Summer in the Valley - Our Town, Tlu-piich, Starlight Movie Night, Thunder in the Valley, Bulldogs Golf

I'mmmmmmmm baaaaack!

Excuse the absence, but I was on Holidays, and so was the blog. An incredible couple of weeks with my family out visiting from Manitoba was spent at the Lake, down the Inlet, at the Alberni Golf Club and out at the Martin Mars Base. HUGE THANKS to Steve Kendall for getting my family out fishing, and onto the Martin Mars Waterbombers. Fun fun times!

The THIRD event in the Our Town series goes tonight. It makes me realize that summer doesn't go on forever when we get to the final two events of this great summer series. Tonight it's "A Bug's Life" at Gyro Park from 6:30 to 8:30.

More details in this picture - click it to enlarge it.

The Nuu-chah-nulth Tlu-piich games kick off a week from today with the Opening Ceremonies at Maht Mas Gym. Click the picture again for more details...today is also the deadline to sign up for their "Swing FORE Tlu-piich" golf tourney at the Alberni Golf Club. Call 250-724-5757 for more info

Another great event goes a week from today...Starlight Movie Night!

NEXT weekend, it's Thunder in the Valley 2013 out at the Airport. Check out their website HERE

Some highlights - loud cars, loud planes!



Finally - the Bulldogs Charity Golf tournament goes August 17th! Sounds like it will be a lot of fun...more details on the Bulldogs website HERE

Bulldogs Press Release - Broadcaster of the Year

A nice release from the Bulldogs following up yesterday's news...thanks for the kind words!

In thinking back yesterday over the years, and the last two awards, I realized I must thank my former Broadcast teammates that I have shared these awards with in the past in Alf Thompson and Rick Schievink. I have been blessed to have been able to work with them. They both played a huge part in me winning the award, just like Bruce and Dan share this one. They both taught me a lot about how to call the game, how to see the game, how to carry myself and so on and so forth! Thanks again Ace and Ricky! Rick is of course involved with the West Coast Hockey Prep Camp and is also the Head Instructor of the Alberni District Hockey Canada Skills Academy along with his involvement with the Bulldogs! Ace of course was one of the people that laid the ground work and pounded the pavement to originally bring the Bulldogs to Port Alberni despite all odds. Thanks guys! 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Port Alberni, BC – In a release by the BCHL Media department this morning, the Alberni Valley Bulldogs play-by-play man Evan Hammond has been named the 2013 BCHL Broadcaster of the Year.

Now in his 10th season of Bulldogs hockey, this is the third time Hammond has won the award. Since this is the first time the league broadcasters have voted among themselves, Hammond says it makes the honour that much more special.

"It means a lot to me to have the respect of my colleagues," said the Flin Flon, Manitoba, native. "All the broadcasters, in my opinion, are worthy of the award but for them to recognize me makes it especially sweet."

The 33-year-old calls Bulldogs games for 93.3 The Peak in Port Alberni where he is also the morning show host. In addition, he runs his popular "Hammer's Bulldog Blog" website which tracks team news as well as stories from around the league.

Hammond's efficient and often-electric broadcast style ensures Bulldogs games draw a loyal audience both in the 93.3 The Peak listening area and online. Hammond's thorough preparation and initiative make for entertaining intermission features with Bulldogs alumni and personalities from around the league making frequent appearances.

"Anyone who has heard Evan call a Bulldogs game can understand why he's won this award three times in 10 years," said BCHL communications director Brent Mutis. "The effort he puts into his broadcasts brings fans right into the action and his professionalism showcases the league in outstanding fashion."

This past season, Hammond took Bulldogs fans along for the ride as the team embarked on a thrilling playoff run to the Coastal Conference finals. He'll be back behind the mic for the 2013-14 season.

Broadcaster of the Year...A humble THANKS....

Upon hearing that I had won the BCHL's Broadcaster/Media Person of the Year Award for a third time, I thought the same thing I thought when I won it a second time - GIVE IT TO SOMEONE ELSE ALREADY...every city, every team in this great league, has a very deserving professional that puts their heart and soul and guts into this, and they deserve recognition and a cool line on their resume more than me.

However - considering that this is the first time the winner has been selected by a vote amongst BCHL Broadcasters...at the risk of sounding cheesy...it really does mean something special. It means a lot to me to have the respect of my peers and my colleagues.

For what its worth, and I know it may sound hollow if you were really hoping to win this thing...you certainly have my respect and admiration for what you do. I know the hours, the grind, the pressure and critiques that come with the job. I also know that we do this because we love it, we love the game, we love the fans and the roar and the horn...not for shiny things!  

THANKS.

After a survey of all broadcasters in the league, Alberni Valley Bulldogs play-by-play man Evan Hammond has been named the 2013 BCHL Broadcaster of the Year.

Now in his 10th season of Bulldogs hockey, this is the third time Hammond has won the award. Since this is the first time the league broadcasters have voted among themselves, Hammond says it makes the honour that much more special.

"It means a lot to me to have the respect of my colleagues," said the Flin Flon, Man. native. "All the broadcasters, in my opinion, are worthy of the award but for them to recognize me makes it especially sweet."

The 33-year-old calls Bulldogs games for 93.3 The Peak in Port Alberni where he is also the morning show host. In addition, he runs the popular "Hammer's Bulldog Blog" website which tracks team news as well as stories from around the league.

Hammond's efficient and often-electric broadcast style ensures Bulldogs games draw a loyal audience both in the 93.3 The Peak listening area and online. Hammond's thorough preparation and initiative make for entertaining intermission features with Bulldogs alumni and personalities from around the league making frequent appearances. 

"Anyone who has heard Evan call a Bulldogs game can understand why he's won this award three times in 10 years," said BCHL communications director Brent Mutis. "The effort he puts into his broadcasts brings fans right into the action and his professionalism showcases the league in outstanding fashion." 

This past season, Hammond took Bulldogs fans along for the ride as the team embarked on a thrilling playoff run to the Coastal Conference finals. He'll be back behind the mic for the 2013-14 season.


I know I posted this already at the end of the season, but for those that missed it, it's pretty relevant again right now as I'm not winning this without everyone else and everything that they do to help me, motivate me, teach me, support me, ETC!

So many people to thank...I'm sure I'll miss some but here goes nothing!


This is for everyone that either wasn't at the banquet or missed the final "Sign off" on the Postgame show from the final game. I always try my best on the final broadcast to thank everyone top to bottom. I heard some great feedback that Bruce and I did a great job with it - thanks, that means alot!

Thanks to:

My family, and everyone that supports them. It's not easy with how the schedule is to be gone for extended periods, to be on the road, to have almost every single weekend booked from September through March - or in this case, into April. Thanks to Theresa and Griff for their support, and to everyone that supports them in my absence.

My work family - everyone at The Peak that makes the broadcasts happen from a sales and operations standpoint, and covers for me when the team is on the road - David, Wanda, Diane, Brian, Jolie, our production staff, and our Broadcast Operators and Producers Nick, Brendan and Paul. I get to have all the fun, they do a ton of work behind the scenes.

The sponsors - the broadcasts don't happen without people investing in them. Without you, there is nothing. THANKS.

Bruce MacDonald - His first full year doing colour and analysis. He brings an unbelievable amount of passion to the job, and I think he grew in leaps and bounds throughout the year with how he called the game. The committment he made to calling the games home and away was something else. Keep in mind it's a side job for him, and he took a lot of time away from running a business and being with his family to make the broadcasts what they were. He's a great guy to hang out with in the booth and on the road on the bus and in the hotel. I think we are due to a hang out on the golf course though, where no one is listening to us and we don't have to always measure what we say, haha!

Dan Tisserand - I don't even know how many years it has been now for Dan being the Official "stats man" on the broadcasts. We were both talking about that at one point this season and Dan said "thanks for giving me the chance to do this" and my response was something along the lines of he shouldn't be thanking me for ANYTHING! Talk about dedication and committment - he lives in Nanaimo, every game is a road game for him except those at the Frank Crane, and he doesn't miss many. He's travelling on his own most of the time, he's home late, he's working the next day. The stats bring a lot to the broadcasts that I know everyone appreciates from the fans to the players to the parents to the Coaching Staff. Thanks again Danno! I would love to have a mic on Dan and Bruce sometimes when they go back and forth on things during breaks!

The Bulldogs Organization - TOP TO BOTTOM - Coaches and Staff, Players, Office Staff. They all are great guys and gals. It's not always easy not working for the team, but working in such close association with the team. It's also not easy when you have to constantly walk the fine line between being truthful and unbiased, and also supportive and positive. The Coaches were amazing to deal with, and are a couple of great guys. Same can be said for the Players and the support staff - Jamie and James, Will "the thrill" and the Office Staff and volunteers. Miss all of you already!

Billets/Volunteers - Hockey at this level doesn't exist without Billet families to take these guys into their homes, and without volunteers at so many levels to make the team and the games run, in the Office, around the rink on game day - public address and music, scorekeeping and score clock operating , penalty box attendants, goal judges, security personnel, the volunteers at the front of the rink, the members of the Booster Club. Thanks for playing such a huge part in this being such an amazing place, not just in hockey but in day to day life! Quite simply, there are lots of incredible people in this city.

The Port Alberni Junior Hockey Society - What a year to make the Dogs community owned! I don't think anyone could have anticipated the incredible run the team would go on when this endeavour was undertaken last spring. THANKS to everyone involved for stepping up, and showing no fear and refusing to say NO! Just like the people that first brought this team here, you showed the same Port Alberni mentality. Thanks for dreaming big, thanks for all your time and efforts away from your families, your jobs, your priorities. Incredible story written this season from the community side of things.

Blog Readers and Supporters - Thanks for giving me the incentive to keep this blog up and going throughout the season. It takes way more work than most people realize. Thanks for the positive feedback, and thanks for the donations through the link on the right ------> (DON'T BE SHY TO CLICK IT!!) that keep me going and give me a kick in the butt when I'd rather take some down time or time with the family. The donations go a long way in not only making me feel like the time I put in is appreciated, but they also go a long way in making the blog what it is - new computer, new phone/camera, online hosting fees for audio, etc!

Ok, so who am I missing now? Oh right, the FANS! None of this happens, and this team isn't here without your generosity and support. Second to none not only in the league, and in the country. Your support of the broadcasts, and of the team, is incredible. You packed OUR rink, you invaded THEIR rinks, you pushed the team into the second and third round of the Playoffs. You made the Dog Pound how it used to be - over seating capacity. It's your hard earned $$$, and I thank and respect you for your mind blowing support!

Thanks as well to the BCHL, for giving us great hockey to watch at a great price. Thanks to the opposition, you can't have games without them. Thanks as well to the Officials - often maligned, never appreciated or commended enough. It was nice to see over the Coastal Final that things tightened up and the Officiating wasn't a factor. Maybe that's a credit to the Eagles and the Bulldogs and how they played, maybe it's the Referees in question, maybe it's a bit of both. I know Bruce and I both said at the conclusion of Game 4 against Surrey how good the officiating was. I was happy also to hear that Manny Gialedakis went into the Officials Dressing Room after the game to offer his thanks for their efforts and all that they put up with in a thankless job.

I think that just about does it for the THANKS! If I forgot you, accept my humble apologies - the list is just wayyyy too long. Like every alum says when I interview him and ask him if there is anyone he wants to say Hello to, or anyone he wants to thank - you can't thank everyone, you will most likely miss someone, and that right there is what makes this place to amazing...the support you get at all levels is out of this world!

Dziurzynski re-signs for one year with Senators, Walker traded to Dauphin Kings

Great news released by the Sens yesterday, that former Bulldog David Dziurzynski has signed a one-year, two-way contract with the Senators.

OTTAWA - The Ottawa Senators announced today that the club has re-signed forward David Dziurzynski to a one-year, two-way contract.

Dziurzynski, 23, played in 12 National Hockey League games with the Senators in 2012-13, recording two goals and 13 penalty minutes. He was recalled to Ottawa (and to the NHL) for the first time in his professional career on Feb. 15 and made his league debut the following evening in Toronto.

The Lloydminster, Alta., native also recorded 20 points (four goals, 16 assists) and a professional career high 110 penalty minutes in 54 regular season games with Ottawa’s American Hockey League affiliate, the Binghamton Senators last season. He added one assist and four penalty minutes while appearing in each of the B-Sens three opening-round playoff contests against Wilkes-Barre/Scranton.

Dziurzynski was originally signed to a three-year entry-level contract by the Senators on April 6, 2010, after playing the 2009-10 season for the BCHL’s Alberni Valley Bulldogs. Since that time, he has appeared in 201 career AHL contests in three full seasons with Binghamton, registering 68 points (21 goals, 47 assists) and 259 penalty minutes.

Visit the Senators website: www.ottawasenators.com
Follow the Senators on Twitter: @NHL_Sens
Like the Senators on Facebook: www.facebook.com/ottawasenators

___________________________

Can't say how happy I am for "Dizzy" , aka "The Great 8" as he was called during his time in the Alberni Valley. Or at least that's what I called him.

It was pretty upsetting last season to see him get knocked out by Frazer McLaren in that fight against the Maple Leafs. Not because he got knocked out, but because he had made it to THE SHOW, and I was worried that he might not have a chance to get back there after that. That is not the way anyone wants to go out, getting knocked out. Just score goals  like this one instead Dizzy!

The Bulldogs have traded '93 Defenceman Eric Walker to the Dauphin Kings of the Manitoba Junior Hockey League.

Port Alberni, BC – The Alberni Valley Bulldogs announced via Twitter two days ago that the team has traded 1993-born defenceman Eric Walker to the Dauphin Kings of the Manitoba Junior Hockey League for future considerations.

For more information, please contact the Alberni Valley Bulldogs head coach and general manager Kevin Willison

________________________

Walker joined the team mid-season, before being sent home after the first Playoff game.

The Kings will host the Western Canada Cup next spring - more info HERE

Hammer

Jim Robson, Charity Golf, Lefty Williams, Unity Basketball..

Huge thanks to Will Pulford and the Van Isle Ford / Pacific Chevrolet gang for getting me out to play in the Alberni Valley Charity Golf Classic on Saturday. I was lucky enough to spend the afternoon on a golf cart with Hockey Hall of Famer and Order of BC Recipient Jim Robson.

What a classy, cool, down-to-earth NICE guy. It was incredible riding with him, talking hockey, talking life, and just plain listening to his stories. He spoke at length after dinner about his time in Port Alberni, and later in the NHL. It was just plain awesome!

Huge thanks while I'm at it to all the volunteers and sponsors that make the Charity Classic happen. Over 20 years now, over HALF A MILLION dollars raised for local charities and the BC Children's Hospital. Well done!

One of the best things that came out of the Charity Classic was that I met Harold "Lefty" Williams, who played golf for pretty much the first time in the tournament!

If you don't know who this gent is - he's a former Harlem Globetrotter, a recording artist, and the Youth Pastor at Jericho Road Church

He has HUGE plans for early October that brought him into 93.3 The Peak studios today....

Check out the website for more details.... www.unitycelebritygame.com 

Sounds like it will be lots of fun!

Hammer

Chase Van Allen off to Alaska Anchorage

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Port Alberni, BC – The Alberni Valley Bulldogs announce today that Chase Van Allen has committed to the NCAA Division I program at the University of Alaska Anchorage for the 2013/14 season.

"He worked so hard the past two years,” said Alberni Valley Bulldogs educational advisor Tom McEvay. “Most people do not see what players like Chase do off the ice in terms of preparing themselves academically. Chase was always prepared to do whatever it took.”

Since making the jump to the BCHL from the Alaska Avalance in the NAHL, Van Allen showed significant improvment each of the last two seasons with the Bulldogs. Not only did Van
Allen’s point production increase as he honed his offensive abilities, but he also became more disciplined and was named one of the Alberni Valley Bulldogs’ assistant captains in 2012/13.

Van Allen finished the 2012/13 regular season campaign with 7 goals, 25 assists for 32 points in 53 games putting him in the top 10 for scoring amoung all BCHL defensemen. However, it’s what Van Allen did in the playoffs that made many talk about how he quietly became one of the elite defensemen in the league. Van Allen stepped his game up, playing with extreme confidence and poise, and contributed with an additional 8 points in 14 playoff games, including 3 powerplay assists and one game winning goal.

“I am very happy that Chase gets the opportunity to play NCAA Div 1 hockey right in his own backyard for the University of Alaska Anchorage Seawolves,” said Bulldogs’ head coach and general manager Kevin Willison. “Chase was a big part of Alberni’s community, volunteering whenever he could and was also a big help in the Bulldogs In School program. Not only was he the Bulldogs’ best defensemen last season but his leadership really came to life in the playoffs,” concluded Willison.

Van Allen took home two team awards following the conclusion of the 2012/13 season: the Best Defenceman Award and the Humanitarian Award for his outstanding work in the community.

“Thank you to everyone that helped me this season. It’s an unbelievable feeling to commit to such a great program – it’s really a dream come true,” said Chase Van Allen. “I want to thank my teammates, my coaches Kevin Willison and Adam Hayduk, the entire Bulldogs staff, all the volunteers, and my billet parents for the amazing time while in Alberni Valley and for giving me the opportunity to move forward with my hockey career,” concluded Van Allen.

The Alberni Valley Bulldogs family would like to thank Chase for everything he has done for the organization and for the community over the past 2 seasons. Chase will be missed and we wish him all the best in his hockey and future endeavours.

The UAA Seawolves are a member of the Western Collegiate Hockey Association (WCHA). For more information, please contact the Alberni Valley Bulldogs head coach and general manager Kevin Willison

Alberni Wrestling Kids Camp ON NOW!

A great way to get the kids out of the house and get them active! Who knows, they might be an Olympian one day!

Alberni Wrestling Press Release …

                                                   SUMMER WRESTLING CAMPS IMPRESSIVE

Alberni Wrestling never does anything half way and their 2013 Summer Wrestling Camps are another example. The local powerhouse program hosts their annual Kids Camp July 2-4 and their Elite Camp July 4-7. Both camps appear to offer fantastic opportunities for their participants.

The Alberni Kids Camp has been in existence for over 25 years and is free to boys and girls ages 6 to 12 who want to try out the sport.  Letters have been left at every local elementary school the past two weeks when Alberni wrestlers have visited the schools to conduct introductory sessions. Information and forms can also be found on the club’s website at www.alberniwrestling.ca . 

The Kids camp sessions run 10 am to noon each day in the main ADSS gym. Participants do not need to register in advance nor do they have to commit to attend all three days. Just show up with gym strip and clean runners and registration forms will be available for parents to fill out on the spot. Younger children must have parents stay in case they can’t handle the activities.

“Our Kids Camp is a gift from us for children who want to try wrestling in a fun and safe environment,” said club Director Tom McEvay, “many of the coaches are our current high school and middle school wrestlers as well as a few alumni.  Experienced adult coaches will also be on hand to make sure everything runs smoothly.  Kids Camp is where most of our wrestlers got their start including Olympian Travis Cross.”

This year the transition to the Alberni Elite Camp will happen on the final day of Kids Camp on July 4^th. The youngsters will wrap up at 12 noon that Thursday at the same time the experienced wrestlers arrive for registration and check in. Mat sessions for the Elite Camp get underway on July 4^th from 1-4 pm.

The Alberni Elite Camp has added several new features this year, the most notable being a full dormitory and meals option for out of town participants at the new ADSS.  “We decided that with the incredible facilities the new school offers that it was time to make the camp a full meal deal,” added McEvay, “we have always had billeting for out of towners but the dorm option really adds another dimension. The wrestlers will eat well with Dave’s Catering providing the food.”

Another added attraction this year will be the presence of an all-star team of wrestlers from the eastern US. The team will comprise young wrestlers ages 12-16 from primarily the state of Ohio and a few neighbouring states. These will be tough training partners for camp participants as many are state medalists in their age groups. Local spectators can come out and watch a competition between the Americans and other camp wrestlers on Saturday July 6^th at 7:30 pm.

 After the first session on July 4^th the Alberni Summer Wrestling Camp will run mat sessions  July 5^th and 6^th twice per day from 9 am to noon and 7:30 – 9:30 pm. Afternoons will feature a Lake Day and a hike. Evenings will offer movies and fun activities after wrestling. The final camp session will be Sunday July 7^th from 9 am – noon. Registrations have been brisk from all over the Island and other parts of BC. Organizers expect over 100 participants by camp opening.

“Our summer camp has been in existence for 35 years and is regarded as one of the best camps anywhere,” said McEvay. “we work very hard to make it a fun but challenging few days. The level of coaching will be outstanding with top BC coaches, guest coaches from Ohio as well as our own exceptional coaches such as James Messenger, Travis Cross, Michael Cappus and others.  If wrestlers want to become champions this is where the work happens.”

Again for more information on either Alberni Wrestling Camp check out their web site at www.alberniwrestling.ca  . While on the site take time to read about the amazing history of the local program and view their impressive gallery of pictures.  All of this is part and parcel of what many consider the top youth wrestling program in Canada.