TEDDY BEAR TOSS Friday night, Meet the players at Safeway, Alberni Wrestling+Alberni Midget Dogs updates

Bulldogs Teddy Bear Toss Night
PRESS RELEASE

November 29, 2011
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Port Alberni, BC – The Alberni Valley Bulldogs announce today that the annual Teddy Bear Toss Night will take place on Friday, December 2, 2011 at 7pm when the Bulldogs host the Powell River Kings. Fans are once again being asked to bring new teddy bears to the game, and “send the fur flying,” says Laurie Smilie Director of Sales and Marketing. “It always brings a smile to everyone’s face when the Bulldogs score their first goal, the horn goes off and the fans collectivley toss their new teddy bears onto the ice.” The players will deliver all the teddy bears collected that night to local children and seniors on December 7th.

Fans are reminded that if you cannot attend the game you may drop off your newly purchased teddy bears at the Bulldogs office. The Bulldogs would like to remind all those that will be purchasing a new teddy bear for this great event to shop local and support local merchants.

For more information contact Director of Marketing and Public Relations Laurie Smillie at 250-723-4412, 250-735-3647 or lsmillie@albernivalleybulldogs.ca.

Meet the Bulldogs and get autographs at Safeway
PRESS RELEASE

November 29, 2011
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Port Alberni, BC – The Alberni Valley Bulldogs and Safeway are pleased to announce that on Saturday, December 3, 2011 the public will get a chance to meet select Bulldogs players and coaches in person at
Safeway between 12pm and 2pm. Players will be on location in two separate groups: one group from 12-1pm and the other from 1-2pm.

The first 20 people in line for autographs at Safeway from 12:00pm to 1:00pm and again from 1:00pm to 2:00pm will also receive a free ticket to a select upcoming Alberni Valley Bulldogs’ game.

“The Alberni Valley Bulldogs have many wonderful and generous sponsors,” said Head Coach and Assistant Director of Hockey Operations Paul Esdale. “Saturday will be another great way for our players to connect with our supporters and also help promote one of our major sponsors.”

For more information contact Director of Marketing and Public Relations Laurie Smillie
at 250-723-4412, 250-735-3647 or lsmillie@albernivalleybulldogs.ca.

Alberni Wrestlers Compete at Island Novice in Victoria

 

Wrestling teams from ADSS, EJ Dunn, and Neill Middle School travelled to Victoria on Saturday to compete at the Island Novice Wrestling Championships. The tournament marks the official start of the school wrestling season.

 
The Novice tournament is intended for athletes who are relatively new to the sport and there are restrictions as to who can compete.  As a result a number of the Alberni wrestlers either did not travel to Victoria or travelled down to referee rather than wrestle in the tournament. Despite having only a portion of their wrestlers compete the local teams did very well.
 

EJ Dunn Middle School finished third in the Junior Boys Division.  The Dunn boys were led by the gold medal performances of Anthony Ashby (41 kg), Aaron Badovinac (45 kg), and Tyler Drew-Adams (Light Heavyweight).
 

“I was really impressed with all our wrestlers”, commented EJ Dunn Coach Russ Bodnar.  “These three wrestlers did amazingly well.  Anthony and Aaron are brand new to wrestling.  Their natural talent and determination allowed them to have success at their first tournament.  That is pretty fortunate.  For Tyler his hard work and dedication really showed through. He simply outwrestled his opponents.  I am really happy with the group of kids we have at Dunn they are a great group to coach. It helps having two Alberni alumni that I coached coming back to teach and help coach with James and I.  Makes me feel old but new teachers Andrew Edgell and Maureen Messenger are going to be great for the future of our program.”
 

EJ Dunn had six additional wrestlers place in the Junior Division to help them to their third place finish.  Trevor Barker (3rd at 35kg), Quentin Young (4th at 78kg), Austin Patten (5th at 60kg), Jaylyn Keitlah (6th at 45 kg), Kerrick Frey (6th at 35 kg) and Brody Daoust (6th at 57 kg) all contributed valuable team points to help their team finish third.
 

Neill Middle School and ADSS also had wrestlers competing in the Junior Boys Division.  Though small in numbers a handful of Grade 9 boys helped ADSS finish 8th in the Junior Division.  ADSS boys were led by the silver medal performance of Logan Henson.  ADSS wrestler Jared Beckett placed fifth in a tough 51 kilogram division.  The Neill boys wrestling team was led by the fourth place finish of Aaron Prest (4th at Light Heavyweight).
 

ADSS has had a small number of boys compete and place 7th overall in the Senior Boys Division. Tristan Schulz had an outstanding tournament to claim the gold medal at 85 kilograms.  Cody Stewart finished third at 80 kilograms and Johannes Kulich placed fourth at 66 kilograms.
 

On the girls side tournament officials elected to combine the Junior and Senior division to give more opportunity for competitive matches.  Despite competing against high schools EJ Dunn was once again the top Alberni school finishing 5th overall with 19 team points followed closely behind by ADSS with 18 team points.  Neill Middle School also had a small number of athletes compete but finished just out of the top placers.
 

Breylyn Hutchings (43 kg) from EJ Dunn and Lauren Barker (54 kg) from ADSS both went undefeated in route to claiming the gold medal in their respective divisions.  Silver medalists from Alberni included Jessica Finlayson (43 kg) from Neill, Corrine Gough (46 kg) from Neill and Courtney Lescorbeau (57 kg) from EJ Dunn.  Isabella Larsen from ADSS (3rd at 51 kg), Isabella Jones (4th at 46kg), Lily Finalyson (4th at 43kg), Morgan Dagenais (5th at 51kg) and Kennady Clarke (6th at 47 kg) wrestled hard in order to have their names noted in the results package.
 

Reflecting on the results from the day Neill Middle School coach Erin Anker had this to say, “all our wrestlers should be proud of how they wrestled.  Many wrestled their first match ever.  All of our wrestlers, including those that didn’t place, showed courage to come to this tournament and wrestle.  You learn from every match and I know we will continue to get better.  That why the in Alberni wrestling the tradition continues.”
 

Wrestlers from all three teams will be right back on the mats training this week in preparation for upcoming tournaments. On Saturday a select group of elite wrestlers will be travelling to SFU to compete in the Roberts Rumble.  At the same time wrestlers from all levels will be travelling to Chemanius for the Cougar Invitational.  Parents, wrestlers and program supporters interested in finding out more about upcoming wrestling events are encouraged to visit the club’s website www.alberniwrestling.ca <http://www.alberniwrestling.ca> .

MIDGET A BULLDOGS HOCKEY

ALBERNI VALLEY SHOWS STRENGTH

With two more wins on the weekend, the Van Isle Ford Midget A Bulldogs solidified their position on top of the Vancouver Island League Division 1 standings.  They beat Juan de Fuca Grizzlies 2-0 and Saanich Braves by 3-1 and are now at 5 wins and 1 loss.

On Saturday, November 27^th, the Bulldogs clashed head on with Juan de Fuca Grizzlies in a contest that amassed over 200 minutes in penalties and left both teams with short benches by the start of the third period.  The first two periods were scoreless.  Colby Lim, assisted by Chase Gaudreault scored the first goal of the game to start the third period.  Ryan Buse, with support from Cameron MacAdams scored with 8 minutes left to make it a 2-0 final.

The game on Sunday November 27^th demonstrated the depth of the Alberni Valley competitive hockey program.  The Midget A Bulldogs were short 8 regular players, with six players sitting out penalties from the previous day, and 2 recent player transfers to Junior B teams.  The team was reinforced with 4 A/Ps from the Midget B team who came directly from their regular home game, goalie Andrew Cusson, defenceman Dawson Marlatt, and forwards Colin Mowat and Liam MacLeod.

Alberni Valley got the first marker five minutes in.  Lim passed across the front of the crease and Cameron MacAdams slapped the puck in before the Saanich goaltender could get across.  The Bulldogs spent the next three minutes on penalty kill, including a stretch of 5 on 3 that they defended successfully.  Early in the second period Saanich took advantage of a loose puck in the slot to even the score.  The game went end to end for most of the second period with no penalties and very few stoppages in play.  With 3:38 to go, Tyler Wilhelm sniped the top corner of the net from the bottom of the left circle.  MacAdams and Buse assisted.  Lim added an insurance marker with 7:33 left in the third period, assisted by Gaudreault and Greg Tuckerman.  Final score 3-1.

Assistant Coach Rob Gaudreault felt that the team played well on Sunday.  He said, “Our A/Ps were strong and really helped win this game.  Our speed and strength continue to win games for us.” 

The Van Isle Ford Midget A Bulldogs will take on Comox Chiefs in their next home game at the Multiplex on Saturday December 3^rd starting at 5PM.

Dogs 6 Clippers 5, Lions host Bombers for Grey Cup, Rainfall Warning...

 

After splitting an earlier Home and Home set this season when the Dogs won in Nanaimo Friday and the Clippers returned the favour with a win the next night in Alberni it seems fitting that this go around each team defended their home ice and gave their fans something to cheer for on the BCHL's "Celebration Weekend"

My "Weekly Recap" article including the 6-5 Dogs win Saturday night is on the Dogs website, click here to read it

Can't wait to watch the Grey Cup tomorrow...If it was the Bombers against anyone else, then I am cheering for them as I am a proud Manitoba Native. I am a BC'er NOW though and have been for a long time now, so GO LIONS!

I'm sure there will still be some brave souls at the Alberni Golf Club's Grey Cup scramble, but I won't be one of them as I am quite excited with so much hockey lately to be able to stay at home and watch the game with my little guy.Especially with an Environment Canada Weather Warning for us - click HERE to read it

Stay in and batten down the hatches! For all the folks visiting this weekend from places near and far, I'm just kidding, this is all normal, welcome to the Rain Forest! At least you don't have to shovel it!

Hammer

Dogs Parents

Clippers 5 Dogs 2, Take 2 tonight at the Pound for Kidsport, Boston Pizza Postgame, The Peak On Location x 2

The Dogs had little to celebrate and the Clippers had plenty to be happy about as they opened the BCHL's "Celebration Weekend" with a 5-2 win over the Dogs tonight to open the home and home set.


The Dogs started well and earned an early powerplay but failed to connect on it. Just seconds later the Clippers would be awarded a powerplay of their own. The best chance on it initally went to the Dogs as Lars Hepso raced in on a shorthanded breakaway but he couldn't fight the checker off from behind to get a shot on net. The Clippers would strike seconds later to go up 1-0 when Kyle Kramer tipped a point shot home.


Immediately following the goal Trent Dorais picked up a five minute major for a cross-check before a fight with Brett Hartskamp and the Clippers made the Dogs pay with two powerplay goals on the major from Tanner Clarkson and Kramer again to lead 3-0 after one, going 3 for 2 on the power play.


The Dogs came out with renewed energy in the second, eventually drawing a penalty and connecting on the man advantage when Arty Kalashnikov fired a Josh Mitchell slap-pass home to make it 3-1. The Dogs almost made it 3-2 a minute later but Billy Faust kept a wrap around out on the line. The Clippers would then come up the ice and take a 4-1 lead seconds later when Luke Gordon scored.


The Dogs finished the second and began the third on a five minute major power play of their own after David Iacono picked up a major for eye gouging in a fight with Mike Puddifant but the Dogs would fail to capitalize as Clippers killed it off. It was 5-1 Nanaimo later in the third on a Jesse Neher power play goal on the rush before the Dogs answered late to make it 5-2 on a Walker Hyland goal as he rushed the puck from his own end up the middle and into the Clippers zone before firing a wrist shot home from the right circle.


Final shots favoured the Dogs 38-33. The Dogs went 1 for 5 on the power play while the Clippers went 4 for 4.


Stars:
3rd Brett Hartskamp
2nd Billy Faust
1st Kyle Kramer


The two clubs go at it again tonight at the Pound, and it should be a doozy.

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

It's the BCHL's "Celebration Weekend" as the Top 50 BCHL'ers list came out today.

As any Hockey Mom or Dad knows, having kids in this sport is not cheap so it's a great move that the league has made Kidsport the beneficiary of the weekend as all teams are raising funds for the cause. The Bulldogs are doing their part by holding a Silent Auction in the Upper Lobby so be sure to check out the stuff!

Tonight is also the first night this season that we move our Peak postgame show Live to Boston Pizza after the game, everyone is encouraged to come down and check it out so hopefully we'll see you there.


Before we do the Bulldogs game and Boston Pizza On Location after show, we will also be very busy as we are doing double On Locations this morning from 9am to 1pm.


I will be at the Multiplex (imagine that) for Van Isle Ford's Drive One 4UR Community to support Weaver Park so I hope you can make time to come up to the rink...if you are there for hockey already waiting for your skaters go for a ride for a good cause while you are at it!


At the same time, Jolie McMullan will be at the Re-Opening of Walmart so be sure to go see her too as you can bet they will have some great deals!


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 @ Clippers

Dogs @ Clippers tonight, $5.00 a ticket, THE PEAK everywhere this weekend, Grey Cup Golf Sunday at the Alberni Golf Club

After no game last night - as far as I am aware, the first time in the 10 year history of the Bulldogs Franchise that a scheduled game didn't go as scheduled - the Dogs are back at it tonight as they visit the Nanaimo Clippers at the Frank Crane Arena to kick off the BCHL's "Celebration Weekend" The Clippers will be honouring the weekend with a special $5.00 ticket for tonight.


Catch the pregame show on Boston Pizza Bulldogs Hockey on 93.3 The Peak at 6:45 with the play-by-play to follow at 7:00. Our 1st Intermission guest is Dogs goalie Matt Larose while the BCHL's Director of Communications Brent Mutis joins us in the 2nd Intermission.

Here's my "Weekly Preview" article from the Dogs site - just disregard the stuff about Surrey! Click HERE to read it

It's a very busy weekend for 93.3 The Peak as we are out and about at multiple locations. Catch Peak Weekend voice Rick as he's working a day early today, live from 2pm to 6pm this afternoon at the Hospitality Inn where they are having a huge sale! Tomorrow I will be at the Alberni Valley Multiplex from 9am to 1pm on behalf of The Peak for Van Isle Ford's Drive One 4 Your Community to support Weaver Park, and Jolie McMullan will be at Walmart also from 9am to 1pm for their Grand Re-Opening. Then its off to the Multiplex for me for the Dogs game as they host the Clippers, followed by the first Post Game Show of the season live from Boston Pizza! Whew!


One more note on THE PEAK and the power of RADIO - check out this great story of how Jolie started an off-the-cuff Radio-a-thon last Friday to support the food-strapped SPCA Animeals program. The response was awesome - way to go Port Alberni thanks for supporting and thanks for listening! Click to read more from the Alberni Valley News HERE

The Alberni Golf Club's Grey Cup tourney goes Sunday - hope it warms up a bit! In the end they will give it a go anyway as they are a tough bunch out there. We have played before during the Grey Cup or Superbowl tourneys when they had to shovel the greens off in the morning of the tourney! It's a great time as you get golf, food, prizes and then you get to watch the game!

Grey Cup Scramble on Sunday

On Sunday November 27^th is the annual Grey Cup Tournament and party.

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

There will be 9 holes of golf with many on course obstacles to overcome. The beverage cart will also be out and about. It all begins with a shotgun start at 12 noon.  After golf enjoy one of Alberni Golf Course’s world famous lunches, served by the greatest staff to be found anywhere.

Kick off  is 3:15, with the best in the West against the best in the East. There will be 3 or 4 meat draws, at ½ time courtesy of Rick Paul of Double R Meats. The price for this fun filled day is $25 for members and $35 for guests. If you come out just for lunch and the game the price is $ 15. This entry fee includes Golf, Lunch, ½ time appy’s and lots of prizes. See you on the 27^th..

Hammer

Eagles @ Bulldogs tonight *CANCELLED*

The Ferries continue to be docked, which has brought about the cancellation of tonight's Eagles @ Bulldogs game at the Dog Pound.

Details upon a Make-Up date when they become available. Check that just got word - preliminary date for a make up is Saturday, February 18th.

First time in my 9 years with the Bulldogs that a game hasn't been played as scheduled, and as far as I'm aware the first game in the 10 year history of the team to be cancelled. Can't blame the two teams, its the reality of living on an Island.

Hammer

DOGS EAGLES TONIGHT - POSSIBLY CANCELLED...START TIME CHANGED IF NOT....

Anyone have a jet? The Surrey Eagles have been unable at this point to make the Island, due to cancellations of BC Ferry sailings throughout the day so far. If they can get a 3pm sailing, the game is a go - now an 8pm start time though - if the 3pm is once again cancelled like the earlier sailings - the game will be cancelled for tonight and rescheduled to a later date.


Keep it locked to the blog and to 93.3 The Peak for updates when we get them - no further updates are expected until 2pm, but you never know!


Hammer

Dogs host Eagles, Bulldog Parents, BCHL "Celebration Weekend"

The Dogs are back in action tonight as they get a jump on the BCHL's Celebration Weekend as they host the Surrey Eagles to open up "Parents Weekend" The Dogs are in Nanaimo tomorrow before returning home to host the Clippers on Saturday night. Another busy weekend!

Catch the pregame show tonight on Boston Pizza Bulldogs Hockey on THE PEAK at 6:45 with the play-by-play to follow at 7:00. Tonight's 2nd Intermission feature guest is Nanaimo Clipper play-by-play voice Dan Marshall. The Clippers were in action in Duncan last night where they took it on the chin, losing 6-1 to the Capitals.

November 23, 2011
For immediate release:

It’s the British Columbia Hockey League’s Celebration Weekend this Friday and Saturday and all 16 teams have embraced the challenge of packing their arenas for their respective home games.

KidSport, the charity selected by the league for the upcoming weekend, will receive part proceeds from the various auctions and raffles being held at the rinks. BCHL teams have arranged an array of ticket deals, alumni appearances and giveaways for fans as well as the league recognizes its half-century of hockey

“Our team marketers and sales people have really embraced this challenge and come up with some great ideas to promote their teams and the history of their franchises and the league,” said BCHL communications director Brent Mutis. “I’m impressed with the initiative shown by our teams and hope fans get on board with the festivities too.”

Anyone looking to get involved can simply visit www.bchl.ca for the weekend schedule or call their favourite team’s front office for offers their team has in the works.

Also available at all BCHL rinks this weekend is the 50th Season Commemorative Edition of Smart Hockey Magazine and limited edition ‘BCHL 50’ T-shirts.

Finally, don’t forget to vote for the BCHL’s all-time team. Voting wraps Thursday, Nov. 24 in the morning and the top-50 vote-getters will be revealed during Celebration Weekend.


Brent Mutis
Communications director
British Columbia Hockey League


Hammer

Dogs fall to Eagles, another busy week to come, Alberni Wrestling Update, SID'S BACK!

A tough loss for the Dogs to end their weekend yesterday as they fell to the Eagles in Surrey by a 2-1 score. As I said on the post game show - yes a LOSS is a LOSS anyway you slice it. However, I would much rather see a hard fought loss like yesterday, instead of a no-fight loss like we saw Saturday at home to Coquitlam Saturday night. They battled hard, they were right in it, and they were a bounce away from winning it or claiming at least a point, as opposed to the night before where they looked right out of it. Just my two cents.

Check out my "Weekly Recap" from the Dogs website here

Here's the latest Alberni Wrestling update, with thanks to James Messenger for sending it along....

Alberni Wrestlers Hone Skills at Harbour City Hubbub

Wrestlers from the Alberni Valley Wrestling Club travelled to Nanaimo to compete at the second annual Harbour City Hubbub Takedown Competition at Dover Bay Secondary.  Despite it being an early season exhibition event the Alberni Wrestlers already showed signs that they will be a force to be reckoned with on the mats this season.

The event featured a unique format where wrestlers only competed to take each other down. In regular freestyle wrestling once you take your opponent down you try to turn them to score points and ultimately pin them.  At this tournament wrestlers had to stand up as soon as the takedown was complete.  Alberni Coach James Messenger commented, “the idea behind an exhibition event like this is to have wrestlers develop their takedown skills, develop their conditioning, and encourage offensive wrestling.”

Eight Alberni wrestlers went undefeated in route to winning their weight classes and claiming the title of Takedown Champion.  ADSS wrestlers Remi Wells, Jesse Wagner, Johannes Kulich, Nolan Badovinac, and Connor McDonald all went undefeated, illustrating the depth and strength the Armada team will have this season.  Middle School wrestlers Julia McGowan, Micaela Dick, and Jamie Durning all from EJ Dunn also went undefeated proving their middle school will once again be one of the top developmental programs in the province.

A number of Alberni’s upcoming wrestlers lost to only one opponent to finish second in their pools.  Emma Vanderlee, Jordan Wagner, Russell David and Christian Anderson all lost hard fought battles to the eventual champions in their weight divisions.  Commenting on the performance of these wrestlers, ADSS and club coach Chris Bodnar, had this to say, “we lost some matches we probably wouldn’t normally loose.  Then again we won some we probably shouldn’t have too.  Since this was a beginning of the season warm-up competition the rounds were only one minute in length as opposed to two.  As a result wrestlers had very little time to recover from early leads that they might have given their opponents.  Even in some of the matches that we lost I thought our wrestlers looked good. They are doing the fundamental things we have been focusing on. Their conditioning looks good for this time of the year as well.  I am pleased with how we wrestled.”

Rounding out the placings for Alberni were Bailey Durning (3rd), Breylen Hutchings (3rd), Samantha Anderson (3rd) Isabella Larsen (3rd) Michel Kurucz (3rd), Eryk McKenzie (3rd), Sheldon Haddad (3rd), Riley Neville (3rd), Jonathan Spencer (3rd), Lauren Barker (4th), Trevor Barker (4th), Tristan Schulz (4th), Oliver Witham (4th), and Aaron Badovinac.

Novice wrestlers from Neill, EJ Dunn and ADSS will practice this week in preparation for the Island Novice Tournament in Victoria November 26th. Experienced wrestlers will take the weekend off.  Their next competition will be the Cougar Invitational in Chemanius or the Roberts Rumble in Burnaby December 3rd. 






 



And finally - last but not least - you MAY OR MAY NOT have heard that Sidney Crosby has missed a couple hockey games recently...such as the last 10 months. Well he's FINALLY back tonight as the Pens host the Islanders. CBC has picked up the game nationally, so I know where I'll be this afternoon - on the couch with the little guy continuing to teach him the "finer points" of the game. Here's hoping Sid has a smooth return. Some people - nay, most people - that I have talked to have said "3 or 4 points" I say the first hit will be interesting, and who will make it? 



-- 

Dogs lose second straight, 4-0 to Express, face Eagles in Surrey this afternoon...

Exactly a week after they picked up their first shutout of the season with a 4-0 score over Langley, the Dogs ended up on the other side of the same score to the Coquitlam Express at the Dog Pound Saturday night. The Express were clearly the better team for the better part of the game as they outplayed the Dogs, who just couldn't find a way to bury one past Cole Huggins. The Bulldogs best line tonight was the AP line of Alex Grupe, Austin Evans and Dylan Haugen and it was nice to see them be rewarded and get a chance to play good minutes. 

There is no rest for the wicked as the Dogs are right back at it this afternoon as they face the Eagles for the second time this season in Surrey. Catch the pregame show at 3:45 with the play-by-play to follow at 4:00pm on 93.3 The Peak FM.

Hammer

Dogs fall to Grizz 6-3, host Express tonight, VOTE VOTE VOTE today

(photo:Tony Burrows)

You can't win a game by playing well for just a period, and you certainly can't win a game when the period you play your best in happens to be the FIRST period as it was last night in Victoria. Although it was a 3-1 Dogs lead after one the score was somewhat flattering in my opinion, as the Dogs were opportunistic while the Grizzlies had the better of the chances - and more of them - but Max Fenkell was sharp and kept the Dogs in the game.

In the end the team that battled harder and played better overall won. The thing the Dogs need to take offense to is the "battled harder" part. Down two of their top three scorers along with their Captain and D-man Daniel Delbianco, they absolutely need to "step up" as individuals and as a collective whole, or it is going to be very tough to win hockey games. And they quite simply can't afford to lose games if they hope to make the playoffs.

The Dogs certainly didn't "lay and egg" or a "stinker" so to speak - what maybe makes it that frustrating is that they played well and the game was there for the taking, but they just didn't push hard enough to take it.

Here's the Victoria Times Colonist's view of last nights game - click HERE to read it

No time to think about two points painfully lost last night as the Dogs are right back at it tonight on Dog Pound ice as they host the Coquitlam Express for the FOURTH time already this season. The Express have won the last two head to head meetings, including last Friday night by a 6-2 score.They are coming off a 5-3 win last night in Powell River where they scored four times on the same five minute major power play, wow!

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

And last but certainly not least - DON'T FORGET TO GET OUT AND VOTE TODAY!

Hammer

Dogs @ Grizz

Dogs visit Grizzlies tonight to begin three-game weekend

Catch Boston Pizza Bulldogs Hockey tonight on 93.3 The Peak FM from the Bear Mountain Arena as the Dogs visit the Grizzlies. The pregame show kicks off at 7:00 with the play-by-play to follow at 7:15


Check out my "Weekly Preview" article looking at the weekend at hand from the Dogs website HERE


Tonight's 2nd Intermission guest is Colin Tiggelaar, Surrey Eagles play-by-play voice and Blogger


There is a good chance that the Dogs might be missing two of their top three scorers tonight and through the weekend, with Yan Kalashnikov still possibly out with his aforementioned "Upper Body" injury and Dylan Nowakowski most likely out with the same ailment after the vicious check he took on Saturday night from Valik Chichkin of the Langley Rivermen. The Dogs will most likely also be missing their emotional and physical leader in Trent Dorais, who is banged up and battling a "Lower Body" injury.


So its STEP UP time for someone - or better yet EVERYONE on the roster, if the team is going to have success this weekend. The Dogs are just 6 points out of a Playoff spot and they hold games in hand on every team in the Top 4 of the Conference. And how many points are up for grabs over the weekend? Yep, 6.


Hammer

Alberni Hockey Academy video, Vladimir Konstantinov art display, Dogs FLEX PACKS on sale....

Very cool story here by CTV Vancouver Island on the Alberni District Hockey Canada Skills Academy. Worth taking a look if you don't really know what the program is all about. I wish something like this was around for me in my school days...I wouldn't have skipped so much school to go play hockey! (stay in school kids)






Inspirational stuff here from former Red Wing Vlad (the impaler) Konstantinov. You no doubt remember that Konstantinov was left with brain damage following a limo crash just days after the Wings first Cup win in some four decades in 1997.

It was an interesting time for me and I still remember it vividly. I was young, and immature (yes, I know, I'm so much more mature now) I hated, and I mean HATED Vladimir Konstantiov. He was in your face, dirty, tough and was a hard hitter. Looking back on it I should have loved him as he certainly didn't play like your typical Russian was supposed to. And it was the typical Russian-softie that you grow up despising in Canada.

 Best hippy ever?



Man I miss Bob Cole (when he was still Bob Cole) and Harry Neale!

Best open-ice hit ever? Looks like on the replay that he just tipped the puck. Although nowadays with how the game is going its a dirty hit, a charge, a head shot, an unsuspecting player. Sigh.



It was an interesting time for me because it really humanized the game for me. I hated the guy, I wanted him hit/hurt/put out of commission, I would have done it myself if I could.

THEN the accident happened, and I realized this guy wasn't just a jersey and a number, but a human being and a man with a wife and a family. It broke my heart seeing him in the condition he was in after the accident, and seeing the outpouring of emotion when the wings brought him out in his wheelchair for the '98 celebration and all the shots of him in the booth up top during the finals.

A good initiative to support and a neat story as I certainly never would have thought any of this would be possible seeing him after the accident. And this all serves as just ONE more reminder to not drink and drive, as the limo driver did that fateful night.

Great deal here from the Bulldogs!


Bulldogs Launch 8-Game Flex Pak
PRESS RELEASE


November 15, 2011
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


Port Alberni, BC – The Alberni Valley Bulldogs are pleased to announce the addition of a new ticket package that allows fans to enjoy multiple games and still take advantage of cost savings.


On November 15, 2011, the Bulldogs are lauching 8-Game Flex Paks which will be made available for a limited time. Fans will be able to enjoy one weekday game, three Friday games, three Saturday games, and one Sunday game.


“We are very excited to offer this to our fans,” said Bulldogs’ Director of Marketing Laurie Smillie. “There’s a lot of local excitement and buzz about this year’s team. This is the perfect way to support the team by either going to the games yourself or using this promotion as a Christmas gift or stocking stuffer.”


8-game Flex Paks are only $95 for adults, $80 for seniors, $65 for students, and $50 for children. Fans have the choice of which games they would like to select as a part of their Flex Pak.


The new Flex Paks can be purchased in person at the Alberni Valley Bulldogs office located at 3737 Roger Street or by phone at 250-723-4412 Tuesday to Friday between 10am and 4pm.


For more information contact Director of Marketing and Public Relations Laurie Smillie at 250-723-4412, 250-735-3647 or lsmillie@albernivalleybulldogs.ca.

Hammer

Bulldogs and City of Port Alberni team up for Port Alberni Sports Wall of Fame Joint Venture

Very cool initiative here, a great way to celebrate the past exploits of the teams and athletes that called S'Port Alberni home!

Port Alberni Sports Wall of Fame Joint Venture

PRESS RELEASE
November 14, 2011

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


Port Alberni, BC – The City of Port Alberni and the Alberni Valley Bulldogs are announcing a joint venture to create a Sports Wall of Fame display to be located in the Weyerhaeuser Multiplex.


After years of discussion, this project honouring the sporting history in Port Alberni will get off the ground. “We are thrilled that the Bulldogs organization has agreed to step up and help us take this vision to a reality,” said Director of Parks and Recreation Scott Kenny. “Alberni has a deep-rooted sports history and we have been collecting memorabilia for many years. We simply have not had the manpower to set the wheels in motion.” Local businesses, residents, and organizations will be invited to sponsor one of ten displays.


The displays will be permanently housed in the Weyerhaeuser Multiplex and will showcase athletes and teams who have made significant contributions to sport and acknowledge athletic achievements within the community.


“We are proud of our Bulldogs’ history,” said Alberni Valley Bulldogs’ Governor Andy Oakes. If we can also contribute to acknowledging the achievements and contributions of other individuals and sports organizations, we think it is a good way for us to give back to the community.”


The projected completion date is September 2012 and displays will be unveiled at next season’s home opener.



For more information contact Director of Marketing and Public Relations Laurie Smillie at 250-723-4412, 250-735-3647 or lsmillie@albernivalleybulldogs.ca.

Hammer

Not a bad November day...

Exited the gym/pool just after high noon today and realized where I needed to go...couldn't fight the urge anymore! The little guy is in daycare, the laundry can wait until a rainy day!

What a gorgeous day at the Alberni Golf Club! Head Pro Bruce MacDonald reported over 50 golfers out today. Its tough living on the Island!

Hammer

Midget Dogs win Bronze, Canada West vs East for World Junior A Gold right now TSN 2

Congrats to the Van Isle Ford Midget Bulldogs as they topped North Van 9-4 in the Bronze Medal game today at the Multiplex. North Van made a game of it down 6-1 after two as they came out on fire in the third to make it 6-4 at one point.

Still not enough hockey? Check out the best Junior A players from B.C to Manitoba as Canada West take on Ontario and East as Canada East in the World Junior A Challenge Championship game from the Langley Event Centre on TSN2

Hammer

Midget Dogs vs North Van 1 for Bronze...

Right now 4-1 Dogs halfway through the 2nd.

Final at 4:00pm sees Surrey vs Powell River, as both second placed teams won their games this morning.

Lots of free hockey left to come watch!

Hammer

Dogs 4 Rivermen 0

The Dogs picked up their first shutout of the season with a 4-0 win as the Langley Rivermen franchise made their inaugural visit to the Dog Pound. 

Check out my Weekly Recap on the Dogs website here
 

Great to see the team bounce back tonight, and to see so many players have a great night. Here's hoping Dylan Nowakowski is alright.

If you are like most of the people around here and you can't get enough of the rink then I encourage you to get down to the Multiplex to check out the playoff games of the Midget tourny. The Dogs are 3-0 and see action tomorrow morning at 8:45 against Powell River in the big rink. Check out the full results, standings and schedule on the website HERE Good luck Dogs and well done so far!

Hammer

Dogs - Rivermen

Express top Dogs 6-2, Dogs host Rivermen Saturday night, Midget Dogs win tournament opener 5-0

The above picture seems fitting to sum up the way the Dogs night went Friday at the Pound as they lost 6-2 to the Express. A season high crowd didn't have much to cheer about, as while the Dogs out shot the Express 44-29 they failed to generate the same quality of chances as Coquitlam, and they certainly didn't capitalize on their opportunities when they got them as the Express had several highlight reel finishes.

After a scoreless first frame with both goalies looking sharp Malcolm McKinney scored one of the aforementioned highlight reel goals to make it 1-0 three minutes into the second as he chased down a loose puck in the slot in the Dogs zone and made a nice move to avoid a defender before going top corner far side on Matt Larose. The Express had a glorious chance to go up 2-0 just two minutes later as John Siemer was awarded a penalty shot after being hauled down on a breakaway but he failed on the chance as he deked himself off the puck and lost control. They would eventually take the 2-0 lead when they scored in the final minute of the second as a wide-open Mitchell Fyffe hammered a one-timer home from the crease. An insurance marker made it 3-0 six minutes into the third when Rajan Sidhu scored on a power play point shot an the cushion became four goals two minutes later on another highlight reel goal, this one from Taylor Bourne as he raced down the right wing before splitting the defence up the middle at the Dogs line before ripping a shot far side off the post and in. 

Credit to the Dogs as it would have been easy at this point to pack it in, but they kept on pushing. They were finally rewarded when Brandon Adams drove the net with speed down the right wing before throwing one on net from a sharp angle that found its way through Huggins to make it 4-1 with seven to play. Just two minutes later it was a two-goal game as Arty Kalashnikov won a power play faceoff in the Express end to Brandon Adams who made a one-touch pass to Mike Puddifant at the right point. Puddifant wasted no time, throwing a quick shot on net that had eyes and was perfectly placed top corner glove side to make it 4-2 with five and a half to go in regulation. The Express would silence the point and kill the comeback with their second power play goal of the game a minute and a half later to make it 5-2 when Taylor Bourne scored his second of the game banking one in from a sharp angle. One more highlight reel goal punctuated the win when John Siemer went coast to coast off a draw in the Coquitlam end before tucking home a breakaway with two seconds on the clock for the 6-2 final. 

Shots:

44-29 Bulldogs

Power Plays:

Dogs 1 for 3

Express 2 for 5

Stars:

3rd Rajan Sidhu

2nd Brandon Adams

1st Malcolm McKinney

The Dogs have little time to think about last night as they are right back at it tonight as the Langley Rivermen make their first franchise visit to the Dog Pound. Its the third meeting this season between the teams with Langley winning the first meeting 7-1 and the Dogs answering with a 7-1 win of their own 12 days later. The Rivermen were also in action last night as they lost 5-3 to the Chiefs in Chilliwack, the team that last year called Langley home - except for the other part of the team that was in Quesnel, haha.


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

Our 2nd Intermission feature guest is former Bulldog Marcello Ranallo, now a Senior at U-Conn

The Dogs will get Trent Dorais and Paul Esdale back after they finished serving their suspensions.

Last but not least, don't forget to get to the Multiplex tomorrow to support the Van Isle Ford Midget Bulldogs in their tournament. They opened yesterday with a 5-0 win over Vancouver 2, and see action at 8:55am and 3:05pm today as they take on Kerry Park and Surrey respectively. Check out the full sked and results on the tournament site here

See you at the Pound!

Hammer

Dogs host Express, do so without Dorais, Esdale, Dylan Haugen called up, Midget Dogs tournament, Lem Wong Invitational...

The Dogs are back at it tonight as they try to snap a two game losing streak when they host the Coquitlam Express. They will be without their Captain and their Head Coach as well, as Trent Dorais serves the 2nd of his two game suspension for his hit that was deemed a Major Penalty for Checking from Behind on Kyle Kramer on Saturday night. Watching the replay of the hit it looks not like a check from behind, but instead a Boarding infraction off a blind-side hit. Of course the officials don't have benefit of replay during the game. The same can't be said of the League Office who reviews the hits of course.


Paul Esdale received word this morning that he has been given a one game suspension for his Gross Misconduct penalty received for throwing a water bottle Wednesday in Victoria.


You won't see anything under discipline on the BCHL website regarding either suspension, or at least I haven't seen anything and I have been checking since Wednesday. I haven't been checking for the Dorais verdict to come up - the Dogs told me Wednesday morning when I got to the rink that he was gone for two games - but because I have been checking to see if Nanaimo Clipper David Iacono will be suspended for his Major Penalty for Blow to the Head on his hit on Evan Tironese.


I am also curious to see if anyone from the Nanaimo side of the puck has picked up any discipline for the hit that concussed Yan Kalashnikov in the same game in question Saturday night. It was too fast to tell who threw the hit during the game, and the third period cuts off on the archive section of the BCHL Live Portal around the same time of the hit so I can't see it again. At first glance it seemed to me at the time that the player in question left his feet and launched himself high at the unsuspecting Kalashnikov, who was turned the other way to play the puck. As he turned, he was met with a flying player, and the at-the-time reigning BCHL Player of the Week ended up barely being able to make his way back to the bench on wobbly legs as he struggled to stay upright. I could be wrong - its a fast game and I only had the "live" look at the hit in question.


I don't intend to call any Clippers out here - I'm just attempting to get some answers and open up some discussions. The Dogs are without their Captain due to suspension on a hit deemed by the Linesmen during the game as a "hit from behind" and its somewhat hard to feel that justice is served when the night before when the same two teams met Dorais was planted from behind in the corner in Nanaimo, and didn't even draw a two minute penalty, better yet a give minute major and a two game suspension.


At the same time I wouldn't want to be the one handing down suspensions and making judgements - you can see with what Shanny has to try to do at the NHL level that it is a very very tough job.

Catch the pregame show tonight at 6:45 with the puck drop and play-by-play to follow at 7:00 with Ace and myself. Brandon Astle, the play-by-play voice of the Langley Rivermen will be our 2nd Intermission guest.

To fill the void left by Dorais and Yan Kalashnikov, the Dogs have inserted Alberni Valley Minor Hockey Product Dylan Haugen into the line up as he will make his BCHL and Bulldog Debut. Haugen plays with the VIJHL's Oceanside Generals.

Also don't forget to check out the Van Isle Ford Midget Bulldogs tournament at the Multiplex all weekend with their first game at 3:05pm today in the big rink. Follow the results and the tournament sked HERE


And between games or between periods why not walk next door and check out the 2nd Annual Lem Wong Invitational Basketball tournament going at the Athletic Hall! Proceeds to Kidsport!

Hammer