Kings 5 Dogs 1

The Dogs fell behind early in this one and couldn't recover as the Kings skated to a 5-1 win.


It was 1-0 Kings just over two minutes in when James Neal found his own rebound after an initial breakaway stop by Matt Larose. The Kings blew the game open with goals just 8 seconds apart four minutes into the second, the first coming on a bad break as Carter Shinkaruk put a wrist shot on net that ramped up off a Bulldog stick and up and over Larose. Off the next face off the Kings raced in on the attack and made it 3-0 as Evan Richardson tapped one into an open net on a core crease feed.


The Dogs made a game of it again four minutes later when Dylan Nowakowski took over the team scoring lead blowin a slapped through Maguire. That's all the Dogs could muster though as the Kings added one more late in the period just 5 seconds into a power play as Cohen Adair walked in alone off the draw and tucked it home.


The Kings completed the scoring with just over a minute to go in the game on a 5 on 3 power play as Teagan Waugh tipped a point shot home for the 5-1 final as it looked for a moment that the teams might play to their 4th straight 4-1 game this year.


The Dogs are back at it Wednesday night in Coquitlam before they finally return to Home Ice Friday and Saturday to host Cowichan and Langley.


Now to get home to ring in 2012! Be safe be smart tonight and don't forget the outdoor game tomorrow in Philly!


Talk to you next year!

Hammer

Larose's new gear

Dogs Line Up

Waiting for our boat

Dogs visit Kings tonight, have a fun, SAFE New Year's Eve,Rangers @ Flyers outdoors tomorrow

The Bulldogs wrap up 2011 tonight as they visit the Kings in Powell River with a special start time of 5:00, allowing the Dogs to get home tonight and fans to get out of the game early to ring in 2012.

Catch the pregame show on Boston Pizza Bulldogs Hockey on 93.3 The Peak at 4:45 this afternoon. Tonight's 2nd Intermission guest is Eddie Gregory, Play by Play voice of the Coquitlam Express, who's currently at the World Juniors calling Canada's games for Fast Hockey...what an experience that must be - I am green with envy!


As the puck drops in Powell River it also drops in Edmonton as Canada takes on Team USA, but the game doesn't mean much as the Americans have already been eliminated.

Have a fun New Year's Eve - there are several celebrations happening tonight that I know of. Revolution Productions has the Lance Lapointe Band performing and The Peak's Jolie McMullan MC'ing at John Paul II, Polly's Pub has live entertainment and there is also a celebration at Cherry Creek Hall.

Get out and have fun, but most importantly BE SAFE and BE SMART - do not get behind the wheel, don't let a friend get behind the wheel, and don't get in a vehicle with someone who has been drinking. Call a cab, a friend, an enemy, walk, crawl, run, WHATEVER, just DON'T DRIVE!

Last but not least - don't have too much fun or you may not enjoy the Winter Classic tomorrow morning as former Bulldog Harry Zolnierczyk and the Philadelphia Flyers play host to the New York Rangers outside at Citizen's Bank Park in Philly




Hammer

Dogs 2 Grizzlies 1

Gritty road win for the Dogs tonight as they snapped a three game winless streak with a 2-1 victory over the Victoria Grizzlies.

Victoria led 1-0 despite a strong start by the Dogs on a Jarryd Ten Vaanholt deflection, but the Dogs answered with a Dylan Nowakowski power play goal set up by Evan Tironese and Turner Popoff. Shortly afterwards the penalty kill came up big to keep the game tied as the Grizz went to a 5 on 3 power play for over a minute.

The only goal the rest of the way came early in the third when Walker Hyland got the game winner as he banked one in off a Victoria defender in the dying seconds of the power play.

The Dogs PK would again be called upon to protect the lead through the back half of the third with back to back kills to make the lead stand.

Shots favored the Dogs 35-16 with Max Fenkell picking up the win while Garrett Rockafellow earned 3rd star honours with the loss.

Special teams were just that for the Dogs as they went 2 for 5 on the PP and 6 for 6 on the PK

Now to hit the hay...back at the rink to head to Powell River early tomorrow.

Bear Mountain Arena

Dogs Line Up for tonight.....

Click the image to enlarge it!

Hammer

Dogs in Victoria tonight, Powell River tomorrow, to wrap up 2011

Catch Boston Pizza Bulldogs Hockey on 93.3 The Peak FM tonight as the Dogs return to action following the Christmas Break as they visit the Grizzlies in Victoria. Catch the pregame show at 7:00 with the puck drop to follow at 7:15

For more details, check out my "Weekly Preview" article on the Bulldogs website by clicking HERE

Hammer

My Gift to you...A Very Merry BCHL AND Bulldog Christmas!

A BIG Huge THANKS to everyone involved with the Bulldog organization, and everyone involved throughout the BCHL that helped make this all happen. I can do all the work - and trust me it is ALOT of phone calls, recordings, and time sitting in the studio at the Radio Station for hours on end - BUT if they don't give me their time it quite simply would not happen.


Every year when I do this I always feel very fortunate to work in conjunction with such a great team in the Dogs, and within such a great league as the BCHL. When the action comes off the ice and I'm not asking questions about wins and losses and injuries etc etc etc you realize how great all the people are that are associated with this great game.


I can't remember how many years I have thrown this together now, 4, 5 6? It's always a lot of fun to do and it's especially fun when it's a Coach or Play-by-Play guy that has "been there, done that" when it comes to giving me their wishlist and their greetings from previous years. They answer the phone and I say "It's that time of year again" and they know exactly what it's about. The same can be said when it's a Bulldog veteran compared to a rookie or new member of the organization. The guys that did it last year know whats up, while most of the new guys are a little taken aback and what to wish for and who to send greetings out to!


It's a sign of the times when I do this and you can hear it in the voices of EVERYONE whether it's a Bulldog Player of a BCHL Play-by-Play guy or Coach. What they most want is TIME to "check out" from the rink and the game for a bit and get home to spend some time with their family, friends, and loved ones.


So to the parents of the players,  here's hoping you are all having a great break with your "boys". To the families, wives, girlfriends and children of the Coaches and Play-by-Play guys here's hoping you are enjoying your time together!


And last but not least, it's my sincere hope that the Blog and Bulldog Broadcasts make the gap between home and Port Alberni just a little smaller and you feel somewhat closer to your boys when I know you are missing them so much! It is what motivates me to do the job every game and every time I post on the blog!



The concept is very simple - I ask everyone to give me some items on their Christmas wish list as in what they want under the tree for themselves, whether it's related to the game or not, and I then ask them to send greetings to anyone they would like to send them out to!


Everyone always asks me what I want and what is on my list, so here goes: That everyone has a safe and happy break with their loved ones. That the Bulldog players have good luck, and especially good health for the remainder of the season. And that the players come back from the break energized and that they BELIEVE that they can come back, and have an outstanding second half of the season and that they can climb up the standings and into the Playoffs. You hear stories at all levels of hockey, and sports period, where a team comes together and catches fire and rises from the valley and reaches the PEAK. And I would really like to be a part of it here. The last wish is to see the rink FULL again and rocking like it used to. Get this community inspired, and they will back you like you can't even believe. So BELIEVE that with half the season to go, there is time to change where you are at. That time however is fleeting! So come back FIRED UP guys! Away from the rink I wished for a great break with my loved ones - so far, so good! And some other material goods that don't really matter!


If you like this feature, or what you see in the blog or the Bulldogs Broadcasts and you would like to give me or my family a gift, then please feel free to click the PayPal DONATE button on the right hand side over there ----> at the top. NO, it's not why I do this, and NO, I don't expect anything! However, I have been fortunate enough to get some very generous support this year and years gone by from some fans and some families of Bulldog players. It is much appreciated and I can't say thanks enough!


Enough chit-chat, without further adieu here's all FOUR parts of  "A Very Merry BCHL Christmas" and a "Very Merry Bulldog Christmas" as they originally ran during our broadcasts before the break Friday in Coquitlam and Saturday in Surrey.


If you would like to keep a copy of the audio, then PLEASE click and Download! These files are pretty huge, and it's not cheap to host them on the Internet for everyone to enjoy and I'm running out of room!


Thanks again everyone for their help! From mine to yours, with apologies to Krusty the Klown for stealing a line from his "Non Denominational Holiday Special" - have a Merry Christmas, Joyeux Noel, Happy Hanukkah, Tip Top Tet, Kwazy Kwanzaa, Solemn Dignified Ramadan, or whatever else you celebrate!

A final reminder - All Audio is Courtesy and Copyright 93.3 The Peak FM and the Jim Pattison Broadcast Group

  Very Merry BCHL Christmas Part One by Hammer's Bulldog Blog



  Very Merry BCHL Christmas Part Two by Hammer's Bulldog Blog

  Very Merry Alberni Valley Bulldogs Christmas Part One by Hammer's Bulldog Blog


  Very Merry Alberni Valley Bulldogs Christmas Part Two by Hammer's Bulldog Blog



Hammer

Eagles 6 Dogs 5, Happy Holidays....

Quite the wild and crazy game in Surrey tonight as the Dogs fell 6-5 to the Eagles.

Read all about it from the Dogs website with the "Weekly Recap" HERE

I'm DONE with writing/typing for now and am very much looking forward to the break!

I will post the BCHL and Bulldogs Christmas specials in the days to come so be sure to check back.

Thanks as always for checking the blog and for your support. Enjoy getting your boys back home at this special time!

Boys - be safe, be smart, and come back ready to flip your record from the first half to the second half and push for the post season!

Hammer

Dogs @ Eagles tonight, A Very Merry Bulldogs Christmas, Dogs @ Express highlights...

The Dogs try to bounce back from a tough one last night in Coquitlam to head on the Holiday Break on a winning note tonight as they face the Eagles for the third time this season.

The pregame show kicks off at 6:45 with the puck drop at 7:00 from the South Surrey Arena on 93.3 The Peak FM

Be sure to catch the 1st and 2nd Intermission shows as I present my...present, haha, to you the Bulldog fans, "A Very Merry Bulldog Christmas" where I caught up with players, coaches, staff, support staff, etc of the Dogs to get their wishlist items and season greetings. Always a lot of fun.

Here's the highlights from last night - lots of them for Coquitlam, not many of them for the Bulldogs.

Express 8 Dogs 2

Tough night for the Dogs on many counts as they took it on the chin in dropping an 8-2 decision in their first visit this season to Coquitlam, their fourth straight loss to the Express this season.

An ominous beginning to the game saw the Dogs in the penalty box and then down 1-0 before the game was barely a minute old on a Brady Shaw deflection before Malcolm McKinney made it 2-0 on a 2 on 1 rush later in the frame. Just 30 seconds later Matt Larose stopped Brady Shaw on a breakaway, and then Shaw again as he was awarded a penalty shot on the play, to keep it 2-0 after one.

Larose made two more breakaway stops early in the second, before being beaten on at least the third one he faced in the early moments of the second, this one coming with the Express shorthanded as McKinney scored his second of the game to make it 3-0. The Dogs then ended up in the box repeatedly, resulting in back-to-back 5 on 3 powerplay goals for the Express from Shaw and then McKinney as he completed the hat trick for a 5-0 score. One more powerplay goal from Dante Godinho made it 6-0 before the Dogs were rewarded with a powerplay chance that they connected on as Dylan Nowakowski set up Walker Hyland at the top of the crease to make it 6-1. Jon Siemer replied for the Express when he banked one in from behind the line to make it 7-1, before Walker Hyland's second of the game, again off a Dylan Nowakowski set up with 10 seconds left in the second for a 7-2 score.

The only goal the rest of the way was another powerplay goal from the Express, a gorgeous tic-tac-toe set up as Brady Shaw completed the hat trick on a backdoor one-timer six minutes into the third.

The Express added one more for good measure on the powerplay in the third for the 8-2 final on a highlight reel set up as Shaw added his 3rd goal of the game,

Final shots favoured the Dogs 43-38. The Dogs went 1 for 6 on the powerplay while the Express went 5 for 9 including two 5 on 3 goals and one while shorthanded.

The Dogs are short bodies at the moment and no doubt dearly miss their leading scorer in Justin Morello, and one of the guys playing great hockey lately in Brandon Adams who was head-shotted Sunday afternoon. Throw in Tyler Berkholtz - hurt in practice Thursday, and Brandon Halls and Yan Kalashnikov and you are in tough. By no means an excuse, but a factor for sure.

Here's hoping the Dogs can bring a better effort tomorrow in all facets of the game to head on the break on a winning note.

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 @ Express

Harry Z scores another beauty, Dogs visit Express tonight

 

Amazing picture, reminds me of vintage Harry, like the one of him leaping when screening the Nanaimo goalie!

Catch Boston Pizza Bulldogs Hockey on 93.3 The Peak FM tonight with the pregame show from Coquitlam at 6:45 with the puck drop at 7:00.

My Holiday tradition as a gift to everyone associated with the league runs through both intermissions, "A Very Merry BCHL Christmas" which is always a lot of fun so don't miss it! 

Check out my "Weekly Preview" article from the Dogs site HERE

Hammer

Zbomb scores again...

...Great to see former Bulldog Harry Zolnierczyk score again tonight in the Flyers 4-3 win over the Habs in Montreal.

Even better that it was on TSN, as many Dogs fans were obviously watching the game...I was thinking something must have been on fire as I was driving home and my phone didn't stop going off in my pocket for at least 5 minutes. Curiosity finally got the better of me and I pulled over to check what was up. Brought a big smile to my face to see a long string of messages saying "Harry scored" Z just scored a beauty" and so on and so forth - way to go Harry!

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.

A Very Merry BCHL + Bulldog Christmas...

...Quick update from the bowels of the Multiplex. Apologies for the downtime lately on the blog lately, my family was out visiting from Manitoba and I had a couple days off.

I have spent the last couple days working on my Christmas Present to the BCHL and Bulldog fans - be sure to tune in tomorrow and Saturday!

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.

Ringing the Bells...

93.3 The Peak FM has taken over the Salvation Army Christmas Kettle at the Government Liquor Store today so please drop by with some spare change or bills, if you can spare some!

I'm here until 4pm, David is here from 4 to 6

Merry HoHo

Hammer

Skate with the Bulldogs

Jam packed!

Autographs

Bulldog Winter Wonderland Skate

Dogs 4 Rivermen 4

 

Lots of entertainment, but no winner today at the Pound as the Dogs and Rivermen played to a 4-4 draw.

To read my "Weekly Recap" visit the Dogs website HERE

Off for some R and R for a couple of days with my parents out visiting.

Hammer

New Colour Guy...

Ace has been too naughty

Dogs host Rivermen this afternoon, Frank Slubowski up on 2nd Intermission

The Dogs and Rivermen finish off busy weekends when they meet this afternoon at the Dog Pound. Both teams have played twice already this weekend and have spit their two games. The Dogs lost to Penticton last night and beat Cowichan Friday night. The Rivermen topped Nanaimo Friday and fell to the Capitals in Duncan last night.


It's the fourth meeting the teams this season and the second at the Dog Pound after the Dogs picked up a 4-0 win in the most recent meeting. The Dogs have won two straight head to head - after Langley won the first meeting 7-1, the Dogs won the return match 7-1 just over a week later in Langley.

Catch the pregame show on Boston Pizza Bulldogs Hockey on 93.3 The Peak FM at 2:15 with the play-by-play to follow at 2:30 with Ace and myself.

Today's 2nd Intermission feature guest is former Bulldog Frank Slubowski, now with the Western Michigan Mustangs in his first season of NCAA hockey.


Hammer

Vees 6 Dogs 2

Tough loss for the Dogs tonight as they skated with the BCHL's best save for a minute span late in the second where the Vees went from looking like a great team to looking like a downright scary team as they blew open a 3-2 game with three goals in just over a minute to take a 6-2 lead. 


The Vees would then put it on cruise control for the third period as neither team hit the net. 


Credit to the Dogs for keeping in the game after the Vees scored just over a minute in to lead 1-0. It would have been easy at that point to wilt under the pressure but they battled back with Ryan Lough converting a Brandon Adams pass on a 2 on 1 rush to make it 1-1 five minutes in. Once again credit to the Dogs for battling back from a 3-1 hole to make it 3-2 when Dylan Nowakowski put a slapper through the legs of Chad Katunar on the power play as the Vees picked up a Bench Minor. The goal would appear to only wake up the Vees though as less than a minute later the three-goal barrage began.

Ryan Lough ties it


Next up for the Dogs is a date with the Langley Rivermen Sunday afternoon at the Pound, a 2:30 puck drop. I'm off to bed and off to get a Christmas tree with the folks tomorrow!


Hammer

Dan "the stats man" Tisserand

...Gets the ACE hat.

Winter Wonderland coming together...

...Santas Elves are busy!

Dogs top best in Coast Friday night, host BCHL best Vees tonight

 

The Bulldogs snapped a two game losing streak Friday night and made a winner of Kevin Willison in his debut behind the Dogs bench with a gritty total team effort, bringing as close to a full 60 minute effort as you can get. The Dogs remained unbeaten in three games against the Caps this season - all of them in Duncan - with now two wins and a tie so far in the head to head series.


It was just the second loss in regulation for the Capitals in their last SIXTEEN games. THAT ladies and gentlemen is how you get to be the top ranked team in the Conference.


The Dogs came out as one might expect after all the changes that went down this week as everyone top to bottom looked fired up and extra motivated with the hopes of showing their stuff to the new bench boss. Just over two minutes into the game, and about 30 seconds after failing to score on a 4 on 1 rush, the Dogs took a 1-0 lead on a bang-bang play when Ryan Lough converted a Tyler Berkholtz feed from behind the net with a quick release past the glove of Derek Dun. It was almost 2-0 shortly afterwards on the power play but an Arty Kalshnikov shot hit the post and then Derek Dun made the rebound stop from the seat of his pants. The Caps also hit the bar later in the period on a bad pass up the middle that Matt Brown intercepted walking right down main street. Max Fenkell (who was great all game) kept it 1-0 after one as he faced a first period penalty shot for the second straight game, again making the save on Travis Stephens as he did Sunday afternoon. I have to go back and check my records but Max might have stopped three straight penalty shots. It might be four as I also remember him stopping at the very least one more earlier in the season.


The score stayed that way until late in the second when the Caps tied the game at 1-1 with just over a minute to play in the period when they connected on the power play as Brayden Sherbinin fired one home from the top of the right circle off a good cross-ice set up as it was anyone's game heading into the third.


The Dogs got the eventual game winner six minutes into the third with another play that pushed the pace as Chase Van Allen fired a shot at the net from the left point that ended up deflecting off a stick and onto the tape of Josh Mitchell, who in turn one-touched it back to the slot for Brandon Adams who let a quick shot go that beat Dun low stick-side to make it 2-1. Through good mistake free hockey, good goaltending and solid penalty killing the Dogs would make the lead stand until they iced it in the dying seconds of regulation as Marlon Sabo cleared the puck out of the zone and to the Caps blue line where Adams out raced a Cap and chased it down before finding the open cage for the 3-1 final. Adams ended up figuring in on all the Dogs offense on the game earning 1st star honours.


Shots favoured the Dogs 30-28. The Dogs went 0 for 5 on the PP while the Caps went 1 for 5. The Capitals have now gone two games without scoring a goal at even strength.


Three Stars:
3rd) Max Fenkell
2nd) Matt Brown
1st) Brandon Adams


Here's hoping the Dogs bring the same level of EVERYTHING tonight to their game that they brought in Duncan - fire, passion, work ethic, sacrifice - all those buzz words - as they can see what they are capable of when they do. More importantly I hope they really do believe in what they are capable of, as confidence makes all the difference. It was nice to see some of the guys play with an increased level of swagger tonight. And not swagger as in cockiness either but just playing well. Crazy stuff that confidence business, it can come and go in the blink of an eye and the difference it can make in a player is everything. You can go from a game breaker to a bench warmer pretty quick. All you have to do to gain some is just have your head in the right place and make some plays and next thing you know it's a downhill slope but in a good way.

The Dogs will certainly need to make some plays if they have designs on beating the best in the league tonight in the Penticton Vees, winners of lucky 13 in a row after they opened their Island swing with a 5-4 win over the Grizzlies in Victoria.


Catch the pregame show at 6:45 on Boston Pizza Bulldogs Hockey on 93.3 The Peak FM with Ace and myself, with the play-by-play to follow at 7:00pm. Langley Rivermen play-by-play voice Brandon Astle is my 2nd Intermission guest.

Fans are encouraged to bring a non-perishable food item to the game as the Dogs are attempting to stock the shelves for the less fortunate with the holiday season coming up fast. Anyone that brings something to donate gets an entry for the Airplane toss to try and win a nice holiday bird!


Hammer

Dogs @ Caps to kick off busy weekend tonight, AV Rollergirls....

The Dogs are back in action tonight as they visit the Capitals in Duncan to kick off a three-game weekend. Catch all the action on Boston Pizza Bulldogs Hockey on 93.3 The Peak FM at 7:15 with the play-by-play to follow at 7:30. It's the first meeting between the teams since early October.

Tonight's 2nd Intermission guest is Fraser Rogers, Play-by-Play Voice of the Penticton Vees, who visit the Dog Pound tomorrow. Check out his blog The Three Vees HERE

Also check out my "Weekly Preview" article from the Bulldogs website HERE

If you want a night off from hockey, why not head to Glenwood to check out a new sport...or a new to the Valley sport!

 The Alberni Valley Roller Girls are ready to introduce the sport of Roller Derby to the Alberni Valley.  The team has been training hard, and its’ skaters will be featured in the league’s first roller derby bout on Dec 10^th . “Slay Belles 2011”, is holiday themed, and showcases exhibition teams “Violent Night” vs. “Deck the Dolls”. The teams are made up of the Alberni Valley Roller Girls, and feature seasoned guest skaters from all over the Mid Island, the Lower Mainland, and the Fraser Valley.

The AV Roller Girls have had a successful pre-season training schedule, having overcome injuries, illness and practice venue changes, to emerge as a team ready to kick some butt! This summer, AVRG held their first sponsorship drive, and have several corporate, business and individual sponsorships in place.  The women are excited to make their sponsors and community proud this season, and “Slay Belles” is their chance to show off all their hard work.  This family friendly, all ages event will be held at Glenwood Arena on Dec 10^th. 

Doors open at 6:30, tickets are $10.00, $5.00 for children 12 and under . This rock’em sock’em fast paced show of athleticism features a beer garden, raffles, 50/50 draws, and limited track-side “suicide seating”. Whistle Blows at 7pm. 

So bring your family, friends and roll grandma on down to Glenwood on Dec 10th, and be ready to pick your favorite Alberni Valley Rollergirl to cheer on!

Individuals and businesses interested in sponsoring AVRG for their 2012 Roller Derby season, or women over the age of 19 who are interested in skating with the team, can find more information at the league’s website albernivalleyrollergirls.com. Tickets to “Slay Belles” are available at Sweet Avenue on Argyle, Port Thrift Shop on 3^rd, or from your favorite Alberni Valley Roller Girl!

Hammer

Andy Oakes and Kevin Willison Interviews...

By popular demand, here are the Interviews from Andy Oakes and Kevin Willison from my 93.3 The Peak FM Morning Show yesterday and today respectively.

As always, all Audio is Courtesy and Copyright 93.3 The Peak FM and the Jim Pattison Broadcast Group

  ANDY OAKES by Hammer's Bulldog Blog

  Kevin Willison by Hammer's Bulldog Blog

Bulldogs President Andy Oakes on THE PEAK, 8:10am today...UPDATE - Kevin Willison new Head Coach

Catch Bulldogs President Andy Oakes on 93.3 The Peak FM this morning just after 8:10am as we will chat about the dismissal of Paul Esdale yesterday, and the naming of a new Head Coach today 

UPDATE - Here's your new Coach!

December 7th, 2011
For Immediate Release
 

The Alberni Valley Bulldogs are pleased to announce Kevin Willison as the teams new Head Coach.
 

Kevin comes with a long history of playing and coaching in the professional and amateur levels. Kevin was drafted by the St. Louis Blues 72nd overall in the 1978 draft. He proceeded to have a tremendous career in the IHL playing seven seasons of Pro with Port Huron, Muskegon and Milwaukee. In 2004 his jersey was retired by the Milwaukee Admirals honouring his time with the club. He was twice awarded the Governors Trophy which is awarded to the top defensemen in the league. He also spent one season as the Head Coach of the Milwaukee Admirals of the IHL and one season as the Head Coach of the Virginia Lancers of the East Coast Hockey League.
 

Kevin’s amateur coaching career spans from minor hockey in the city of Calgary for multiple years prior to taking on a position with the Edge School in Calgary as the Head Coach of their prep midget team where they were consistently a top team in western Canada. Most recently Kevin was the head coach of the Olds Grizzlies in the AJHL where he has just resigned from last week.
 

Kevin has coached young notable players such as Taylor Hall of the Edmonton Oilers and Matt Dumba of the Red Deer Rebels who is an invitee to the Canadian World Junior Team along with the Bulldogs very own Brandon Halls.
 

“We are very excited to be able to find a coach of Kevin’s calibre at this time of year and believe he will bring with him the discipline, work ethic and experience that will give us a chance to be a playoff hockey club”, stated president Andy Oakes.

Kevin will be available to the media after practice at 4:30 pm on Wednesday December 7th, 2011 for comment.

Coaching change in Alberni Valley...UPDATED WITH DETAILS

The Bulldogs have parted ways with Head Coach and Assistant Director of Hockey Ops Paul Esdale, as of some time today. No further details are available at this time, but I have been told that a Press Release is forthcoming so I will post more details when they come available.


Apologies that I don't have more at the moment and didn't have something sooner. This couldn't have happened on a worse day for me as I'm down with a bad case of the Flu or Food Poisoning and I also told the team I wouldn't confirm any rumours until this afternoon as they requested that they be able to tell the players first.

December 6th, 2011



For Immediate Release


The Alberni Valley Bulldogs announce Paul Esdale has been removed from his position as Head Coach and Assistant Director of Hockey Operations.


Bulldogs President Andy Oakes stated, “We would like to thank Paul for his efforts towards the club over the past two and a half years.” “The club has not achieved the success we believe this group is capable of at this point and a change is required in order to give our group a chance to be a playoff hockey club.”


The club will announce the New Head Coach on Wednesday December 7th, 2011


For further comment please contact Andy Oakes or Rick Schievink


Hammer

Dogs can't buy one, fall 2-1 to Salmon Arm

Gritty road win for the 'Backs, and a tough loss for the Dogs today at the Pound. The Dogs defined snake bitten today, as they trailed 2-1 after 40 minutes and came out and out shot their opponents 17-3 but couldn't get even a single one past Kurt Williams to get the equalizer.

My "Weekly Recap" is up on the Bulldogs website, click HERE to read it