs emerge on a power play that they would connect on with  a Josh Mitchell shot to lead 2-1, they never looked back.


The Dogs clinch a playoff berth with the win. With the win over the Eagles they also accomplished the feat of beating every team in the Conference at least once.

Next up, it's "Around the Pound" the Bulldog Hockey show on 93.3 The Peak FM tonight from 6pm to 7pm. Tonight's guest list, in order of appearance and always subject to change:

Bulldogs Head Coach and GM Paul Esdale

Bulldog Players Casey Bailey and Frank Slubowski

Nanaimo Clippers Play-by-Play Voice Dan Marshall



Former Bulldog Brian Stewart

Highlights from the week that was...


Questions for me or my guests? Send them in by clicking HERE

A very successful weekend for Alberni Wrestling....congrats to all athletes and coaches!

Alberni wrestling release ……

Local wrestlers dominated at the Island Secondary Schools Wrestling Championships in Port Hardy on the weekend. The ADSS Boys team won the Island title for the record 24^th time in the past 28 years while the ADSS Girls team was second overall. EJ Dunn Middle School were impressive with a third place finish in the boys division and fifth in the girls division.

Individually ADSS had 8 gold medalists …. Jesse Wagner (45 kg), Jordan Wagner (48 kg), Austin Evans (57 kg), Jonathan Spencer (63 kg), Cullen Hines (74 kg), Isaiah Taylor (84 kg) and Christian Anderson (110 kg) in the boys division and Rhea Wing (43 kg) on the girls side.

Silver medalists ….. Sheldon Haddad (57 kg), Nolan Badovinac (Dunn 70 kg), Bailey Durning (60 kg) and Brianne Charles (64 kg).

Bronze medalists ….. Russell David (Dunn 51 kg), Eryk McKenzie (Dunn 54 kg), Dean Leyland (Dunn 57 kg), Johannes Kulich (Neill 60 kg), Austin Jaworski (ADSS 66 kg), Riley Neville (ADSS 90 kg), Remi Wells (Dunn 47 kg), Isabella Larsen (ADSS 54 kg), Michelle Kurcz (Dunn 57 kg), Emma Vanderlee (Dunn 64 kg) and Samantha Anderson (ADSS 90 kg).

Other local placers …… Dakota Sutton (4^th ADSS 60 kg), Cole Walton ( 4^th ADSS 84 kg), Lauren barker (4^th Dunn 47 kg), Elaina Todd (4^th ADSS 51 kg) and Janelle Beckett ( 4^th ADSS 54 kg).

Returning two time BC Champion Jordie Bodnar was unable to wrestle for ADSS on the girls side due to an injury but she was petitioned to the bC’s because of her past achievements.

Those wrestlers who have now qualified will be preparing for the BC Secondary Schools Wrestling Championships in Abbotsford February 24-26. A small group of local wrestlers will be selected to attend the National Cadet/Juvenile Championships in Windsor Ontario April 7-10.

For more info contact ….

Tom McEvay

Alberni Wrestling

Office: 250-723-3744



---
Sent wirelessly from my BlackBerry device on the Bell network.

Dogs host Eagles, Midget Bulldogs sweep North Island

A tale of two games last night as the Dogs were all over the Express in the first two periods while building up a 6-1 lead after 40 minutes. The Express didn't quit, and the Dogs appeared to think the game was in the bag as the team that came out for the third period barely resembled the team from the first two periods as the Express caught the Dogs with a 5 on 3 goal and a 5 on 4 goal on back to back penalties to make a 6-1 game a 6-3 contest. Just a minute and a half later it was 6-4. Credit to the Dogs for righting the ship at that point, but it was still a very challenging third period as they had to work hard to protect their lead.

Yesterday was just that though - yesterday. The Dogs need to build on the positives of yesterday, of which their were many, and prepare for the Surrey Eagles. A win today could clinch a playoff spot for the Dogs, as they are currently 5 points up on Cowichan, with the Capitals having just six points available to them with three games to go in the Regular Season.

The Eagles are coming off a 5-1 loss last night in Victoria, a night after a 6-4 win for the Eagles in Powell River to open up their three game swing.

The Eagles have won all three games between the teams this season by scores of 4-1, 4-3, and 4-2 in the most recent meeting January 22nd, the only game of the previous three to be played at the Dog Pound.

The Dogs will certainly not get away with only playing two periods against the Eagles. As it has to be on most nights for this club, only a consistent 60 minute effort will get the job done. The last time these teams met the Eagles ran roughshod over the Bulldogs in building up a 2-0 advantage early in the game. While the Dogs battled hard to get it back to even, they could never surge ahead.

And a final key to the game, piece of advice if you will - DO NOT take penalties against the Eagles, as they have the #1 road power play in the BCHL.

Catch the pregame show on 93.3 The Peak and www.933thepeak.com at 2:15 this afternoon with the puck dropping at 2:30.

Today's 2nd Intermission feature guest is Perry Elderbroom - President, Founder and Director of Operations for Gold in the Net 

Bulldog 'keepers Frank Slubowski and Kiefer Giroux are also Gold in the Net products. Last but not least - if you don't mind "swinging the sticks", and supporting a good cause in the process - please consider taking part in the Gold in the Net Golf Classic to support the Aaron C. Cornwell Memorial Scholarship Fund. Click the image below to enlarge it for more information!

Huge congrats to the Midget Bulldogs, who picked up another win yesterday to sweep the North Island...here's some details...way to go Dogs!

The Van Isle Ford Midget Bulldogs defeated Campbell River Tyees on Saturday 5-3.  The win follows wins over Oceanside (2-1) and Powell River (5-1) putting Alberni in first place in their North Island Division and giving them home ice advantage for the semi-final next weekend against the second place South Island team.  The other teams have games to play on Sunday so the semi-final opposition and game time will not be known until after that.

Hammer