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

Friday, December 16, 2016

Dogs and Grizz play to thrilling 4-4 draw



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.

The Dogs found themselves down 1-0 before the game was a minute old, as a great chance walking down the slot in the Victoria end turned into a misplayed puck and a Grizzlies out let up the left wing was knocked down at centre ice by Cole Pickup, who was allowed to walk in tight to the left faceoff dot where he ripped a shot top corner, far-side high over the glove of Brody Claeys. Brett Sterling picked up the only assist at 56 seconds of the first. The Dogs would push back though, and tie the game after a series of icings by the Grizzlies. Ryan Steele would win a draw in the Victoria end to the left half wall, before going to find it himself. He would rim it back of the net to the right corner, where Henry Marshall chased it down and threw it to the slot onto the tape of Mackenzie Wight. Shawn Parkinson would make a good initial save, but Wight stuck with it to jam the rebound home inside the post short-side to tie it at 1-1 at 5:46 of the first. There would be no scoring the rest of the frame, with not much in the way of glorious chances created by either side. Shots were even at 8-8 after 20 minutes.

The Dogs got off to a fantastic start to the second period, taking a 2-1 lead just 14 seconds into the period as a Cameron Kuhl dump in from the red line was misplayed by Parkinson right out front and onto the tape of Henry Marshall who one-timed it into the vacated cage. The Dogs kept up the pressure, and connected on the power play before the period was five minutes old when Jordan Sandhu set up Jake Witkowski from the top of the point in the left circle. He would wait for a screen to develop before firing a quick release on net. It would be stopped by Parkinson, but the rebound one-hopped onto the stick of Trevor Cosrgove at the far post where he made no mistake in one-timing it home at 4:06 of the second. The Dogs had numerous chances throughout the period to build their lead, and finally did it in the latter stages on the man advantage as Connor Welsh put a shot on net from the right point that was tipped on goal by Trevor Cosgrove. Jake Stevens would attempt to clear it, but was stick-checked resulted in him inadvertenly playing it into his own net. Cosgrove would get credit for it, un-assisted at 13:17 of the second to make it 4-1. The Dogs would continue to push and had a handful of chances, but they were unable to widen their lead. The Grizzlies would earn a power play soon afterwards, and made it a 4-2 game when a shot was blocked in front, before being gloved down by a Bulldog forward, directly onto the stick of Nick Guiney in the hashmarks where he one-timed it upstairs in a hurry over the glove of Claeys. Again the goal was unassisted at 18:14 of the second. A minute later, the Dogs looked to re-take their three goal lead as Tristan Bukovec rang a shot from the slot off the post that stayed out. The Grizzlies would go up ice immediately and catch the Dogs too deep resulting in an odd-man rush that saw Nathan Looysen score a beautfil goal where he out-waited Claeys and tucked it inside the far post to make it 4-3 at 19:39 of the second with Drayson Pears drawing the only assist. Shots in the second favoured the Grizzlies 13-12, for a 40 minute advantage of 21-20.

The third period saw the Dogs come out with a good push, with the Grizzlies pushing back with either team having good scoring opportunities. The Dogs would hold their lead until the back half of the third, but the Grizzlies were rewarded for hemming the Dogs in their zone when a series of shots and crazy deflections finally seeing the puck bounce onto the tape of Lucas Clark who picked the top corner, short-side from the slot to make it a 4-4 game at 13:09 of the third, un-assisted. The Grizzlies would have a fantastic chance to net the go ahead goal in the final minute, but Brody Claeys came up with a huge save on Cole Pickup on the doorstep to force overtime. Third period shots were even at 12 aside for a 33-32 Victoria advantage after 60 minutes.

The first overtime saw the Dogs have a couple of initial looks around the net, followed by the Grizzlies having two Grade A chances to win it - Brody Claeys came up with a big save on a Cole Pickup breakaway appearing to just get his glove on it, followed by another huge stop on a T.J Friedmann tip in attempt. The Dogs would push late in the first overtime, but couldn't find the winner with Shawn Parkinson also coming up big as the game went to double OT. Chances were too numerous to count in double OT, with Brody Claeys coming up with a breakaway save on Nathan Looysen and another rediculous rebound stop with his left toe on another follow up attempt. The Bulldogs would then get a series of back-to-back chances on the rush that somehow failed to find the net, the most notable coming with less than 30 seconds to play and Shawn Parkinson somehow getting something on a Trevor Cosgrove chance set up by Cayden Kraus to keep the game tied to the final buzzer.

Overtime shots favoured the Dogs 12-7 for a game total of 44-40 Bulldogs with Brody Claeys and Shawn Parkinson being the goalies of record. The Dogs went 2 for 3 on the power play, while the Grizzlies went 1 for 2.

The Bulldogs are next in action January 4th when they host the Capitals at the Dog Pound.

Thanks as always for reading the blog - all the best to you and yours over the Holidays!

I'll post the Christmas specials here on the blog in the coming days if you missed them.

Hammer

Dogs host Grizz tonight, A Very Merry BCHL Christmas

It's the final game before the Christmas break tonight for the Bulldogs (11-18-5-1, 5th Island) as they host the Victoria Grizzlies (22-6-3-3, 1st Island) who still have one more game to play on Sunday before they head home on their break.

The Bulldogs were last in action Wednesday night in Duncan where they fell 2-0 to the Capitals in a game that was scoreless until the final four minutes. The Grizzlies were last in action Sunday afternoon at home, where they defeated the Nanaimo Clippers 5-2.

These teams last met on November 18th at the Q Centre, where the Grizzlies picked up a 4-1 win. The Grizzlies have won all five to head match ups this season, with the Dogs earning a single point on the second night of the season when they fell 5-4 at the Q Centre in double overtime. The only previous meeting between the teams at the Dog Pound was on September 28th, a 6-3 Victoria win. 

Van Isle Ford Bulldogs Hockey is on the air on 93.3 The Peak tonight from the Multiplex starting with the pregame show at 6:45, with the puck drop to follow at approximately 7:00 with Bruce MacDonald and myself in the booth bringing the game to you.




It's my second Christmas gift to you in both the 1st and 2nd Intermission shows tonight - a Very Merry BCHL Christmas.

It is the same format as my Bulldog Christmas special that ran Wednesday night - I contacted every Coach and Broadcaster from around the league and asked them to share what was on their Christmas wish list and also encouraged them to send out season's greetings.

Once again a huge thanks to everyone from around the league for taking the time to be a part of this. It's not a small undertaking by any means to get a hold of everyone but it's a lot of fun and it makes me appreciate being involved in such a great league as the BCHL.



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


Thanks as always for the checking the blog. 

Hammer

Wednesday, December 14, 2016

Dogs drop second straight, 2-0 to Capitals in Duncan




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 pretty good pace from the outset in this contest, with not much in the way in glaring errors resulting in Grade A scoring chances for either side through the first ten minutes, with each side credited with five shots on net. The pace stayed high through the period, with the Dogs having several near misses on rebound chances in front that just failed to cooperate for both Braydon Nelson and Kyle Kaufmann. The Capitals would earn the first power play chance of the game late in the period, but the Dogs killed it off until the final 30 seconds before drawing a penalty to earn a chance of their own. The Capitals would have the best chance of the game while shorthanded, as Max Newton head-manned it and took off and beat everyone to the net for a breakaway that saw Brody Claeys get his right pad down to keep it scoreless. Shots favoured the Bulldogs 9-7 through 20 minutes.

The second period was somewhat scrambly with not a lot of flow through the first five minutes. A long delay would then be brought about after Ayden MacDonald hit Malik Kaila head first into the right wing wall in the Bulldogs zone as Kaila was removed from the ice on a stretcher after being immobilized. The Bulldogs weren't sharp on the five minute major - the call being for a blow to the head, which didn't seem correct, but a major penalty was certainly warranted. Whether it was due to the lengthly delay, or due to the mental impact of seeing a teammate down - or a combination of both, the Dogs only managed two shots on net, while conceding three. The most notably being a partial breakaway across the crease where Brody Claeys got his glove out to rob George Sennott. The Dogs got going as the period wore on, but penalties would soon become prevalent both ways. The Caps earned an advantage, before taking two penalties to put the Dogs up on a 4 on 3 then 5 on 3 power play - before the Dogs then took a penalty to even it up. The Dogs would draw another call late in the frame when Cayden Kraus was hooked up on a shorthanded breakaway that Lane Michasiw made a solid save on to keep it scoreless after 40 minutes. The Dogs out shot the Capitals 17-6 in the period, for a 40 minute advantage of 26-13.

The Bulldogs had a jump to their step and an edge to the play throughout the third period, but despite several loose pucks around the net couldn't cash in to open the scoring as it remained 0-0 through the back half of the third period. The Bulldogs would earn a late-game power play, on what looked like a nothing call after a scary trip seconds early that saw Cole Slaney go feet-first into the end boards go un-called. Lane Michasiw would make a game-saving stop as he went left to right to rob Alex MacDonald on a perfect cross-ice set up by Trevor Cosgrove. An odd sequence of penalty calls would follow that, with Tristan Bukovec being driven head first into boards behind the Capitals net by Josh Owings. Everyone would grab a partner after the whistle, including Owings doubling over Alex MacDonald in a head lock. Somehow the Officials saw something that absolved Owings for anything after the whistle, and gave MacDonald four minutes to bring about a Capital power play. The Dogs would kill it off efficiently, barely conceding their zone, but soon afterwards the Capitals opened the scoring, in controversial fashion. It appeared the puck had clearly exited the Bulldogs zone before being thrown on net from the right point where it was deflected home past Brody Claeys by Trevor Ayre from the top of the crease. Assists on the play went to Marshall Skapski and Jarid Domin with just 3:40 to play in the third period. The Bulldogs would immediately protest, and to the Linesman's credit he knew that either the call was blown or that he wasn't in a position to make the call and he gathered the other Officials for a discussion about it. That would quickly end however, with the goal standing. The Dogs would get their goalie out for the extra attacker and had good pressure and a handful of pucks around the Caps net but as was the theme for the night they couldn't get one to go. The Capitals would seal the deal into an empty net on a wrap around that appeared to have the net dislodged at least partially by a sliding Bulldog defender, but the goal again stood with Max Newton getting credit for it - I thought it was Rhett Kingston that scored it, but he was given the only assist instead at 19:52 of the third for the 2-0 final.

Third period shots favoured the Bulldogs 12-8, for a game total in their favour of 38-21 - a season low in shots conceded. Brody Claeys took the loss while earning 2nd star honours while Lane Michasiw earned up 1st star honours with the win and the shut out. The Bulldogs went 0 for 5 on the power play, while the Capitals went 0 for 6.

The Dogs next see action Friday when they host the Grizzlies for their final game before the Christmas break.

A final note - I've received several inquiries about the status of Malik Kaila after the nasty hit he took and the scary scened that followed it. I don't have any information to share on his status other than he is at the Duncan hospital and it's a safe assumption that it's a hit that resulted in an injury and the league will take a hard look at it for supplemental discipline. Just my opinion on it - I don't think Ayden MacDonald had intent for that end result to occur, but it was certainly reckless/careless and resulted in an injury and a frightening scene that no one ever wants to witness or be a part of.


Hammer

Dogs visit Caps tonight at Big Stick, A Very Merry Bulldog Christmas....

It's the second to last game before the Christmas break for the Bulldogs (11-17-5-1, 5th Island) and also for the Capitals (17-14-2-2, 3rd Island) as they meet tonight at the Island Savings Centre in Duncan.


The Bulldogs were last in action Sunday afternoon at home, where they saw their unbeaten in regulation streak end at three with a 2-1 loss to the Wenatchee Wild. The Caps were also last in action on Sunday, where they concluded a three-in-three road trip with a 2-1 win over the Eagles in Surrey.


These teams last met November 23rd in Duncan, where they played to a 3-3 tie. The only previous meeting was a 5-4 double overtime win for the Capitals at the Dog Pound on October 21st.

If you can't make it down to the Big Stick, we'll make you feel like you are there on Pacific Chevrolet Bulldogs Hockey on 93.3 The Peak FM, with the pregame show coming to you starting at 6:45 with the puck drop and game action to follow at 7:00. The full broadcast crew will be on hand - Dan Tisserand compiles team and player statistics, Bruce MacDonald provides colour commentary and analysis while I handle the hosting duties and call the play-by-play.
As it's the second to last game before the Christmas break, tonight I'm happy to give away my present to you. 

I have no clue how long this tradition has gone on for, but I'm guessing it's a decade or more. It's all business on the ice until the end of the game on Friday night of course, and it's also all business 99% of the time in my interviews with the players are as well.

Having said that, it's a good time of year to have a little fun with the team as spirits are high with time at home and time with family and friends looming on the horizon after what has been for most of the guys a very long grind from August or September. 

Christmas is also of course a magical time - where wishes can even sometimes come true, if Santa has your name on his NICE LIST.

Listen during the 1st and 2nd Intermissions for "A Very Merry Bulldogs Christmas", a compilation of the Christmas wish lists of all the Bulldogs players, coaches and staff. What do they have on their wish list to be under the tree when they wake up on Christmas morning. 



I hope you enjoy listening to it as much as I enjoyed the experience of putting it together!

.
Friday night it's A Very Merry BCHL Christmas - the same format but with Coaches and Broadcasters from around the entire British Columbia Hockey League.



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

Monday, December 12, 2016

VIDEO: Teddy Bear Toss goal

Cayden Kraus scores to send the bears flying. Yes, I know, I need to bone up on my Teddy Bear names, but what was off the cuff and off the top of my head!

Hammer

Sunday, December 11, 2016

Dogs fall 2-1 to Wild in fantastic end to end affair



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 Dogs showed no signs of the flatness that some teams see when returning to home ice after a long road stretch, as they pushed the pace and took the body finishing a bunch of checks. The Wild could open the scoring on a somewhat innocent looking play, but no play could be thought of as innocent with the BCHL's leading goal scorer involved as Brendan Harris drove the Dogs net and was checked, but the loose puck was found by Charlie Combs, who scored on a lightning quick release, top corner short-side on Carson Schamerhorn to make it 1-0 Wild at 4:34 of the first. The Dogs didn't appear to let the goal against deflate them, but the Wild continued to push the pace and get more pucks on net in running up an early 7-1 lead in shots. The Dogs would generate some good chances on their own on the rush in the back half of the period, but Devin Cooley was solid in the Wild net when called upon. The period was played at a high pace, and was very physical with plenty of hits and even a spirited scrap between Braydon Nelson and Lucas Sowder. Shots in the period favoured the Wild 14-6.

The second period was much like the first, with great end to end action played at a lightning fast pace. The Dogs earned an early power play chance, but couldn't cash in on it. They would continue to keep their effort level high, and generated a couple opportunities, but Devin Cooley came up big to protect the lead through the midway point of the second. The Wild would double their lead late in the period on a faceoff in the Dogs end, as Brian Williams walked in tight where he was stopped by the glove of Schamerhorn. He couldn't squeeze the rebound though, as Brendan Harris dove to slide it just inside the post, far-side to make it 2-0 at 15:20 of the second, with Alex Bates given the only official assist on the play. The Wild would control the better of the play over the next two minutes, with Carson Schamerhorn coming up with a series of saves to keep the Dogs in it. They would push back, with Devin Cooley again keeping the Dogs off the board through the end of the second. Shots were even at 13 aside in the period, for a 27-19 Wild lead after two.

The Dogs came out of the gate flying to start the third, getting a trio of good chances on the rush and on goal mouth scrambles through the first minute. They would earn a power play chance soon afterwards, but couldn't capitalize on it as the Wild killed it efficiently. The Dogs were persistent though, and fought hard on an attacking zone shift to finally send the bears flying as Cayden Kraus took a pass in the right circle from Trevor Cosgrove that he snapped home low, short-side past the glove of Cooley to make it 2-1 at 5:12 of the third period. The remainder of the game was played again at a high pace, with each team having their chances, and the Bulldogs having the better of them but being unable to beat Cooley despite several great opportunities in the final minute on a late game power play as the Wild made the lead stand for the 2-1 final.

Shots in the third favoured the Dogs 13-8 for a game total of 35-32 Wild. Carson Schamerhorn took the loss but earned 3rd star honours while Devin Cooley picked up the win. The Dogs went 0 for 3 on the power play while the Wild didn't earn an advantage.

The Dogs are next in action Wednesday night when they visit the Capitals in Duncan.

Hammer


Bulldogs host Wild this afternoon for Teddy Bear Toss

It's a big test for the Bulldogs (11-16-5-1, 5th Island) as they return to home ice after a stretch of seven straight games on the road to host the Wenatchee Wild (25-5-2-0, 1st Mainland) for the annual Teddy Bear Toss game.

The Bulldogs were in action last night in Powell River, where they dug out of a 2-0 deficit after one with four unanswered goals to beat the Kings 4-2. 

The Wild enter today playing their fourth game in five days - they topped the Express 12-0 in Coquitlam on Wednesday night before falling 4-3 in double OT to the Clippers in Nanaimo on Friday night. They were in Victoria last night, where they beat the Grizzlies 3-1.

Don't forget to bring your Teddy Bears!








It's a 2:00pm puck drop, which means Van Isle Ford Bulldogs Hockey is on the air on 93.3 The Peak FM with the pregame show at 1:45 with Bruce MacDonald and myself providing the colour commentary and analysis along with play-by-play. 



Today's 2nd Intermission feature is a segment from the BCHL This Week radio show on TSN1040 and TSN1410, with host Iain Mcletchie interviewing Mike Snee, Executive Director of College Hockey Inc, all about the NCAA and it's increased presence in Canada with a broadcast schedule on TSN.



For the third-straight season, the NCAA has announced a schedule of games to be aired nationwide in Canada and each game will feature multiple BCHL alums.
Canadian viewers will be treated to 37 regular-season games in 2016-17, including coverage of marquee events like Frozen Fenway in January and the Beanpot from Boston in February. Coverage begins this Friday on TSN with the Friendship Four from Belfast, Northern Ireland where as many as 29 BCHL alums could play, including nine B.C.-born players.
“We are excited that TSN will once again be making so many NCAA games available to hockey fans in Canada,” said College Hockey Inc. Executive Director Mike Snee. “Close to 30 per cent of all NCAA hockey players are Canadian, including three NHL first-round draft picks in 2016. Our partnership with TSN allows these young players to be more closely followed in their hometowns and shows what makes playing for your school a unique and special experience.”
The first televised games on TSN’s 2016-17 NCAA hockey schedule are Friday from Belfast, Northern Ireland, where Massachusetts, Quinnipiac, St. Lawrence and Vermont will compete in the Friendship Four. Friday’s games are set for 8 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. PT and will be available on TSN2 and TSN GO. For those with extra channels, several games will be available on Big Ten Network (BTN) and CBS Sports Network (CBSSN).
“TSN’s significant coverage of NCAA hockey is great news for the hockey fan in Canada,” said Craig Button, TSN’s Director of Scouting and a former NHL general manager. “The games are intense and the players are very skilled, with many of them headed to the NHL in the near future. NCAA hockey is highly entertaining and fun to watch.”
TSN’s schedule showcases teams from all six NCAA Division I conferences and many of the nearly 200 NHL draft picks currently playing at the NCAA level. 
Three Canadian players taken in the first round of the 2016 NHL Draft are featured in the schedule, including Nashville Predators draft pick Dante Fabbro of Boston University, whose team will appear at least three times.
“I’ve only been at Boston University for a few months but I can already see why playing NCAA hockey makes such a lasting impression on players who have done it,” said Fabbro, a native of New Westminster, B.C., who played for the BCHL’s Penticton Vees. “It will be great that my friends and family back home will be able to see what it’s like and watch me play.”
TSN’s expanded coverage of NCAA hockey is available for live streaming and on-demand viewing to TSN subscribers through TSN GO. Seven games this season have already been made available on TSN GO.



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

Saturday, December 10, 2016

Dogs come back to top Kings 4-2




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.


While the Dogs threw a couple good hits inside the first 20 seconds of the game, they found themselves down 1-0 on a bad turnover up the middle of their own zone. Cam Donaldson would intercept it and walk down the right side before throwing a crisp cross-ice pass onto the tape of Jonny Evans who one-timed it home before Brody Claeys could get over, at just 1:41 of the first. The Dogs would threaten on a power play later in the period, but the Kings killed it off and continued to carry the better of the play. They would hem the Dogs in their end for what felt like forever before making it a 2-0 game as Jonny Evans walked off the left wing to the slot before sliding a backdoor pass onto the tape of Curtis McCarrick. Brody Claeys would appear to make the initial save, but Jake Kohlhauser tapped the loose puck home from the top of the crease to make it 2-0 at 16:48 of the first, with McCarrick drawing the only assist. The Dogs would be penalized almost immediately afterwards, but killed it off as the period expired, with Brody Claeys coming up with a big save on the door step on Jonny Evans to keep the Dogs within two after one. The Kings out shot the Dogs 14-5 in the period.

The Bulldogs would look like a vastly different team to begin the second, as they had a jump in their step and got a good amount of pucks on net early. They kept the push going, and were rewarded for it just short of five minutes in as Ryan Steele won a draw in the Kings end. Mackenzie Wight would feed it back to the top of the point for Darren Rizzolo, who scored his first as a Bulldog with a quick wrister off the post and in, far-side past the blocker of Wilson to make it a 2-1 game at 4:57 of the second. The Dogs would find the equalizer just over two minutes later when the Kings coughed it up in their zone up the middle, where it was found by Tristan Bukovec. He would put a perfect rink-wide pass onto the tape of Jordan Sandhu at the top of the right circle, where he one-timed it home far-side low past the pad of Wilson to make it 2-2 at 7:15 of the period. The Bulldogs would keep pushing the pace, and were finally rewarded for it late in the period as Cameron Kuhl dumped the puck in and followed up on the forecheck with a big hit. Ryan Steele would throw it out front from behind the goal line, where it was relayed by Henry Marshall to the left half-wall where Trevor Cosgrove one-timed a knuckler top corner, past the glove of Wilson to make it 3-2 at 16:56 of the second. The Dogs were penalized almost immediately after the goal, but did a solid job of killing it to hold their lead into period three. Second period shots favoured the Dogs 14-7, for a Kings lead of 21-19 after 40 minutes.

The third period saw the Bulldogs show no signs of sitting back, as they pushed hard through the first 10 minutes to continue to lead. The Dogs did a good job of defending their end, and also of killing time in the Kings end on the cycle. The lead held until the late stages of the game, with the Dogs not giving up much, until a misplayed puck at centre ice resulted in a 2 on 1 rush that saw Brody Claeys come up with a game saver on Jonny Evans with just over two minutes to play. The Kings would pull their goalie for the extra attacker, but the Dogs would seal the deal after a series of solid face-off wins in their zone. Spencer Hunter would work the puck out up the left wing for Darren Rizzolo, who fought it up the wing for Tristan Bukovec. He would make a nice move to make a King defender miss, resulting in a 2 on 1 rush where he dished off perfectly to Jake Witkowski down the right side where he hit the yawning cage to make it 4-2 at 18:54 of the third for the eventual final score. One final tidbit happened with just 2.4 seconds left as Joshua Bruce was awarded a penalty shot after being hauled down on a breakaway. The Bulldogs would bring Carson Schamerhorn off the bench, and he stood tall to make the save.

Third period shots favoured Powell River 13-6, for game total of 34-25 Kings. Brody Claeys picked up 2nd star honours with the win while Brian Wilson took the loss. The Dogs went 0 for 2 on the power play while the Kings went 0 for 5.

The Bulldogs are finally back home tomorrow when they host the Wenatchee Wild for a 2:00pm puck drop. Don't forget your Teddy Bears.

Hammer

Friday, December 09, 2016

Bulldogs visit Kings tonight *5:00pm start* Garrett Halls interview



It's the second game in a back to back set between the teams in Powell River, as the Bulldogs (10-16-5-1, 5th Island) again visit the Kings (21-12-2-1, 2nd Island) at the Hap Parker Arena tonight for a 5:00pm puck drop as the Bulldogs conclude a stretch of seven straight games on the road.


These teams met here last night, with the Kings ending up winning a wild one 5-4 in double overtime.




Once again note the unique puck drop time of 5:00pm - that means 93.3 The Peak FM's coverage begins with the pregame show at 4:45 on Pacific Chevrolet Bulldogs Hockey with myself and Bruce MacDonald bringing all the action to you.



Tonight's 2nd Intermission guest is former Bulldog Garrett Halls - last year's Top Defenceman and Community Hero - who is now playing with the Selkirk College Saints of the BCIHL.




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

Dogs drop 5-4 double OT thriller in Powell River

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

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The Bulldogs got off to a good start, aided by a power play opportunity just 14 seconds into the game. While they didn't score, they looked sharp on it and carried momentum out of it. Through the midway point of the first, the Dogs had considerable jump with some solid opportunities and a 7-2 edge in shots. The Kings would open the scoring against the flow of play though, with a D-to-D pass being one-timed high at the net from the left point from Callum Volpe. Tristan Mullin was planted inside the blue paint, where he deflected past Brody Claeys, who seemed somewhat impeded to make any save on it. Josh Coblenz also drew an assist on the play at 10:53 of the first. Before the celebration in the rink died down, the Dogs had one of their own, as they tied the game just 17 seconds later. Mackenzie Wight would hustle in on the forecheck to hit a King behind the goal line, before putting a crisp pass out front and onto the tape of Ryan Steele who one-timed it home five-hole on Brian Wilson at 11:10 of the first. The Kings would have a great chance to take the lead back later in the period, with Brody Claeys making a fantastic save on Cam Donaldson on a cross-ice pass on an odd man rush. The Dogs would continue to push in the Kings zone, but couldn't capitalize to take the lead. The Dogs would be penalized late in the period and did a fantastic job of killing the penalty for about 1:59 of it, but the Kings would score at the conclusion of it before Cayden Kraus could get back into the zone as Ben Berard knocked a puck down at the bottom of the right circle with his back to the net. He would hold it and stick handle before spinning and firing a backhand home that found the top corner on Claeys to make it 2-1 at 18:44 of the first, with assists going to Curtis McCarrick and Johan Steen. Shots in the period favoured the Bulldogs 10-7.

The Kings came out with a noticable jump to start the second, testing Claeys three times in the first minute. The Dogs would answer to tie the game shortly afterwards, with Mackenzie Wight gloving a puck down just outside the Kings line and attacking the zone up the middle before walking to the top of the right circle where he snapped one home top corner, short-side high on Wilson to make it 2-2 at 3:11 of the second. While the Dogs appeared initially energized by tying the game, they would end up in the penalty box less than two minutes later. They would kill it off successfully, but again ended up in the box a further three minutes later. They wouldn't be able to kill it off, as another deflection found it's way home as Liam Lawson took a drop pass from Jonny Evans at the top of the point and blasted a one-timer at the net that was tipped from the hashmarks by Tristan Mullin low through Claeys to make it 3-2 at 9:21 of the second. The Dogs would push later in the period, with their best chances perhaps coming again when they were killing a penalty as Mackenzie Wight had two good chances. Shots in the period favoured the Kings 16-11 for a two period total of 23-21 Kings.

The Bulldogs would tie the game just over four minutes into the third on a pretty power play set up, as Jake Witkowski crept into the top of the right circle and dished off down low to the right side of the net for Tristan Bukovec. He would then take a return pass and one-time it home top corner, short-side high on Wilson. Jordan Sandhu also drew an assist on the play at 4:17 of the third. The Dogs would be penalized seconds later, but got back to even strength when Darren Rizzolo was cut by a high stick. The Dogs would connect on the advantage to take a 4-3 lead as Keith Anderson made a key play to keep the play alive with a stick lift in the slot to get it back to the point to Darren Rizzolo. He would then take a pass from the right half wall at the right point before sliding it across the line for Jordan Sandhu, who blew a slap shot far-side past Brian Wilson to make it 4-3 at 7:33 of the third. Wilson would chase the Referee almost to centre ice after the goal, upset at what he thought was contact outside his crease from Tristan Bukovec. It might just be the side of the puck I saw it from - or that I was watching from a relatively poor vantage point - but it didn't look like the goalie was impeded from making the save, or certainly not to the point of what Brody Claeys dealt with on the first Kings goal. The Kings would push back as the Dogs got a bit tentative in their zone, and tie the game on another hard to describe deflection, as Jake Kohlhauser put a wrister somewhere towards the neighbourhood of the net from the left point that apparently deflected off a Bulldog and in to make it 4-4 at 14:46 of the third with Tristan Mullin drawing the only assist. Less than a minute later the Kings would have a glorious chance to win it, but Brody Claeys came up with not one but two highlight reel saves on a wide-open Ben Raffler. The Dogs would then come close to winning it themselves with Cam Donaldson hooking up Mackenzie Wight who was skating in alone on a nice set up by Cayden Kraus. The Dogs were unable to capitalize on the power play to end the third, with shots in the period favouring the Dogs 12-9 for a 60 minute advantage of 33-32.

The Dogs couldn't win the game on their power play to start the first OT, and then took a penalty of their own late in the first OT. The Kings would win it 44 seconds into double OT on yet another miraculous deflection as a Callum Volpe put a slapper towards the net from the right point that again hit a Bulldog out in the slot before finding the net for the 5-4 final with Jonny Evans drawing the only assist.

Final shots favoured Powell River 36-35 with Brody Claeys taking the loss while Brian Wilson picked up the win. The Dogs went 2 for 6 on the power play while the Kings went 2 for 7.

The teams meet again tomorrow in Powell River for a 5:00pm puck drop.

Hammer

Bulldogs visit Kings tonight to open up double header

It's the first meeting of the season between the teams in Powell River, as the Bulldogs (10-16-4-1, 5th Island) visit the Kings (20-12-1-0, 2nd Island) for a double header tonight and tomorrow.

The Bulldogs were last in action Sunday afternoon in Surrey, where they completed a four games in five days road trip with a 5-1 win over the Eagles. The Kings were also last in action on Sunday, where they lost their second in a row 5-1 to the Smoke Eaters in Trail.

This is the fourth meeting of the season between the teams, with the Dogs having an 0-2-0-1 record, dropping the most recent meeting 5-4 in double overtime on November 20th.



It's a unique start time of 7:15 - that means Pacific Chevrolet Bulldogs Hockey takes to 93.3 The Peak FM airwaves at 7:00 for the pregame show. Bruce MacDonald will provide the colour commentary and analysis, while I'll cover the hosting duties and call the play-by-play.

Tonight's 2nd Intermission guest is Arch Ecker, the play-by-play voice of the Wenatchee Wild, who visit the Dog Pound for the Teddy Bear Toss game on Sunday afternoon.




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 bchl.hockeytv.com


Hammer

Thursday, December 08, 2016

VIDEO: Witkowski's Natural Hat Trick, Anderson's 1st

Thanks as always for checking the blog - here's some video highlights for your enjoyment.

Getting these videos together is quite the undertaking, the Witkowski one especially as I need to procure three separate video clips and then three separate audio clips from The Peak as the road audio isn't available on Hockey TV. THEN, I need to try and not go crazy while attempting to make them all line up in sync... it's not perfect, but close enough, right?

I hope you appreciate them - and while I'm at it I'm giving an extra thanks to Clark Power and Van Isle Ford for these videos. They didn't assist me directly with these, but they are friends and supporters of the blog and without them it wouldn't happen - so if you appreciate it please consider thanking them with your business!

Talk to you tomorrow night from Powell River.

Hammer


Tuesday, December 06, 2016

Claeys named Player of the Week, Cosgrove gets a mention....


Have team success, individual accolades will follow.... Congrats to this week's BCHL Player of the Week Brody Claeys, and to Trevor Cosgrove for receiving and Honorable Mention. 
Hammer


Alberni Valley Bulldogs goalie Brody Claeys has been named the BCHL Player of the Week for the week ending December 4, the league announced Monday.
Claeys saw action in all four ‘Dogs games for the week – all on the road – and earned three wins, stopping 113 of 119 shots along the way. He stopped 27 of 28 in an OT win in Nanaimo and followed that up with 33 saves and 1st Star in a 4-1 win in Trail. He made 24 saves in half a game’s work in West Kelowna and closed his week with 29 saves and 2nd Star in a 5-1 victory in Surrey.
Honourable mentions this week:
Salmon Arm Silverbacks G Nic Tallarico: 2W, 2nd Star, 77 saves/82 shots, .939 sv%, 2.35 GAA
Salmon Arm Silverbacks F Mitch Skapski: 2G, 2A, FortisBC Energy Player of the Game
Victoria Grizzlies D Jake Stevens: 2G, 3A
Victoria Grizzlies G Matthew Galajda: W, 1st Star, 3rd Star, 64 saves/68 shots, .941 sv%, 1.99 GAA
Chilliwack Chiefs F Kohen Olischefski: 1G, 4A, 3rd Star
Alberni Valley Bulldogs D Trevor Cosgrove: 2G, 4A