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Saturday, January 31, 2015
Clippers score four in four minutes, top Dogs 5-2.
A spirited affair from the get go in this one, with both teams coming out hitting in the first couple of shifts. It would be one hit too many however, as the Clippers were awarded a power play before the game was two minutes old. They would connect on it on a great set up that saw Jake Jackson walk in alone on goal right up the middle where he went top corner over the glove of Christopoulos on a pretty deke move to the backhand. Brendan Taylor and Yanni Kaldis picked up the assists at 1:45 of the first. The Clippers would pick up a four minute penalty shortly afterwards as Brett Stewart was cut on a high stick by Sheldon Rempal. The Dogs couldn't find the net on the first advantage or the second, but looked much better on the back half of the minor with five shots on goal and Guillaume Decelles coming up with big saves on Scottie Clark and Mitch Makin in tight. As the penalty ended Sheldon Rempal exited the penalty box and skated in on a breakaway. Drew Weich appeared from about 10 feet away to get a one-handed desperation slash on him, and a penalty shot was awarded. Rempal wouldn't be able to cash in on it, as he mishandled the puck and it rolled in on Christopoulos. The Clippers would pick up a minor penalty less than a minute later, and then a five minute major 40 seconds into the Dogs power play as Austin Dick was ejected for a blow to the head on Scottie Clark who gained the Clipper line up the right wing while being repeatedly slashed by Nick Carrier. Clark played one more shift then did not return to the game. The Dogs would struggle on the 5 on 3 and the 5 minute major, with the Clippers getting the best chance on a breakaway after Drew Weich was caught with a stick in the face and dropped in the Nanaimo end. Weich would not return to the game. The Dogs would pick up another power play chance later in the period and they finally connected on it when Josh Adkins worked the puck out of the right corner to Garrett Halls on the right wing boards. He would set up Brett Stewart in the deep slot where he ripped a perfect top corner wrister over the glove hand of Decelles and right under the bar to make it 1-1 at 15:27 of the first. The Clippers would go to a 5 on 3 of their own just minutes later, with the Dogs doing a great job of killing it off to keep it 1-1. As they killed it, it appeared that the Dogs were gone on a shorthanded 2 on 1 or breakaway when Tyler Povelofskie exited the box behind the play. Dylan Haugen would be hauled down while attempting a breakaway feed, which forced the pass off the mark. Much to the dismay of the Bulldog crowd, Haugen would also be given a penalty for diving as the Clippers remained on the power play into the second. The Dogs out shot the Clippers 14-9 after 20 minutes.
The second period saw the Clippers begin on the power play, but the Dogs again killed it to keep it 1-1. The Dogs had their share of chances as the period wore on, and all of sudden the whistles went away and teams played 5 on 5 for the first time in the game, or so it felt. The Dogs controlled the play, and took their first lead when Tyler Povelofskie threw a big hit on the fore check and kicked the puck out front. He would then chase it down and centre for Mitch Makin, who one-timed it past the blocker of Decelles to make it 2-1 Dogs at 9:08 of the second. The Dogs would keep up the pressure over the next several minutes and have several great chances both off the rush and off draws in the Nanaimo end. One that stands out saw Chris Schutz get hauled down while chasing a loose puck right in the slot. From his knees, he still put a good shot on net in alone in tight, that was stopped by Decelles. Mitch Makin would have a rebound bid that looked like it was headed into the top corner, only to have it hit a Clipper stick and go out of play. On the next shift the Clippers drew a penalty on a neutral ice infraction. While on the powerplay they would draw another penalty resulting in their second consecutive 5 on 3 chance. This would entirely change the complexion of the game, as the Clippers first tied it at 2-2 on a pretty cross-crease set up by Cole Maier who set up Jake Jackson for his second of the game. Brendan Taylor also picked up an assist at 14:20 of the second. Just 26 seconds later another power play goal saw the Clippers go from trailing to leading 3-2 as a Ryan Coghlan shot from the right point hit a traffic jam at the crease and went off Devin Brosseau top corner past Christopoulos. Nick Gushue also drew an assist on the play at 14:46 of the second. That would take all the energy out of the building and the momentum from the Bulldogs, as the Clippers would immediately carry the play as the Dogs didn't react to the situation well, although it's hard to blame them. Another penalty would go to the Dogs late in the period, but an even up call came against the Clippers just 8 seconds later. It wouldn't help the Dogs though, as the Clippers scored twice in 17 seconds to blow it open and take a 5-2 lead. First it was Sheldon Rempal winning a battle in front to flip one over Christopoulos who couldn't clear the rebound with a poke check. Devin Brosseau picked up the only assist at 18:18. Brendan Taylor would complete the onslaught 17 seconds later as Jake Jackson drove the puck behind the goal and put a perfect pass out front on the doorstep where Taylor one-timed it home top corner, short-side at 18:35, with Jordan Low also drawing an assist. The Dogs out shot the Clippers 18-16 in the period for a two period advantage of 32-25. Very very tough to watch what transpired from the Bulldogs side of the puck, as they were full value for the 2-1 lead and were pushing hard for more, only to see the Officiating rear it's ugly head and completely change the game. Full credit to the Clippers for seizing the advantage, even if they didn't earn it and more so had it handed to them. Don't put yourself in a position to take penalties, they say.
The third period saw the Clippers push hard with a couple good chances early to try and build the lead, but Christopoulos stood tall to keep the game close. The Clippers would be awarded a power play short of the midway mark of the period, but it was four-on-four pretty quick as the Clippers were whistled. It would then be a 4 on 3 power play for the Clippers when the Bulldogs where once again whistled for a minor. That would be it for the excitement through the third period, as neither team found the net through a rather flat period of hockey. While the Dogs didn't quit, they couldn't beat Decelles to make a game of it again.
Final shots favoured the Bulldogs 49-37 with Billy Christopoulos taking the loss while Guillaume Decelles picked up the win. I had the Bulldogs at 1 for 8 on the power play while the Clippers went 3 for 9 while also scoring once shorthanded.
The Dogs are next in action Tuesday night in Victoria.
Hammer
Friday, January 30, 2015
Clippers visit Bulldogs tonight to wrap up home-and-home
It's right back at it between these two teams as the Clippers (32-12-0-3, 1st Island) return the favour and pay the Bulldogs (22-18-2-3, 4th Island) a visit tonight after a 3-0 Clippers win last night in Nanaimo to open up this home and home set.
It was an all too familiar tale from the Bulldogs perspective last night as a great effort after 20 minutes was all for naught in just 20 seconds of the second and the rest of the game is a wash. One has to think nothing short of a full 60 minute effort will be enough to beat a strong Clippers team.The only time the Dogs might have had that effort against the Clippers was the last time the teams met in Port Alberni, a convincing 5-0 Bulldog win, their only one in the season series to date.
Catch all the action live from the Multiplex tonight with play-by-play called by me, colour and analysis added by Bruce MacDonald and team and player stats compiled by Dan Tisserand on Van Isle Ford Bulldogs Hockey on 93.3 The Peak FM The broadcast begins with our pregame show at 6:45 with the puck drop and play-by-play to follow at 7:00.
If you aren't in radio listening range of 93.3 The Peak FM you can listen/watch the game by:
Listening Live on your computer: www.933thepeak.com
Listening Live on your SmartPhone : www.tunein.com/mobile/
Watching Live on your computer/SmartPhone www.fasthockey.com
Tonight's 2nd Intermission guest is former Bulldog Captain Ryan Lough, who is in his Freshman season with the NCAA's St. Lawrence University Saints.
Hammer
Dogs drop second straight, shut out for first time this season, 3-0 in Nanaimo
There were plenty of penalties early in this game, but they weren't a factor as neither side could find the net to open the scoring. The Dogs had their best chance on their second power play when Scottie Clark rang one off the post in tight on Decelles. The Clippers had a fantastic chance after their first penalty kill when Jake Jackson was set up in the hash marks for a one-timer that Billy Christopoulos made a fantastic save on. As the period wore on, penalties continued to be prevalent, yet still it remained scoreless as the goalies stood tall through six separate power play situations through the first 20 minutes. The Clippers out shot the Dogs 11-9.
The Bulldogs did a great job of killing off 1:45 of power play time for the Clippers to start the second, allowing just one shot. The Clippers would open the scoring just seconds later however as Billy Christopoulos made a great right pad save on a deflected Ryan Coghlan shot from the right point. The Clippers had numbers in the crease, and got several whacks at it, putting the first one off the post and potting the second one with Cole Maier getting credit for it, from Nicholas Carrier and Ryan Coghlan at 2:07 of the second. Just 20 seconds later the complexion of the game changed in a big way as the Clippers stuck again to open up a 2-0 lead as Maier stole the puck with a nice stick lift from behind. He would then put a perfect back-door pass onto the tape of Carrier who tipped it into the open side before Christopoulos could get over at 2:27. Less than two minutes later Christopoulos would make a fantastic save on a cross-ice set up on a 2 on 1 to rob Anthony Rinaldi to keep it 2-0, but the Clippers would take the three goal lead just two minutes later on the power play as Jake Jackson put the puck out of the right corner cross ice to the deep slot to Nick Gushue who made a move before putting a wrister on net that was deflected home by Anthony Rinaldi at 6:33 of the second for a 3-0 Clippers lead after two. The Clippers out shot the Dogs 15-13 for a 40 minute advantage of 26-22.
The Bulldogs would come out with considerable jump to start the third period on carry over power play time from the end of the second, but despite some early chances they couldn't beat Decelles to make a game of it. Some emotion was shown by Mitch Makin who jumped in and challenged Austin Dick to fight after he roughed up Josh Adkins in what ended up being a very spirited bout. The Bulldogs would show considerable heart not to quit in the third period and had several good cracks over the last five minutes and into the final minute with the goalie out to snap the shut out bid of Decelles but they couldn't find the net as they were shut out for the first time this season.
Final shots were even at 36 aside with Billy Christopoulos playing solid despite the loss, while Guillaume Decelles picked up 2nd star honours with the win and the shut out in net. The Dogs went 0 for 6 on the power play while the Clippers went 1 for 5.
The teams go at it again tomorrow night at the Dog Pound.
Hammer
Bulldogs visit Clippers tonight to kick off weekend home-and-home, Maury Edwards interview
It's the kick off to another home-and-home set between these two rivals as the Bulldogs (22-17-2-3, 4th Island) head over the hump tonight to visit the Clippers (31-12-0-3, 1st Island), with the action shifting tomorrow night back to the Dog Pound.
The Dogs were last in action Wednesday night in Victoria where they had their three game winning streak snapped with an 8-3 loss to the Grizzlies, while the Clippers also last played on Wednesday night when they dropped a 3-2 double OT decision at home to Powell River.
It's been a while since these teams met, but for a while it seemed like every second game was head-to-head. After not seeing each other until November, these teams played six times through the midpoint of December. The last meeting was on December 12th, a 5-2 Clippers win at the Frank Crane. That score certainly isn't flattering, but it's not reflective of the game as the Bulldogs actually had a 2-1 lead after 40 minutes of play in that one, only to see the Clippers score twice in a matter of minutes early in the third on the power play to take a 3-2 lead, before scoring two empty netters in the final minute for the 5-2 final.
Having said that, it's not about how you start but how you finish. Despite being out scored 23-15, the Bulldogs have kept every game close - leading after 40 minutes on three occasions, and being within a goal or tied in every game until the final minutes of the second only to lose painfully in the end. The lone Bulldog win was a 5-0 triumph on December 3rd at the Dog Pound.
The Clippers lead the season series with a 4-1-0-0 record head-to-head compared to the Dogs record of 1-4-1-0.
Catch all the action live on Pacific Chevrolet Bulldogs Hockey on 93.3 The Peak FM with Bruce MacDonald providing the colour and analysis, Dan Tisserand compiling team and player statistics while I call the play-by-play. The pregame show kicks off at 6:45 and the puck drop and all the game action follows it at 7:00pm.
If you aren't in radio listening range of 93.3 The Peak FM you can listen/watch the game by:
Listening Live on your computer: www.933thepeak.com
Listening Live on your SmartPhone : www.tunein.com/mobile/
Watching Live on your computer/SmartPhone www.fasthockey.com
Tonight's 2nd Intermission guest is former Bulldog Maury Edwards, currently playing with the Ravensburg Tower Stars in the DEL 2 - the second division of pro hockey in Germany, the Deutsche Eishockey Liga. Maury is a great example of how far hockey can take you. After two years as a Bulldog he played four years of NCAA hockey at UMASS-Lowell before embarking on his pro career that has seen him play in the AHL, ECHL and now in Europe.
Hammer
Wednesday, January 28, 2015
Dogs fall 8-3 to Grizzlies, streak snapped at three
A lightning quick start to the game for the Bulldogs as they took a 1-0 lead just over two minutes into the game on a good fore check by Eric Therrien and then Justin Marreck to steal the puck and keep it in the zone. Eric Margo would play the puck on a rim back to the left point for Garrett Halls, who one-timed it back down the boards behind the net for Justin Marreck who put a perfect pass out front for Marcus Russell who one-timed it past Sean Cleary at 2:21 of the first. The lead didn't last for long though, as the Bulldogs took a penalty on the next shift and the Grizzlies went to the power play. The Dogs would kill the penalty off, but before the player could get back into the play it was a 1-1 game as Jake Emilio put a low shot at the net that was deftly deflected top corner, short-side high over the glove of Nathan Warren by Sean McBride from just outside the hash marks. Thomas Gobeil also drew an assist on the play at 4:54 of the first. Just a minute and change later it was a 2-1 Dogs lead when they connected on the power play when Drew Weich threw a puck at the net that was deflected by Chris Schutz off a Grizzlies defender. Mitch Makin would reel the puck in behind the net and score on a wrap around banker off a Grizzlies defender and in past Cleary at 6:06 of the first. Again the lead didn't last long as just a minute and change later it was 2-2 when the Dogs gave up a 2 on 1 with only a forward back playing defence. The Grizzlies would connect on it on a cross-ice pass from Matt Kennedy that was tapped into the open side by Dane Gibson. Chris Harpur also picked up an assist at 7:22 of the first. The Grizzlies took the lead for the first time in the game five minutes later when Thomas Gobeil walked into the deep slot and blew a slapper from the top of the left circle through the legs of Warren to make it 3-2. The goal was un-assisted at 12:10 of the first, as Warren was replaced in favour of Billy Christopoulos. He would receive a rude welcome, as just a minute and change later it was 4-2 Grizzlies on a beautiful cross-ice set up on the power play put home top corner, short-side before Christopoulos could get over by Kevin Massy, with assists to Matt Kennedy and Dane Gibson at 13:36 of the first for a 4-2 lead after one and an 11-7 edge in shots for the Grizzlies.
The second period saw some fireworks early when Nick Guiney tried to duck under a Garrett Halls hit at centre ice and ended up taking the worst of it. Halls would be immediately challenged by Ayden MacDonald who was seeking retribution for the hit. There would be no instigator to MacDonald, and Halls would get the book as well for defending himself as it remained 5-on-5. What was somewhat odd was the Referee going directly to the Grizzlies bench to talk with their Coaching staff at immediate conclusion of the incident, before then going to the Officials circle where he would talk over the situation with the Linesman. The Bulldogs weren't able to change the tide as despite their efforts around the Victoria net they couldn't get much through on Cleary. On a promising looking offensive sequence in the zone they would again get caught up ice and concede a 2 on 1 that turned into a 3 on 2 that the Grizzlies scored a pretty pretty goal on as Dane Gibson took a drop pass from Brett Gruber and then put it cross-ice for Matt Kennedy who tapped it into the open side at 6:29 of the second. It was a 6-2 game just past the midway mark of the period on a very tough luck goal as Eric Margo chipped the puck in down the right wing into the Grizzlies zone. Or so he thought. It would instead be stopped the Linesman and went right onto the stick of Brett Gruber who walked through centre and over the Bulldogs line down the right wing where he snapped one past the blocker of Christopoulos. Meirs Moore picked up the only assist on the goal at 10:52 of the second. The Bulldogs would dig in their heels and get things going in the right direction just two minutes later with a couple good hard working shifts resulting in a power play. They would cash in on the advantage quickly as Troy Dobbs fought the puck to the right point for Taylor Derynck who wristed one top corner, short-side over the glove of Cleary, who didn't appear to see it with Tyler Povelofskie screening in front. Eric Therrien also drew an assist on the place at 12:50 of the second to make it 6-3. The Dogs would have a great chance in the final minute to make it a two-goal game on a shorthanded 2 on 1 rush, but Justin Marreck's shot just missed the open side. The Grizzlies would then connect with just .2 seconds left on the clock to take a 7-3 lead when Thomas Gobeil put a high hard one on net that was stopped by Christopoulos. He couldn't find the rebound though, as Jay Mackie scored into the open side. Sean McBride also drew an assist at 19:59 of the second. The Grizzlies out shot the Dogs 12-9 for a two period total of 23-16 Grizzlies.
The third period didn't see much either way of sustained attack as with a dead atmosphere and a lopsided score it wasn't the best hockey to watch. The Grizzlies would go up 8-3 with just under eight minutes to play on a really odd goal as the Grizzlies appeared to clearly score on a nice backdoor pass against the grain and a stuff-in attempt, but none of the three Officials appeared to have a clue as to what had happened. The Grizzlies would argue their case once Christopoulos couldn't locate the puck. Once the net taken off its moorings, the puck was found underneath the padding. The Officials would conference and allow a goal to the Grizzlies, with Brett Gruber getting credit for it, with assists going to Kevin Massy and Dane Gibson at the 12:28 mark of the third for the eventual 8-3 final score.
Final shots favoured the Grizzlies 32-28 with Nathan Warren giving up the first three on five shots and Billy Christopoulos getting tagged with the loss allowing five in relief on 27 shots while Sean Cleary picked up the win. The Dogs went 2 for 7 on the power play while the Grizzlies went 3 for 5.
Humpday hockey again, Bulldogs visit Grizzlies tonight
A week to the day later, these two teams go at it again for the second Wednesday in a row with the scene shifting as the Bulldogs (22-16-2-3, 4th Island) return the favour and pay the Grizzlies (20-16-1-9, 3rd Island) a visit at the Q Centre tonight in Victoria.
The Bulldogs were the winners in comeback fashion last Wednesday 4-3 at the Dog Pound, coming back from a 3-1 deficit after 40 minutes. You can bet that one didn't sit too well with the Grizzlies, and they will be out for some payback tonight so the Dogs had best be ready to bring their best effort.
The Q Centre is a tough rink to play in, just like any other road rink. It's the first meeting between the teams in Victoria in what feels like forever, with the Dogs winning 4-3 in double OT on October 3rd in the only previous trip this year to Victoria.
The Bulldogs were last in action on Saturday night at home where they won their third in a row, 4-2 over the Salmon Arm Silverbacks. The Grizzlies meanwhile also last saw action at home on Saturday night where they snapped a two game losing streak with a 6-1 win over the Chilliwack Chiefs.
Big congrats to Bulldogs Captain Mitch Makin, who was named as the BCHL's Player of the Week yesterday! Well deserved. Congrats as well to Scottie Clark on an Honorable Mention.
Read more from the BCHL website HERE
Sorry I didn't post this sooner - was busy taking my son Griffin to his first Canucks game last night! He got a puck, he met FIN! Who cares the game was a dud!
Everything gets underway at 6:45 with our pregame show, with the puck drop to follow at 7:00pm on Pacific Chevrolet Bulldogs Hockey on 93.3 The Peak FM. As always, I will call the play-by-play, Bruce MacDonald will add the colour and analysis, and Dan Tisserand will compile team and player stats.
Listening Live on your computer: www.933thepeak.com
Listening Live on your SmartPhone : www.tunein.com/mobile/
Watching Live on your computer/SmartPhone www.fasthockey.com
Tonight's 2nd Intermission guest is Dan Marshall, the play-by-play voice of the Nanaimo Clippers as the Dogs prepare for a Friday/Saturday home-and-home set with the Clippers starting at the Frank Crane on Friday night.
Hammer
The Bulldogs were the winners in comeback fashion last Wednesday 4-3 at the Dog Pound, coming back from a 3-1 deficit after 40 minutes. You can bet that one didn't sit too well with the Grizzlies, and they will be out for some payback tonight so the Dogs had best be ready to bring their best effort.
The Q Centre is a tough rink to play in, just like any other road rink. It's the first meeting between the teams in Victoria in what feels like forever, with the Dogs winning 4-3 in double OT on October 3rd in the only previous trip this year to Victoria.
The Bulldogs were last in action on Saturday night at home where they won their third in a row, 4-2 over the Salmon Arm Silverbacks. The Grizzlies meanwhile also last saw action at home on Saturday night where they snapped a two game losing streak with a 6-1 win over the Chilliwack Chiefs.
Big congrats to Bulldogs Captain Mitch Makin, who was named as the BCHL's Player of the Week yesterday! Well deserved. Congrats as well to Scottie Clark on an Honorable Mention.
Read more from the BCHL website HERE
Sorry I didn't post this sooner - was busy taking my son Griffin to his first Canucks game last night! He got a puck, he met FIN! Who cares the game was a dud!
Everything gets underway at 6:45 with our pregame show, with the puck drop to follow at 7:00pm on Pacific Chevrolet Bulldogs Hockey on 93.3 The Peak FM. As always, I will call the play-by-play, Bruce MacDonald will add the colour and analysis, and Dan Tisserand will compile team and player stats.
If you aren't in radio listening range of 93.3 The Peak FM you can listen/watch the game by:
Listening Live on your computer: www.933thepeak.com
Listening Live on your SmartPhone : www.tunein.com/mobile/
Watching Live on your computer/SmartPhone www.fasthockey.com
Tonight's 2nd Intermission guest is Dan Marshall, the play-by-play voice of the Nanaimo Clippers as the Dogs prepare for a Friday/Saturday home-and-home set with the Clippers starting at the Frank Crane on Friday night.
Hammer
Saturday, January 24, 2015
Dogs top Silverbacks 4-2 for third straight win
A spirited start both ways to this game, as each team looked ready to go from the opening puck drop. The Silverbacks got a great chance just five minutes in when Shane Danyluk was sent in alone on Christopoulos where he deked to the backhand only to have Christopoulos kick out the right toe to keep it out. Both teams pushed the pace hard, and it was wildly entertaining despite just 5 total shots through the first 12 minutes of the game. There would be no scoring through the first 20 minutes, with the Bulldogs failing to generate on a late-period power play but earning a couple in-tight looks in the final minute, most notably a Tyler Povelofskie net drive that Angus Redmond made two good saves on to keep it scoreless after one with the Dogs up in the shots 8-5.
The Dogs would open the scoring just a minute into the second when Mitch Makin picked off a Chase Priskie pass deep in the Silverbacks zone and raced in on a breakaway where he cut across the crease and slid it home through the five-hole of Redmond for the un-assisted marker 1:15 into the second. The Dogs had a fantastic chance to build the lead on the next shift when Drake Brown dropped the puck at the line for Brett Stewart, but his wrister hit the post and hit Redmond and fell between his feet and stayed out. The Dogs would be penalized it appeared for digging at the puck, as the Silverbacks went to a power play off the scramble, but they couldn't capitalize as the Dogs killed it off. Just two minutes later it was a 1-1 game though as the Dogs were applying pressure in the Salmon Arm zone and got burned on a football-esque play as Bryden Marsh flipped the puck high in the air to the Bulldog line where Nick Hutchinson had it bounce off his shoulder and down to his feet where he skated in on a breakaway where he snapped it top corner, far-side over the blocker of Christopoulos to make it 1-1 at 5:59 of the second, with Marsh picking up the only assist. There would be no scoring over the rest of the period with the goalies again standing tall and both teams not giving up much in the way of glaring offensive chances. Shots favoured the Dogs 13-8 for a two period total of 21-13.
The Dogs struck again early in the third period to take a 2-1 lead as they took a penalty to take themselves off the power play, resulting in a short four-on-four situation. Drew Weich would find the puck at centre and feed it up the right wing for Mitch Makin, who fought hard past a check to create a 2 on 1 rush where he put a perfect pass onto the tape of Scottie Clark who tapped it into the open side at 2:58 of the third. The Silverbacks would strike back to make it a 2-2 game just past the eight minute mark on a quick regroup at centre ice that saw Andrew Farny and Jordan Burns sent Ross Heidt over the Dogs line and up the right wing where he walked into the circle and ripped a perfect top corner, short-side shot under the bar and over the glove of Christopoulos to make it 2-2 at 8:13 of the third. The game wasn't tied for long though, as the Bulldogs took the lead right back 20 seconds later as Scottie Clark fed the puck back to the right point for Brett Stewart. He would throw a quick snapper on goal that bounced off a pair of skates before Mitch Makin found it and jammed it home through Redmond to make it 3-2 Dogs at 8:33. The Dogs did a good job to hold the lead until the late stages when the Silverbacks would get a great chance on the power play as Angus Redmond put a perfect pass ahead after a Bulldogs clear to catch them changing to send Chase Priskie in alone on a breakaway where Billy Christopoulos made a fantastic glove save to preserve the lead. The Silverbacks would push hard with the goalie out for the extra attacker to look for the equalizer, but the Dogs would seal the deal into an empty net when Eric Therrien made an unselfish play to feed Tyler Povelofskie on a 3 on 1 rush where he snapped it into the empty net at 19:25 of the third for the 4-2 final.
Final shots favoured the Bulldogs 29-19 with Billy Christopoulos picking up the win while Angus Redmond took the loss. The Dogs went 1 for 4 on the power play and also scored once shorthanded while the Silverbacks went 0 for 4.
The Bulldogs are next in action Wednesday night in Victoria.
Hammer
Bulldogs host 'Backs tonight at the Pound, Hunter Stewart interview
It's the first meeting of the season between the teams tonight as the Bulldogs (21-16-2-3, 4th Island) host the Salmon Arm Silverbacks 19-16-3-5, 5th Interior) at the Dog Pound.
It seems kind of crazy that it's Game 43 of 58 Regular Season contests tonight for the Bulldogs, and they are seeing a team for the first time, however, they still haven't seen every team in the league as they have yet to see the Merritt Centennials and won't until mid-February.
The Bulldogs were in action last night at home where they won their second in a row, 5-1 over the West Kelowna Warriors. The Silverbacks kicked off a three-in-three Island swing last night in Victoria where they did the Bulldogs a favour and beat the Grizzlies 4-0. Their trip concludes tomorrow afternoon in Nanaimo.
It's amazing what a couple wins can do to the standings - or a couple of losses. The Bulldogs lost one and tied one with the Capitals last weekend and went into play on Wednesday six points up on 5th place, five points back of 3rd and seven points back of 2nd. All of a sudden they are ten points up on the Caps, one point back of the Grizzlies for 3rd and just three back of the Kings who sit 2nd in the Island Division.
The Bulldogs will need to be ready to play, and ready to play desperate and hard tonight because you can bet the Silverbacks will be a hungry group, as they are currently outside of the playoff picture and looking in, sitting 5th in the Interior. However, after a win last night and a West Kelowna loss to the Bulldogs they enter play tonight just three points back of the Warriors for the 4th and final playoff spot, with the Silverbacks holding two games in hand. They are also just four points back of Merritt for 3rd place. The 'Backs have been playing good hockey as of late, with only Penticton, Vernon and Nanaimo with records comparable to Salmon Arm over their last 10 games (7-3-0-0) where they have picked up wins over both Penticton and Nanaimo over that stretch.
If you can't make it out to the fantastic social event that is Saturday night hockey at the Dog Pound, fear not as we will bring it all to you wherever you may be on Van Isle Ford Bulldogs Hockey on 93.3 The Peak FM with the pregame show at 6:45 and the puck drop just after 7:00. I will call the play-by-play, Dan Tisserand will compile Team and Player stats and Bruce MacDonald will provide the colour and analysis.
Listening Live on your computer: www.933thepeak.com
Listening Live on your SmartPhone : www.tunein.com/mobile/
Watching Live on your computer/SmartPhone www.fasthockey.com
Tonight's 2nd Intermission guest is former Bulldog Hunter Stewart, currently in his Freshman season with the Marian University of Wisconsin Sabres
If you have some free time today don't forget that the Alberni Invitational is going on at ADSS!
Here's the schedule for the final day of action today:
It seems kind of crazy that it's Game 43 of 58 Regular Season contests tonight for the Bulldogs, and they are seeing a team for the first time, however, they still haven't seen every team in the league as they have yet to see the Merritt Centennials and won't until mid-February.
The Bulldogs were in action last night at home where they won their second in a row, 5-1 over the West Kelowna Warriors. The Silverbacks kicked off a three-in-three Island swing last night in Victoria where they did the Bulldogs a favour and beat the Grizzlies 4-0. Their trip concludes tomorrow afternoon in Nanaimo.
It's amazing what a couple wins can do to the standings - or a couple of losses. The Bulldogs lost one and tied one with the Capitals last weekend and went into play on Wednesday six points up on 5th place, five points back of 3rd and seven points back of 2nd. All of a sudden they are ten points up on the Caps, one point back of the Grizzlies for 3rd and just three back of the Kings who sit 2nd in the Island Division.
The Bulldogs will need to be ready to play, and ready to play desperate and hard tonight because you can bet the Silverbacks will be a hungry group, as they are currently outside of the playoff picture and looking in, sitting 5th in the Interior. However, after a win last night and a West Kelowna loss to the Bulldogs they enter play tonight just three points back of the Warriors for the 4th and final playoff spot, with the Silverbacks holding two games in hand. They are also just four points back of Merritt for 3rd place. The 'Backs have been playing good hockey as of late, with only Penticton, Vernon and Nanaimo with records comparable to Salmon Arm over their last 10 games (7-3-0-0) where they have picked up wins over both Penticton and Nanaimo over that stretch.
If you can't make it out to the fantastic social event that is Saturday night hockey at the Dog Pound, fear not as we will bring it all to you wherever you may be on Van Isle Ford Bulldogs Hockey on 93.3 The Peak FM with the pregame show at 6:45 and the puck drop just after 7:00. I will call the play-by-play, Dan Tisserand will compile Team and Player stats and Bruce MacDonald will provide the colour and analysis.
If you aren't in radio listening range of 93.3 The Peak FM you can listen/watch the game by:
Listening Live on your computer: www.933thepeak.com
Listening Live on your SmartPhone : www.tunein.com/mobile/
Watching Live on your computer/SmartPhone www.fasthockey.com
Tonight's 2nd Intermission guest is former Bulldog Hunter Stewart, currently in his Freshman season with the Marian University of Wisconsin Sabres
If you have some free time today don't forget that the Alberni Invitational is going on at ADSS!
Here's the schedule for the final day of action today:
The Alberni Invitational tournament
action will start again this morning at 8:30
am with the exciting semi-finals in each weight division.
Preliminaries
continue until at about 11 am when placing matches begin. Finals are scheduled
for 1-5 pm that Saturday and admission is free but space will be limited.
That's all I have, we'll see you at the rink!
Hammer
Friday, January 23, 2015
Dogs top Warriors 5-1 for second consecutive win
It was a great start to the game for the Bulldogs, and hard for it not to feel like it was an exceptional start compared to Wednesday night as the Dogs weren't down by a couple of goals in the first couple of minutes of the game. The Bulldogs opened up a 1-0 lead after a series of good saves by Desautels when a faceoff win by Mitch Makin was ripped on net by Chris Schutz. Makin would go to the net and rip the rebound home five-hole to open the scoring at the 6:07 mark of the first, with Scottie Clark also drawing an assist on the play. The Warriors would have a great chance to equalize shortly afterwards, but Billy Christopoulos made a great right pad save on Brayden Gelsinger on a cross-ice pass on the rush. The Dogs took a 2-0 lead in the back half of the period when Scott Clark delayed and set up Chris Schutz in the slot. His one-timer was heeled into the corner, where Taylor Derynck jumped in from the line to find it. He would feed Mitch Makin below the goal line and then drive the slot where he took a return pass that he roofed top corner, far-side over the glove of Desautels for his first career goal at 13:21 of the first. Just 39 seconds later it was a 3-0 Dogs lead on a fantastic individual effort by Scottie Clark as he got hauled down in the corner but just jumped right back onto his feet and drove the net from below the goal line before pivoting to get on his forehand in tight where he jammed one through Desautels, with assists to Makin and Schutz at the 14:00 mark of the first for a 3-0 Dogs lead after one with the Dogs up 10-8 in the shots.
The Bulldogs started the second with three minutes of power play time, but they couldn't connect on it, coming close and hitting the post twice in quick succession. The Warriors would get a great chance to get into it in the first half of the period when the Bulldogs were penalized twice in a row, but Billy Christopoulos was rock solid in keeping the Warriors off the board with a series of saves over four minutes of penalty kill time. The Bulldogs would get another chance on the power play that they couldn't find the net on as the Warriors did a great job and blocked up to five shots to help out Desautels. Shortly afterwards the Dogs built their lead when Clark scored his second of the game, again on a hard and fast play in tight as Garrett Halls hustled to keep the puck in at the left point to get it deep for Mitch Makin in the left corner. He fed Clark below the goal line where he first had a centering attempt blocked but got it right back and carried it behind the net and scored on a wrap-around before Desautels could get over. Makin and Halls drew the assists as it was 4-0 Dogs at 15:06 of the second. The Dogs were out shot 12-6 over the period, for a 20-16 Warriors advantage after two.
The third period had a high pace to it, but not much in the way of chances besides the Warriors again earning back-to-back power plays that the Bulldogs killed off to protect their four goal lead though the back half of the period. The Warriors would earn yet another power play with six minutes to play in the game. They would get aggressive and pull Desautels for a 6 on 4 situation, and they would connect on it as Jason Cotton converted on a cross-crease pass from the left side of the net putting off the post and in, far side. Assists on the play went to Liam Blackburn and Andrew Johnson at 14:25 of the third period. The Warriors had a great chance on the next shift, but Johnson couldn't convert on an open net as Christopoulos came over and got a pad on it to keep it out. The Warriors would continue to push with the goalie out but couldn't convert despite coming close as Liam Blackburn hit the crossbar after the Warriors won a draw in the Dogs end. The Dogs would erase all doubt when Eric Margo jumped off the bench and hit the empty net after finding a clear out of the zone by Chris Schutz to make it 5-1 at the 17:24 mark of the third for the eventual final score.
Final shots favoured the Warriors 36-21 with Billy Christopoulos picking up the win while Andy Desautels took the loss. The Dogs went 0 for 5 on the power play while the Warriors went 1 for 7.
The Dogs host the Salmon Arm Silverbacks tomorrow night to conclude their weekend.
Also don't forget that the 32nd Annual Alberni Inviational concludes tomorrow at ADSS:
The Alberni Invitational tournament
action will start again Saturday January 24th at 8:30
am with the exciting semi-finals in each weight division. Preliminaries
continue until at about 11 am when placing matches begin. Finals are scheduled
for 1-5 pm that Saturday and admission is free but space will be limited.
Hammer
Bulldogs host Warriors tonight, 32nd Annual Alberni Invitational today/tomorrow
It's the second and final Regular Season meeting between these two teams, and the second in a matter of a a couple weeks as the Bulldogs (20-16-2-3, 4th Island) host the West Kelowna Warriors (22-17-0-5, 4th Mainland) tonight at the Dog Pound.
These teams last met on January 11th in West Kelowna, a 4-2 Dogs win at the end of a three-in-three road trip. You can bet that the Warriors weren't happy with their game in that one, and they'll be out to make a statement to the Dogs tonight so the home side had best be ready for a tough challenge.
It's the start of a three game Island/Mainland trip for the Warriors, as they are in Powell River tomorrow night and Surrey on Sunday afternoon. The Warriors have already seen action this week, as they hosted Penticton on Tuesday night where they fell 8-4 to the Vees
The Bulldogs last saw action on Wednesday night, where they battled back from two goals down on two different instances to top the Grizzlies 4-3.
The pregame show on 93.3 The Peak FM's Van Isle Ford Bulldogs hockey takes the air/internet waves at 6:45 with the puck drop and play-by-play to follow at 7:00 with myself, Bruce MacDonald and Dan Tisserand bringing you all the action analysis and statistics.
If you aren't in radio listening range of 93.3 The Peak FM you can listen/watch the game by:
Listening Live on your computer: www.933thepeak.com
Listening Live on your SmartPhone : www.tunein.com/mobile/
Watching Live on your computer/SmartPhone www.fasthockey.com
Tonight's 2nd Intermission guest is Ian Douglas, voice of the Salmon Arm Silverbacks, who the Dogs host tomorrow night for the first meeting between the teams this season.
PRESS
RELEASE
ALBERNI ARMADA
INVITATIONAL WRESTLING TOURNAMENT
GEARS UP FOR THEIR 32nd ON JANUARY 23-24, 2015
Big changes are
in place for the 32nd Annual Alberni Armada Invitational Wrestling
Tournament coming up January 23 – 24th. In an effort to connect more
closely with their roots at the high school the Invitational has moved to ADSS.
In doing so they have had to downsize somewhat from the years of over 600
competitors but this year’s event still expects over 400 to attend.
The Alberni
Invitational is widely considered the most prestigious high school wrestling
tournament in B.C. and has received recognition across Canada. The tournament started in 1980 and has run
every year except the four years the local wrestling group hosted the BC High
School Championships. That means 37 straight years that this dedicated group of
volunteers have run a major wrestling tournament in the Alberni Valley. The
event was held at the old ADSS from 1982 to 1994 before moving to Glenwood in
1995 and then the Multiplex in 2003 as it got so large.
“We are
extremely proud of the history and traditions our wrestling program has
established over the past 37 years. No other wrestling program in BC can boast
that they have run 37 major tournaments and many would be happy to have done it
once. This is our 32nd Invitational to go along with 4 Provincials
and it only happens because of the amazing volunteer spirit in our community”,
commented Tournament Director Tom McEvay.
McEvay
continued, “Since this is another milestone year for us we are calling on all
alumni to come back and celebrate with us. Come and take in the action, support
our current wrestlers, join us for some socializing and visit the incredible
new Alberni District Secondary School. We are very excited to showcase our
local wrestlers at ADSS as this is their program.”
Action at the 32nd
Invitational begins on Friday January 23rd with morning weigh-ins
for boys and girls in the Cadet and Juvenile divisions at 9 am at ADSS. There
will be some exhibition matches taking place from 10 am – noon to showcase ADSS
wrestlers in front of the ADSS student body. Tournament action gets underway at
12:30 pm and runs to at least 8:30 pm that evening all at ADSS.
The Alberni
Invitational tournament action will start again Saturday January 24th
at 8:30 am with the exciting semi-finals in each weight division. Preliminaries
continue until at about 11 am when placing matches begin. Finals are scheduled
for 1-5 pm that Saturday and admission is free but space will be limited.
Not only do
local fans have an opportunity for some great competition at the Invitational,
you also will once again see very competitive Alberni wrestlers. The ADSS Boys team is currently ranked in the
top 5 in the province and will do well at the BC’s.. They will likely battle it
out with over 60 other schools for the team title in the Juvenile and Cadet
divisions. These teams could include Guildford Park of Surrey, Carson Graham. Abby
Traditional, WJ Mouat, St Thomas Moore and
Island powers Cowichan, Esquimalt and Campbell River.
In the Juvenile
Girls division ADSS is ranked in the top 10 in BC with Carson Graham of North
Vancouver, St Thomas Moore and Ucluelet all top contenders. In the Schoolboy/girl division Alberni will
have strong teams from Neill and Dunn Middle Schools and both schools should be
in the top 10.
The AV Times
will feature pictures and write ups next week on all the top local wrestlers to
watch at the 32nd Invitational. It will be an exciting few days of
wrestling action in the place many observers call “The Wrestling Capital of BC –
Port Alberni! “
For more
information contact Tournament Director
TOM
McEVAY--- Phone home:724-0577 email tmcevay@alberniwrestling.ca
Hammer
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