Please visit the links and support my friends and supporters!!!

Please visit the links and support my friends and supporters!!!

Wednesday, April 30, 2014

Express 2 and 0 at WCC, Alberni Golf Club Junior Open House Saturday, Island Cup Soccer

The Coquitlam Express are doing the BCHL proud at the Western Canada Cup in Dauphin as they currently lead the tournament with a 2 and 0 record. They play Yorkton today at 5pm Pacific and with a win will book a ticket in Saturday's title game, which would give them two cracks at winning a game to advance to the RBC Cup in Vernon.

The Terriers are the only team to appear in both of these tournaments as they were in Nanaimo last year as Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League champs.

The best way to keep up to date on the Express at the WCC is through Eddie Gregory's blog Coquitlam Expressions

The Alberni Golf Club Junior Program holds their Junior's Open House this Saturday from 1pm to 3pm.

Assistant Pro Brian Rands and all his volunteer teachers do a fantastic job at not only introducing kids to the game, but also fine tuning those that have been playing for a while. It must be incredibly gratifying for everyone that has a hand in teaching these kids as young juniors when they go on to the NCAA/CIS and compete in National and International events! Get your kids out to the club this Saturday.

Sadly I can't make it as I'll be playing in and MC'ing the Gold in the Net Classic!

 Here's a great story from SHAW on what the program is all about!





I googled "Island Soccer" and the above image showed up. I think we should organize a game like that out in the Inlet!

The 50th Island Invitational Cup goes this weekend at Echo Fields and the Armada Turf Field.

Top Soccer teams from Comox, Campbell River, Powell River, Cowichan, Nanaimo and Victoria will be competing for the coveted Island Invitational Cup

Please come out and watch the top male and female soccer players on the Island on Saturday May 3rd

Game times are 10, noon, 2 and 4 pm



Thursday, April 24, 2014

Live today at Quality Foods, Gold in the Net Golf/Teemu Selanne, GREAT NHL Playoffs

I'm doing some extra duties for 93.3 The Peak FM today, as I'm Live On Location until 4pm for their Mediterranean Sidewalk Sale. Great flavours of the Mediterranean in Meats, Cheeses, Sauces, Oils, Olives and Pasta, ALL ON SALE!

Hertel's Meats is also here with free samples of their Italian Sausages provided you make a donation to the Food Bank.

Inside you will find free Smoothie samples, free Butter Chicken Samples, and free Chocolate Milk and Balloons for the kids! They are also offering 30% off all merchandise in A Step Above. Come check it out!

It's one of my favorite events of the Spring - the Gold in the Net Golf Classic. Click on the image to enlarge, visit them online at www.goldinthenet.com and / or call them at 250-248-8143

If you missed the story last time about Teemu Selanne and his donation to the event, here it is again:

The Gold in the Net Golf Classic that benefits the Aaron Cornwell Memorial Scholarship Fund. Part of the event includes a Live and Silent Auction of jerseys, equipment and memorabilia to raise funds.Over the last couple of years there have been jerseys from Rick Nash and Hendrik Lunqvist, just to name a few. Those jerseys come with a "Certificate of Authenticity" from the team. Aaron's parents always get a couple of jerseys from the ducks, and included in that in the past has been a Teemu Selanne jersey, but no certificate of authenticity. Aaron's Dad last year addressed the crowd and said "Here's your certificate of authenticity - Teemu invited us to come to his house and accept the jersey from his Wife's hands right at the front door" Pretty authentic to me!

Any thoughts on Teemu's son taking to twitter yesterday to share some chirps to Bruce Boudreau for sitting him out as a healthy scratch for Game 4 last night? I'm sure Dad didn't like it at all, but I thought it was awesome!

More on that situation here from Puck Daddy



How great have the NHL Playoffs been so far? No lead has been safe and almost every game has been fun to watch. Lots of goals, not a lot of blowouts. I asked on THE PEAK's Facebook page if people were still into the Playoffs with the 'Nucks being out and the resounding answer was NO. I can't help but wonder if anyone has been won over by how great the hockey has been.

GO HABS.

Friday, April 18, 2014

Bulldogs Spring Camp today through Sunday at Multiplex




Not great weather this long weekend to get outside and play, so why not head down to the rink and check out some hockey!


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Port Alberni, BC – The Alberni Valley Bulldogs are gearing up to welcome over 70 prospects to 2014 Spring Identification Camp that starts Friday, April 18, 2014 and runs until Sunday, April 20, 2014.

As always, all the camp scrimmage games are open to the public free of charge. The games are scheduled for:

Friday, April 18: Blue vs Orange 2:30-4:45pm, Green vs Gold 5:00-7:15pm

Saturday, April 19: Orange vs Green 9:00-11:15am, Blue vs Gold 11:30-1:45pm, Blue vs Green 4:00-6:15pm, and Orange vs Gold 6:30-8:45pm.

Sunday, April 20: 8:00-9:30am and 10:45-12:15pm. Sunday teams will be determined based on the win/loss record from the Friday and Saturday games.

In addition to the games, players will also be put through fitness testing, participate in an educational seminar conducted by Bulldogs educational advisor Tom McEvay, and a separate goalie-only ice session with Bulldogs goalie coach Alex Evin.

“We pride ourselves for running a first-class identification camp,” said Alberni Valley Bulldogs general manager and head coach Kevin Willison. “We interact daily with the players, have our scouting staff on-hand, and invite local Junior B teams to give the prospects the best opportunity to showcase their skills.”

The Alberni Valley Bulldogs are also welcoming a strong group of local players to this year’s camp. “It’s a great opportunity for the local players to experience the level of play and what it’s going to  take to play at the BCHL level,” added Willison.

Every player exits the camp with a face-to-face meeting with the coaching staff where information and feedback is exchanged.

Once the Port Alberni spring camp concludes, the Bulldogs staff will start to focus their attention on the team’s second spring identification camp to be held in Osoyoos, BC, from May 2-4, 2014. The Osoyoos spring camp is filling up fast but there are still a few spaces available for forwards and defense. Registration for the Osoyoos camp is available online at www.albernivalleybulldogs.ca.

For more information please contact Alberni Valley Bulldogs Head Coach/GM Kevin
Willison

Monday, April 14, 2014

Selanne's farewell, Gold in the Net GOLF, Daniel Sedin hit/injury, Live at SLAMMERS today

Pretty nice moment last night in Anaheim as Teemu Selanne played his final Regular Season game and then took a victory lap at the end before grabbing a friend - check out the video.



I can attest to the comment about Selanne being a great person in the community...for the last couple of years, I have been the Emcee for the Gold in the Net Golf Classic that benefits the Aaron Cornwell Memorial Scholarship Fund. Part of the event includes a Live and Silent Auction of jerseys, equipment and memorabilia to raise funds. Over the last couple of years there have been jerseys from Rick Nash and Hendrik Lunqvist, just to name a few. Those jerseys come with a "Certificate of Authenticity" from the team. Aaron's parents always get a couple of jerseys from the ducks, and included in that in the past has been a Teemu Selanne jersey, but no certificate of authenticity. Aaron's Dad last year addressed the crowd and said "Here's your certificate of authenticity - Teemu invited us to come to his house and accept the jersey from his Wife's hands right at the front door" Pretty authentic to me!

Hopefully you can make it out to the tournament coming up - always a tonne of fun, and for a great cause!

Daniel Sedin was taken off the ice on a stretcher last night after taking a hit from behind. I'm curious your thoughts on the incident. In my opinion, it's remarkably similar to the hit Tryg Strand put on Travis Stephens in the final moments of Game 6 of the Coastal Semi Final.



Sedin is first to the puck, Byron trails him. The SECOND that Sedin touches the puck, he immediately STOPS. What else can Byron do here?

I DO NOT want to see players hurt. I DO NOT want to see players take runs at other players from  behind.

I had to get that out there first.

Just as passionately - I DO NOT want to see hitting taken out of the game. This is a contact sport. You need to first and foremost protect yourself. With the way trends are continuing in the game, more and more hits like this are seeing the hitter taking all responsibility while the receiver takes none, and in my opinion, certainly deserves to take some responsibility for how it all went down.

Kids - please don't win a race for the puck to the corner and immediately, instantly STOP. Chances are, someone is going to hammer you from behind if you do that. It's not that they have the intention to hammer you from behind, or even hit you, but they don't know you are going to immediately stop and don't expect you to immediately stop. The game is way too fast to allow players to not think about self preservation.

Just my two cents!



I'll be Live On Location today at Slammers Gym on 6th Avenue from 10am to 2pm so be sure to come and check out their new facility. I went and took a tour when Jolie was On Location there for The Peak a couple weeks back and I was impressed!

Hammer



Saturday, April 12, 2014

Giving away $10,000 at Pacific Chev today, Hatch and Union in NCAA title game today, Dogs Spring Camp...

Absolutely GORGEOUS day in the Alberni Valley today! I'm Live on Location at Pacific Chevrolet for CAR WARS (II) with both Ford and Chev here set up on the lot. Everyone who purchases a new or pre-owned vehicle is entered into a draw for $10,000.

An additional $10,000 is also up for grabs. The WINNING CODE is out there somewhere, so get up here today with your flyer you should have received in the mail, and see if you are the lucky person!

Very cool that former Bulldog Matt Hatch will suit up in the NCAA's National Championship game this afternoon as Union takes on Minnesota - you can watch the game on TSN 2 and online at TSN.CA with the game getting underway at 4:30. Go Hatchie, Go Union!

  
The Bulldogs 2014 Port Alberni Spring Camp kicks off next Friday, with the on-ice portion getting underway at 12 noon and games getting underway at 2:30 and 5:00pm with action continuing throughout the weekend. It will be great to get back to the rink to see some hockey!

Hammer


Thursday, April 10, 2014

Matt Hatch, Mitch and Mark MacMillan in Frozen Four on TSN, Alberni Golf Club Update


Former Bulldog Matt Hatch and his Union College teammates have advanced to the NCAA's Frozen Four where they will take on Boston College at 2pm today.


The University of North Dakota and former Dogs Mitch and Mark MacMillan will take on Minnesota at 5:30 tonight.

Very cool - you can catch the games live on both TSN2 and/or online through TSN GO.

More details HERE

It's well into the time of year that I'm thinking GOLF....all the time. I haven't been out as much as I would like as I've been busy at home with life and the kids, but I did get out on Sunday for 9 holes and the conditions at the Alberni Golf Club were fantastic as always.

The first Men's Night goes NEXT Thursday - hopefully I can make it out to that. Bruce and Kathy and all the Staff at the club do a fantastic job and all their sponsors make everyone leave happy!

Details from Bruce here -

Hello Guys,
Well its that time again, Men's nites start on Thursday April 17th. Again they will be a fun packed evening with good times,great food and super prizes.
 
The start time is 6 PM. Enter by signing up in the shop,calling or emailing me,
Looking  forward to another great season,


Call the Proshop 250-723-5422

I will certainly be spending a good portion of my free time over the next four days watching the Masters! Isn't this picture from yesterday's Par 3 Tourney the best?

More Golf - here's the Men's Club update from Gerry:


It’s still early in the season, but for an open day we had a good  turnout on Sunday. The closest to the pin winners were   Bill Barrett on #2, the Charity closest to the pin on #4 was won by Kyle Luchinski who pocketed $34, on # 13 it was Steve White and Sam Parhar took the prize on #17.

Low gross for the day, shooting a 74 was Tyler Ruel, great game Tyler. There were two low nets awarded, one by Cliff O’laney and the other was Don MacGowan both shooting 71.  In the skins competition Handi Cap 0-13 were won by Bill Barrett, Ken Fong, Bruce MacDonald, Preban Rasmussen, Tyler Ruel and Sam Parhar. Handi Cap 14 and over were won by Bob Matlock, Cliff O’laney, Bob Vandermolen and Steve Evans. There will be a carry over on holes #5,7,9,10,12,15 and 16, on the low side. Also a carry over on the high side on holes #1,6,7,9,11,12,14 and 15. Although there were several birdies on March 30th there were no money pot winners as there was no outright winners. This past Sunday Bill Barrett collected $86 for the only birdie on #2, while Ken Fong pocketed $55 for his bird on #17.

The Tim Hortons Partner with a Pro will be held this Sunday April 13th. You will be using a Pro that is playing in the Masters this weekend as your partner. When you come into the Clubhouse on Sunday morning you will pay your $10 then choose a number out of a hat and the corresponding Pro will be your partner.  Your net score and his score added together is where you finish in our event. This is an individual game so every man for himself. The usual Charity closest to the pin as well as the other closest to the pin. money pot and long drive will be up for grabs.

The winner wont be known until later on Sunday after the Masters is finished.
Please make up your own group or enter as a single and Bruce or Brian will put you in a foursome. Tee times start at 8AM. Don’t forget to turn your completed score cards in to the Pro. Shop when you have finished your round
See you on the links.


Wednesday, April 09, 2014

Royals on the ropes, Auerbach story, Linden Canucks President....

Nice story from the folks at Chek below on former Bulldogs Trainer Matt Auerbach, now with the Victoria Royals. Although I remember him as Auerbach as in "BACK" and not "BACH"

Great story. Was too bad to see the Royals drop a 4-3 decision last night at home to Portland. Sure is nice to be able to watch the games on SHAW in HD. Nothing beats Junior Hockey in a barn with great atmosphere. Although I do find them somewhat hard to listen to.

Thanks to Danno for the heads up on the video by the way!


CLICK HERE to watch the video





A day after gassing Mike Gillis as President and GM, the Canucks hired Trevor Linden as President today. Thoughts on the move? On both moves?

I don't think Gillis did the best of jobs, or even a good job. At the same time, I wonder how many decisions were truly his with how involved the Canucks Ownership is. Did he make the call to fire Vigneault? Did he make the call to hire Tortorella? To trade Schneider?

Fans will no doubt approve Linden being in the fold.

My most favorite recent Trevor Linden moment has to be this Game winner from Game 7 in 2007. Oh Harry Neale, how I miss you!

 

Friday, April 04, 2014

Belated THANKS, Future Considerations announced, Fred Page series set



I dread doing this, as it's hard to think of everyone and thank everyone that deserves it. Just another great thing about being involved with this team in this city - the support is tremendous. You can hear it when I interview every single Bulldog Alum that's off playing somewhere else..."anyone you'd like to say hello or thank?" and they always have such a hard time with it because they know they can't thank everyone that they want to. I shall try my best! I apologize I haven't done this sooner. I have quite simply been very much enjoying the freedom to NOT blog - it gets to be quite a chore during the season. I have been staying very busy at home with the kids, soaking up everything I miss throughout the season!

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. Thanks to Theresa and Griff for their support, and to everyone that supports them in my absence. It's been even tougher this year than others with an addition to our family as well.

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. They are all true pros, and without them, we don't have a broadcast.

The sponsors - the broadcasts don't happen without people investing in them. Without you, there is nothing. THANKS. Extra thanks to our title sponsors - Van Isle Ford and Pacific Chevrolet.

Bruce MacDonald - For his Colour and Analysis, rides to the rink and friendship. He brings an unbelievable amount of passion to the job - without a doubt the most passionate person I have worked with here on Bulldogs Broadcasts in the Valley. The committment he makes taking time away from his family and his business to attend the games not just at home but also away is something that few people except me can understand, appreciate and respect. Keep in mind it's a side job for him. He's a great guy to hang out with in the booth and on the road on the bus and in the hotel. Like I said last yer, we are due for some time on the golf course though, where no one is listening to us and we don't have to feel the constant pressure of being judged on what we say/think, etc.

Dan Tisserand - For his compiling of Team and Individual Statistics. As I have said before, Dan thanks me for the opportunity to do it and I tell him to "can it" because I/WE should all be thanking Dan for his commitment and for what it brings to the Broadcast. This is ONE guy, attempting to compile the numbers that a crew of people do at the NHL level. He's the pinnacle of dedication and committment and love for the game - 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. I know everyone appreciates his work, from the fans to the players to the parents to the Coaching Staff.


Thanks again Danno!

Dan and Bruce need their own show for their conversations during commercial breaks on the game, players, officials, etc etc. I only hear half of it, because I'm busy running the broadcast. What I do hear is awesome stuff!

The Bulldogs Organization - TOP TO BOTTOM - Coaches and Staff, Players, Office Staff, Jolie and Lucas. 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 more than you know!


Jamie Amos and James McDonald - thanks for your incredible dedication to your jobs and thanks for taking care of me in the booth. Just amazing stuff. The meals, the rooms, the attention to detail for the players in their physical off ice preparation/recovery. Truly out of this league. You have a huge part in the success of the team. No one is better taken care of, prepared, looked after, and put in a position to compete than our players. James - you will be missed more than you know. You left incredibly large shoes to fill, and set the standard incredibly high.

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. I need a list because I don't even know everyone's name! Charles, Brenda, Mark, Shelly, Nick, Trent, Chris, Scott, Terry, Gareth, Leanne, Charlene, the Anthem singers, the net-putter-outters, the puck-picker-uppers, etc etc etc!

The Port Alberni Junior Hockey Society - 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 over the last couple of seasons. Filling the rink, filling the athletic hall, filling other teams rinks, showing other cities around the province how we roll, how proud we are of our city, our team, ourselves. PRICELESS.

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! I know not everyone is in a position to be able to do that - it means just as much when you pull me aside at the rink or when you send me an email or a message to say how much it means to you to be able to read the blog, to be able to listen to the broadcasts, and to be able to follow your son and bridge the gap between you when he's away "chasing the dream" far or near but in the end AWAY from home and family!

The Coaches and the Players - it was just incredible, what you guys did from the horrific start to making the Playoffs. It couldn't have been easy talking to me on some nights with how things were going. True pros through and through.

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 Playoffs and to the verge of the second round. I don't think this season would have happened ANYWHERE else. 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.

____________________________

Onwards and upwards to next season now!

The Bulldogs announced the Future Considerations portions of trades they made in advance of the deadline on January 10th - gone are Harlan Orr and Craig Martin - coming to the Bulldogs is Jesse Knowler.

It's certainly tough to see Orr and Martin go, two great guys, and players that had a big hand in the success of the team down the stretch. Best of luck to them in the future, and thanks for your efforts in a Bulldog sweater and in the community fellas! Knowler is certainly a welcome addition.

The trades made at the deadline in my opinion without question enabled the team to get into the Playoffs. Although the team fell short in Game 7 of Round 1, one has to think that the experience earned will be valuable in the future. One cannot dispute the financial impact of three extra Home games at the Dog Pound when it comes to the success of the franchise as well.

Bulldogs Announce Future Considerations Details
PRESS RELEASE

Port Alberni, BC – The Alberni Valley Bulldogs are releasing details of the future considerations components from deals made at the trade deadline that allowed the team to add depth and make the playoffs.
First of all, 1995-born forward Harlan Orr is the player named as future considerations in the deal that saw the team acquire 1993-born forward Mitch Owsley from the Whitecourt Wolverines (AJHL). Owsley was a key ingredient for the Bulldogs down the stretch, contributing 17 points (6 goals, 11 assists) in 16 regular season games. Half of Owsley’s goals came on the power play.
Harlan Orr was picked up by the Bulldogs early into the 2013/14 season after the Salmon Arm Silverbacks decided not to keep Orr just 6 games into the regular season. In his second season in the BCHL, Orr put up 34 points (9 goals, 25 assists) in 49 regular season games for the Bulldogs and added another 4 points in 7 playoff games against the Victoria Grizzlies in round 1.
The final future considerations trade that has a player departing the Bulldogs was made with the Trail Smoke Eaters at the deadline. That trade eventually turned out to see the playing rights of 1995-born forward Jake Kauppila and 1994-born forward Jesse Knowler come to the Bulldogs in exchange for 1995-born forward Craig Martin and 1995-born forward Jakson Elynuik. This trade allowed the Bulldogs to retain the services of Martin for the rest of the 2013/14 season while adding the skill, work ethic, and leadership of Jake Kauppila for the remainder of the 2013/14 season; Knowler will join the Bulldogs for the 2014/15 season.
Knowler, a former major midget teammate of Tryg Strand, spent his 17-year-old season with the Prince Alberni Raiders (WHL) and the last two years with the Smoke Eaters. Knowler had 9 multiple-point games for the Smokies in 2013/14, including a 3-assist performance against the Merritt Centennials, a 1 goal and 2 assist performance against the West Kelowna Warriors, and a 5 assist game against the Vernon Vipers. In a season where it would have been easy to pack it in, Knowler finished strong with 12 points in his final 7 games of the season with the Smokies, ending with 35 points in 47 games. Going the other way is Craig Martin, who was acquired in a trade early this season that had Martin and future considerations come to the Bulldogs for 1994-defenseman Jared Wilson. In 41 games in a Bulldogs jersey Martin scored 10 goals and added 13 assists. In 7 playoff games, Martin scored 4 goals and added 1 assist. The Alberni Valley Bulldogs would also like to formally announce that Jake Kauppila, who was originally committed to attend Michigan Tech for the 2014/15 season, is deferring for a season and is expected to be back with the Bulldogs next season.

As is always the case, the Bulldogs had to give up something to get something. Harlan Orr and Craig Martin were exemplary teammates and outstanding contributors to the team and to the community. The Bulldogs family wish Harlan and Craig all the best with their future teams and look forward to welcoming Jesse Knowler to the Bulldogs family and to a strong core of players returning for the 2014/15 season.

The Alberni Valley Bulldogs hit the ice next for the annual Spring Identification Camp in Port Alberni, BC from April 18-20, 2014. As always, the Bulldogs’ camp will be open to the public and an official schedule will be posted on the team’s website during the week leading up to the spring camp.
For more information please contact Alberni Valley Bulldogs Head Coach/GM Kevin
Willison 

The Fred Page Cup Final series is set, as the Coquitlam Express will face the Vernon Vipers in the League Finals with the Best-of-Seven series kicking off a week from today in Vernon.

The Express advanced with a 4-3 triple-OT win last night in Victoria over the Grizzlies to improve their record in the round robin to 2 and 1, while the Grizzlies fell to 0 and 3. The Express tied the game with a minute to play, and killed off a 5 minute power play for the Grizz in the first OT. The Fitzgerald triplets went out in style, scoring all three goals for the Grizz.

Reaction has been mixed in regards to the Interior/Mainland/Island Semi-Final series. On one hand, I'm a traditionalist and a fan of a SERIES. On the other hand, I'm not really a fan of a Best-of-Five and I'm not really a fan of the Interior having to win two less games to get to the league finals as opposed to the Coast. For those that don't remember or don't know, the Coastal Conference representative last year had to win 10 games to advance to the League Finals - two Best-of-Five series, followed by a Best-of-Seven series. The Interior rep had to only win two Best-of-Seven series. I certainly don't think the Round Robin is perfect (what is, really?) but it at least seems somewhat more fair.

What would YOU do?

That's it for now.

Hammer