Dogs drop third straight, 4-2 to Griz

Today's Game Report is brought to you courtesy of the Best Western Plus Barclay Hotel 

The BEST WESTERN PLUS Barclay Hotel, the largest full facility hotel in Port Alberni, BC. When staying with us there is no need to give up conveniences you are used to. You can discover treasures to take home at the Alberni Harbour Quay, and then browse our onsite Cold Beer, Wine Store and liquor store or retreat to our Stamps Cafe or Pastimes Sports Bar and Grill to enjoy a snack or to watch the game on our big screen TV. Then, relax in our sauna or pool before settling in our luxurious accommodations to enjoy the vintage wine picked up earlier. That's when you will truly understand why the tranquil setting of our hotel has been called the perfect place to call home. If traveling on business, our Port Alberni Hotel boasts over 4500 square feet of meeting space in four rooms that are perfect for small conventions, banquets, parties, meetings and weddings. AV equipment and catering are also available.

After the first two minutes were somehwat slow going, the pace picked up and the hockey was fantastic to watch through the midway point of the first as the teams went end to end with little whistles and no penalties to speak of. The Dogs might have been sparked by to huge back to back hits by Dominic Thom on Joe Visconti on the same shift early in the game. The game was scoreless through the midway point of the first, but the Grizzlies took a 1-0 lead with just over six minutes to play in the first when they hemmed the Dogs in their end for an extended period before PJ Conlon one-timed a pass off the right circle that snuck by a Dogs defender and bounced in off the blocker of Brody Claeys. Cole Pickup and Tyler Welsh also drew assists on the play at 13:50 of the first. The Dogs were penalized soon afterwards, but almost tied the game while shorthanded as Chris Schutz stole the puck at centre ice and raced down the right wing where he ripped a slapper that went through the legs of Matthew Galajda. It would be stopped before the goal line however, by Nick Guiney. As Schutz turned back to the net out of the corner, he would get tied up with Brett Stirling, who shot the stick of Schutz about 100 feet in the air into the rafters right out of his hands, but the Official watching it deemed it not worth a penalty. At the other end of the ice a second after the penalty had elapsed, it would be Brett Stirling who took a pass from below the goal line wide open in the slot that he roofed top corner, short-side high on Claeys to make it 2-0, with assists to Alex Peck and Spencer Hunter at 16:29 of the first. The Dogs would respond fairly admirably to the early hole, pushing back and attacking in the Grizzlies zone. They would however again be penalized in phantom fashion, as Garret Halls drilled Keyvan Mokhtari, only to somehow earn an interference call. The Grizzlies would seize the opportunity, going up 3-0 just 14 seconds into the power play when Jake Stevens drilled a one-timer off a cross-ice pass that beat Brody Claeys short side. While Stevens took the shot, he wouldn't even earn an assist on the play as Nick Guiney was given credit for the marker, with assists going to Keyvan Mokhtari and Cody Van Lierop at 19:03 of the first. Shots favoured the Grizzlies 9-6 through 20 minutes.

The Bulldogs would get a critical goal just short of three minutes into the second to get back into it, just seconds after a lunging second effort blocker save by Carson Schamerhorn - who started the period in relief - on a PJ Conlon follow up off a failed breakaway attempt. Chris Sarault would chip the puck to himself up the right wing where he made a defender miss to skate in on a 2 on 1 rush. Sarault would pass over to Nathan Dingmann, who had the pass hit him and go to the crease where Adam Donnelly tapped it in to make it 3-1 at 2:58 of the second. That would be the score heading into the third, with each team having their chances throughout the rest of the frame but with the Grizzlies having more of them, out shooting the Dogs 12-6 for a 40 minute advantage of 21-12.

The Bulldogs came out with a great push to start the third and had back to back looks on scrambles around the Grizzlies net, but they couldn't get a bounce. They would then get caught pushing too hard, and gave up an odd man rush as a result. The Grizzlies would connect on it as Brayden Gelsinger kept the puck and walked in tight to the net down the right side before putting a perfect wrist shot just inside the far post past the blocker of Schamerhorn to make it 4-1 at 1:23 of the third from Keyvan Mohktari and Brett Stirling. The Bulldogs would have their opportunities to get back in it near the midway point of the period with back to back power plays, but as has been the case lately they just couldn't buy a bounce as several scrambles and open nets saw the puck stay out before a Garrett Halls chance from the slot rang off the crossbar for a final exclamation point. The Dogs would play hard to the end, making it a 4-2 game when Nathan Dingmann stole the puck while shorthanded to skate in on a breakaway and deke one home on the backhand to make it 4-2 with 22 seconds to play, but that's as close as the Dogs got.

Final shots favoured the Grizzlies 27-26 with the Dogs out shooting them 14-6 in the third period. Brody Claeys took the loss before Carson Schamerhorn played the final two periods while Matt Galajda picked up third star honours with the win. The Dogs went 0 for 3 on the power play while the Grizzlies went  1 for 5.

The Dogs are next in action Friday night at 7:30 in Trail.

Bulldogs visit Grizzlies tonight in huge four-point game

It's maybe as big as a game in November can get as the Bulldogs (10-14-1-1, 5th Island) continue their stretch of nine straight games away from home tonight when they visit the Grizzlies (10-16-0-3, 4th Island) tonight at the Q Centre in Victoria.

This is the fourth meeting of the season between the teams, but the first since October 8th. The Bulldogs have won the previous three meetings by scores of 3-2, 4-2, and 4-2 again in the most recent meeting and only meeting to date in Victoria this season.

The Dogs were last in action Wednesday night in Duncan where the suffered a tough luck loss in what was what I thought a pretty good effort, falling 5-3 to the Capitals.  The Grizzlies meanwhile were in action last night at home, losing 5-2 to the Nanaimo Clippers. That score isn't flattering, but the Grizzlies fought back to make it a 3-2 game with over 10 minutes to play before Nanaimo scored twice in the final five minutes. This is the fourth of five straight home games for the Grizz.

I'll bring you all the action as always on Van Isle Ford's Bulldogs Hockey on 93.3 The Peak FM starting with the pregame show at 6:45, with all the game action to follow just after 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's 2nd Intermission guest is Scott Calvin, play-by-play voice of the Trail Smoke Eaters who the Dogs visit next Friday to kick off another three-in-three weekend.

Good effort, bad result, Caps top Dogs 5-3

Today's Game Report is brought to you courtesy of the Best Western Plus Barclay Hotel 

The BEST WESTERN PLUS Barclay Hotel, the largest full facility hotel in Port Alberni, BC. When staying with us there is no need to give up conveniences you are used to. You can discover treasures to take home at the Alberni Harbour Quay, and then browse our onsite Cold Beer, Wine Store and liquor store or retreat to our Stamps Cafe or Pastimes Sports Bar and Grill to enjoy a snack or to watch the game on our big screen TV. Then, relax in our sauna or pool before settling in our luxurious accommodations to enjoy the vintage wine picked up earlier. That's when you will truly understand why the tranquil setting of our hotel has been called the perfect place to call home. If traveling on business, our Port Alberni Hotel boasts over 4500 square feet of meeting space in four rooms that are perfect for small conventions, banquets, parties, meetings and weddings. AV equipment and catering are also available.

The first minute and change of the game was slow starting, with 4 or 5 whistles early. The Capitals would take a 1-0 lead before the game was two minutes old, on the rush after winning a draw just outside the Dogs blue line. The Dogs would get caught standing up at their own line and the Caps drove the net with speed as Rhett Wilcox one-timed home a cross-ice pass from Luke Santero, short side high before Carson Schamerhorn could get post to post. Connor Russell picked up the secondary assist at 1:44 of the first. Despite the tough start and how it must have been demoralizing to concede the opening goal for the sixth straight game, the Dogs deserve credit for not dwelling on it as they pushed the pace and carried the better of the play and had a series of chances before eventually tying the game just past the midway mark of the period. Chris Schutz would put a drop pass into the right circle for Quinn Syrydiuk, who one-timed it high and hard on goal. Storm Phaneuf would make the save, but the puck bounced out of his glove and behind him onto the goal line. A Caps clearing attempt would be knocked down by Dominic Thom in the hash marks, where he ripped it home top corner for his first as a Bulldog to tie it at 1-1 at 10:56 of the first with the Dogs holding an 11-4 lead at that point in the shots. The Caps would quickly respond, somewhat against the flow of play as Ryan Burton passed a spinning puck back to the right point for Connor Russell. He would one-time it on goal, where it was deflected home top corner by Kade Kehoe up and over the blocker of Schamerhorn to make it 2-1 Caps at 12:35 of the first. The Capitals would have a great chance to build the lead late in the period, but Carson Schamerhorn came up with a breakaway save on Matt Hudie to keep it 2-1 Caps after one with the Dogs outshooting the Capitals 13-8.

The first half of the second was played a high pace, with each team having a couple of looks around the net but the goalies standing tall to keep it a 2-1 game with each team having five shots through the first 10 minutes of the second. The Bulldogs would earn a power play soon afterwards, and connected on it just 15 seconds into the advantage as Scott Clark put a pass out to Chris Schutz in the left circle. He would put one on net from a sharp angle, resulting in a rebound in the slot with Adam Donnelly tying up the Caps defenders in the crease. Clark would find it after a second save by Phaneuf, and lift a backhand over the blocker of Phaneuf to make it a 2-2 game at 11:41 of the second with Schutz picking up the only assist. Similarly to the first when the Dogs tied it, the Capitals would quickly respond, albeit in controversial fashion as the Dogs coughed up the puck in the slot of their own zone. Carson Schamerhorn would make a good first save, only to have the puck go off his shoulder and high in the air. It would bounce on the goal line, with the Capitals jamming away to try and poke it home. One of the two Referees was in perfect position, crouching low behind the Dogs net to try and see it. He would never signal goal, instead raising one arm to the air as the net was dislodged. After a short conference at centre ice, a goal was awarded, and I'm not sure how that decision was made with the only person in the rink having a good look at it not apparently counting it. Ayden MacDonald would get credit for it, with assists going to Rhett Wilcox and Luke Santerno at 14:29 of the second. That has to be at least the third such goal in recent memory that has ended up in the Dogs net, where a puck has been stopped, only to go skyward and take an unfortunate bounce and go in, thinking back to versus Langley and Salmon Arm.  The Dogs would take a penalty immediately following the goal, and the Capitals would make them pay on the power play as Ryan Burton did a lap of the attacking zone from the right corner, across the deep slot and into the left circle down low before putting a cross-ice pass onto the tape of Matt Hudie who slid it into the open net at 16:24 to make it 4-2 Caps after two, with the Dogs out shooting the Capitals 13-10 in the period for a two period total of 26-18.

The Bulldogs again played pretty good hockey to start the third, having a couple odd-man chances that went painfully wide, most notably when Chris Sarault walked to the net on an odd-man rush and put a cross-crease pass to Liam Conrad, who just couldn't get a stick on it as he was tied up by a Capitals defender. Another chance on the rush a moment later saw an Eric Margo deflection hit between the pads of Phaneuf, only to have the puck stay out initially and on the ensuing scramble. A Bulldog penalty would follow promptly afterwards, and the Capitals would again connect as a Mitch Meek shot from the top of the point through a maze of bodies had eyes and eluded Carson Shamerhorn's blocker and found the back of the net. Connor Russell drew the only assist at 8:41 of the third. The Dogs didn't sag, and drew a penalty a couple minutes later. Another penalty at the front of the net resulted in a 5 on 3 advantage. The Dogs however would want more, as Patrick Geary speared Quinn Syrydiuk in the groin on his way to the penalty box, with one of the two Referees just feet away looking directly at it. No penalty would be called however, which incensed the Dogs bench. The Dogs would call time out and made quick work of the advantage as Nathan Dingmann fed Paul Meyer in the right circle, where he went cross-ice to Chris Schutz in the left circle where he blew a one-timer home before Phaneuf could get over to make it 5-3 at 13:49 of the third. The Bulldogs bench couldn't let the un-called spear go however, and before the puck was dropped the power play was taken away for a bench minor. You can't blame the bench or staff for taking the penalty, or at least I don't. It was obviously seen, and was a four minute penalty and was deliberately not called apparently. A critic would say that better discipline is better needed at that juncture. I'm inclined to agree with that somewhat, but one has to think that the Officials are just looking for an excuse at that point to hand that penalty out. At any length, the Dogs would push with their goalie out to make it a power play but they couldn't make it a one-goal game. With the Dogs net empty and a partial breakaway for the Caps at the least, Dominic Thom dove to knock the puck away from the Caps forward. He appeared to get puck first, but a penalty would still be called. As I understand the rules, a penalty on an empty net on an impending goal makes it an automatic goal, but it wouldn't in this case as the Caps went to a 5 on 3 power play to finish the game.

Shots in the third favoured the Dogs 12-9 for a game total of 38-27 with Carson Schamerhorn taking the loss and Storm Phaneuf picking up the win. Unofficial special teams numbers - I had both sides at 2 for 8 on the power play.

A great effort for the Dogs, but not the result they obviously wanted. One might say that a loss is a loss, no matter how you slice it. I however will look deeper than the end result and find the positive that the Dogs played well, and perhaps deserved a bounce or two that would have made all the difference. Full credit to the Caps, not to take anything away from their victory.

The Dogs next see action Saturday night in Victoria.

Dogs head down Island to visit Caps tonight at the BIG STICK

It's another tough test on the road for the Bulldogs (10-13-1-1, 5th Island) as they play their fourth straight game away from home tonight when they visit the Capitals (13-8-1-3, 2nd Island) at the Big Stick at the Island Savings Centre in Duncan.

It's the third meeting of the season between the teams, and the first in Duncan since the Bulldogs season opener on September 12th, a 6-3 Caps win. The last head-to-head match up was at the Dog Pound on October 10th, and it was a memorable one with the Dogs trailing all game before tying it with a minute to go and then winning it 4-3 in overtime.

The Bulldogs were last in action Sunday afternoon in Vernon where they fell 5-0 to the Vipers. The Capitals were last in action Saturday night at home where they lost their second in a row, 4-3 in double OT to the Nanaimo Clippers

This is a pretty big game for both sides of the puck - the Dogs enter play tonight a single point behind Victoria who sit in 4th place in the Division. This is one of their three games in hand. The Caps enter play three points behind the Clippers for the Division lead. It's one of their two games in hand. Here's hoping the Dogs are motivated to climb into the final playoff spot, and that they don't squander one of their games in hand. You can bet they'll need to bring their best effort - the Capitals are 9-2-0-1 on home ice.

 93.3 The Peak's Bulldogs Hockey brought to you by Van Isle Ford takes to the airwaves at 6:45 with the pregame show kicking things off, followed by all the game action at 7:00.

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's 2nd Intermission guest is Scott Didmon, play-by-play voice of the Victoria Grizzlies, who the Dogs visit on Saturday night.

Dogs fall 5-0 in Vernon

Today's Game Report is brought to you courtesy of the Best Western Plus Barclay Hotel 

The BEST WESTERN PLUS Barclay Hotel, the largest full facility hotel in Port Alberni, BC. When staying with us there is no need to give up conveniences you are used to. You can discover treasures to take home at the Alberni Harbour Quay, and then browse our onsite Cold Beer, Wine Store and liquor store or retreat to our Stamps Cafe or Pastimes Sports Bar and Grill to enjoy a snack or to watch the game on our big screen TV. Then, relax in our sauna or pool before settling in our luxurious accommodations to enjoy the vintage wine picked up earlier. That's when you will truly understand why the tranquil setting of our hotel has been called the perfect place to call home. If traveling on business, our Port Alberni Hotel boasts over 4500 square feet of meeting space in four rooms that are perfect for small conventions, banquets, parties, meetings and weddings. AV equipment and catering are also available.

A fairly even start to the game with each team having their opportunities early. The Vipers had the best early chance, but Brody Claeys went post-to-post to rob Christian Cakebread on a three way passing play to keep it scoreless. A broken play at centre ice would work to the Vipers favour shortly afterwards, as the play was initially broken up, but it went off a Bulldog, off of Christian Cakebread, before being found by Jagger Williamson. He would attack the zone with speed before putting a perfect cross-ice pass to the right side for Liam Finlay who had snuck in behind the Dogs defence and skated in alone on the breakaway where he went top corner, far-side over the blocker of Claeys to make it 1-0 at 9:26 of the first. The Bulldogs would have a couple solid attacking zone shifts, and chances on the rush, but they weren't able to get a Grade A shot away to try and beat Andrew Shortridge as the game stayed 1-0 Vipers after one, with the shots even at 8-8. The Bulldogs played a very physical period, throwing a handful of crushing checks.

The second period started with the Vipers having 1:35 of power play time carrying over from the first. The Dogs would kill that, and kill off another subsequent penalty to keep it a 1-0 game through the back half of the period. The Dogs didn't give up much, but also didn't generate much as they had just 11 shots through the midway point of the game. A good chance for the Dogs to get on the board shortly afterwards saw Andrew Shortridge make a good save on a Cayden Kraus deflection attempt from the slot. Another Viper power play saw the Dogs come up with another kill late in the period to again stay within one. Another fantastic save by Claeys kept the Dogs within one with just under seven minutes to play in the period as he came across on an odd-man rush to rob Steven Jandric to keep it 1-0. With less than a minute to play in the period and a faceoff in the Vipers end, the Dogs gave up a killer late goal as Hunter Zandee went end to end on the rush and behind the Dogs net before wrapping it around cross-ice onto the tape of Colton McCarthy who one-timed it home over Brody Claeys to make it 2-0 Vipers at 19:34 of the second. Shots in the period favoured the Vipers 16-7 for a two period total of 24-15. 

The score stayed 2-0 through the early stages of the third period, with the Dogs unable to generate much of a push, and things getting ugly in several instances with players receiving 10 minute misconducts in after the whistle shenanigans around the net and a later fight breaking out between Cayden Kraus and Brett Stapley. The Vipers would go up 3-0 shortly afterwards and erase all doubt, as Hunter Zandee put a shot on net on the rush from the left circle that was stopped by Brody Claeys. Zandee would beat the Dogs defence to the net however, and slide the rebound home past a challenger from Claeys at 9:12 of the third, un-assisted. The Dogs would take their fifth penalty of the game a couple minutes later, and the Vipers would make them pay as Claeys made an initial fantastic save on a backdoor set up for Odeen Tufto. The rebound however would bounce right to the lip of the crease where Christian Cakebread made no mistake in sliding it home to make it 4-0, with Darren Rizzolo also drawing an assist at 13:37 into the third. The Dogs would show no quit in pulling Brody Claeys with two minutes to play for the extra attacker, but despite several pretty good chances they couldn't beat Andrew Shortridge before the Vipers hit the empty net, with Colton McCarthy sliding it home with Jagger Williamson and Hunter Zandee assisting at 19:21 of the third for the 5-0 final.

Final shots favoured the Vipers 34-26 with Brody Claeys taking the loss while Andrew Shortridge picked up the win along with 1st star honours with the shut out. The Vipers went 1 for 5 on the power play - the Dogs didn't get a single advantage, the first time in franchise history that I can remember that happening.

The Bulldogs are next in action Wednesday night in Duncan.

Hammer

Dogs visit Vipers this afternoon to conclude three-in-three weekend

It's into the Snake pit today for the Bulldogs (10-12-1-1, 5th Island) as they pay the Vernon Vipers (12-13-0-1, 4th Interior) a visit for the second meeting between the teams in just 17 days.

The Dogs picked up a 6-3 win over the Vipers at the Pound in the previous match up on November 6th. I thought that the Vipers brought a great effort and might have deserved a better fate in that contest, but credit to the Dogs for being opportunistic. Today's game at the end of a three-in-three roadie will be a big challenge for the Dogs, but here's hoping that they can bring a solid team effort and think back to last Sunday when Langley came into their building at the end of a three-in-three and stole two points from them after trailing 3-0 and just refusing to quit. 

The Dogs were in action last night in West Kelowna where they picked up a 10-5 win over the Warriors. The Vipers meanwhile had yesterday off from game action, but they have still had a busy week. They fell 4-1 in West Kelowna Friday night, and picked up a 5-3 at home over Merritt on Wednesday night. 

93.3 The Peak FM has got you covered, with Van Isle Ford Bulldogs Hockey getting underway with the pregame show at 1:45 and all the action to follow just after the 2:00pm 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

Today's 2nd Intermission guest is another Bulldog alum, but this time it's one from off the ice in former Trainer and Equipment Manager Matt Auerbach. He was with the Bulldogs through the 2003-2004 to 2005-2006 seasons before departing with then Head Coach Jim Hiller to work with the expansion Chilliwack Bruins of the WHL.

Matt is now the Head Equipment Manager with the Victoria Royals, and he has a pretty cool opportunity coming up this winter as he'll head to Finland to work on the Team Canada staff at the World Juniors. Matty is a fantastic trainer who always went above and beyond in his time with the Dogs and was incredibly passionate and diligent with his job on a day to day basis, so it's no surprise he's getting an opportunity like this one!

Hammer

Is this for real? Dogs hammer Warriors 10-5

The BEST WESTERN PLUS Barclay Hotel, the largest full facility hotel in Port Alberni, BC. When staying with us there is no need to give up conveniences you are used to. You can discover treasures to take home at the Alberni Harbour Quay, and then browse our onsite Cold Beer, Wine Store and liquor store or retreat to our Stamps Cafe or Pastimes Sports Bar and Grill to enjoy a snack or to watch the game on our big screen TV. Then, relax in our sauna or pool before settling in our luxurious accommodations to enjoy the vintage wine picked up earlier. That's when you will truly understand why the tranquil setting of our hotel has been called the perfect place to call home. If traveling on business, our Port Alberni Hotel boasts over 4500 square feet of meeting space in four rooms that are perfect for small conventions, banquets, parties, meetings and weddings. AV equipment and catering are also available.

A good start for the Bulldogs as they brought a level of attitude that was sorely missing over the previous three or four games early in the contest, as they had an obvious jump in their step and played with purpose early. It was all for naught however, as a soft penalty back of the Warriors net saw West Kelowna go to the power play. They would score just 13 seconds into the advantage, on a goal that the Dogs protested was kicked in but I didn't see one. Jonathan Desbiens would get credit for it, with the only assist to Tanner Campbell at 5:09 of the first. Another fairly soft call against the Dogs almost immediately afterwards put the Warriors on the power play again. It was the Dogs instead that found the net as Dominic Thom made a great read at centre ice to pick off a pass and step around and fight through a hook around his waist before gaining the Warrior line and throwing a cross-ice pass to the slot where it was tipped home by a net-driving Quinn Syrydiuk for the shorthanded goal and a 1-1 tie at 7:09 of the first. The score stayed that way until the late stages of the period with Brody Claeys being the busier of the two goalies, making a couple key stops to keep it tied, most memorably on Kyle Marino in the slot where he stopped the first shot and a rebound. The Dogs would earn their first power play of the game shortly afterwards, and when Jordan Sandhu was tripped up behind the Dogs net another penalty saw them go to a 5 on 3 advantage. Thank goodness for the second official in this instance, as the one Referee standing directly in front of didn't call it, while the second Ref who was way back in the Warriors zone at the other end of the ice did call it. The Dogs would connect on the two-man advantage on a set up you have no doubt seen before as Adam Donnelly set up Paul Meyer at the top of the right circle, where he faked a shot and dished off cross-ice to Chris Schutz in the left circle where he blew a one-timer past Keelan Williams to make it 2-1 Dogs at 18:21 of the first. The Dogs would strike one more time before the period was out as Jordan Sandhu found Paul Meyer at the point, who set up Chris Sarault at the bottom of the left circle where he spun and fired and ripped one top corner, short-side for his first career goal to make it 3-1 at 19:57 of the first. Shots favoured Warriors 14-11. At one point late in the period they were 13-5.

The Dogs started the second period with a bang, going up 4-1 just 2:34 into it as Eric Margo picked off a pass at centre ice and skated up the middle over the Warriors line where he ripped a wrister top corner, bar-down over the glove of Williams for the un-assisted marker. Just 28 seconds later it was 5-1 Bulldogs as Paul Meyer threw a puck on net that was stopped by Williams. He also would stop Tristan Bukovec and Cayden Kraus on rebounds, but Chris Sarault would get a final poke on it that he managed to sneak over the line to make it 5-1 at 3:02 of the second. The scoring slowed down for a bit, but five minutes later the Dogs found the net again as Eric Margo went end-to-end out of the Dogs zone up the right wing and fought past a hip check at the Warrior line before driving wide and putting a pass to the crease that was tipped home by Adam Donnelly past Brady Lenardon to make it 6-1 at 8:17 of the second. The Dogs connected again making it 7-1 on the power play at 13:46 as Chris Schutz set up Paul Meyer with a cross-ice pass in the right circle that he wristed far-side off the post and in, with Adam Donnelly also drawing an assist. Three minutes later the Warriors would make it 7-2, somewhat controversially as the puck hit the post behind Claeys and spit right back out front, only to have the Referee signal goal. Kristian Blumenschein got credit for it, with assists to Jonathan Desbiens and Kylar Hope at 16:57 of the second, on the power play. Just 16 seconds later during four-on-four hockey the Dogs answered right back, with Nathan Dingmann attacking the zone with speed before putting a perfect cross-ice pass onto the tape of Chris Schutz that he tipped home five hole at 17:13. It was 8-1 Dogs just 47 seconds later on the power play as Dominic Thom sent Cayden Kraus over the Warriors line up the left wing, where he dished off to the slot for Adam Donnelly who ripped a one-timer home top corner, glove side at the 18:00 mark. The Warriors would get one back before the period was out as Scott Allan put a perfect pass across the slot onto the tape of Tanner Campbell, who ripped a wrister inside the post short-side on Claeys. Liam Blackburn got a second assist on the play at 19:32 of the second to make it 9-3 Dogs after 40 minutes. Shots favoured West Kelowna in the period 23-12, for a two period total of 37-23.

The third period started exactly how the Dogs didn't want it to, and how the Warriors no doubt drew it up in the room as just 27 seconds into the period it was a 9-4 game as the Dogs got caught up ice and gave up an odd-man rush as Kristian Blumenschein drove the net and tipped home a perfect cross-ice pass from Kylar Hope. Connor Sodergren also drew an assist. A minute and change later the Bulldogs answered back again, as Liam Conrad made a fantastic play to back check and steal the puck from Reid Gunville. Conrad then brought it over the line and threw it to the slot to Adam Donnelly who snapped it far-side off the post and in past Keelan Williams, who came back in to start the third. Eric Margo also drew an assist on the play at 1:59 of the third to make it 10-4. The Warriors would get one more late on a nice back-door set up as Nicholas Rutigliano put a pass to the back post for Connor Sodergren who tipped it home to make it 10-5 at 17:41 of the third with Scott Allan also drawing an assist for the eventual final score.

Final shots favoured the Warriors 46-29 with Brody Claeys picking up the win in net while Keelan Williams took the loss. The Dogs went 3 for 5 on the power play and while the Warriors went 2 for 8.

The Bulldogs conclude their weekend tomorrow afternoon when they visit the Vipers in Vernon for a 2pm puck drop.

Hammer  

 

Dogs visit Warriors tonight as roadie continues

It's the first meeting of the season between the teams as the Bulldogs (9-12-1-1, 5th Island) continue their road trip by visiting the Warriors (14-8-0-2, 3rd Interior) at Royal Lepage Place tonight in West Kelowna. 

The Bulldogs opened up their weekend last night in Salmon Arm where they took it on the chin in a season-worst effort on every front, falling 10-1 to the Silverbacks. The Warriors meanwhile were at home last night where they won their second in a row, 4-1 over the Vernon Vipers. The Warriors have had a busy week, as they were in Prince George on Wednesday night where they came out on top, 6-4 over the Spruce Kings.

Its the first meeting of the season between the teams - after tonight the Dogs only have four teams that they have yet to face this season - Coquitlam, Merritt, Trail and Surrey. Rylan Ferster's teams always work and compete hard and are always in contention, so the Dogs had better bring their best effort if they hope to get two points tonight. 

As always, we've got you covered on Van Isle Ford Bulldogs Hockey on 93.3 The Peak FM, with the pregame show getting things going at 6:45 with the play-by-play following the 7:00pm 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


Tonight's 2nd Intermission guest is Graham Turnbull, play-by-play voice of the Vernon Vipers, who the Dogs visit tomorrow afternoon to conclude this roadie.

Dogs hammered 10-1 in Salmon Arm

Tonight's Game Report is brought to you courtesy of the Best Western Plus Barclay Hotel 

The BEST WESTERN PLUS Barclay Hotel, the largest full facility hotel in Port Alberni, BC. When staying with us there is no need to give up conveniences you are used to. You can discover treasures to take home at the Alberni Harbour Quay, and then browse our onsite Cold Beer, Wine Store and liquor store or retreat to our Stamps Cafe or Pastimes Sports Bar and Grill to enjoy a snack or to watch the game on our big screen TV. Then, relax in our sauna or pool before settling in our luxurious accommodations to enjoy the vintage wine picked up earlier. That's when you will truly understand why the tranquil setting of our hotel has been called the perfect place to call home. If traveling on business, our Port Alberni Hotel boasts over 4500 square feet of meeting space in four rooms that are perfect for small conventions, banquets, parties, meetings and weddings. AV equipment and catering are also available.



A good start for the Silverbacks, as they put the first three or four pucks on net through the early minutes as the Dogs didn't have their feet moving early. That trend would continue as the Silverbacks pushed and ran up a 6-0 edge in shots before taking a 1-0 lead 5:15 into the game as the Dogs has just appeared to get into the game. A misfire off a point shot from a draw win in the Salmon Arm zone turned into an odd-man rush the other way that saw Damian Chrek beat a Bulldog defender wide down the left wing and skate in on a partial breakaway where he went top corner, short-side on Carson Schamerhorn. Assists on the play went to Josh LaFramboise and Taro Hirose at 5:15 of the first. The Dogs continued to chase the puck, and further compounded their problems when they took two penalties just 59 seconds apart at the midway point of the period. They did a fantastic job to kill the penalties off, with Schamerhorn coming up big and the penalty killers winning a couple of big draws to get the puck out. They wouldn't have time to build off the momentum though, as just two seconds after they killed them both off it was 2-0 when Kodi Schwarz walked into the slot and ripped a wrist shot top corner, far-side over the glove of Schamerhorn. Assists on the play went to Chase Zieky and Taro Hirose at 11:32 of the first. Just two and a half minutes later it was 3-0 as the Dogs went to the penalty box again and the Silverbacks made them pay just seven seconds into the advantage on a faceoff win and a cross-ice one-timer from the right point by Ross Heidt. Schamerhorn made the save, but Colton Thibault woke poke the rebound home from the crease at 13:57 of the first. The Dogs would draw a penalty later in the period, and took advantage of it to make it a 3-1 game as Liam Conrad and Chris Schutz knocked the puck loose at the left side of the net for Adam Donnelly. He would make a defender miss on a net drive before dodging the poke check attempt by Brandon Kegler before sliding it home low under his pad on his backhand at 17:29 of the first. The Silverbacks would fire right back on a breakaway immediately after the goal, but Schamerhorn came up with two stops on Ross Heidt and Mitch Newsome to keep the Dogs within two after one. Shots favoured the Silverbacks 23-8 after 20 minutes.

The Bulldogs began the period inspired, with a couple good minutes in the attacking zone pushing the pace. It was all for naught however, as the Silverbacks went up 4-1 when Josh LaFramboise walked into the top of right circle and went top corner, short-side over the glove of Schamerhorn. Assists went to Michael Winnitoy and Ross Heidt at 2:31 of the period. Immediately prior to the goal, Nathan Dingmann walked in alone across the front of the crease and took a stick across the face, but neither of the two officials would detect it. Three minutes later an ugly incident saw Quinn Syrydiuk cross-checked head first from behind into the cross by by Colton Thibault. An immediate penalty was whistled against Thibault, but before the dust settled behind the net Ryley Booth dropped the gloves against a defenseless Nathan Dingmann, and threw about four solid punches with his gloves off. The Officials would only call Booth for two for roughing, and two for unsportsmanlike conduct, while also completely forgetting about the initial penalty as Thibault got off scott-free. To add insult to injury, the Dogs gave up back to back shorthanded goals 37 seconds apart, the first on a breakaway by Josh Blanshard who intercepted the D-to-D pass off the initial win of the draw and went top corner, high glove at 5:27 of the period. 37 seconds later another partial breakaway saw Ross Heidt chase down a clearing pass up the left wing and rip a shot top corner, far-side over the glove of Schamerhorn, with assists to Taro Hirose and Kodi Schwarz at 6:04 to make it 6-1 as Schamerhorn was relived by Brody Claeys. Almost immediately following the goal Adam Donnelly took a high hit from Jared Turcotte and responded by throwing glove-on punches against him. Donnelly would be given two for instigating and five for fighting. It's impossible to not draw a comparison between booth dropping his gloves, and Donnelly not, yet the officials only giving Donnelly a major. Four minutes later, after a stop by Brody Claeys Tyler Cooper and Elijiah Barriga would drop the gloves. Cooper certainly got the jump on Barriga, but Barriga without question dropped his gloves and actually did quite well in the throwing about four or five glove-off punches. Incredibly, only Cooper got the major for fighting, and Barriga was rescued from the tunnel and put back into the game and in the penalty box. I'm without an answer to explain the call on this one. The Silverbacks would make it 7-1 on the power play on a Damian Chreck shot from the deep slot that made its way in high past the blocker of Claeys. Assisting were Kodi Schwarz and Colton Thibault at 13:53 of the second. Yet another shorthanded goal - the third on the GAME, when the Dogs had given up only 2 in their previous 22 games - including one in the last game into an empty net - made it an 8-1 game as the Dogs appeared to score, at least according to the Salmon Arm goal judge. The Referee at the net would wave it off with the goal light on, and the Silverbacks would race up ice on another short-handed breakaway that they connected on with Ross Heidt scoring his second shortie of the game, with Taro Hirose again assisting at 17:58 of the second. One more for good measure on the power play with 41 seconds left in the period saw the Silverbacks go up 9-1 as a shot from the line hit something in front and went on a perfect arc up into the air and into the back of the net. The Dogs would protest that it was a high-stick, but I don't think that was the case as it looked to me that it just hit a body up high and took the perfect bounce. Elijia Barriga would get credit for it - that's the benefit of not getting tossed when you clearly fight, I guess - with Damian Chreck getting the lone assist at 19:19 of the second for a 9-1 'Backs lead after 40, and a 41-17 lead in shots as they out shot the Dogs 18-9 in the period.

There was only one goal in the third, thank goodness, as the Dogs got caught up ice and gave up an odd man rush that saw the Silverbacks score on a pretty three-way passing play as Mitch Newsome finished off a Chase Zieky pass in the right side of the slot. Carson Bolduc also drew an assist at 4:12 of the third for the 10-1 final.

Final shots favoured the Silverbacks 52-33 with Carson Schamerhorn taking the loss giving up six goals on 27 shots through 26 minutes of action before Brody Claeys entered the game. Brandon Kegler picked up the win in the Salmon Arm net. Special teams stats were pretty incredible, and a big big mess so these are unofficial numbers - the Dogs went 1 for 4 on the power play, while the Silverbacks went 3 for 8 - while also scoring three times while shorthanded.

The Dogs try to learn and forget, and move into West Kelowna tomorrow when they face the Warriors.

Hammer

Bulldogs visit Silverbacks tonight to kick off three game Interior weekend

It's the start of a three game Interior road swing tonight as the Bulldogs (9-11-1-1, 5th Island) face the Silverbacks (15-5-2-1, 2nd Interior) at the Shaw Centre in Salmon Arm.

In the bigger picture, its also the beginning of a crazy stretch of nine straight games away from home for the Dogs, who won't play on Home Ice again until December 11th.

The Bulldogs certainly can't be looking at the big picture though, as it's quite daunting. They shouldn't even be looking beyond tonight and need to instead just focus on the Silverbacks, as they will no doubt be quite the test.

The Bulldogs were last in action Sunday afternoon at home where they saw a 3-0 lead evaporate in dropping a 6-4 decision to the Langley Rivermen, The Silverbacks were last in action Saturday night at home where they won their second in a row 5-3 over West Kelowna.

This is the second meeting of the season between the teams, as the Silverbacks picked up a 3-0 win over the Dogs at the BCHL Showcase in Chilliwack on September 25th in a 10am start.

I'll have all the action from you from the cozy confines of the Shaw Centre broadcast booth on Van Isle Ford Bulldogs Hockey getting underway on 93.3 The Peak FM at 6:45 when the pregame show takes to the airwaves, with the puck drop and all the play-by-play of the action 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's 2nd Intermission guest is Kyle Anderson, play-by-play voice of the West Kelowna Warriors, who the Dogs visit tomorrow night. 

Bulldogs add Dominic Thom, move Walker, Alward

BULLDOGS ACQUIRE DEFENSEMAN FROM AJHL
PRESS RELEASE

November 16, 2015
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Port Alberni, BC – The Alberni Valley Bulldogs announce the acquisition of Dominic Thom from the Calgary Mustangs of the Alberta Junior Hockey League for the CJHL playing rights to defensemen Nathan Walker and Nolan Alward.

Thom is a big towering defenseman with experience in the AJHL and the Western Hockey League. This season Thom has posted 5 points and 55 penalty minutes in 10 games with the Mustangs. Prior to that, Thom was a standout for the Edge School and the Calgary Northstars midget programs respectively.

The Calgary, Alberta, native is known for his strong, steady presence on the blue line and will bring some consistency to the Bulldogs defense core. “Dominic should be a steady defenseman for us and we are very excited to for him join the team,” said Head Coach and General Manager Kevin Willison. “It is difficult to see Nathan and Nolan go because both are great in the community and with their teammates. However, we are confident that this move immediately makes our hockey club better.”

The 6-foot-3 Thom is expected to join the Bulldogs for their up and coming road trip to the Okanagan, which begins against the Salmon Arm Silverbacks on Friday night.

For further information or comment on the above story please contact Alberni Valley Bulldogs’ head coach and general manager Kevin Willison

________________________________________

Sounds like Thom will be a great addition to the team. Welcome to the team and the community Dominic! 

Check out Dominic's stats by clicking here

Best of luck to Nathan and Nolan with the Mustangs - a couple great kids with great potential.

Hammer

Rivermen top Dogs 6-4 in a crazy one

Tonight's Game Report is brought to you courtesy of the Best Western Plus Barclay Hotel 

The BEST WESTERN PLUS Barclay Hotel, the largest full facility hotel in Port Alberni, BC. When staying with us there is no need to give up conveniences you are used to. You can discover treasures to take home at the Alberni Harbour Quay, and then browse our onsite Cold Beer, Wine Store and liquor store or retreat to our Stamps Cafe or Pastimes Sports Bar and Grill to enjoy a snack or to watch the game on our big screen TV. Then, relax in our sauna or pool before settling in our luxurious accommodations to enjoy the vintage wine picked up earlier. That's when you will truly understand why the tranquil setting of our hotel has been called the perfect place to call home. If traveling on business, our Port Alberni Hotel boasts over 4500 square feet of meeting space in four rooms that are perfect for small conventions, banquets, parties, meetings and weddings. AV equipment and catering are also available.





A fast paced start to the game with just two whistles through the first four minutes of the contest. The Rivermen had a great scoring chance in the opening seconds of the game, as they countered on the rush off a Bulldog turnover at the attacking line and drove the net with speed and threw the puck on the net where it was tipped on goal by Matthew Graham from the slot, with Brody Claeys coming up with a big shoulder save to keep it out. The Bulldogs would be whistled for the first two penalties of the game, but came up with two kills to keep it scoreless. They would then open the scoring just a minute after the midway point of the period when Chris Schutz fed the puck out of the right corner and back to the right point for Tyler Cooper, who did a good job to simply get the puck through the traffic and onto the net on a low wrister. Quinn Sykydiuk would block the shot in front, and pull it across the crease and tuck it home past the glove of Bo Didur to make it 1-0 at 11:00 of the first. Shortly afterwards, the Dogs would earn their first power play of the game and they made quick work of it, going up 2-0 just eight seconds into the advantage as Chris Schutz won the draw back to Jordan Sandhu, who sent it to Paul Meyer at the top of the point. He would dish it off to Schutz in the left circle, where he blasted a one-timer home through Didur at 16:18 of the first for a 2-0 Dogs lead after one, and the Dogs up 12-10 in the shots on goal department.

The Dogs would once again kill off a penalty to start the second, and then earn a power play themselves that they again connected on as Garrett Halls took a pass at the top of the point from Chris Schutz, that he fed back to Schutz at the top of the left circle. He would stop the pass and then rip a snap shot top corner, right under the cross bar on Didur. Things at this point were going quite well for the Bulldogs and bad for the Rivermen, but that would change in a big hurry near the midway point of the period. Scott Clark would bump a Rivermen forward onto the net, who in turn jumped on Clark and proceeded to feed him a series of punches while Clark was defenseless on his back. The Referees would initially indicate that it would be 5 on 5 hockey, but seemingly out of no where a 5:00 penalty went up on the board to Clark. It would be a Match Penalty.  The Bulldogs would do a good job through the first four minutes of the kill, but credit the Rivermen for sticking with it as they found the net on a rebound off the crossbar in tight when Justin Fregona lifted the loose puck home. Assists on the play went to Max Kaufman and Cameron Ginetti at 15:46 of the second. Just a minute later, the Dogs were sent to the penalty box again, and again the Rivermen connected on it as Brody Claeys made the initial save on a Justin Szeto shot, only to have it go off his shoulder, straight up in the air and back down and off his back and over the line. The goal was unassisted at 18:27 of the second to make it a 3-2 Dogs lead after two. The Bulldogs out shot the Rivermen 11-9 in the period despite being down a man for close to eleven minutes, for a two period advantage of 23-19.

The third period saw the Rivermen appear to be further motivated by their fortunes to end the second, while the Dogs appeared to be a little tight. The Rivermen would push, and would be rewarded with the equalizer just past the midway point of the frame as a D-to-D pass in the Dogs zone was missed, and then found by Ryan Barrow in the slot who snapped one home low, stick-side on Claeys to make it 3-3, unassisted at 10:07 of the second. Just two minutes and two seconds later the Rivermen had the lead for the first time, as Max Kaufman drove the net and split the defence, before just missing the net while sliding in on his knees. He would pick the puck up back of the net and wrap it around inside the far post to make it 4-3. I thought it was Kaufman's goal, but credit for it went to Justin Fregona, from Kaufman and Cameron Ginetti at 12:09 of the third. It was a two-goal Langley lead just over two minutes later as the Rivermen kept pushing and the Dogs tried to respond to all of a sudden trailing the game, as Matthew Graham was set up in the slot on a pass out of the corner that he ripped top corner, far-side over Claeys. Torrin White and Adam Sinclair picked up the assists at 14:15 of the third to make it 5-3. A plethora of penalties, and some gambling, put the Dogs back into the game as they pulled their goalie with just under four minutes to play after Langley took a penalty while on the power play to make it a 5 on 4 situation for the Dogs. Langley would take another penalty, and the Dogs infraction would end, making it a 6 on 3 situation that the Dogs connected on as Paul Meyer threw the puck at the net that was stopped by Didur, but he couldn't find the rebound that was put on goal by first Eric Margo and finally by Josh Adkins into the back of the net to make it a 5-4 game at 18:04 of the third. After the goal, Eric Margo would get whistled for cross-checking, while Troy Dobbs also picked up a penalty - from the bench? The Dogs would remain on the power play, and then drew another penalty with the goalie out for the extra attacker looking for the equalizer. They had a couple fantastic looks, but their comeback came up just short when they won an attacking zone draw with 18 seconds to go but poked it out of reach of their defenceman and to centre ice where it was chased down by Matthew Graham who scored into the empty net while shorthanded for a 6-3 final at 19:50.

Final shots favoured the Bulldogs 37-27, with Brody Claeys taking the loss while Bo Didur picked up the win. Unofficial special teams stats - it was a mess at times - I had the Dogs at 3 for 6 on the power play, and the Rivermen at 2 for 7 while also scoring a shorthanded empty netter.

The Dogs are next in action Friday night in Salmon Arm, kicking off a three-in-three Interior swing.