Clippers win a crazy one, 7-4 over Bulldogs

A fantastic start to the game for the Bulldogs, as they were quite obviously up for this game and ready to play. They won the opening draw and got the puck in the Nanaimo end and immediately went to work, drawing a penalty just over 30 seconds into the game. While they failed to score on the advantage, they succeeded in getting lots of pucks to the net, generating a couple chances, and most importantly - keeping the momentum going. They would take a 1-0 lead just over five minutes into the game when Nathan Walker dumped the puck in softly from centre ice. Scottie Clark showed great hustle to beat everyone to the puck behind the net where he threw it to the high slot for Eric Margo, who one-timed it top corner, past the blocker of Jonathan Reinhart at 5:03 of the first. The Dogs kept the pressure up, drawing a penalty and connecting on it with just five seconds to go in the advantage as Troy Dobbs was rewarded for just simply throwing the puck at the net from the left point, as it deflected off the back of a Clipper and in. Nathan Dingmann picked up the only assist at 9:40 of the first with the Dogs up in the shots on goal department 12-2. The Dogs would end up in the penalty box shortly afterwards, and the Clippers would get into the game as a Kale Bennett shot from the line was deflected and stopped by Chris Tai. He couldn't find the rebound through the traffic though, as it was jammed onto the goal line where it was poked home by Corey Renwick. Assists on the play went to Chris Dodero and Edwin Hookenson at 11:33 on the power play. The Bulldogs didn't let the goal against get to them, as they pushed back and continued to push the pace and get pucks on net. An after the whistle skirmish at the Clipper goal saw Eric Margo being the only player penalized. The Clippers would again strike on the man advantage to make it 2-2 as Sheldon Rempal put a shot off the net long-side from the top of the left circle that deflected in off a Bulldog leg. Matthew Hoover would pick up the only assist on the play at 17:16 of the first. Just over a minute later it was 3-2 Clippers as a Bulldog defender got stuck up ice at the Clipper line off a Bulldog dump in. Eric Margo did a great job on the back check to race to his own net, but he couldn't make a play on the puck as Matthew Hoover one-handed it past a Chris Tai poke-check attempt. There would be no assist on the play at 18:48 of the first, as the Clippers took the 3-2 lead to the room with the Dogs up 17-11 in the shots.

The Dogs were penalized late in the first on an odd call at the Dogs net that saw Chris Tai contacted, but the Dogs pick up the only penalty. It would once again end up in the back of their net as a missed point shot bounced back hard off the end boards and out front. Tai would make the initial save, but the puck squeaked through and rolled like a top on the goal line. Paul Meyer was unable to clear it before Devin Brosseau poked it home to make it 4-2. Yanni Kaldis picked up the only assist on the play at 55 seconds into the period. The Clippers would again go to the power play, and would again connect on it to make it a 5-2 game on another tough luck goal as a point shot was tipped down into the ice by a Bulldog defender before bouncing in the air where it was bunted home by Matthew Hoover. Will Reilly and Devin Brosseau drew the assists at 6:02 of the second as Carson Schamerhorn entered the game off the bench in relief of Chris Tai. The Bulldogs would get one back less than two minutes later to trim the deficit as Paul Meyer kept the puck in at the Clippers line at the right point and put a wrist shot on goal that was deflected home by Quinn Syrydiuk for his first career goal to make it 5-3 at 7:55 of the second. The Bulldogs would earn a four minute power play later in the period, but were unable to connect on it to make it a one goal game as the Clippers took the two-goal lead to the room after 40 minutes. The Clippers out shot the Dogs 12-8 in the period (although Dan Tisserand had the Dogs having 11 shots) for a two-period total of 25 shots aside.

The third period was pretty fun to watch, as the Bulldogs came out and after a couple hard Clipper attacking shifts pushed back throughout the remainder of the period and were relentless on the attack. It looked for a while that they weren't going to be rewarded for it, but they finally got a bounce with seven minutes and change to go as Nathan Dingmann found the puck behind the goal and simply fired it out front, where it glanced off a Clipper and in to make it 5-4 at 12:39 with Josh Adkins assisting. The Dogs would push for the equalizer in the late stages, pulling their goalie with over a minute to go and a faceoff in the Clippers end. They would generate a great chance with a win on the draw but couldn't generate a second chance before allowing the puck to exit the zone where it was promptly turned over onto the tape of Sheldon Rempal. He would make no mistake hitting the empty net from centre ice to make it 6-4 with 53 seconds to play. The goal was un-assisted. The Dogs pulled their goalie again with nothing to lose late, but the Clippers would find the net to rub some salt in the wound on a chased-down loose puck in the Dogs at 19:59 as Chris Dodero just beat the buzzer to make it a 7-4 final.

Final shots favoured the Dogs 35-33 with Chris Tai taking the loss while Jonathan Reinhart picked up the win in net. The Dogs went 1 for 5 on the power play and the Clippers went 4 for 4.

While the critical fan who simply demands wins and deems losses unacceptable won't like the end result of this one, anyone who watched the game in person or on Fast Hockey or had their ears peeled to the radio had to no doubt find a lot of positives to take out of this one, despite the end result on the scoreboard. The three previous losses don't compare to this one in my opinion as while they failed for the most part to inspire, this one was completely different. The Bulldogs were ready to play from the opening puck drop. They played inspired and passionate hockey with some urgency and desperation mixed in, and it was a pleasure to watch. While there are certainly areas to improve - they needed a save and a penalty kill at one end, and to capitalize on a power play and finish a scoring chance at the other - if the Dogs continue to bring the same level of work ethic and preparation and improve on their consistency, the results will certainly come.

Of concern is that the Bulldogs lost yet another player early in the game due to injury, and once again there was no penalty call on the play. I don't know the playing status of Cayden Kraus moving forward so can't comment on it, but I do know they lost him in the first minutes of the game and he didn't return. I didn't see the incident, just the aftermath so it's hard for me to comment. At the same time if a player is profusely bleeding and badly cut by a high stick and subsequently loses a couple teeth, you have to hope one of the four officials sees and calls something. 

The Dogs are next in action Friday night at home when they host the Victoria Grizzlies.

Hammer

Line up Dogs @ Clippers

Dogs visit Clippers tonight, Jordan Kremyr interview

It's the first meeting of the season between these two great rivals as the Bulldogs (1-4-0-0, 5th Island) head over the hump to visit the Clippers (3-3-0-0, 3rd Island) at the Frank Crane Arena.

The Dogs were last in action Friday morning at the BCHL Showcase in Chilliwack where they lost their third in a row, 3-0 to the Salmon Arm Silverbacks.

The Clippers also were last in action at the Showcase, as they fell 4-2 to the Coquitlam Express on Saturday afternoon

It's pretty early in the season, but this is a pretty big game. The Dogs have lost three straight, and they have scored once in the process. They are a banged up crew - it's certainly way too early in the season for that, but it's the hole the Dogs are in with upwards of three regulars out of the line up. It's a factor, but the remaining guys taking the ice can't let it be an excuse. Come ready to play, keep it simple, get pucks to the net and be ready to play a full 60 and let the pucks bounce how they may!

I'll have all the action for you on Van Isle Ford Bulldogs Hockey on 93.3 The Peak FM starting with the pregame show at 6:45 with the puck drop and play-by-play to follow at 7:00pm.

If you aren't in 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 marks the beginning of what is a season-long endeavor to try and catch up to as many former Bulldogs as possible for a little chit chat about their time here, and where they are now. The first in our series of Alumni Interviews for the 2015-2016 season is former Bulldog Jordan Kremyr, now with the Norfolk Admirals of the ECHL.

Jordan has recently began a new endeavour - mentoring athletes. To learn more, check out his website by clicking HERE

Jordan spoke to the Bulldogs after their game against Penticton at the Showcase on Saturday. It was very very interesting to hear Jordan speak of where he began, what he went through ( 4 years with Providence at the NCAA level) and where he his now. Jordan wasn't what I would have called a team-first role player during his time with the Bulldogs - he was the leading scorer, a top end guy. In College his role completely changed. To play pro - he's going into his 7th pro season - he had to block shots and be an energy guy and reinvent himself.  Check out Jordan's career stats here He sounds like the consummate team guy now - he was named Captain of the Bakersfield Condors last year. A former chriping champ, Jordan spoke on Thursday on how he realized the negative effects of what happens in every single dressing room, and how he focuses now on quite simply building his teammates up and being positive. Tire pumping only! 

Here's a cool video Bulldogs fan Kaicee made - great Bulldog support from all over North America!

Hammer

Dogs drop third straight, 3-0 to Silverbacks

Despite the early start time, it was a rather energetic start to the game with each team skating well and being sharper than I would have anticipated. The teams didn't generate much in the way of a territorial advantage either way, as the game felt somewhat even. The Bulldogs had the best chance of the game early when Will Lavezzorio used great speed to blow the doors off the Silverbacks defence and race in on a breakaway. He would cut on goal only to be hooked by the Silverbacks defender chasing him before he made contact with Silverbacks goalie Angus Redmond. I'm not sure I've seen the situation called this way before, but both the defenceman and Lavezzorio were given penalties, for the stick on the back-check and the contact on the goalie. As the period wore on the game was somewhat chippy with a series of after the whistle skirmishes and dust ups. The Silverbacks would get the best chance later in the frame when Ross Heidt skated in alone on a breakaway but Chris Tai came up with a big stop to keep it 0-0 through 20 minutes, with the shots favouring Salmon Arm 11-5.

The second period began with a thud for the Bulldogs, somewhat eerily similar to what happened against Powell River on Sunday when the game was 0-0 after 20 minutes. The Bulldogs began the period on the power play for 1:05, but looked flat as one mistake compounded and led to another and they failed to gain the Salmon Arm zone on the power play. They then got caught in their zone while on the man advantage and just five seconds after it elapsed it was a 1-0 game when Josh Blanchard was found all alone in front of Chris Tai by Joshua Laframboise. Blanchard would have way too much time, as he deked across the crease before sliding it home five hole, at 1:10 of the second. The Bulldogs would earn another power play later in the period but it again was a momentum killer as they took a penalty early in it to make it four-aside hockey. The Silverbacks would move the puck around like a power play during four-on-four, and went up 2-0 when a point shot hit traffic in front and dropped in the crease where Nick Hutchison found it first and fired it into the open side. Assists on the play went to Elijiah Barriga and and Damian Chrcek at 6:43 of the second. The Bulldogs would kill off the penalty and have their best scoring chance of the game when Garrett Halls was sent in alone on a breakaway after exiting the penalty box, but Angus Redmond came up with a save with his glove arm to keep it out. The Dogs took another penalty late in the period but came up with a big kill to keep it a 2-0 hole. They weren't able to generate much in the way of offense through the frame, with the Silverbacks out-shooting them 13-4 in the period for a 40 minute advantage of 24-9.

The Bulldogs couldn't muster a push early in the third period, as the Silverbacks quickly went up 3-0 on the rush on a 2 on 1 as Colton Thibault kept the puck up the left wing and cut across the deep slot before firing against the grain, beating Tai short-side. The only assist went to Joshua Laframboise  2:44 into the third. That would do it for the scoring as neither side found the net the rest of the way, as the Dogs have now been shut out in two of their last three games, scoring just one goal total over those contests.

Final shots favoured the Silverbacks 29-17 with Chris Tai taking the loss but coming up with countless saves to give his team a change, while Angus Redmond picked up third star honours with the win. I had both teams at 0 for 6 on the power play.

The Bulldogs are next in action Wednesday in Nanaimo.

Hammer

Hockey for Breakfast, Bulldogs face Silverbacks this morning *10AM START*

It's going to feel like a flashback to their Minor Hockey days for the players on both sides of the puck as the Bulldogs (1-3-0-0) take on the Salmon Arm Silverbacks (3-1-1-0) at the Bauer BCHL Showcase today for a 10am start time.

The Bulldogs opened their Showcase experience yesterday, losing their second in a row 4-1 to the Penticton Vees. The Silverbacks also played yesterday, losing their first game of the season 3-2 to the Langley Rivermen.

It's certainly an odd time to play a game and it will be a challenge for the players to adjust from their regular routines with most games being at 7:00 or 7:30, and afternoon games usually beginning at 2pm at the earliest. On the positive side, it's still early in the season so routines might not be that set yet, and it's going to effect both teams equally. I'm not sure if the players will be having pasta and chicken breasts for breakfast as most usually do for their pregame meals....that seems a little weird!

In the end, whether it's 10am or 2pm or 2am, you have to find a way to be ready to play and be at your best. No matter what level of hockey these players hope to play in moving forward their careers, you can bet that there will be challenging game times and travel schedules and other adversity and you can bet that the scouts will be looking at who can battle through it.

Settle into your workday at your desk or fry up some bacon and eggs at home and catch all the action on Van Isle Ford Bulldogs Hockey on 93.3 The Peak FM starting with the pregame show at 9:45 (that still feels very weird to write!) with the puck drop and play-by-play to follow at 10:00am.

This morning's 2nd Intermission guest is Dan Marshall, play-by-play voice of the Nanaimo Clippers on our sister station 106.9 The Wolf in Nanaimo. The Bulldogs next see action Wednesday night at the Frank Crane Arena for the first meeting of the season between the two clubs.

If you aren't in 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 

Dogs lose second straight, 4-1 to Vees

A very sloppy start to the game from both sides in this one, as neither team was able to string two passes together - or so it seemed, over the first five or six minutes of the game. The Vees would have the best chance of the game near the midway point of the first on a 2 on 1 rush but Chris Tai made a fantastic splits save on Jason Lavallee to keep it scoreless. The Vees would continue to push and hemmed the Dogs in their end shortly afterwards and again had a couple great chances but Tai stood call to keep it scoreless. The Vees would open the scoring late in the period on the power play on a neutral zone turnover that saw Scott Conway send Tyson Jost in alone on the breakaway where he cut in tight on goal and fired it past the glove of Tai to make it 1-0 Vees at 17:38 of the first. Shots favoured Penticton 12-11 after 20 minutes.

The second period had better pace from the get-go, with both sides looking sharp. The Vees would find the net to build their lead to 2-0 on a quick play off a draw in the Dogs end as Scott Conway again found Tyson Jost, alone in front of the Dogs net where he flipped it by Tai at 7:56 of the second. The Dogs would get their feet under them a couple of minutes later on a good shift in the zone by Brandon McReynolds, Logan Savard and Liam Conrad as they kept the puck deep and won a series of battles down low to hem the Vees in. Reinforcements would arrive off the bench, and the puck would end up in the back of the net seconds later as Josh Adkins fed it back to the left point for Taylor Derynck, who threw a puck on goal that was deflected home through the five hole of Anthony Brodeur by Nathan Dingmann for his first career goal at 9:20 of the second to make it a 2-1 game. The Dogs would have a glorious opportunity to get the equalizer shortly afterwards when Garrett Halls was cut by a Vees high stick, resulting in a four minute power play. The Dogs weren't able to connect on it, with the best chance actually going to the Vees as Scott Conway raced up ice and intercepted a cross-ice pass off a faceoff win. Chris Tai would make the save, and then get some help with his defence sliding back and knocking the net off before Conway knocked the rebound in as the Referee waved what would have been a killer goal for the Vees off. The Dogs earned another power play late in the period but once again couldn't capitalize as the Vees carried the 2-1 lead into the third period. Shots in the second favoured the Bulldogs 9-7 for a 40 minute advantage of 20-19.

The Dogs began the third with a short power play looking to draw even, but were unable to capitalize. Shortly afterwards the Vees would get the critical insurance marker as Gabe Bast took a cross-ice pass on the rush from Taylor Ward in the right circle and fired it low, short-side off the post and in past Tai to make it 3-1 just 3:02 into the third. The Bulldogs would push - but not until it was too late, generating a couple crazy scrambles around the Vees net after pulling their goalie with 1:40 and change to play in the third period. They came close to making it a one goal game on a couple occasions - one even saw the goal judge turn the red light on. Might have been an itchy trigger finger as the Dogs didn't appear to protest.

Third period shots favoured the Dogs 8-4 for a game total favouring the Dogs 28-23. Special teams were a big difference again in this one, with the Dogs going 0 for 6 on the power play, and the Vees going 1 for 2. Chris Tai took the loss in net but played strong, while Anthony Brodeur picked up the win.

The Dogs conclude their appearance in the Showcase tomorrow at 10:00am when they face the Salmon Arm Silverbacks, who also lost their Showcase appearance today 3-2 to Langley.

Bulldogs and Vees meet this afternoon at BCHL Showcase *4PM START*

(Accept my apologies for the late posting of this - I thought I posted this on the bus at 7:00am today at the top of the hump but I guess it didn't publish correctly!)


The Bauer BCHL Showcase experience begins this afternoon for the Bulldogs (1-2-0-0) as they meet the defending Fred Page Cup Champion Penticton Vees (3-1-0-0) for a 4:00pm start at the Prospera Centre in Chilliwack.

This is the third straight year that the Bulldogs will meet the Vees at the Showcase, and no, I have no idea why these teams seem to meet every year at this event, as I've had plenty of people ask me why this meeting has become a tradition at this event.

The Bulldogs are quite obviously looking for a chance at redemption and to prove themselves after they were humbled at home 7-0 on Sunday by the Powell River Kings.

They had best be ready to play from the get-go, top to bottom throughout their roster, as their test is a big one in the Vees. After dropping their season opening game the Vees have won three straight, last seeing action Saturday night in West Kelowna where they topped the Warriors 4-1.

It's no doubt an exciting opportunity for the players to play in front of a huge number of NCAA/CIS and NHL scouts. Having said that, I think it's important to try and not think about the people watching and just play the game and not try to do to much and play individually. That's when mistakes happen, and that's how teams lose. If you play within yourself and your abilities, you'll get noticed - for the right reasons, not the wrong ones!

As you can see, it's a pretty nice view from up in the Pressbox in Chilliwack to call the game. I'll have all the action for you on Van Isle Ford Bulldogs Hockey on 93.3 The Peak FM 
starting with the pregame show at 3:45 and all the action following the 4:00pm puck drop.

Today's 2nd Intermission guest is Ian Douglas, the play-by-play voice of the Salmon Arm Silverbacks, who the Bulldogs meet tomorrow morning at 10am to conclude their appearance at the Showcase.

If you aren't in 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

Hammer

Peaks and Valleys...

What a fascinating game this hockey thing is eh? A big win on Saturday for the Bulldogs in their home opener in front of over 1100 fans. Hard fought and intense throughout, I thought the Dogs looked great. That's a peak obviously. Then what went down on Sunday. A pretty deep valley, to say the least!

You'll win some, and you'll lose some. In my opinion the most important thing is not to get too high or too low either way. It's easy to win a game, or a couple of games, and all of a sudden it seems too easy and confidence gets too high. Get over confident, don't come ready to play, and that's a recipe for losing. All of a sudden if you drop a game, it can become two or three in a hurry. Then confidence erodes, self-doubt comes in and things get over analyzed and guys get down on themselves and each other. If that happens....well two or three can become nine or ten before you know it.

Confidence, like momentum, is a fascinating and fickle thing. Very hard to earn, very hard to keep and very easy to lose. It makes all the difference when it comes to a player and in the bigger picture, the team as a whole.

It's hard to make sense of a game like the one that played out Sunday as the Bulldogs lost 7-0 to Powell River. A great back and forth first period with both teams going hard and neither side in my opinion carrying more of the play than the other. Cue the second period. I'm not sure if it's that the Dogs were at one level and the Kings were at another, and that's why the first goal went in 30 seconds into the frame. Or - if it was just one unfortunate play that happened that then resulted in the Dogs sagging and the Kings taking off. Either way, immediately after that goal it was very evident that the Kings were flying and the Dogs were a couple gears behind. The Kings pushed and had a series of good chances, with Carson Schamerhorn coming up with a handful of good stops to keep his team in it. Down to the final 10 or so seconds of a power play however, the Kings scored again and went up 2-0 and the Dogs were in serious trouble with how they reacted to the situation.

Consistency. What a huge word that is when it comes to the ramifications on the outcome of a game. Take your foot off the gas, find yourself not ready to play at the level and pace that the opposition is playing at, and nothing good is going to happen. It's incredibly hard to always play hard, and always push the pace and be at your best. Without question, the rewards if you do are worth it though. At the same time without question the consequences if you don't are quite painful, as the Dogs found out Sunday. Here's hoping it's a lesson learned that won't have to be learned again.

There are few things I'm certain of, but one of them I have no doubt about is that being outworked is absolutely inexcusable and won't be tolerated by the great fans in this city, or the Coaching staff. It's been said many times before including here on the blog recently - the fans here understand that you can't win them all and they don't expect their team to. With that understanding however comes the demand that you bring your work boots and your lunch bucket, and if you do go down, you go down swinging and you maybe even throw a couple punches while you are flat on your back and down for the count!

A final thought - after looking at the great video on youtube today of the first goal on home ice on Saturday night, what really stood out for me was the urgency, effort, intensity and pace that everyone on the ice in a white jersey had. These guys were inspired and ready to play and flying. Flip the page to Sunday's game through the second and third period and the Dogs looked like the Grizzlies did in the video, and the Kings looked like the Dogs did the night before.
 

Kings thump Dogs 7-0

Once again a pretty good pace to start the game for both sides of the puck, although there wasn't much in the way of glaring mistakes that led to scoring chances for either side. The Kings would earn a power play chance near the midway point of the first, and managed to get several pucks on net but Carson Schamerhorn was sharp in net to keep it scoreless. The Bulldogs had their best pressure of the period shortly afterwards as the line of Jordan Sandhu, Josh Adkins and Scottie Clark hemmed the Kings in and managed to generate a couple of scrambles around Stefan Wornig, but they couldn't find the back of the net as it stayed 0-0 through 20 minutes, with the shots even at 9 aside.

It took just 34 seconds for the Kings to get on the board in the second period as a Bulldog defender got caught standing up at the line and a long 2 on 1 rush was the end result, and the Kings connected on it beautifully as Curtis Turnbull out-waited the Bulldog defender before putting a perfect cross-ice pass onto the tape of Tristan Mullin who made no mistake firing past a diving Schamerhorn to make it 1-0 at 34 seconds of the second. The Kings goal went to their legs, as they continued to push the Dogs and had a couple great scoring chances from the slot and in tight that Schamerhorn came up big on. The Dogs couldn't push back though, as the Kings drew a penalty and ended up building their lead on it when a point shot missed the net but bounced off the end boards and out the opposite side where Hunter Findlater found it and potted it into the open side. Jack Long also drew an assist on the play at 5:26 of the second. What looked like a tough non-call would end up in the back of the Dogs net shortly afterwards as Eric Margo got his stick taken out of his hands near the Kings line as Powell River raced up ice on another odd-man rush that they connected on when Curtis McCarrick converted a cross-ice pass from Nick Halagian that Schamerhorn had no chance on at 8:32 of the second to make it 3-0. The Dogs appeared to earn their first power play of the game two minutes later, with a delayed penalty coming against the Kings. Cayden Kraus would drive the net and make contact with the goalie, resulting in the Kings roughing him up hard after the whistle. Kraus would get the only penalty with none of the after the whistle retaliation being called, as the result was 5 on 5 hockey. Seconds after play resumed, the Dogs were penalized away from the puck. On the ensuing man-advantage the Kings made quick work of it to go up 4-0 as Jeremy Leipsic fired a rebound home in tight off a deflection. Nick Halagian picked up the only assist on the play at 12:18 of the second.

Shots favoured the Kings 19-9 for a two period total favouring the Kings of  28-19.

The Dogs put on a good push despite the score to start the third period, but again they couldn't find the net to make a game of it. The Kings would find the net to go up 5-0 on the power play when Jack Long walked down the right wing and blew a slap shot off a defender's stick and up and over the glove of Schamerhorn, top corner short-side at 6:38 with Jeremy Leipsic drawing the only assist. Just two and a half minutes later it was 6-0 Kings when Rylan Ball chased down a loose puck and roofed one short-side high, past the glove of Schamerhorn. There was no assist on the play at 8:56 of the third. Less than a minute later it was 7-0 as Kyle Betts was allowed to walk in alone - looked offside to me by a foot, might be sour grapes - he made no mistake on the breakaway, cutting across the crease and lifting it by Schamerhorn. Assists on the play went to Carter Turnbull and Jeremy Leclerc at 9:29 of the third. The Dogs would call time out to attempt and stop the bleeding, and while they did that and showed no quit, they could never get much of a sustained attack going to break the shut out bid of Stefan Wornig, who did make a couple solid saves in the later minutes to protect the goose egg for the 7-0 final score.

Third period shots favoured the Dogs 16-11, with the Kings outshooting the Dogs 39-34 overall. Carson Schamerhorn took the loss, but was the least of the Dogs worries in this one in my opinion. Stefan Wornig picked up second star honours with the win and the shut out in the Kings net.

Special teams stats saw the Dogs go 0 for 2 on the power play while the Kings went a lethal 3 for 6.

The Dogs next see action Thursday at 4pm when they face the Penticton Vees at the BCHL Showcase in Chilliwack.

Hammer

Dogs host Kings this afternoon, Terry Fox Run

 After just two games in seven days to open the season, it's the second in 24 hours this afternoon as the Bulldogs (1-1-0-0) host the Powell River Kings (2-2-0-0) today at the Multiplex for a 2pm puck drop.

The Bulldogs hosted the Grizzlies last night where the picked up a 3-2 win. The Kings are playing their third game in two and a half days this weekend. They fell 5-1 in Duncan to the Capitals on Friday night, but bounced back last night with a 4-3 win over the Clippers in Nanaimo.

The Bulldogs absolutely must not take the Kings lightly, thinking that they will be easy pickings playing their third game this weekend already. Under Head Coach Kent Lewis the Kings have always played hard and they will be a big test as they always are, no matter how many games they have played and how many miles they have logged. The Bulldogs will be in the same situation throughout the season that the Kings are today.

Get all the action on 93.3 The Peak's Bulldogs Hockey brought to you by Pacific Chevrolet live from the Multiplex with myself, Bruce MacDonald and Dan Tisserand starting with the pregame show at 1:45 with the puck drop and play-by-play to follow at 2:00pm.

Today's 2nd Intermission guest is BCHL Commissioner John Grisdale, in an interview he had last week with Host Jeff Patterson on the BCHL This Week radio program on TSN 1040 and TSN 1410. Here's some details on the show, which is back again for another season. Throughout the year, we'll occasionally run segments from the show that are of interest to Bulldog fans.

Back for a third season on TSN Radio, SUBWAY® BCHL This week makes its season debut Saturday morning on TSN1410.

The 30-minute show, hosted by veteran hockey analyst Jeff Paterson, brings listeners the latest news, notes and quotes from around the BCHL. In addition, broadcasters across the league will make weekly contributions to the show.

SUBWAY® BCHL This Week airs from 9:30 to 10 a.m. every Saturday during the season.

"We're looking forward to another great year working with Jeff and TSN Radio," said BCHL communications director Brent Mutis. "Jeff has a good feel for our league and our broadcasters always do an outstanding job every week in getting us storylines and the latest interviews."

Besides getting the lowdown from current BCHL players and coaches, listeners can expect to hear from league alums in the NCAA and Canadian college hockey as well as guests from the NHL ranks.

All episodes of SUBWAY® BCHL This Week will be archived at www.tsnradiovancouver.ca on the Podcasts page.

If you aren't in 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

It's the 35th Anniversary of the Terry Fox Run - the event gets going this morning at the Port Alberni Legion at 10:00am.

Bulldogs Assistant Equipment Manger Jamie Amos is the local defending champ when it comes to fundraising. Last year's totals: $1353 raised for an all-time total of $10,809.

Thanks Jamie for all your efforts - and thanks to everyone that supports him as he tirelessly supports this great cause!

Here's a great story on Jamie from SHAW a couple years back!

Bulldogs top Grizzlies 3-2 in Home Opener

A fantastic start to the contest for the Bulldogs as they didn't appear to be feeling any Home Opener butterflies as they came out of the gate flying and pushing the pace with the line of Scotty Clark, Adam Donnelly and Logan Savard getting in on the fore-check and getting the crowd into it early. While they didn't score on the opening shift, the building blocks were laid for the second line out and they kept up the pressure and found the net to make it 1-0 as Jordan Sandhu fed the puck from below the goal line back to the right point for Garrett Halls who got the puck on net with a quick release through traffic. Mitchell Benson would make the initial stop but he couldn't find the rebound as Scottie Clark fired it home at the side of the net. Assists on the play went to Josh Adkins and Garrett Halls at 1:17 of the first. The Dogs had a great chance to make it 2-0 just a minute later but Mitchell Benson just got his blocker out to stop Nathan Dingmann on a breakaway. The Dogs would earn a power play chance later in the period, but failed to generate much on it. The Grizzlies would draw an advantage shortly afterwards, and had several good looks, with the most notable being when Cole Pickup was stopped by Chris Tai on a one-timer from the slot.

Shots favoured the Bulldogs 15-9 after 20 minutes.

The second period was at times scrambly early but still hotly contested with each side having their share of chances. Nathan Dingmann again had a partial breakaway but he just missed the net after deking in tight. Chris Tai would come up with a breakaway save at the other end on Colin Blake who danced in alone. The score stayed 1-0 until the dying moments of the period, thanks to a solid four minute penalty kill by the Dogs when Liam Conrad was whistled on a double-minor for high sticking. Actually, he wasn't whistled as neither of the two Referees made the call when it happened, but one of the two Linesman appeared to catch it as the penalty was handed out after the fact at the next stoppage. The Dogs did a good job of keeping the Grizzlies to the out side and didn't give them much. With less than a minute to go in the frame the Dogs raced in on a 3 on 1 rush where Will Lavezzorio put a puck on net that resulted in a rebound for Brodie Smith, but Benson kept it out. The Dogs would get caught with too many men in deep as the Grizzlies turned up ice on a 3 on 1 rush of their own that they connected on when Braden Gelsinger put a perfect cross-ice pass onto the tape of PJ Conlon who one-timed it into the open side to make it 1-1 with 19:40 gone in the second. Assists on the play went to Kevin Massy and Gelsinger.

Shots were even at 12 aside through the period, for a 27-21 Bulldog advantage after 40 minutes.

The Grizzlies had the best chance to go ahead early in the third on a Braden Gelsinger breakaway chance, but Chris Tai stood tall to keep it out. The Dogs would take the lead back just over eight minutes into the period on a fantastic effort by Logan Savard as he chased down a dump in and fought off two Grizzlies to freeze the puck on the boards for an extended period until reinforcements arrived off the bench on the line change. Josh Adkins would dig the puck loose and feed it back to the right point for Nolan Alward who threw the puck low at the net where Scottie Clark deflected it home past Benson, short-side to make it 2-1 Bulldogs at 8:22 with Alward and Adkins drawing the assists, with a huge effort by Savard not ending up on the scoresheet but also not being overlooked.  The Dogs would push hard to get some insurance and had a series of good chances in tight but Benson would stand tall. With just over three minutes to play the Grizzlies would be awarded a power play on a high sticking penalty to Scott Clark, but the Dogs penalty killers and Chris Tai did a good job to kill it off to protect the lead. The Grizzlies would call time out and pull their goalie with 38 seconds to play and a draw in the attacking zone to try and find the equalizer, but the Dogs got control of the draw and cleared it out where it was chased down by Josh Adkins at centre ice after the last Grizzlies defender fell down as he fired it into the open cage to make it 3-1 from Troy Dobbs and Paul Meyer picking up the assists at 19:29 of the third. That wouldn't do it for the scoring however, as the Grizzlies didn't quit, making it a 3-2 game on a bang-bang play in tight on Chris Tai that saw an initial Kevin Massy shot hit the post and stay out. I actually thought the first one went in, but the puck ended up over the line anyway with just five seconds to play with Braden Gelsinger getting credit for it, with Massy and Cole Pickup drawing the assists at 19:55 for the eventual final score.

Third period shots favoured the Bulldogs 17-12 for a game total of  44-32. I had the Dogs at 0 for 2 on the power play and the Grizzlies at 0 for 4. Chris Tai picked up the win and second star honours in net while Mitchell Benson took third star honours with the loss.

The Dogs host the Kings tomorrow afternoon for a 2pm puck drop.

Hammer

Bulldogs host Grizzlies tonight for 2015-2016 Home Opener, Toy Run TODAY!

It's back to Dog Pound ice tonight as the Bulldogs (0-1-0-0) host the Victoria Grizzlies (0-2-0-0) for their 2015-2016 Home Opener.

Pregame festivities tonight include a BBQ and live music getting underway at 5:00pm. Proceeds from the BBQ go towards Literacy Alberni and the Raise a Reader Campaign. 93.3 The Peak FM afternoon drive host Ashleigh Clark will be broadcasting live from outside the Multiplex starting at 5pm to get the word out early so be sure to tune in.

The Bulldogs last played Saturday night in Duncan where they lost their season opener 6-3 to the Cowichan Valley Capitals. They are likely to be without 20 year old defenceman Tyler Cooper tonight, as he was injured on a hit by Adam Osczevski in that game on a play that led to the 2-1 goal. There was no penalty on the play - Osczevski would go on to score two more goals, including the eventual game winner. He was awarded the BCHL's Player of the Week award on Monday, before being suspended by the BCHL for two games for the hit on Tuesday. As much as you'd like the Officials on the ice to make the right call at the time of the incident, one still has to like how the Bulldogs went to bat for their player and submitted the incident to the league - a time consuming process - and that the league dealt with it the way they did. Sounds like a bunch of sour grapes perhaps, but more just a statement of facts. In the end, here's hoping Cooper is back sooner than later!

The Grizzlies were in Nanaimo last night, where they lost their second straight to open the season, 4-2 to the Clippers. While they won't like the end result, they certainly have some positives to take out of the contest as they dug out of a 3-0 hole in the third period to make it 3-2 with 1:04 to play before surrendering an empty netter with a few seconds left on the clock as their comeback bid fell just short.  

There will no doubt be a few butterflies kicking around for the players as it's the first chance to play on Home Ice. Don't feel nervous guys.... I know that's easier said than done of course, but all you need to know is that all the fans expect is a hard working effort. Sure they want a win, but they DEMAND above all an honest effort!

Catch all the action on Pacific Chevrolet Bulldogs Hockey tonight  on 93.3 The Peak FM with the pregame show at approximately 6:45 and the play-by-play to follow at 7:00 with myself, Bruce MacDonald and Dan "the statsman" Tisserand providing the play-by-play, colour commentary and statistics.

Tonight's 2nd Intermission guest is Alex Rawnsley, play-by-play voice of the Powell River Kings, who visit the Dogs tomorrow for a 2pm puck drop.

If you aren't in 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

 The 2015 Port Alberni Toy Run goes TODAY! If you need a reminder - here's the jist of it!

The 30th Annual Port Alberni Toy Run leaves little Qualicum Falls at noon SHARP today, with the festivities for all ages at Glenwood Centre to follow. Dances to follow tonight go at the Glenwood, and a sober dance also goes at Char's Landing. Tickets to the dance at Glenwood will be for sale for riders out at Little Qualicum Falls, and should there be any remaining, they will go on sale at Glenwood following the run. Sunday is the poker run with a live band to follow at Boston Pizza.

Hammer

Multiplex Moments, Dog Pound Memories 2003-2015...pictures/videos

I posted this last year in advance of the Home Opener and it drew rave reviews, so I'm doing it again this year - enjoy! 

Hammer

Well this was supposed to be my "game day" post for Saturday, as I was working on the blog yesterday for the weekend. With work and family and everything else I find I have to be a bit ahead of the game, so to speak, or it just gets to be too much! Well I ran into a bit of a problem, as I was looking through pictures to find my favorite to include in the Game Day post Saturday. I succeeded in narrowing it down to about 20 haha! 

So, this has now become a little pump-up / primer blog post to get you through to Saturday. My favorite moments from all my years of calling games at the Dog Pound. There's lots of pictures and video links so be patient and give this at least a two-minute minor to load. Maybe even a 10 minute misconduct depending on your internet connection!

Hope you enjoy and it gives you some memories, and if you are a player, some motivation. Pack the shack, spread the word, tell the family your friends the inlaws the outlaws, heck even your enemies!

No better place to watch/play/broadcast a game!

And now some videos!