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

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

Friday, September 30, 2016

Dogs host Vipers tonight

After a rare Friday night off, it's back at it tonight for the Bulldogs (3-3-1-0, 4th Island) as they play host to the Vernon Vipers (4-3-0-0, 4th Interior) for the first meeting of the season between the teams. 

The Dogs were last in action Wednesday night at home where they fell 6-3 to the Victoria Grizzlies. The Vipers were in Powell River last night, where they opened up a three-in-three Island swing with their second straight loss, 5-3 to the Kings

For all things Vipers, check out Viper Die Hard Fan's blog HERE

If you can't make it to the game, we'll have it all covered for you on Van Isle Ford Bulldogs Hockey on 93.3 The Peak FM . If you are getting to the rink to watch the proceedings, consider doing what some fans do, and bring a pocket radio with you to follow along while you watch.

I will handle the play-by-play, Bruce MacDonald will add the colour and analysis and Dan "the stats man" Tisserand will cover team and player stats.

Tonight's 2nd Intermission guest is Eddie Gregory, play-by-play voice of the Coquitlam Express, who visit the Dog Pound tomorrow for a 2:00pm start.





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.hockeytv.com


Hammer

Thursday, September 29, 2016

Bulldogs add Rizzolo, move Lentz

Read below for details on the Bulldogs announcing the acquisition of Darren Rizzolo, while at the same time moving Tyler Lentz to the AJHL. 

Welcome to the team and the community Darren, and best of luck in the future Tyler. 

Hammer


BULLDOGS TRADE FOR DEFENSEMAN


PRESS RELEASE
September 29, 2016

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Port Alberni, BC – The Alberni Valley Bulldogs have acquired defenseman Darren Rizzolo from the Vernon Vipers in exchange for Future Considerations.

Rizzolo comes to the Bulldogs with 60 Games of “Junior A” experience and a high profile. The 5-foot-11 defender from Mission, BC is an alumnus of the Yale Hockey Academy and has secured a NCAA Division 1 scholarship to Northeastern University.

To make room for Rizzolo, the Bulldogs have traded Tyler Lentz to the Calgary Mustangs of the Alberta Junior Hockey League. The Bulldogs would like to thank Tyler for his efforts and welcome Darren and his family to the Bulldogs organization.

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

Wednesday, September 28, 2016

Grizzlies double up Dogs 6-3


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.


Great pace from the opening puck drop in this contest, with no whistles through the first two minutes. There wasn't much in the way of high quality scoring chances, but great end to end pace. That pace would soon disappear, when a delayed penalty at the Victoria net ended up in an after the whistle scrum. The Dogs would get a four minute power play. Before the puck was dropped, Tyler Welsh would put an arm around Auggie Moore and haul him down but he would not be penalized. Following the puck drop, Moore would lean on Welsh, and Welsh would go down very easy but wouldn't be whistled for diving while Moore was called for interference as the Dogs four minute power play was immediately cancelled out and all the flow went out of the game for the next five minutes or so. The Grizzlies would open the scoring with just under seven minutes to go in the first on a broken play at the Bulldog line as an initial back check stole he puck, but only for a split second as Jamie Rome stole it off a Dog stick and walked into the deep slot where he snapped a wrist shot top corner, short-side over the blocker of Carson Schamerhorn to make it 1-0, unassisted at 13:14 of the first. Less than two minutes later it was 2-0 Grizzlies, just seconds after Carson Schamerhorn came up with a breakaway save on Keyvan Mokhtari as Tyler Welsh also skated in on a breakaway where he appeared to lose the handle on the puck, but have it slide through Schamerhorn. The goal was also unassisted at 15:11 of the first. The Grizzlies out shot the Dogs 11-7 in the first.  

The Bulldogs started the second period on the power play, and while they failed to connect on it, they did find the net one second after the penalty elapsed after an initial great chance missed the net. Tristan Bukovec would throw it cross-crease, where Trevor Cosgrove had a chance stopped by Matt Galajda. The rebound was found and jammed home by Jake Witkowski from the paint to make it a 2-1 game 39 seconds into the period. They would be unable to build on it though, as the Grizzlies pushed back to re-establish the two-goal lead as Carson Schamerhorn made two good saves on a deflection and a rebound, only to have the puck go right back to the line where it was again just simply put at the net. It would hit traffic in the slot and drop, where Cole Pickup found it and fired it home to make it 3-1 at 3:55 of the second, with assists going to Cody Van Leirop and Nathan Looysen. The Bulldogs would earn a series of power plays throughout the period, but they couldn't connect to get back into it, and for the most part they didn't generate many good chances or momentum off of their opportunities as they didn't move the puck well, and the Grizzlies did a good job of pressuring the puck. Matt Galajda would make two good saves late in the period, first on a backdoor set up by Jordan Sandhu to Henry Marshall, and then Ryan Finnegan immediately afterwards on a follow up rebound. The Grizzlies would go up 4-1 late in the period on another breakaway, that was created when all four Officials somehow missed Nathan Looysen knocking down a puck with a head-high stick at centre ice. It would then be found by Nolan Welsh, who sent Cory Hatcher in alone where he put a perfect shot top corner, glove side high on Schamerhorn. Welsh drew the only assist on the play at 18:44 of the second. Shots were even in the period at eight aside, with the Grizzlies holding a 19-15 advantage.

The Bulldogs would put on an inspired push to start the period, but quickly ended up in the penalty box. The Grizzlies would make them pay immediately on it as Dayne Finnson walked into a pass to the right point and blew a lazer past the glove of Brody Claeys, who entered the game to start the period. Assists went to Tyler Welsh and Cole Pickup at 2:30 of the third. The Bulldogs would answer on the power play three minutes later to make it 5-2 as Trevor Cosgrove found Connor Welsh at the top of the point. He would then flip a pass into Jake Witkowski in the left circle, where he muscled a shot on net that appeared to hit a Grizzlies defender before finding it's way past Galajda at 5:59 of the period. After having a very odd goal waved off when a Kyle Kaufmann dump in hit Linesman Brett Martin and went into the vacated net, the Dogs would gamble on a late-game power play and pull Brody Claeys with 4:09 to play to make it a 6 on 4 advantage. They would be rewarded and make it a two-goal game as Trevor Cosgrove found Jordan Sandhu at the bottom of the right circle. He would put a cross-crease onto the tape of Jake Witkowski. He wouldn't get much on his shot, but got enough of it to get it on net where it was misplayed by Galajda who appeared to just knock it over the goal line with his glove to make it 5-3 at 16:15 of the third. The Dogs would get a couple of looks after it, but couldn't connect to make it a two-goal game before the Grizzlies hit the empty net on a Jake Stevens slapper from his own end that had eyes and hit something before finding the empty net, dead centre. No assists were given on the play at 19:02 of the third, for the 6-3 final.

Third period shots favoured the Bulldogs 17-6, for a game total in the Dogs favour of  32-25. I had the Dogs at 2 for 11 on the power play, while the Grizzlies went 1 for 1. Carson Schamerhorn got tagged with the loss in net, while Matt Galajda picked up the win.

The Dogs are next in action Saturday night when they host the Vernon Vipers.  

Hammer

Dogs kick off five game home stand, host Grizzlies tonight


Its the start of a five game home stand tonight, as the Bulldogs (3-2-1-0, 3rd Island) host the Victoria Grizzlies (4-1-1-1, 1st Island) for the first time this season.


The Bulldogs were last in action Saturday afternoon at the BCHL Showcase in Chilliwack, where they picked up a 2-1 win over the Coquitlam Express. The Grizzlies last saw the ice Sunday at the Showcase where they lost 5-4 in double overtime to the Trail Smoke Eaters


These teams have met once so far this season, a 5-4 Grizzlies win in double overtime at the Q Centre on September 10th
Don't miss a second of the action on Van Isle Ford Bulldogs Hockey on 93.3 The Peak FM with Bruce MacDonald providing the colour and analysis,while I call the play-by-play. Dan Tisserand is a game day decision to compile the team and player statistics

Tonight's 2nd Intermission guest is Graham Turnbull, the play-by-play voice of the Vernon Vipers, who the Dogs host on Saturday night.



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.hockeytv.com

Saturday, September 24, 2016

Dogs top Express 2-1




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.


It wasn't the sharpest of starts for either side in the early minutes of today's game - perhaps the early start time might have played a factor. As the period wore on, the Bulldogs got noticeably better, playing at a higher tempo and moving the puck more accurately and efficiently. The Bulldogs came up with a critical penalty kill, with Carson Schamerhorn looking sharp and being supported by his penalty killers. Not long afterwards, the Dogs earned a power play, and didn't take long to connect on it as Henry Marshall found Auggie Moore in the slot. He made a nifty back-pass to the top of the point for Connor Welsh, who set up Alex MacDonald in the left circle. He took a couple of steps in and then snapped a shot under the glove of Reid Cooper to make it 1-0 at 16:07 of the first. Shots favoured the Dogs 14-9 after one. 

The second period was played at a high tempo throughout, with each team having some high quality scoring chances but both goalies coming up big. Carson Schamerhorn made two good saves, notably on Jonathan Irving early in the period, and on Christian Bosa on a cross-ice pass late in the period to protect the lead through 40 minutes. Shots in the period favoured Coquitlam 15-12, with the Bulldogs holding a 26-24 advantage heading into the third. 


The Bulldogs didn't give up much through the third, with Schamerhorn continuing to look sharp when they did as they killed off almost a full two minutes of a Coquitlam power play to start the period. The Bulldogs had several good containment shifts in the Express zone, along with a long 2 on 1 rush where Kyle Kaufmann was robbed in tight. The Dogs pushed, and were finally rewarded late in the game when Auggie Moore intercepted a pass at his own line, and then raced to the Express line where he made a good decision to dump the puck in deep. He would beat everyone to it, and put it out front for Ryan Finnegan, who made a perfect cross-ice pass onto the tape of Jake Witkowski in the paint where he hammered it home to make it 2-0 at 13:19 of the third. The Dogs would be penalized with just over five minutes to play, and again came up with a big kill due to good defense and a couple solid saves by Schamerhorn. Just seconds later the Express would make it a brand new game as Alex Ambrosio found a rebound in front of a Dominic Masellis shot. Cameron Bertsch also drew an assist at 16:36 of the third. The Dogs did a solid job until the final seconds of protecting their lead, but the Express created a great chance with the goalie out with less than 20 seconds to play. The Dogs failed to get the puck out at their line, and Owen Stout was set up for a backdoor one-timer that Schamerhorn read perfectly to go post-to-post to get his right toe on it to preserve the win as time expired. 

Third period shots favoured Coquitlam 12-8, for a game total favouring the Express of 36-34. Carson Schamerhorn picked up 1st star honours with the win, while Reid Cooper took 2nd star honours with the loss. The Dogs went 1 for 2 on the power play, with the Express going 0 for 4. 

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

Hammer

Friday, September 23, 2016

Bulldogs face Express to wrap up Showcase appearance *3:00 PUCK DROP*

A day after playing in the feature game in the big rink with all the bells and whistles and a big crowd, it's back to action today in the community rink next door as the Bulldogs (2-2-1-0, 4th Island) take on the Coquitlam Express (2-3-0-0, 4th Mainland) to conclude their appearance here at the Bauer BCHL Showcase.

The Bulldogs opened up their Showcase appearance last night, falling 4-0 to the host  Chilliwack Chiefs. The Express were last in action Thursday afternoon at the Showcase, where they fell 5-3 to the West Kelowna Warriors.

It might feel a bit like of a throw back for some of the players today in the small rink. Here's hoping they can have some fun but also bring their A game because whether it's a 5000 seat rink last night or a 500 seat rink today, there's still two big points on the line.
Note the start time of 3:00pm - that means Pacific Chevrolet Bulldogs Hockey on 93.3 The Peak FM begins with the pregame show at 2:45.

Today's 2nd Intermission guest is BCHL Commissioner John Grisdale, talking all things BCHL, which has become a bit of a tradition when the Dogs are at the Showcase.


If you missed the heads up on the blog yesterday - there will be NO FASTHOCKEY VIDEO available for today's game. This isn't due to me, or The Peak, or the Bulldogs, but simply due to the game being in the small rink and there not being a Fast Hockey set up available.

If you aren't in listening range of 93.3 The Peak FM you can listen to the game by:

Listening Live on your computer: www.933thepeak.com
Listening Live on your SmartPhone : www.tunein.com/mobile/



Hammer

Chiefs wack Dogs 4-0

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 fairly energetic start to this contest,  with good flow and no whistles over the first two minutes and change. That would change soon afterwards, with a series of penalties going both ways. The Bulldogs earned the first power play of the game, but with 13 seconds left in it took a bench minor for too-many-men on the ice. The Dogs would do a good job of killing that off, but unfortunately were penalized for four minutes after the initial whistle saw no penalty called. It did appear to be the right call, with a Linesman helping the Referees make it. The Dogs did a fantastic job killing the first 2:20 of the minor, but then took a tripping penalty behind the Chilliwack goal line to allow face a 5 on 3 power play of 1:40 in duration. It wouldn't end up being that long, with Tristan Bukovec drawing a penalty on an aggressive forecheck in the Chiefs end. It would remain a 4 on 3 advantage for the Chiefs though, and they connected on it when Jordan Kawaguchi set up Linden Hora in the right face off dot where he beat Brody Claeys with a quick release just inside the far post, low blocker side. Connor McCarthy also drew an assist on the play at 13:29 of the first. Shots favoured Chilliwack 9-5 in the first.

The Bulldogs had a power play to start the second, but didn't look very sharp on it. As the next few minutes wore on, it became apparent that the Chiefs were pushing and playing at a different level, as the Bulldogs were struggling to move the puck and find their game. It didn't take long for the Chiefs to capitalize on it, on a somewhat of a fortunate bounce as a shot from the left point hit the pant leg of Connor Welsh in front and then right onto the tape of Aaron O'Neill who finished it beautifully, top corner over the glove of Claeys. Olivier Arsenault and Kale Kane drew the assists at 4:34 of the second. The Chiefs would win the ensuing centre ice draw, and go D-to-D three times before making a stretch pass up the right wing. It was then thrown off the wall to the middle to Cole Poliziani who skated in on a breakaway from the slot where he again finished it with a perfect shot, top corner, glove side. Assists went to Colton McCarthy and David Jankowski at 4:47 of the first. The Dogs would stop the bleeding for a minute, and in fact had a great chance to make it a two-goal game when Tristan Bukovec found Ryan Finnegan wide open in front. Robert Jacobson would come up with a big save, and the Chiefs would come up ice and beat the Dogs to their own net as Jake Smith made a gorgeous play to enter the zone down the right wing before delaying by driving wide to the left side of the net before throwing a perfect cross-crease pass onto the tape of Aaron O'Neill, who tapped it in by beating his man to the net. Kale Kane also drew an assist on the play at 6:06 of the second, with the Dogs calling time out after the goal to try and right the ship. While they didn't allow any more of the remainder of the period, they would only show fleeting moments at best of threatening to get on the board. Shots favoured the Chiefs 12-7 in the period, for a 40 minute lead of 21-12.

The third period saw the Bulldogs put forth a more respectable effort, but through the first 14 minutes it still wasn't enough to get them back into the game. A notable scoring chance saw Alex MacDonald tripped up on a partial breakaway, only to show great resolve to stick with it and regain his footing to skate in on net only to see Jacobson to come up with a solid save to preserve the shut out. That would be as close as the Dogs would get, with the third period being largely uneventful.

Third period shots favoured the Dogs 9-3, for a game total favouring Chilliwack 24-21. It's the least shots taken, and conceded, by the Dogs this season. Brody Claeys took the loss, while Robert Jacobson picked up second star honours with the win and the shut out. I had the Dogs at 0 for 4 on the power play, with the Chiefs going 1 for 3.

There's not much time for the Dogs to dwell on this one, and perhaps that's a good thing. They conclude their Showcase appearance tomorrow afternoon at 3:00pm when they take on the Coquitlam Express.

Hammer


Dogs visit Chiefs tonight for Showcase feature game

The Annual Bauer BCHL Showcase is underway, and the Bulldogs (2-1-0-1, 4th Island) begin their appearance at it tonight when they take on the host Chilliwack Chiefs (2-2-0-0, T-2nd Mainland) for a 7:30pm start.

It's a great event for the league, and a great opportunity for all players to play in front of hundreds of NCAA, CIS, and NHL scouts. In it's first years of existence, the BCHL season OPENED at the Showcase - while the event was great, the hockey necessarily wasn't, as teams were playing together for the first time, players were playing in the league for the first time, etc. While it's only three weeks later, the hockey is markedly better.

The Bulldogs were last in action Saturday night at home, where they snapped a mini two-game losing streak with a 2-1 win over the Penticton Vees.  The Chiefs opened up the Showcase on Wednesday night, dropping their second in a row 5-2 to the West Kelowna Warriors.

It's easy for players to get blinded a bit by the bright lights, or feel the weight of the stage, the scouts, etc. It's important to just PLAY, and focus on the fundamentals, and the rest will take care of itself.

I'll have all the action for you on Pacific Chevrolet Bulldogs Hockey on 93.3 The Peak FM - the pregame show takes to the air at 7:15, with the puck drop and play-by-play to follow at 7:30.

Tonight's 2nd Intermission guest is Eddie Gregory, the play-by-play voice of the Coquitlam Express, the Dogs opponent tomorrow at the Showcase for a 3:00pm start.

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



SPECIAL NOTE: There will be NO FAST HOCKEY VIDEO of tomorrow's game against Coquitlam. This has nothing to do with me, or 93.3 The Peak, or the Bulldogs. This is due to the game being played in the small secondary rink - there will be no Fast Hockey set up in the rink - you can still LISTEN live on your radio, or smart phone, or computer. 

Wednesday, September 21, 2016

VIDEO: Cayden Kraus scores first home goal of 2016-2017

A little highlight for your viewing pleasure, to tide you over until Friday night's game against the Chiefs at the Showcase.

Enjoy.
Hammer

Saturday, September 17, 2016

Dogs top Vees 2-1, Terry Fox Run, Family Farm Day Sunday!



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 great start for the Bulldogs, as they ran up an early 6-0 lead in shots with at least two or three good scoring chances in tight that Matthew Robson stood tall on to keep it scoreless. The Dogs continued to push, and Robson continued to be equal to the task. The Vees would then get a great in alone chance on the rush as Grant Cruikshank drove the net only to be turned away by Carson Schamerhorn. The energy and pace of play would flatten out in the back half of the period, with not much in the way of high quality scoring chances but a couple of pucks on net that both Schamerhorn and Robson were sharp on as it stayed 0-0 after 20 minutes, with the shots even at 11 aside.  

The Bulldogs once again had a great start to the second, pushing the pace and putting a lot of pucks on net through the first three or four minutes of the period. The Dogs would open the scoring soon afterwards, as Carson Schamerhorn made a good right pad save on a Nicholas Jones shot from the right circle. The rebound was immediately snapped up ice by Jake Wilhelm. It had perfect weight on it, as Robson couldn't race out to get it, allowing Cayden Kraus to skate in alone where he snapped one home short-side to finally give the home town fans a chance to celebrate and hear the goal horn to make it 1-0. Assists on the play went to Wilhelm and Schamerhorn at 4:56 of the second. The Dogs would earn the first power play chance of the game in short order, and connected in the final 15 seconds of the advantage to make it 2-0 as they moved the puck around beautifully and won a series of battles to keep the puck alive in the attacking zone. Tristan Bukovec found Ryan Finnegan back of the net, and he put a sharp pass out to the deep slot and onto the stick of Jake Witkowski where he snapped a perfect corner short-side high under the bar and over the blocker of Robson to make it 2-0 at 11:34 of the second. Shots in the period favoured the Dogs 14-5 for a 40 minute total of 25-16.

The third period was again fantastic hockey to watch, with the action being high paced and end to end. The Dogs killed off a Penticton power play to protect their lead, before earning a power play of their own, but they couldn't connect on it. The Vees would finally connect on the power play in the late stages of the third to make it a 2-1 game after a fantastic early save by Carson Schamerhorn on Ty Amonte. The Vees would make a series of quick passes under pressure as Chris Clack and Owen Sillinger set up Nicholas Jones in the high slot where he blew a slapper home high, glove side on Schamerhorn at 16:19 of the third. The Vees would press, but the Dogs did a great job to steel their resolve and they didn't give up much the rest of the way to kill the clock for the 2-1 final. 

Shots favoured the Vees in the third 10-6, and the Bulldogs 31-26 in the game with Carson Schamerhorn picking up first star honours with the win while Matthew Robson took the loss. Both teams went 1 for 2 on the power play. 

The Dogs are next in action Friday in Chilliwack when they face the Chiefs at the BCHL Showcase. 

The Bulldogs will be out and involved in the community on Sunday, as Assistant Equipment Manger Jamie Amos (back to back fundraising champ, if I'm not mistaken) and part of the roster will take part in the Terry Fox Run. Everything takes place at the Royal Canadian Legion, with registration at 9am and the run to follow at 10am with breakfast available for adults and kids. 



The rest of the team will be taking part in the Alberni Clayoquot Regional District's Family Farm Day. Self guided tours go at six farms around the Valley starting at 11am. Get more details HERE

Hammer  

Friday, September 16, 2016

Dogs host Vees tonight, Port Alberni Toy Run today!


There's no time for reflection on the past as it's right back at it on home ice tonight for the Bulldogs (1-1-0-1, 3rd Island) as they host the Penticton Vees (2-0-0-0, 3rd Interior) for the first out of division game for the Bulldogs on this young BCHL season.

The Bulldogs were in action on home ice last night, where they lost their second in a row and first in regulation 3-0 to the Clippers. The Vees were in Powell River last night, where they won their second straight to open the season, 3-1 over the Kings


Don't miss a second of the action on Van Isle Ford 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. Dan Tisserand will compile team and player stats, Bruce MacDonald will add the colour and provide analysis and I will call the play-by-play.

Tonight's 2nd Intermission guest is a segment from the BCHL report on TSN 1040 with former BCHL'er and recently retired Scott Gomez, as he looks back on his time with the Surrey Eagles and his career and those that helped him along the way. You never know where this great game and league can take you! 



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



Don't forget that the 32nd Annual Port Alberni Toy Run roars through town at approximately 12:30 today. Do NOT try to get across town between 12:30 and 1:30. It's too bad that the weather forecast had to change yesterday and today, and it will no doubt lower the number of bikes coming in. Having said that, most riding a bike aren't made of sugar and they won't melt so you can be sure it will still be a cool sight to see, and a great benefit to the Valley over the course of the coming year with all the Toy Run does.

Here's their website

Here's the details from the Toy Run facebook page:

Toy Run starts Sat. 10 am @ Little Qualicum Falls, leaves at noon sharp. Followed by family events, beer garden, bike games, vendors, show and shine @ Glenwood. Adult-only dance Saturday night (Legzz -a ZZ Top cover band - and Maloomba Boogie Band)

Dance tickets go on sale at Little Qualicum Falls on Saturday Sept. 17. Dance tickets are $25 each and include breakfast on Sunday. IF there are any dance tickets left, they will be sold at the table by the tshirt sales in Glenwood at 1:00 pm.
Poker Run starts Sunday 9:30 am @ Glenwood, followed by beer garden, live music, and raffles until 5 pm.




Clippers return favour, spoil Dogs home opener with 3-0 win


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.



After the player introductions and anthems, the game had fantastic pace from the outset and great end to end flow with no whistles through the first 3:53 of the game as the Referees and Linesman made a couple of good judgement calls to keep play going. The Clippers would have a good early chance on the rush, as a wrist shot hit the cross bar behind Brody Claeys and stayed out. The pace and compete level would stay high throughout the remainder of the period, but there wouldn't be any scoring. The Clippers did find the back of the Bulldog net - the goal was immediately waved off as a Clipper forward was planted inside the Bulldog crease and Brody Claeys didn't appear to be able to make any play on the shot. The Bulldogs would have a fantastic chance on a backdoor set up on a power play opportunity of their own later in the period, but it just failed to connect on what looked like an open net. Shots favoured the Clippers 9-6 after one.

The Clippers had a jump in their step to start the second, while the Dogs appeared to be half a step behind at times. The Dogs would fight the puck on back to back instances in their own zone, and that's all it took for the Clippers to open the scoring as an initial shot was stopped by Claeys in tight, but Vincent Millette was allowed three cracks at it before he finally banked one in from behind the goal line. There were no assists given on the play, at 3:34 of the second. The Bulldogs reacted well to the goal against, and pushed back. One notable chance saw Ryan Finnegan throw a cross-crease pass that again looked like a sure goal, but a good defensive play kept it out. The Dogs were unable to sustain much in the way of a consistent attack throughout the period as the Clippers took the 1-0 lead to the room after two. Shots in the period favoured the Clippers 15-9, for a game total of 23-15.

The third period saw the action again be played fairly tight, with neither team giving up much in the way of glaring chances. The Dogs would kill off back to back penalties, a short four-aside section in between, before earning a power play chance just short of the midway point of the third. For the second straight game, the Dogs weren't only unable to connect, but they instead gave up a shorthanded goal as Tristan Crozier fought through an initial Bulldog check to find a Jamie Collins pass and walk in alone on Brody Claeys where he converted on a forehand deke to make it 2-0 at 10:11 of the third. The Dogs would earn another power play with just under five minutes to play on a vicious cross-check across the face of Cayden Kraus that was somehow only called a minor penalty. The Dogs would gamble and pull their goalie to make it a 6 on 4 advantage, and once again had a fantastic opportunity on a wide open net on a cross-crease backdoor set up, but again they couldn't knock it home. The Dogs would lose their power play in the back half of it after taking their second bench minor of the game for too many men. The Dogs would earn one more great chance again on a rebound and an open net in the paint in the late stages, but couldn't connect to make a game of it. The Clippers would erase all doubt with less than a minute to play when two Bulldog forwards got crossed up at the attacking line and turned the puck over for Ben Solin, who made a nice diving play to hit the empty net from the Clipper side of centre at 19:22 of the third for the eventual 3-0 final.

Third period shots were even at 10-10, for a game total favouring the Clippers of 33-25. Both teams went 0 for 6 on the power play, while the Clippers scored once while shorthanded.

The Dogs are next in action tomorrow night when they host the Penticton Vees.

Hammer

Dogs host Clippers tonight for Home Opener

After back to back games on the road last weekend, it's finally time for some home cookin' as the Bulldogs (1-0-0-1, 2nd Island) make their Dog Pound debut tonight when they host the Nanaimo Clippers (1-1-0-0, T-3rd Island)

The Dogs were last in action Saturday in Victoria, where they fell 5-4 in double overtime to the Grizzlies. The Clippers were in action Sunday afternoon at home, where they picked up their first win of the season, 5-2 over the Powell River Kings.

These teams of course met a week ago tonight in Nanaimo, where the Dogs picked up a 4-1 win.

There's lots of things happening outside the rink - Alberni Teens Can Rock will perform, and the Bulldogs are holding a BBQ rib contest while Literacy Alberni is offering up a BBQ and chili by donation!






Van Isle Ford 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. I'll handle the play-by-play, Bruce MacDonald will provide the colour and analysis while Dan Tisserand will cover team and player stats.

Tonight's 2nd Intermission guest is Fraser Rodgers, play-by-play voice of the Penticton Vees, who visit the Dog Pound tomorrow night. 



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

Bulldogs add Forward, Men's Night Finale

Welcome to the team and the community Alex, and best of luck in the future George. 



BULLDOGS SIGN NEW FORWARD


PRESS RELEASE
September 15, 2016

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Port Alberni, BC – The Alberni Valley Bulldogs are pleased to announce the signing of forward Alex MacDonald (Halifax, NS).

MacDonald was originally committed to the Langley Rivermen of the British Columbia Hockey League but was released after training camp. The 5-foot-9 forward played last season with St. Andrews College and scored 51 Points (25 Goals and 26 Assists) in 47 Games. MacDonald will bring more speed, skill, and physical play to the Bulldogs line up. 

To make room on the roster for MacDonald, the club has parted ways with George King. The Bulldogs would like to thank George for his efforts and welcome Alex and his family to the Bulldogs organization. 

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





It was a final Men's Night of the season last night at the Alberni Golf Club. Absolutely perfect weather, fantastic prizes, and a dinner to die for. No better bang for your buck anywhere. Huge thanks to Bruce and all his staff and sponsors!