Clippers top Dogs 3-1

No scoring in the first period, shots favour the Dogs 10-6.

Bulldogs open the scoring at 12:01 of the second on the power play, as Jared Wilson finishes a nice passing play between Kurt Gosselin and Hunter Stewart.

Clippers tie it at 1-1 on an odd-man rush as Brendan Taylor one-times a cross-ice pass home from Bo Brauer. Scott Prier also deserved an assist at 15:02.

Clippers had a great chance to go ahead on a man-advantage shortly afterwards, but Brad Rebagliati came across and robbed Anthony Sabitski who had an open net.

Shots in the second were 13-4 Clippers, for a 19-14 advantage after 40 minutes.

The Clippers take the lead in the back half of the third just after the Dogs had killed off a 5 on 3 as Devin Brosseau converts from the side of the net on a nice set up by Josh McArdle and Scott Prier at 13:51 of the third to make 2-1.

An unfortunate giveaway shortly afterwards would seal the Dogs fate as Zach Sabatini set up Jacob Hanlon in the slot with 5:02 left to make it a 3-1 final.

Final shots were in favour of the Clippers 31-23.

I had Nanaimo at 1 for 9 on the power play and the Dogs at 1 for 5. 

Salmon Fest

Busy day today, broadcasting live from Salmon Fest!

Gotta keep your energy up!

Clippers top Dogs 5-3

 

Clippers take a 1-0 lead when Sheldon Rempal walks in and goes backhand under the bar. Assist to Devin Brosseau at 4:27.

Clippers make it 2-0 when Dylan Denomme is found alone in the slot. Assists went to Corey Renwick and Korey Morgan at 11:13 of the first.  

Shots 10-7 AVB after 20 minutes, although I thought the Clippers had the better of the chances. The best chance for the Dogs was certainly when Alex Brewer walked around a defender to the slot...unfortunately he would miss the net. Even more unfortunately, Zach Funk would see the rebound end up on his tape off the end-board bounce, with a wide open net...but the puck was on edge and the shot sailed high. 

 _______________________________________

First shift of the second period brought more energy for the Bulldogs...but the second shift was flat and brought about a 3-0 Clipper lead. Nick Melvin made the first couple of saves and got absolutely no help. Brendan Taylor scored the goal on a jam in from a sharp angle, with assists to Sheldon Rempal and Devin Brosseau at 1:08.

Bulldogs getting beaten to puck, and getting beat in the battles at this moment.

Goalie change for the Dogs at the midway point of the game, Melvin allows 3 on 13 shots. 

No change in goal for the Clippers. 

Bulldogs fail on their 4th power play chance of the game, but looked better. Still 3-0 Clippers 7:52 to play in the second period. 

Bulldogs MUCH better in the back half of the period. They finally get rewarded for it when Josh Adkins speeds up the right wing from his own end and around a defender before cutting to the net and scoring on a far-side backhander. Zach Bowles gets the only assist, but Alex Brewer also deserved one. Goal makes it 3-1 at 15:19. 

Shortly afterwards, the Dogs end up in the penalty box and the Clippers connect as Brendan Taylor scores his second of the game, converting a cross-crease pass. Assists to Sheldon Rempal and Edwin Hookenson at 19:17. 

Shots that period were 13-13, and stand at 23-20 Dogs after 40 minutes. 

 _______________________________________

Bulldogs again pull within two as Justin Georgeson walks through two defenders down the right wing before cutting to the net and tucking it home. Assists on the play go to Hunter Stewart and Rob Click, on the power play at 7:07 of the third. 

For the second time in the game, the Dogs have a great couple of minutes following a goal, only to then pick up a penalty. Again the Clippers connect on the man advantage on a pretty passing play...the first open-net look goes off the post, but not enough help for Blake Pearson as it poked over the line by Dylan Denomme. Assists go to Scott Prier and Bo Brauer at 11:39 on the power play. 5-2 Clippers. 

Dogs again show no quit, as Zak Bowles scores roofing a loose puck from a sharp angle. Kienan Scott picks up the only assist at 15:16 of the third to make it 5-3. 

The Dogs would have their chances to make it a one-goal game, but that's as close as they would get. Final score 5-3 Clippers. 

Rematch tomorrow night at the Dog Pound at 7:00, with coverage on Fast Hockey starting at 7:00. 

Third period shots, 9-7 Clippers. Final shots 30-29 Bulldogs.

I had the Bulldogs at 1 for 5 on the power play, and the Clippers at 2 for 5. 

The Dogs are now 1-2-1 in Exhibition, with two losses in a row. 

The Clippers are 2-1-1. 

Hammer

Preseason concludes with Home and Home vs Clippers, Bauer Experience at Showcase, SALMON FEST!

Holy smokes did looking through pictures to post from the Frank Crane ever bring back some memories from last year's Playoff run. It was tough to pick a picture, but I settled on this one, for just a little heads up for the new guys about how this community will get behind you when you capture their hearts. The above picture is in NANAIMO's rink. Three fanbuses, countless other fans driving down by themselves, carpooling, etc. I will never forget it.

Forget it, is what has to happen though, as last year is just that - last year.

Still was pretty darn fun though, wasn't it?

The Dogs and Clippers take identical 1-1-1 records in preseason into this weekend Home and Home set. Should be fun. First FastHockey broadcast for Bruce and I is tomorrow, while 2012 BCHL Broadcaster of the Year Dan Marshall has the call tonight.

A week from tomorrow, the season starts for real at the Bauer BCHL Showcase, with the Dogs facing Penticton Saturday afternoon and Coquitlam Sunday morning...here's further details on a pretty cool opportunity to try out some gear....

 

Don’t miss your chance to EXPERIENCE THE GEAR for free – all the newest sticks, skates and more at the Bauer Experience happening Saturday, Sept. 7 from 9 to 11 a.m. on the Main Rink at Chilliwack’s Prospera Centre.

Come out, get fitted up and take a spin on the ice with the Vapor APX2 skates, try for hardest shot on the radar gun with the TotalOne NXG stick and test your puckhandling skills using Nexus NSG gloves.

The latest Bauer gear for the 2013/14 season will be available to try and Bauer experts will be on hand to make sure you find the right fit for your best performance.

All participants will be fitted for helmets to use on ice; try the Bauer 9900 or RE-AKT model.

There are plenty of prizes to be won too! Enter to win Bauer gear for the season ahead as well as other great giveaways.

Bauer is the presenting sponsor of the 2013 BCHL Showcase, which runs Sept. 6 to 8 and brings all 16 BCHL clubs to Prospera Centre for two games each – games that count in the regular season standings.

We look forward to seeing you there.

 
The 42nd Annual Salmon Festival gets going tonight with entertainment at 6pm followed by the Opening Ceremonies at 7:00pm and fireworks at 9:00. THE PEAK will be broadcasting live all weekend starting tomorrow! 

We will post updates on our Facebook page, I will post updates here on the blog while I'm there as well. Also check out the Salmon Fest website for further information and updates!

And here's a close up of the delicious delicious dinner....man I'm hungry!

Happening just a 30 second walk from the Salmon Festival is another event tomorrow, which is hoping to raise funds for Salmon Enhancement...read on....

The Pacific Western Brewing Community Foundation is inviting Port Alberni to join PWB’s owner Kazuko Komatsu, brewmaster Henryk Orlik and the PWB team for a special announcement regarding a salmon enhancement initiative that will benefit everyone in the region who cares about the renewal of salmon stocks.

The event is Saturday, Aug. 31^st, 3 to 5 p.m. at Creeker’s Pub in the Howard Johnson Hotel, 4850 Beaver Creek Road. 

Ms. Komatsu says: “When I visit communities on the Coast I hear a common theme of concern about the pressing need to replenish our precious wild salmon stocks. Hundreds of tireless volunteers are working hard in communities from Port Alberni to Port Hardy to rebuild salmon stocks and PWB wants to help."


That's it for now!

Hammer

Fasthockey Broadcast Saturday, Salmon Fest/Fall Fair, Rookie Hockey, Women's B-Ball

I'm happy to announce we will be Broadcasting Saturday's Home Game against the Clippers on FastHockey

(Dan Marshall will also be calling Friday's Game from Nanaimo on Fast Hockey!)

Disclaimer - this will be NO WHERE near what you will get in the way of a broadcast when it comes to my job with 93.3 The Peak FM and our full broadcast package of all 58 Regular Season and subsequent Playoff games...this is for the parents and the families, and the fans, and for myself and Bruce to shake off the rust and make sure our equipment all works properly.

The league had asked all teams to broadcast one preseason game, so I changed my schedule to make it happen. Unless I can send the bill to them for my/our services, it's strictly a volunteer effort. Hope you enjoy it!

We have never Broadcasted a preseason game before.

93.3 The Peak FM will be broadcasting LIVE all weekend, as always, from Salmon Fest at Clutesi Haven Marina...tune in, and come on down and say HI. We will be there Saturday, Sunday and Monday!

Get further details from the Salmon Fest website HERE

I can taste the World Famous Kiwanis Salmon BBQ already!

If you have a kid, you better make sure you get them out to the Sunday Morning Bulldhead Derby...we went shopping at Canadian Tire a couple of days ago and ended up in line behind the Lion's club, with about three shopping carts FULL of prizes for the kids!

Just look at that stuff!!

Fall Fair is coming up NEXT weekend...don't forget to get your ticket to win the gorgeous truck above! I will have to miss the weekend Fair activities as I will be with the Bulldogs at the Showcase to open the season in Chilliwack, but I will most certainly get out to see it on Thursday night!

Full details on the Fall Fair website here

The Port Alberni Rookie Hockey league needs players and spares!

Check out their website HERE

For further details, READ:

The Port Alberni Men's Rookie Hockey League is looking for new players to join our league.  The league is intended to provide players 19 years of age and over with an opportunity to have fun and get some exercise out on the ice.

 If you are new to hockey or an intermediate player this is the league for you. Our league has 10 teams we play mostly Sunday nights and the season runs from September to April.  We are currently in need of players as well as spares.

If you are interested and have never played organized hockey or have not played organized (with refs and score board) hockey For at least 10 years and would like to play  check us out.

For more information you can check out our website at www.albernirookiehockey.ca  and or call Eric league president at 250-723-1389.

More local sports stuff...check out Port Alberni Ladies Basketball League on Facebook if you want to play, or READ below - love the "9 to Great Grandma" line!

Could you please spread the word about the Port Alberni Ladies Basketball League.  It will run Tuesday nights from Sept. 10 - Oct. 29 and is open to any female from grade nine to great grandma.  Please join the facebook group "Port Alberni Ladies Basketball League" or contact Karli Van Vliet at kvanvliet@sd70.bc.ca for more information.

Bulldogs $50,000 draw coming up, BCHL Central preview...

It's going to be raining money for someone!

 Details came out on THE PEAK News today about the Bulldogs upcoming $50,000 cash lottery. SOMEONE will win $50,000....just imagine that someone being you, and having your name drawn from that bucket! It's not millions like from Lotto 649...but only 1000 TICKETS will be printed. So your odds are 1 in 1000 as opposed to 1 in 10 million....or whatever those odds are.

I have had many fans approach me wondering when the society would start doing large draws and raffles...from what I understand, it wasn't because they didn't want to, they just couldn't, as lotteries required 1 year operating as a society first. And now here we are...One Grand Prize of $50,000 plus 5 early bird draws of $1000.00.

If you were looking at something for me for Christmas, I'd love a couple tickets in my stocking!

My thanks to Tali Cambell, and Bill Stewart from the BCHL Central and VSBN crew for asking me to come on their Preview show last week.

NO THANKS to them for catching me in a rare appearance in a rink NOT wearing a suit and tie during hockey season!

Check out the show here

 

Hammer

Dogs suffer first loss of preseason, fall 6-2 to Grizzlies

Updates will be posted throughout the game, make sure to refresh your browser, or hit the F5 key to refresh!

Grizzlies open the scoring, just 14 seconds into a power play opportunity as Chris Albertini scores from the point on the power play. Leo Fitzgerald gets the only assist at 8:51 of the 1st.

Multiple after the whistle skirmishes on the following whistle sees the Grizzlies go to the power play.

JUST after the Dogs killed it off, Kevin Massey scores a beauty walking in alone and going upstairs on the backhand. Gerry Fitzgerald draws the only assist at 11:42.

Bulldogs find the net as Zach Funk finds a loose puck and walks in and snaps one low short-side. Alexander Methorst draws the assist at 17:52.

The celebration was snuffed out just seconds later when Kevin Massey scores to make it 3-1 Victoria, sneaking one in past the far post from a sharp angle. No assists given at 18:07.

Dogs once again penalized in the dying seconds of the period, Grizzlies have 1:50 or less on the power play when second period resumes. Might be preseason, but the boo-birds have already been sighted...or heard from...in the Multiplex.

__________________________________

2nd Period

Goalie change for the Bulldogs as Nick Malvin comes in.

Grizzlies make it 4-1 on the power play as Leo Fitzgerald scores from Myles Fitzgerald at :39

No further scoring throughout the period.

Bulldogs failed to score on a power play chance from an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty to the Grizzlies bench.

Discussion with the Officials and the Grizzlies bench follows the conclusion of the period.

Score 4-1 Grizzlies.

Shots that period 12-8 Grizzlies, 22-21 Grizzlies after 40 minutes.

 __________________________________
3rd Period

Four-minute power play for the Grizzlies. They score on the back-half of the double minor as a cross-crease feed appeared to hit a Bulldog defender and went in.

Myles Fitzgerald gets credit, with assists to Alex Adams and Leo Fitzgerald at 3:47 of the third.

Grizzlies also made a goalie change to start the period.

Grizzlies take a 6-1 lead exactly 11:00 into the period as Gerry Fitzgerald one-times a pass home from the slot, with assists to Myles and Leo.

Bulldogs spend the better part of the period on the penalty kill...still manage to find the net in the dying seconds as Zach Funk breaks a play up at the Dogs blue line and outraces and outfights a defender to score his second of the game, a gorgeous goal, on a deke with a backhand finish. The goal is unassisted, at 19:49 of the third making it a 6-2 final.



Shots in the period 9-3 in favour of the Grizzlies, totals for the game 31-24 Grizzlies.

Victoria went 3 for 8 on the power play, while the Dogs went 1 for 3 while also scoring once while shorthanded. Dogs will need to have better discipline going forward. You can't take bad penalties, also - you cannot put the Referee in a position where he can give you one.

It's the Dogs first loss of the pre-season, dropping their record to 1-1-1. Two more Exhibition games to go, Friday in Nanaimo, back home against the Clippers at the Dog Pound Saturday night.
 
Hammer

Dogs top Grizzlies 4-2

I only have 1 bar of cell service so I'm not sure if this will even get posted...

2-2 between the Dogs and the Grizzlies in the back half of the second.

3-2 Dogs after 2 now.

Update, 4-2 Dogs Final. Strand with the hatty

Mitch Makin and Tryg Strand (2) with the goals

Thanks Tali for the updates

Dogs tie it with 12 seconds left, 3-3 FINAL.

Tonight's Officials are sharp off the get-go. Caps had 4 players still on the ice when the warm up clock expired.


Bulldogs begin the game on the powerplay.


Powerplay becomes a 5 on 3 , 45 seconds in duration after Mason Malkowich is ejected for hitting-from behind. Dogs fail to connect.


The expected preseason mistakes are evident...Dogs take a bench minor , too many men, Caps capitalize. At 9:19 Kehler from Ball and Wieking.


1-0 Caps after 20 minutes.


No announcement regarding the shots.


Bulldogs tie it at 1-1 7:25 into the second, crazy scramble on the power play. Zak (Zeal? what an autocorrect that one was) Bowles scored it. No assists were given but it was about 3 rebounds later. Dogs now 1 for 4 on the power play.


Just seconds after the mid-game goalie change the Dogs go up 2-1 when Brett Stewart's point shot deflects in off a Capital stick. Josh ADKINS ;) assists at 10:36.


Caps now to the powerplay.


Powerplay becomes a 5 on 3 of 50+ seconds in duration, Dogs kill it to protect their 2-1 lead. 5:05 to play in the second.


Dogs score on an end-board bounce half a second after the buzzer to end the period, looked like a good call to wave it off to me.


2-1 Bulldogs lead after 40 minutes.


Bulldogs fail on an early powerplay chance to build their lead, shortly afterwards a misplay at the blue line results in a breakaway that Chad Cesarz connects on to make it 2-2, 4:21 into the third. No assists on the play.


Caps take a 3-2 lead on Kehler's second, firing a rebound home. A couple of multi-year vets assisted in Steen Cooper and Myles Powell at 13:08.


Ill-advised penalty sees the Caps go to the powerplay with 4:00 to go, up 3-2.


DRAMA....NO QUIT... It's August and I'm fired up like its April...Bulldogs tie it up with the goalie out with 12.1 seconds to play. Zak Bowles scored it from Kienan Scott on a Mak Barden slapper from a sharp angle that hit something and went in. Also heard it hit Kienan Scott. Shoot the puck. Never a bad idea.


Game ends in a 3-3 tie, no OT in preseason.


Hammer

Dogs @ Caps at Fuller Lake Line Ups/Updates

Capitals

11 Mason Malkowich              12 Chad Cesarz                 14 Mitch Ball

22 Steen Cooper                          23 Myles Powell                91 Colton Kehler

15 Jeremy McNeil                     16 Tim Chow                    17 Daniel Wanner

13 Simon Brosseau             19 Armand Uomoleale           20 Sam Curleigh

               6 Riley O'Connor                      7 Michael Winnitoy

      4 Erik Wieking                           5 Rylan Ball 

         9 Brendan Enns                         8 Seth Schmidt

34 Francis Marotte

33 Joey Karrer

Updates to come throughout the game. 

Hammer

Dogs @ Caps @ Fuller Lake Arena tonight, Kevin Willison and Adam Hayduk on THE PEAK, 8:10am

The Bulldogs open the Exhibition portion of their 2014 schedule tonight with a neutral site game as they take on the Cowichan Valley Capitals at Fuller Lake Arena in Chemainus.

I will be making the trip down and I will post scoring updates here on the blog so be sure to check back tonight if you can't make it to the game.

I won't be making the trip down to Victoria tomorrow, as I'm heading right off the grid and down the Alberni Inlet to McTush Creek for some fishing and a pig roast...must take advantage of the opportunity to have some time with my family out adventuring before the games REALLY start.

I'm sorry I won't make it to the game tomorrow, but don't worry, through all 58 Regular Season games I will be fully invested!

Bulldog Coaches Kevin Willison and Adam Hayduk will join me on THE PEAK Morning Show just after 8:10am today....if you are out of PEAK listening range on your radio, listen online by visiting our website at www.933thepeak.com

Hammer

Team Hayduk takes Red vs White Game 4-3

Exciting game, several great chances for Team Willison in the dying minutes to tie it up. A very Bulldog-esque comeback attempt, as they were down 4-1 after two periods.

I remember this time last year I got a little fired up due to a lack of compete in an Exhibition game and posted something about it here on the blog, along the lines of how that kind of effort won't go over well with these fans in this town...nice to see a never-say-die effort in what was just an Intersquad game....you never know when you might need it, such as down a goal late on home ice in a lose or go home game for the Island Championship!

Summary
1st Period
_____________

Team Hayduk, Brett Young at 2:23. Unassisted.

Team Hayduk, Cameron Bertsch at 8:14.
Looked like Jeff Rose might have scored it. Will Finlay also assisted.

Team Willison, Alex Brewer at 19:59 from
Logan Styler.


Shots 11-7 Team Willison
DiRocco for Willison and Pearson for Hayduk tending goal.

2nd Period
_______________

Gorgeous goal by Alexander Methorst puts Team Hayduk up 3-1 with 6:29 gone in the period. Unassisted.

Goalie change 9:16 into period. DiRocco 3 allowed on 9 shots, Pearson 1 allowed on 14.

Team Hayduk goes up 4-1 on a pretty passing play at 11:10, Brendyn Smith from Taylor Derynck and Mitch Makin.

3rd Period
________________

Team Willison makes it 4-2 on the powerplay, Josh Adkins from Jared Wilson and Skyler Logan 5:49.

Team Willison makes it 4-3 at 11:01 on a wrap-around banker by Logan Savard. Unassisted.

Final score 4-3.

Top 40 Prospects Game

Dogs Camp continues, Showcase tickets on sale

Bulldogs Training Camp continues today....I was very impressed with the quality of play, and I very much liked the naming of the teams, celebrating successful Bulldog Alumni - Team Timberlake, Team Slubowski, Team Dziurzynski and Team Zolnierczyk. A great reminder of how far you can go if you do things the right way and have the right "stuff" like those guys did!

The Bulldogs open their 2013-2014 season like the rest of the BCHL member clubs at the BCHL Showcase in Chilliwack. Tickets are on sale now - visit the league website for more information HERE

See you at the rink later today!

Hammer

2013 Training Camp

Great game so far between Team Timberlake and Team Slubowski!

Tryg Strand named Captain

Sent from my iPhone

Bulldogs Golf tomorrow, Training Camp opens Monday, PAJHS Anniversary, Amos at over 2k for Terry Fox!

I'm very excited for the Bulldogs Golf Tournament tomorrow! Mostly because I'm hoping Bulldogs Public Address Voice Charles Mealey ( A.K.A Mr. Closest to the Pin) and yours truly can defend the title we captured last year when we were teamed up with Brad Rebagliati and Marlon Sabo!

Thanks to everyone at the Bulldogs and the Alberni Golf Club for making it happen, to the volunteers that will be out there tomorrow and Jolie from the Peak as well for her organizing efforts. 

The Bulldogs open their 2013 Training Camp on Monday at the Multiplex. Scrimmages go from 3:00 to 5:00 and 5:30 to 7:30 on Monday and 8:00 to 10:00, 10:15 to 12:15, 4:00 to 6:00 and 6:30 to 8:30 on Tuesday.

Wednesday's scrimmages are scheduled for 8:00 to 10:15, 10:45 to 12:30, and the Top 40 Prospects Game goes from 5:00 to 7:30.

After cuts and releases, the annual Red and White game goes Thursday night at 7:00pm. It will include the Top 40 players at camp including returning players and newly-signed players.

Very cool of the Bulldogs to continue the tradition of granting fans FREE admission to the game, provided they bring a non-perishable food item to donate to the Bread of Life.

Full details can be found on the Bulldogs website HERE

A week ago today marked a very significant day in Bulldog history, as it was the day that the PAJHS secured ownership of the Bulldogs...what an incredible year, and what a typical Port Alberni story!

Port Alberni Junior Hockey Society Marks One Year of Ownership

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - August 9th, 2013 marked the 1-year anniversary for the Port Alberni Junior Hockey Society (PAJHS) as owners of the BCHL Alberni Valley Bulldogs. PAJHS purchased the Bulldogs on behalf of the community after an intensive 4-month community fundraising campaign to raise sufficient funds to acquire 100% ownership of the team. The Dogs 2013 playoff run was highlight of the 2013 season with sell-out crowds attending home games and huge contingents of fans travelling to road games to cheer on the Dogs. Enthusiastic Dog fans drowned out the home team fans and were the 7thman on the exciting and successful playoff drive that saw the Bulldogs become the 2013 Island playoff champions.

The Alberni Valley Bulldogs and PAJHS are recognized around the league for the quality of the organizations. “One of the season highlights for me was the Surrey Eagles coming out after the final playoff game and recognizing the fans and the community. A very class act” says Director Darren DeLuca. “We’ve committed to take the high road when dealing with players, personnel and competing teams and that effort has paid off.” PAJHS has also been recognized at the BCHL level with team Governor Ron Paulson elected to the BCHL Executive by the league governors.

Director Russell Dyson is pleased with the results after the first year. “We’ve managed to take an organization that was in some trouble, stabilize it, and position it for future growth. The team has contributes to the health and well-being of the community and continues to provide exciting, high performance hockey for fans.”

PAJHS was formed specifically to own and operate a Junior A hockey franchise and has 4 primary objectives as a service club:
o To provide an entertaining and competitive hockey team
o To support education and a strong scholarship program
o To support development of the local minor hockey program
o To maintain a healthy and sustainable business model

With another exciting season about to begin there is a flurry of activity at the Mulitplex this month. Players arrive this weekend and kick off the year with the 2nd Annual Alberni Valley Bulldogs golf tournament, Main Camp begins August 19th, inter-squad games are August 21st and 22nd , and the home exhibition games are August 25th and 31st.

Help support another year of Bulldogs hockey, get your tickets and sponsorships, and be a part of the most exciting game in town.

For more information please contact Darren DeLuca at 250-720-7453 or Ron Paulson at 250-206-0085

Bulldogs Assistant Equipment Manager and Spirit of Hockeyville winner Jamie Amos is currently kicking major butt raising funds for the Terry Fox Run. 

He dropped by my house on Monday or Tuesday this week to let me know that he's currently at over $2000 already! If you want to support Jamie, he's not too hard to find, just get to the rink!

Way to go Amos!

Hammer

Our Town "Up Up and Away"

What a gorgeous night in Port Alberni...very cool to have a road hockey game with the Bulldogs in this setting!

Final OUR TOWN tonight, Blind Golf at Alberni Golf Club, BCHL Training Officials, Dogs Hockey School, Golf on Saturday!

First and foremost - HAPPY INTERNATIONAL LEFT HANDERS DAY, to all my leftie brothers and sisters reading this...it's our one day a year to celebrate, the other 364 days we deal with living in a right-handed world!

OK, back to our original programming now...

A true sign summer is nearing it's end - the FINAL event in the "Our Town" series goes tonight at the Harbour Quay. Click the image to enlarge! Sounds like fun, and hopefully I can make it out to it.

Bulldogs Training Camp is less than a week away, with players reporting for fitness testing Sunday. The Bulldogs Hockey School goes this week if you are looking for a reason to get to the rink to catch some hockey. You won't be going there to beat the heat unfortunately, what happened to the nice weather anyway?

Great story here, with a Port Alberni connection. The BCHL deserves a lot of credit for doing everything they can to have the best quality Officials on the ice, as the Board of Governors created scholarship opportunities for young officials to attend Training Camps. More details on the BCHL website HERE

To hear that the "West Coast Prep Referee Camp" in Port Alberni is one of the two best camps out there is pretty cool. The next Rob Shick is out there, one day officiating a game in your local rink, and then one day dropping the puck with Wayne Gretzky on one side of him and Queen Elizabeth II on the other side in the NHL!

I'm happy to have the opportunity to play in and Emcee the Bulldogs Golf Tournament - it goes this Saturday the Alberni Golf Club - details HERE 
 

Speaking of the Alberni Golf Club - they are hosting the Canadian Open Blind Golf Championships today and tomorrow...spectators are encouraged to come and check it out!

I'm not sure you will find another sport out there with a connection between Coach and Athlete like this one!

That's all for now!

Hammer

A visit from Harry Z, Lough and Tironese to Green Bay, a round of Golf with my little guy!

Pretty cool last night to get a visit at Starlight Movie Night from former Bulldog and now Pittsburgh Penguin Harry Zolnierczyk.

Nice picture above as well of Harry stopping to visit Bulldogs Assistant Equipment Manager Jamie Amos! I think it speaks volumes of what he thinks about the Alberni Valley and the people here that he makes it a priority to come back. I also think it says a lot of his character that he tracks down a schlub like me to say Hi and he also makes sure to find time to visit Jamie.  Put him on Crosbys line, he'll light it up! 

_________________________________

Tough to hear the news confirmed yesterday that Ryan Lough and Evan Tironese will be heading to Green Bay in the USHL. When I heard they were selected in the USHL draft I hoped against hope that the success here last year and the familiarity here, coupled with the fact that they already had secured NCAA Scholarships in their rookie seasons with the Bulldogs might be enough to have them come back here for the upcoming season. Sadly it's not the case. Best of luck to both guys, and thanks for your two years in the Bulldogs sweater and best of luck in the future.

As I always say - granted, it's usually around the Trade Deadline - It's the nature of the game at all levels, but especially the Junior level. Players come, and players go. Here's hoping the returning Bulldogs are excited at the prospect of having an increased role with the team next year, and some prospective Bulldogs now see a greater opportunity to crack the roster.

Bulldogs Excited Heading Into Main Camp – Roster
Opportunities Available

PRESS RELEASE
August 6, 2013

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Port Alberni, BC – The Alberni Valley Bulldogs are excited about this season’s main camp which opens on Sunday, August 18th with fitness testing – players hit the ice on Monday, August 19th.

The Bulldogs also take this opportunity to confirm local rumours that Ryan Lough and Evan Tironese will be attending the Green Bay Gamblers main camp in the USHL. The Green Bay Gamblers selected Evan Tironese in the 1st round, 10th overall and Ryan Lough in the 16th round, 235th overall in Phase 2 of the 2013 USHL Draft.

Tironese was first seen by Green Bay’s head coach Derek Lalonde at the 2012 World Junior A Challenge in Yarmouth, Nova Scotia – Lalonde was on Team USA’s coaching staff. Tironese was also listed with the Moose Jaw Warriors of the Western Hockey League. Ryan Lough, the Bulldogs captain this past season, is committed to attend St. Lawrence University commencing 2014/15.

The Alberni Valley Bulldogs release this statement from Ryan Lough:

“I was extremely honoured to be apart of the Bulldogs organization for the past 2 years and I truly believe Alberni is one of the best places in North America to play junior hockey. I loved every moment of being a Bulldog and it's something that will be apart of me for the rest of my life. I want to thank the coaches, my teammates, Tom McEvay, all of the billet families (especially my own the Mesic family) and all of the fans in Port Alberni. Without the unbelievable support of the community in Port Alberni junior hockey would not exist. Thank you so much to everyone, it was such a privilege to play in front of the best fans in Canada every night! Sometimes at this level there come difficult business decisions in the hockey world to hopefully help further our career and pursue the dream of playing professional hockey. This is the case in this decision as my heart will always be in Port Alberni. It was the toughest decision I have ever had to make to leave the Bulldogs. It meant the world to me to be apart of such a great organization like Alberni and it was all the people that surrounded the team that made my experience so special.”

With the departures of Lough and Tironese, the team has spent the summer filling the void in the roster. There are many exciting, skilled, and energetic prospects that will be attending main camp. This provides a big opportunity for Justin Georgeson who was acquired at the trade deadline from the Coquitlam Express. Georgeson is extremely excited to be coming to the organization and helping the Bulldogs build on a successful 2012/13 season.

The Bulldogs are also excited to have Shane O’Brien in the line up for the 2013/14 season. O’Brien was an off-season signing out of the Stratford Cullitons in the Greater Ontario Junior Hockey League where last season he was on a point-per-game pace. O’Brien is described as a high energy, quick player that plays a high-tempo game and sees the ice very well.

Adding to the compliment of Georgeson and O’Brien are returning 20-year-old Bulldogs Tryg Strand and Hunter Stewart. Strand is a hard working, honest, and physical player that can contribute offensively at the right times and adds invaluable leadership. Stewart is entering his third season as a Bulldog and is looking to start 2013/14 healthy after being sidelined at the start of last season with a broken jaw. Even appearing in only 36 regular season games in 2012/13, Stewart still contributed with 14 goals and 27 points.

Last season, there were also several rookies that competed each night who will be given every opportunity this season to showcase their skills. Dylan Haugen, Mitch Makin, and Zach Funk will be looked to this coming season to contribute offensively.

The team’s strengths going into main camp will be defence and goaltending. Returning d-men Jared Wilson and Kurt Gosselin were both in the top 10 in regular season league scoring for defencemen and will get significant power play time. Brad Rebagliati is returning between the pipes for the Bulldogs and will be given every opportunity to earn the #1 spot.

The organization would like to wish Ryan and Evan all the best in their future endeavours and have been working hard to shape another contending team for the 2013/14 season. The 2013/14 main camp will be deep in talent and will be exciting for the public to watch. The main camp schedule is highlighted by two red and white games: Wednesday, August 21st at 5pm with the Top 40 Prospects Game and Thursday, August 22nd at 7pm with the annual and white game featuring the Top 40 players at camp (returning players and prospects).

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

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I had quite the amazing day with my son Griffin yesterday as we went out for his first ever round of golf at the Alberni Golf Club!

I can't thank the Staff and Members there enough for encouraging us to go, and everyone out there for being so good to Griff. I somewhat expected the members to scoff at a 3 year old kid on the Golf Course, but if anything they were so welcoming that I felt we could actually go play a round as opposed to just hitting the range and the putting green.

Bruce and Brian in the Pro Shop have always been awesome with Griff and me. No surprise that the Junior Program at the club continues to keep producing such great athletes...gotta start 'em young!

Thanks to everyone at the Alberni Golf Club! And for the record, he had just as much fun golfing as he did riding the cart!

Hammer