Bulldogs 5 Clippers 2

The Bulldogs remained unbeaten on home ice in three games while snapping the Clippers win streak at four with a 5-2 win Saturday night at the Dog Pound.

In what has to be some sort of record, the Dogs jumped out to a 3-0 for the third time in a row at home on goals by Brandon Halls, Evan Tironese and Turner Popoff before the game was six minutes old. Unlike the previous two they would defend this one, building the lead to 4-0 in the second on another by Tironese to add to his BCHL leading point totals. The Clippers got on the board later in the frame on a Greg Fraser goal before Bulldog affiliate Stephen Ryan scored in his debut to make it 5-1 after two, the first shorthanded goal for the team this season. Michael McNicholas would add the final goal with 8:13 to play in the third for the 5-2 final.


Full recap to come be sure to check www.albernivalleybulldogs.ca


The weekend isn't done yet as the team will be out at the SPCA's Pause for a Cause at Blair Park at high noon! Great night at the pound with a good crowd, lots of atmosphere as always, starting with the love shown at the beginning for Paul Cyr


Hammer

Cool picture....600th game tonight...

Thanks to Jamie Amos for sending this beauty picture in that he had taken in 2001 with Paul Cyr and Gary Nyland!

Also thanks to Amos for informing me that it's my 600th Bulldog game tonight, I honesty would have had no clue!

One final update for the broadcast tonight - BCHL Leading Scorer Evan Tironese will be my guest after 20 minutes!

Tseshaht Market Expansion Grand Opening today, Dogs honour Cyr, host Clippers tonight

Crazy day today out at the Tseshaht Market Expansion Grand Opening! Come see me, listen to 93.3 The Peak FM and you could win free gas, Bulldog tickets and more!

Get here in person and enter to win a flat screen TV, an Apple TV, and Ipod Touch, Bulldog tickets, luggage and more!

 

The Bulldogs host the Nanaimo Clippers tonight as they honour Paul Cyr at the Dog Pound after four straight games on the road, including last night's 6-4 loss in Duncan to the Capitals

Catch the pre game show on Boston Pizza Bulldogs Hockey on 93.3 The Peak tonight at 6:45 with the play-by-play to follow at 7:00 with myself and Bruce MacDonald.

BCHL Executive Director Trevor Alto is tonight's second intermission guest


 Hammer

Capitals 6 Dogs 4

Another crazy game between the teams, although only 10 goals to speak of this time as opposed to 15 the last meeting. The Bulldogs looked great in digging out of a 3-1 hole after 20 minutes to lead 4-3 by the midway point of the second, only to have the Caps score less than a minute later to tie it, and a minute and change after that to lead 5-4...check the Bulldogs website at www.albernivalleybulldogs.ca for the complete recap.

This bus can't get home fast enough as I have a busy day tomorrow, LIVE from the Tseshaht Market for The Peak from 10am to 3pm before getting to the rink for the Dogs hosting the Clippers on Paul Cyr night.

Hammer

On the road again...

Heading to Duncan - some updates:

Chris Tracy will be my first intermission guest...he will wear sweater #24

Also happy to inform you the entire crew will be there tonight as Bruce MacDonald will provide Colour Commentary / Analysis and Dan Tisserand will compile period / game team / player stats!


Talk to you tonight!


Hammer

Dogs at Caps tonight, Cyr honoured tomorrow, Cops for Cancer Tour de Rock into town TODAY, Tseshaht Market tomorrow!

The Bulldogs (3-3-0-1) are back in action tonight as they play their fourth straight game on the road, and the first this season at the "Big Stick" at the Island Savings Centre as they visit the Cowichan Valley Capitals (1-5-0-1) for the second meeting between the clubs this season.

The Dogs topped the Caps 8-7 in their home opener September 14th. Who knows what to expect tonight after the last meeting between the teams. I don't predict, but I do say "expect the unexpected" in the Junior Hockey game. So I'm going something like 1-0 tonight. Or 29-28?

*did you know* The Capitals won their season opener 8-1 at the Showcase over the Smoke Eaters, and they have failed to win since. The Dogs had best be ready for a hungry, desperate team tonight.

Catch the pregame show on Boston Pizza Bulldog Hockey on 93.3 The Peak FM at 6:45 with the puck dropping at 7:00.

My second intermission guest is Dan Marshall, play-by-play voice of the Nanaimo Clippers, who the Dogs host tomorrow night at the Dog Pound. The Clippers are at home tonight as they host the Victoria Grizzlies for the return of Bill Bestwick to the Frank Crane Arena. Could be quite the night there!

Don't forget you can also WATCH the game through the BCHL's Pay-per-view Video provider FAST HOCKEY.

It's our first trip to Duncan so I'm hoping there won't be any problems that the Capitals can't help me solve when it comes to connecting our equipment to theirs so you can listen to my audio on the video tonight!

The Bulldogs will honour Port Alberni's Paul Cyr tomorrow night when they host the Clippers....read more from the Bulldogs website HERE

The Cops for Cancer Tour de Rock arrives in Port Alberni today! Here's the schedule - all times are approximate!

Meet the riders at the top of the hump just before 12:00 noon - you can also meet the riders for lunch by donation at Alberni Toyota's Pit Stop Cafe at 12:15...then it's off to Walmart for head shaves and hair cuts for Ralph Johnson and Deb Molloy and possibly others. The next stop is the Johnston Road Co-op where the riders will work the gas pumps for donations. After a visit to John Howitt School it's the Community Dinner at 5:30 at Boston Pizza hosted by The Peak's own Jolie McMullan!

My busy weekend continues tomorrow as I'm LIVE ON LOCATION for 93.3 The Peak FM from 10am to 3pm at the Tseshaht Market (<----click for="for" grand="grand" p="p" re-opening="re-opening" their="their" to="to" visit="visit" website="website">
Here's some further details from their FACEBOOK PAGE

We will be celebrating the Grand Opening of the Store Expansion, it would be a pleasure if you & your family could join us on this day.

New to the Store:
- Eating Area (Capacity of 50)
- Expanded Ice Cream Bar (32 Flavors)
- Expanded Giftware
- Produce
- Espresso & Smoothie Bar
- Hot/Cold Sub Sandwich Program
- Speciality Candy

On-Site:
- free in-store draws
- free sampling of drinks, smoothies & espresso.

8:30 a.m. - Opening Prayer & Blessing of the Building & Dance/Singing

9:30 a.m. - Welcome Chief Councillor of Tseshaht Hugh Braker

10:00 a.m. - Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

We're looking forward to seeing you all! :)


Hammer

LOCKOUT FUN! Morning Sportscasts, Music Video - "You picked a fine time to screw me Gary"

I keep saying I don't care if there is NHL this year - it's better for the Bulldogs and it's better for the BCHL if we don't have a season, right?

Hockey fans that are holding out enjoying the sunshine and passing the time watching "reruns of Ally McBeal"  will eventually give up hope and get out to the local rink to get their hockey fix, right?

Just for the record, I have never watched a first-run / rerun / anyrun of Ally McBeal, I'm more inclined to runrun away from TV like that. It will make more sense when you watch the Music Video below.

OF COURSE I care if we have a season. I'm tired of leading with baseball and football on my Sportscasts. BASEBALL?! FOOTBALL?! Yes, it has come to that. Thanks NHL!

I basically flip-flop from  "I don't care one single iota, I'm too busy with the Bulldogs, it's great for the 'Dogs and the BCHL as a whole"..........to downright anger.

THIS IS WHAT IT HAS COME TO! Click the link below to listen to the 7am Sports today on 93.3 The Peak FM.

No offense intended to anyone, specifically Americans, bowlers, aeronautic-ists?, power boaters, bridge players, etc!


CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO WHAT IT HAS COME TO

As always, all audio is courtesy and copyright 93.3 The Peak FM and the Jim Pattison Broadcast Group, LP. 

Here is a little piece of creative genius that describes how many of us feel - outstanding job by Derek Smalls of our sister station 106.9 The Wolf in Nanaimo. I have never met Derek,  but rumour is he is spending the lockout roaming the hallways of the station wearing a circa 1970's goalie mask randomly headbutting things out of frustration!

Make sure you take a few minutes to watch "You picked a fine time to screw me Gary" below, to the tune of Kenny Rogers "Lucille"

Great job Derek!






I just found something for the out-of-work NHL broadcasters out there should the lockout drag on, especially the ones that are ahem "excitable" ahem Edwards, Mishkin, etc...this is some amazing stuff!




Hammer

Great deal!

In the event any minor hockey teams/hockey parents are interested, blog friend and supporter Buy-Low Foods has a great deal today on cases of water!

H

Video video video! Highlights+Rapid Fire with SHAW!

Enough of the pictures! On with the video....highlights from the weekend will be posted first.


FIRST though, some insight into the job of the broadcaster, for those that need it. You may not think you need it, but I need to clear the air - as I always need to do this time of the year...


I know some of the negative folks will say there aren't highlights from the first two games...or they are lowlights...to each their own. For the fans that care about the team and want to know what goes on win, lose or draw, I will post them.  For the fans/parents/billets that don't want to acknowledge that losing happens, it isn't fun, you can't win them all, etc - just don't watch them!


It is always nice to get an early season reminder that there is always one fan on one side of the fence, and one on the other side of the fence. It is one of the challenges/benefits of having such a great fan base and community here that cares for the team and is involved with the team on many levels.


To elaborate - my job isn't an easy one, as I am always walking the fine fine fine line of not wanting to offend the parent/fan/billet/sponsor that wants me to be sunshine and rainbows even when the team is losing by a converted touchdown. The other side are the true hockey people/fans/parents etc. They want to know the REAL SCOOP. They want BLAME outright, and ANSWERS why the team isn't winning, or why they are winning. You win some, you lose some, the line between both is razor thin.


I don't ever want to offend anyone, but it's not easy with some people who seem to want to end up that way! It's only Wednesday morning and I have barely been out and about in town and I have already run into my fair share of people on both ends of the spectrum telling me what they think of the team, of my call of the game, etc.


I always love to hear the feedback, I really do. At the same time, I don't necessarily seek it out because everyone has their own connection/disconnection to a player to the team, etc that has them looking through glasses of a certain colour for a certain something.


In the end, I'm just "calling it like I see it" as my employer (for those that don't know, it's 93.3 The Peak and the Jim Pattison Broadcast Group, LP, not the Alberni Valley Bulldogs that signs my cheques, a very common misconception) wants me to do, and as I have done for more than 1000 games over a decade. Why? Becuse it hasn't failed me yet. People won't always like what they hear, or don't hear, but I simply can't help it if the game on the ice isn't going the way you want for the team - or an individual on the team.


At the same time please know that I strive to always be positive and find the positive even when it is really really hard to do on some nights. Some nights it might be impossible. Just know that I'm trying!


They are just kids. Some fans need to be reminded of that.


This isn't Minor Hockey. Some fans need to be reminded of that too!


Just win fellas, it's more fun for everyone!










And now some fun stuff - RAPID FIRE with SHAW and the Alberni Valley Bulldogs

Pictures from the road, Dogs make roster moves, audio highlights from Surrey..

Quick blog post before I hit the hay...long day today getting back from the roadie at close to midnight and then being on the air at THE PEAK for 6am today...

I'm actually starting with a picture from HOME that I had to share...do you think my little guy Griff is just a little excited about his present I brought back from the road? A BC Ferry toy, complete with horn. He is quite fascinated that the "big Bulldog BUS" goes under the boat!  It's hard to be away for a weekend!

Now some pics from the road...most I don't think made it onto the blog yet or facebook or twitter...

From Coquitlam...first thing I noticed was the new shoulder patches

close up look...cool!

Ceremonial puck drop in Langley...and below is about half of the game night people that make everything run in the Langley Event Centre with this crew I believe running the jumbotron/video etc... The guys and gals on the lights/audio/cameras/public address face the rink.

Finally, the view of the wide ice in Surrey!

Check the below press release from the Dogs announced they have reassigned Michael Sandor and Jon Brumwell, and that they have also added Chris Tracy to the roster.

Welcome to the team Chris, and best of luck to Nick and Jon, a couple of great kids with good potential.

I thank my lucky stars on a day to day basis that I don't have to make decisions like this as it certainly isn't easy.

Bulldogs Announce Roster Changes

PRESS RELEASE

September 24, 2012

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The Alberni Valley Bulldogs announced late Monday night that the team has made a few roster changes heading into a big weekend when the ‘Dogs will face division rivals Cowichan Valley Capitals and Nanaimo Clippers.

The team annouced that 92 F Michael Sandor is being reassigned to the Penticton Lakers of the KIJHL Junior B league barring another Junior A team picking up his rights.

“We would like to thank Michael for his time spent in Alberni Valley,” said Alberni Valley Bulldogs head coach Kevin Willison. “With players about to come back from the injury reserve, the roster has to be reduced to make room for returning players,” added Willison.

Sandor will remain an affiliate player with the Bulldogs unless another Junior A team picks up the rights to the veteran forward.

The Alberni Valley Bulldogs also announced today that 94 F Jon Brumwell was released and reassigned to the Campbell River Storm of the VIJHL Junior B league. Brumwell was identified through the Alberni Valley Bulldogs 2012 spring identification camp after spending the 2011/12 season with the Pheonix Junior Coyotes U18 program.

“Jon is a great kid who needs to identify his game to play at the Junior A level,” said Willison. “Jon will work hard to improve his game in hopes to be in a Bulldogs uniform again sometime soon.”

The Alberni Valley Bulldogs also add 92 F Chris Tracy from Marlton, NJ. Tracy played the majority of the 2011/12 season with the Langley Rivermen of the BCHL. Tracy recorded 15 goals and 13 assists in 47 games with the Rivermen in his rookie campaign. Tracy was released by the Rivermen at the start of the season due to roster space issues and also appeared in 4 games for the Surrey Eagles.

Tracy has joined the Alberni Valley Bulldogs and will practice with the team this week and if things go well is expected to play in both games this weekend.

For more information please contact head coach Kevin Willison at kevin@albernivalleybulldogs.ca.

Last but not least, highlights from the broadcast yesterday...as always, all audio is courtesy and copyright 93.3 The Peak FM and the Jim Pattison Broadcast Group, LP

....click HERE TO LISTEN

Good night and thanks for reading!

Hammer

Dogs 5 Eagles 4....

Outstanding effort, first road win, first win for Rebagliati, first goal for Gosselin, happy bus home right now....

Check the Bulldogs website for the Game Recap later!


Hammer

Bulldogs @ Eagles, 4pm today...

The Bulldogs try to salvage their three-in-three road trip today when they meet the Surrey Eagles for the first time this season.

Catch the pregame show on Boston Pizza Bulldog Hockey at 3:45 with the puck drop and play-by-play to follow at 4:00 on 93.3 The Peak FM 

Also don't forget that you have the option to watch the game through Fast Hockey!

You also have a third option for listening/viewing besides on your radio, or through our listen live link on our website and watching through Fast Hockey as Team 1040 will be broadcasting today's game. More on the BCHL and Team 1040 this season can be found HERE.

 Nice to see the league get continuing coverage from THE TEAM in the Lower Mainland with their huge hockey/sports audience. Here's hoping enough people hear it to realize that there is in fact hockey being played this year, and you don't have to break the bank to go see it!

Bulldogs Educational Advisor Tom McEvay is my 2nd intermission guest, don't miss it!

Off to do some final prep work!

Hammer

Rivermen 7 Dogs 0

Ouch. A lack of urgency, combined with a lack of discipline, mixed with a dash of bad bounces saw the Dogs fall 7-0 to the Rivermen tonight in Langley.


The start was OK as each team had their chances with the Dogs drawing the first power play of the game. As seemed to be the case throughout the night, a lack of urgency was apparent as they failed to connect on the opportunity, and minutes later it was Langley's turn and they connected when Austin Azurdia one-timed a cross-crease feed home for a 1-0 lead at 9:04 of the first. It was 2-0 on another penalty a minute and change later as Mario Puskarich attacked the zone with speed on the rush and made several Bulldogs miss before ringing one off the post and in from the slot at 11:24 of the first.


A fluke goal made it 3-0 early in the second as Ben Butcher chopped the puck off the stick of Turner Popoff, off his skate and past Adam Todd 5:46 into the frame. The Dogs would try to stay in it, but they couldn't get anything going before the Rivermen built the lead to 4-0 on another cross-ice set up, this time one-timed home by Mario Puskarich at 14:40 of the second.


The Rivermen opened the third on the power play and connected again to lead 5-0 when Ben Butcher found a rebound in the paint and lifted it home at 1:22 of the period. The lead was 6-0 at 11:48 when Evan Campbell converted a feed from behind the goal line into the open net before Ben Butcher finished the scoring just two minutes later when he scored his hat trick goal on a deflection at the side of he net for the 7-0 final.


Final shots favoured the Rivermen 34-21 with James Barr picking up the win and second star honours with the shut out while Adam Todd was tagged with the loss. The Dogs went 0 for 6 on the power play while the Rivermen went 3 for 11 - the second night in a row that the Dogs have conceded three power play goals against.


The trip finishes tomorrow when the Dogs visit the Eagles in Surrey, a 4pm start with the pregame show taking to the airwaves at 3:45


Hammer

Dogs @ Rivermen

Dogs at Rivermen tonight...

After a disappointing result last night, the Bulldogs (2-2-0-1) try to bounce back tonight as they visit the Rivermen (1-1-0-1) at the Langley Event Centre. It's the second meeting of the season between the teams after Langley took the Showcase opener 7-3.

Crazy schedule for the Rivermen - they only played once last week, a 3-2 loss in Coquitlam Friday. The game tonight is their only match until next weekend.

The Dogs need to be better on the power play 0/4 last night, and the penalty kill - Coquitlam went 3 for 4.

Hopefully some help arrives in the form of affiliate players, as the Dogs are still short-staffed. Out of the line up tonight:

Marlon Sabo
Daniel Delbianco
Nathan Eremenko
Zach Funk
Hunter Stewart
Nick Kerr

(Sabo, Delbianco, Eremenko, Stewart - long term)

The pregame show kicks off shortly after 7:00 on Boston Pizza Bulldogs Hockey on 93.3 The Peak FM, with the puck dropping sometime after approximately 7:20 due to the home opener ceremonies.

Tonight's 1st intermission guest is Jon Brumwell - part 2 of his interview from last night. Surrey Eagles play-by-play voice Brendan Batchelor is my guest after 40 minutes.

Hammer