Two big big points for the Dogs, pulls them four up on the Kings, and within two of the Clippers for 2nd as Nanaimo lost 5-2 to Merritt this afternoon.
Recap on the Bulldogs website HERE
Hammer
Please visit the links and support my friends and supporters!!!
Sunday, January 27, 2013
Dogs top Kings 2-1, win second straight
Two big big points for the Dogs, pulls them four up on the Kings, and within two of the Clippers for 2nd as Nanaimo lost 5-2 to Merritt this afternoon.
Recap on the Bulldogs website HERE
Hammer
Bulldogs host Kings this afternoon
The Dogs are coming off a 5-4 win last night over the Smoke Eaters to snap a mini two game slide while the Kings lost 6-2 last night in Victoria, their fourth loss in a row.
Home ice has been anything but in this series. The Bulldogs have won three straight head to head, 6-3, 6-1 and 4-3 in double OT, all in Powell River, dating back to November 9th. Just five days earlier was the last time the Dogs played an afternoon home game, a 4-2 Kings win, their second straight in the Dog Pound after a 2-0 win in October. It was close to the same situation in that game, the Kings playing their third game in three days, the Dogs having a lighter schedule, but the Kings still came in and out worked them and thoroughly controlled the game. The Bulldogs have won the only game in the series on home ice 4-3 in double OT in September.
The Dogs will most likely be without Jared Wilson for today's game, as he was given a 5 minute major for a check to the head last night on Jesse Knowler in the third period.
I really feel bad for Wilson because everything stacks up against him here - he has been suspended for receiving three blow to the head penalties before, last night's hit WAS NOT captured on video - if you have tape of it PLEASE contact me - and the officiating crew obviously ruled it a penalty. Wilson could possibly sit out three or four games, while Jesse Knowler, the man who took the hit missed all of what, five minutes, and took a regular shift to end the game?
The amount of angry messages and comments in person/email/social media/text messages about the hit, and the call, have almost blown up my phone.
To me, to Bruce, to seemingly everyone else in the building - it was a text book CLEAN hit. Feet remained on the ice, hands were down, shoulders were down, principle point of contact was the CHEST, not the HEAD.
Yet he gets tossed anyway. I can't help but agree with the comment of "If they are going to penalize guys for clean hits like that, all the fans might as well go next door to the other rink and watch the Men's Old-Timer Non-Contact League.
It is almost to the point now where you don't want to be a big player anymore. The game over the last 4 or 5 decades has thousands upon thousands of players that didn't make it, quite simply because they weren't big enough to survive in a man's game, a CONTACT game, plain and simple. Don't get me wrong, I love the skill and speed with the game nowadays, but I'm like every other die-hard hockey fan, I like hits, I want them in the game, I don't want anyone hurt, but if you can't protect yourself, you maybe shouldn't be playing?
6'4 hitting 5'10, another fine example this season that you don't want to be a big guy anymore, as it doesn't matter how clean and perfectly timed your hit is - you are still gone.
Today's 2nd intermission guest is Cowichan Valley Capitals play-by-play voice Alf Orton, as the Bulldogs have a Friday-Saturday home and home with the Caps next weekend starting at the Dog Pound and finishing at the Big Stick.
Hope to see a good crowd at the Dog Pound...it's tough on a Sunday afternoon but just make it an all hockey day, Bulldogs in the afternoon, home for dinner and the Canucks at the Sharks at 5:00pm!
Hammer
Saturday, January 26, 2013
Dogs top Smokies 5-4
Bulldogs and Smokies meet for first time this season...
For the second straight Saturday the Bulldogs (18-16-1-5, Tied 3rd Island) will see an Interior opponent for the first time this season when the Trail Smoke Eaters (19-24-0-2, 5th Interior) visit the Dog Pound.
HUGE points on the line here - the Bulldogs are six points back of Nanaimo for 2nd in the Island with a game in hand. They are tied with the Kings for 3rd/4th spot, with the Bulldogs having four games in hand. Remember, games in hand mean two things if you don't win them - diddly and squat!
The Smokies are hoping that's the case with the Salmon Arm Silverbacks a point up on them for 4th in the Interior, with the Smokies having played four more games than the Apes. HUGE points.
It will be a mini reunion of sorts with three former Bulldogs on the Smoke Eaters in Marley Keca, Tyler Berkholtz and Adam Todd. Eric Walker also faces his old team in the Smokies.
Gotta hustle down to the rink to get some work done!
Bring the noise tonight!
Hammer
Friday, January 25, 2013
Strand named Assistant Captain, PAJHS FUNdraising Dinner and Auction, Yakupov's celly
This was talked about on the broadcast Wednesday, but I missed putting it up on the blog in the hubbub that is GAME DAY, so please accept my apologies.
Congrats to Tryg. Great kid, good leader, and a player that plays the game "the right way" in my opinion in that he always plays hard - not dirty, and is never selfish. When he has his feet moving and when he's pushing the pace and using his size, teams have a tough time handling him!
Bulldogs Name Strand Alternate Captain
PRESS RELEASE
January 23, 2013
Port Alberni, BC – The Alberni Valley Bulldogs announce today that the team has named 1993-born forward Tryg Strand as the team’s third alternate captain. Strand, from Invermere, B.C., is in his second season with the Alberni Valley Bulldogs. Strand was identified by the club out of one of the 2011 spring identification camps.
“Tryg has shown leadership since he’s been in a Bulldogs uniform and I think that it has really shown this season with his maturity and work ethic,” said Alberni Valley Bulldogs general manager and head coach Kevin Willison. “He understands what it takes to win and that’s just one of the reasons Tryg is looked upon his peers in the locker room as a leader,” added Willison.
Strand consistantly works hard both on and off the ice, whether at the gym or with his college studies. Strand also has been very active in the community, most recently taking part in the recycling program that the Alberni Valley Bulldogs and the Alberni Clayoquot Regional District will be presenting in local schools.
“It’s an honour to be named assistant captain of the Alberni Valley Bulldogs,” said Bulldogs’ newest alternate captain Tryg Strand. “I am excited to help lead this team for the rest of the season and throughout the playoffs.”
For more information contact Alberni Valley Bulldogs general manager and head
coach Kevin Willison
The PAJHS is holding a Diner and Auction FUNdraiser Banquet on February 28th at the Best Western Barclay Hotel!
They are hoping to sell it out, so be sure to contact the office for your tickets and prepare to come have a fun night with a great meal and some fantastic items up for auction.
If you are a Bulldog supporter, please consider getting a ticket or a table with your friends or co-workers because every fundraising event like this is incredibly important when it comes to the long term success of the team.
Lots of details to come in the weeks ahead on this! For now, get your tickets at the Bulldogs Office, RBC Royal Bank and the Barclay Hotel.
Moving on....I'm curious your thoughts on Nail Yakupov's celly last night. That's short for "celebration" for the kids these days.
It very much reminds me of Theo Fleury's celebration many years ago in Edmonton. The problem with that is that Theo's was in overtime of Game 7 of the Playoffs. Not Game 3 or 4 of the Regular Season.
On one hand I love the energy and excitement and showmanship. On the OTHER hand, I HATE HATE HATE when in a TEAM GAME guys celebrate as INDIVIDUALS.
Unless you go coast-to-coast and beat five guys and then the goalie all by yourself, single-handed, GO HIGH FIVE AND CELEBRATE WITH YOUR TEAMMATES THAT SET YOU UP.
I HATE IT in Junior A, I hate it in the NHL, I hate it in Minor Hockey. This is a team game. This isn't about you. Yes, you put the puck in the net, but what led to that happening? Don't jump on the glass, don't run away from everyone else.
That's just my thoughts, they don't have to be yours!
Hammer
Wednesday, January 23, 2013
Dogs visit Clippers, Frank Slubowski for Hobey Baker, Bulldogs
A big battle for 2nd place tonight at the Frank Crane Arena in Nanaimo as the Bulldogs (18-15-1-5, 3rd Island) visit the Clippers (22-15-0-2, 2nd Island) for the first meeting between the teams since mid November.
The Dogs trail the Clippers by four points for 2nd place, and are just one point up on the Kings for 3rd. While the Dogs have four games in hand, they don't mean anything unless you win them, and it will be a tough one tonight. The Clippers are playing good hockey as of late, 7-3 in their last 10. They had a four game winning streak snapped by Vernon on Friday night 6-4, but they bounced back the next night with a 7-1 drubbing of the Kings in Powell River.
Tonight's 2nd intermission guest is Chris Wahl, play-by-play voice of the Trail Smoke Eaters, as the Dogs and Smokies meet for the first time this season at the Dog Pound Saturday night. Check out his blog HERE
Saturday, January 19, 2013
Vees 6 Dogs 3
Full Recap from the Bulldogs website HERE
Hammer
Dogs host defending National Champ Vees, what NHL?
The Bulldogs are coming off a 5-4 come-from-behind OT win over the Victoria Grizzlies on Wednesday while the Vees opened up a three game Island swing clutching victory from the jaws of defeat, scoring in the final minute of third to tie the game before finding the winner with less than 10 seconds on the clock in the first overtime. So Bulldog fans say THANKS VEES, but please do it in regulation next time!
Tonight's 2nd intermission guest is former Bulldog Max Fenkell, now at Bowdoin playing with the Polar Bears - great name!
Of course the shortened NHL season begins tonight...but there's no place I'd rather be than the Dog Pound watching this game! I have to admit I do miss watching the game played at the highest level...but it still doesn't beat the high level of play/emotion/community connection you get from the local team! I'm sure most NHL fans will forget after a free beer and a cheap bag of peanuts tonight, but I'm not one of the lucky that can afford to have season tickets or afford to buy single-game seats to Canuck games more than once or twice a year. Mostly I'm just to busy watching/covering the Bulldogs and I watch the NHL on TV...thank goodness for PVR's
Hammer
Thursday, January 17, 2013
Wednesday, January 16, 2013
Dogs 5 Grizz 4, OT
Interesting play on that goal as after the play Nick Kerr was given a 10 minute misconduct for checking to the head on a hit on Leo Fitzgerald, a call that Grizzlies fans probably thought was a good one, while Bulldog fans will say it's a penalty you can't call when 6'3 is hitting 5'7. It's a tough game out there, and a tough one to call. There wasn't a delayed penalty coming to the Bulldogs signaled by the referee, so one would assume it was called by the crew. A tough night for Kerr as he took a hard elbow to the head right in front of the penalty boxes late in the first period, after being penalized earlier in the frame for what most Bulldog fans would say was a good check.
Shortly afterwards the same process repeated itself during a Bulldog power play as Bo Pellah ended up taking a knee-on-knee hit that ended up in Pellah in a heap on the ice but no stoppage in play. After another conference the Officiating Crew called a 5 minute major.
Full Recap on the Dogs website HERE
Hammer
Dogs host Grizzlies for rematch tonight, vote Frank!
The Grizzlies scored with less than 30 seconds left to win 3-2 on Friday, digging out of a 2-0 hole after 40 minutes for the second time against the Dogs this season, and winning the first game between the teams this season in regulation time after the previous five had all gone to overtime.
As previously mentioned the Dogs have lost three in a row. They have lost by a total of three goals. The Bulldogs record in one-goal games going into New Year's Eve was by my count 8-1-0-5. Entering play tonight it's 8-4-0-5. Here's hoping the Dogs don't lose confidence and feel any self doubt, but instead they realize they have been just a tiny bit short on killer instinct or composure over the last three games to end up on the winning side of a one goal decision.
Catch all the action on Boston Pizza Bulldogs Hockey on 93.3 The Peak FM with things getting underway with the Pacific Chevrolet pregame show at 6:45 with the puck drop and play-by-play to follow at 7:00 with myself and Bruce MacDonald.
Tonight's 2nd intermission feature guest is Penticton Vees play-by-play Broadcaster Fraser Rodgers.
The Dogs host the defending RBC/Doyle/Fred Page Cup Champion Vees on Saturday night.
Hammer
Monday, January 14, 2013
Alberni Wrestling update, Grizzlies vs Chiefs brawl...
Alberni Wrestlers
Dominate at Age Class in Kamloops
A large contingent of
local wrestlers competed this past weekend at the Western Canadian Age Class
Tournament in Kamloops and they did not fail to produce results. Twenty-nine Alberni wrestlers competed, twenty four placed
and sixteen medaled at the prestigious Western Canada Age Class event
which featured close to 500 wrestlers from BC, Alberta and Saskatchewan.
EJ Dunn led the Alberni
team placing second in both boys and girls School Age divisions. Aaron
Badovinac was voted Most Outstanding Wrestler in the School Age division after
winning gold in the 55kg weight class. Adding to medal totals were Summer
Wass, Trevor Barker (silver), Kalissa Montgomery, Morgan Dagenais, and
Mathew Grimston (bronze).
Other top six placers included Ravi Manhas
(4th), Trenton Vanderkooi (4th), Queenie Zhang (4th), and Austin Patten
(6th). Proud coach Andrew Edgell commented, "I was extremely impressed
that all ten Dunn wrestlers in the competition placed in their respective weight
classes. It shows promise for the future of Alberni wrestling."
Not to be outdone by their
younger teammates, the ADSS Cadet boys took second overall and the Cadet girls
took third overall. The ADSS group was led by two wrestlers who went
undefeated to claim gold medals in their respective weight classes. In the
Cadet division for ages 15 – 16 wrestler Nolan Badovinac claimed top spot
in the 76 kilogram division and Micaela Dick followed suit in the 65 kilogram
division. Other top performers included ADSS wrestlers Johannes Kulich (silver,
69 kg), Michel Kurucz (silver 60 kg), Dean Leyland (bronze 69 kg),
Emma Vanderlee (bronze 70 kg), Remi Wells (bronze 56 kg), and Eryk
McKenzie (4th 69 kg). Tyler Drew-Adams (100 kg), Lauren Barker (56 kg),
and Jarred Beckett (50 kg) all had strong performances but finished out of the
standings.
The ADSS Juvenile
wrestlers placed second overall in the boys division due to outstanding
performances by team captain Jonathan Spencer (second 76 kg), Jesse Wagner
(second 54 kg), Jordan Wagner (third 54kg) and Russell David (third 50
kg). “We have come to expect the Wagners to do well, but Jono and Russell
really stepped up their game this tournament,” stated coach Russell
Bodnar. “Both wrestlers have been
training hard so it’s great to see them getting the results they deserve.” In her first year of wrestling, Elise Huffman
was the lone representative in the Juvenile girls division. Elise finished 6th
in the 70 kg weight class. Wrestlers Sheldon Haddad, David Wilson and
Kaden Tardif all had tough matches and battled hard, but finished out of the
standings. “The committment of these young athletes is extraordinary,” stated
ADSS coach Chris Bodnar. “Practice after practice these wrestlers grind to
improve technique and conditioning and they are getting better each round they
wrestle.”
ADSS coach Richelle
McKenzie was pleased with the performance of the team in Kamloops. “Our
wrestlers did well. This was a high level tournament and we had terrific
results. I am especially impressed that the Alberni team finished top
three in five out of six age divisions – it shows the depth of our programs!”
According to Alberni
Wrestling coach James Messenger Age Class is an excellent tune up for the busy
few months ahead. “We always want to take a large group to the Age Class,”
said Messenger, “it provides us with an opportunity for great competition and
it is also a great team builder. Road trips like this with several days
away on the bus, in the hotel, and around the gym give our team an opportunity
to do some team building. We have a great group of kids here and they were
excellent ambassadors for our sport and city.”
The busy weeks ahead include 4 practices per week including an
Island practice Thursday January 17th at ADSS, a Neill/Dunn dual
meet this Wednesday the 16th at Neill, tournaments in Campbell River and Abbotsford
then the Annual Alberni Invitational tournament at the Multiplex February 7-9. The
season will continue with the Island Championships in Ucluelet February 15-16
and the BC High School Championships in Cowichan February 28-March 1. The
season wraps up for some of the top wrestlers at the National Championships
April 3-7 in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.
See for yourself by watching the video below.
You can vote for Frank by clicking THIS LINK!
Full details from the Bulldogs:
Bulldogs Alumni Frank Slubowski Nominated for Hobey Baker Award
PRESS RELEASE
January 12, 2013
January 12, 2013
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Port Alberni, BC – The Alberni Valley Bulldogs are very proud to report that alumni Frank Slubowski has been nominated for the Hobey Baker Award. Slubowski, known as “Slubs” by his fans and teammates, was with the Alberni Valley Bulldogs organization from 2007 to 2011. Slubowski battled through a season-long injury for a full season before being the Bulldogs starting goalie for two seasons.
Once healthy, it was Slubowski that started between the pipes most nights. In his rookie campaign in the 2009/10 season, he appeared in 44 games and posted a record of 32-10-1 with an impressive goals against average of 2.24 and a .919 save percentage. Slubowski followed that up with 13 additional playoff appearances which took the Bulldogs into the second round before eventually being beat-out by the Powell River Kings in 7 games.
The following season “Slubs” played in 54 games posting a 21-26-4 record with a 2.89 GAA and a .906 save percentage. Slubowski earned a scholarship to Western Michigan University where he is currently in his season season. Yet again, Slubowski made an immediate impact in his rookie campaign with the Broncos.
In 2011/12, Slubowski played in 32 games and posted an impressive 2.03 GAA and a .911 save percentage. That year, he helped lead Western Michigan to an NCAA championship while also being recognzied as the tournament MVP and was named to the NCAA (CCHA) All-Rookie Team.
So far in the 2012/13 season, Slubowski has a record of 8-3-1, a GAA of 2.15 and a save percentage of .910, yet again putting Western Michigan in a position to win a championship. Slubowski also has two shutouts.
The first round of fan voting for the Hobey Baker Award started January 7, 2013. As college hockey enters the second half of the season, fans of the collegiate game can now help determine the winner of the 2013 Hobey Baker Award. Fans can cast their vote online at www.hobeybakeraward.com or by clicking the link on the Alberni Valley Bulldogs’ Facebook page.
This first phase of fan balloting will run now through March 10, 2013. Phase two of fan balloting will begin on March 22 from the list of Top Ten Hobey Baker finalists. The fans’ vote accounts for a full 1 percent of the total ballot in each phase in selecting this year’s award recipient.
Award criteria include candidates emulating the exceptional character traits exhibited by the award’s namesake, Hobey Baker. An American super-hero, Baker was a World War I fighter pilot and was known as America’s greatest amateur athlete in his day, excelling at hockey and football while starring for Princeton. Award candidates must demonstrate strength of character both on and off the ice, contribute to the integrity of his team and display outstanding skills in all phases of the game. Consideration should be given to scholastic achievement and sportsmanship.
Key Hobey Baker announcement dates for 2013 include:
Top Ten list of candidates: March 21
Hobey Hat Trick of three finalists: April 3
Hobey Baker Award announcement: April 12
Top Ten list of candidates: March 21
Hobey Hat Trick of three finalists: April 3
Hobey Baker Award announcement: April 12
Follow the official Twitter page of Hobey Baker Award @HobeyBakerAward and ‘Like’
the award's Facebook page.
For more information contact Alberni Valley Bulldogs assistant coach and assistant
director of hockey operations Adam Hayduk. For a comment about Slubowski as a player and
student, please contact educational advisor Tom McEvay
Hammer
Saturday, January 12, 2013
Armada boys in Totem Final 7:30 tonight at ADSS
The Armada are 2-0 after picking up a thrilling 60-59 win over Woodlands to open the tournament, and then topping Reynolds 57-39 last night.
They will play the winner of Stellys and Highland. That game is currently underway with Stellys up 20 points with 7 minutes to play.
I wouldn't be surprised if the guys felt a little pressure or butterflies today...just play hard and have fun and know it's going to be one of those "experience of a lifetime" things!
Action is underway throughout the day today at both the Alberni Athletic Hall and ADSS so if you are looking for some great sports excitement I encourage you to get out and support Totem '58!
The Armada Girls are in the 5th/6th place game, also at ADSS tonight at 5:45 so get out and support them and catch the last two games.
GO ARMADA!
Hammer
Friday, January 11, 2013
Grizzlies 3 Dogs 2
OUCH. That one hurt to watch as a supporter/fan etc. I can't imagine how bad the players feel.
The better team certainly won the game in my humble opinion. Without the heroics of Deo early in the game, in the second, through the game, the Dogs aren't in it. Might seem harsh, but the Dogs need to raise their work ethic and find some urgency, or at the very least, find it at the same level as their opponents. Or maybe quite simply they need to bear down and get to the net and put more pucks at the net? The Dogs had their chances, but 21 certainly isn't going to do it. Unlike the loss to the Spruce Kings last Saturday, the Dogs didn't have 38 shots and didn't have at least a dozen loose puck scrambles around the net and odd-man rushes. Last night it was just a small handful, and next to none through the third period.
I thought the Dogs were fortunate to be up 2-0 after two, and I thought they came out at a different level than their opponents to begin the third.
Coulda, woulda, shoulda...didn't. Too bad as it was a big two points. Second time the Grizzlies have dug out of a 2-0 hole after 40 minutes to win. Seems to be a lesson that should have been learned on several different occasions this season.
Full Recap from the Bulldogs website HERE
The better team certainly won the game in my humble opinion. Without the heroics of Deo early in the game, in the second, through the game, the Dogs aren't in it. Might seem harsh, but the Dogs need to raise their work ethic and find some urgency, or at the very least, find it at the same level as their opponents. Or maybe quite simply they need to bear down and get to the net and put more pucks at the net? The Dogs had their chances, but 21 certainly isn't going to do it. Unlike the loss to the Spruce Kings last Saturday, the Dogs didn't have 38 shots and didn't have at least a dozen loose puck scrambles around the net and odd-man rushes. Last night it was just a small handful, and next to none through the third period.
I thought the Dogs were fortunate to be up 2-0 after two, and I thought they came out at a different level than their opponents to begin the third.
Coulda, woulda, shoulda...didn't. Too bad as it was a big two points. Second time the Grizzlies have dug out of a 2-0 hole after 40 minutes to win. Seems to be a lesson that should have been learned on several different occasions this season.
Full Recap from the Bulldogs website HERE
Bulldogs add Teal Burns, Ryan Buse, move Hepso, release Halls
The Bulldogs made several moves ahead of last nights 8pm Trade Deadline, acquiring 20 year Teal Burns from the Cowichan Valley Capitals, while also signing Port Alberni Native Ryan Buse from the Oceanside Generals.
The well-travelled Burns brings an offensive touch and comes with plenty of post-season experience. When he plays with an edge and when he's engaged he is a very effective player and can be a difference maker. In talking with the Coaches, he was excited to be joining the Bulldogs. He has dynamic offensive skills (think back to the top-corner short-side snipe on the 2 on 1 rush when the Caps beat the Dogs 2-1 on New Years Eve) and over 40 games of BCHL Playoff experience, including a trip to the finals last season, and he also played in the 2009 RBC Cup with the Grizzlies.
Burns has played in the BCHL with Victoria, Powell River, Nanaimo and Cowichan. He has played in the WHL with Portland, Vancouver, Everett and Prince Albert.
Ryan Buse leaves the Oceanside Generals to join the Bulldogs for the stretch run. Buse has improved in leaps and bounds since the start of this season, a testament to the job Coach Brent Demerais is doing there. Always nice to add a local player to the roster, but know he's a player the Bulldogs Staff like first and foremost and that's why he's here. It's a bonus he's a Port Alberni boy!
To make room for Burns, the Bulldogs dealt 20 year old Forward Lars Hepso and the rights to Adam Rossingol (recently released by the Regina Pats and on the Bulldogs protected list) to the Coquitlam Express for Future Considerations.
Lars is a great kid, and was great off the ice and in the community. It's always tough to see someone go when you have known them and watched them battle for three years, and I wish Lars all the best in Coquitlam.
Trades, saying good-bye and the Trade Deadline in general is always an exciting time but also a tough time for everyone involved in the game - Coaches, Players, Billet Families, etc. I am glad it's over, I'm excited at the changes the Bulldogs have made in the last several days and I'm excited for tonight and the rest of the season!
Full details from the Bulldogs website, including Brandon Halls deciding to play Junior B can be found HERE
Hammer
Bulldogs host Grizzlies, Walker rejoins team, Totem 58 starts today, deadline details at 10
Catch all the action on Boston Pizza Bulldogs Hockey on 93.3 The Peak FM with the Pacific Chevrolet pregame show kicking off at 6:45 with Bruce MacDonald and I.
The Bulldogs are immediately better with Walker, and they very much missed him when he was gone. Here's hoping he returns playing as good as - or even better - than when he left. He brings a physical edge, leadership, and is solid at both ends of the ice.
Further details on Walker's return from the Bulldogs website HERE
Hammer
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