Dogs drop third straight, 6-2 in West Kelowna

The Bulldogs had good jump on the opening shift, but quickly trailed just over a minute in on a bad luck goal on a centering pass from the bottom of the right circle that went to the top of the crease where it hit the skate of Michael Lombardi and went in past the blocker arm of John Hawthorne. I quick discussion by the Officials let the goal stand. I did not think there was a kicking motion, it just happened to hit him and take a fortunate/unfortunate bounce. RJ Murphy drew the only assist 1:52 into the game. The Warriors were immediately awarded a power play, but the Bulldogs came up with a big kill to keep in the game. The Bulldogs then earned a chance on the power play, but didn't look especially good on it. Later in the period, the Dogs passion and compete level came up and they earned another power play as of result of it. They looked considerably better on it, but couldn't beat Nik Amundrud. The Warriors would then take a 2-0 lead on a goal somewhat against the flow of the play that saw Willie Reim have an extra step in beating his man to the net, where he one-timed home a cross-crease pass from RJ Murphy, with Garrett Ewert also assisting at 14:42 of the first. The Bulldogs again earned a power play, with an obvious urgency in their game resulting in a couple solid chances, but an inability to get on the board. Another mad scramble in the final minute of the period failed to find the net, and the Warriors went up ice and scored against the flow of play as a pass to the hashmarks was found by Michael Lombardi, who snapped a quick release far-side off the post and in past Hawthorne to make it 3-0 at 19:45 of the first with Willie Reim drawing the only assist. Shots in the first were even at 12-12.

The Bulldogs were penalized just over a minute into the second on a big hit by Mitch Oliver on Lucas Cullen - it was clean, but the Referee manufactured an interference call on it. The Warriors would take a 4-0 lead as a result of it, as Parm Dhaliwal walked out un touched from behind the goal line at the right side of the net where he cut across the crease and tucked it inside the far post. Assisting on the play were Chase Dubois and Ryan Steele at 2:14 of the second. Four minutes later it was a 5-0 game as a Bulldog defender stepped up and got beat at his blue line resulting in a 2 on 1 rush that the Warriors worked to perfection as Parm Dhaliwal took a pass from Wyatt Head that he gave right back to him and head finished it into the open net near side. Also assisting on the play was Chase Dubois at 6:03 of the second. The Bulldogs answered just 21 seconds later, as Michael Sacco won a draw in the Warriors end that was helped back to the line by Bradley Ong. Spencer Hora would one-time it at the net, where Sacco deflected it inside the far post to make it 5-1 at 6:24 of the second. The Dogs weren't able to build any momentum however, as the Warriors padded their lead later in the period again on the power play as Parm Dhaliwal was set up at the side of the net by Chase Dubois, where he walked out un-touched and went high short-side past the blocker of Brock Lefevbre to make it 6-1. Ryan Steele also assisted on the play at 13:28 of the second. Shots in the period were 21-8 Warriors, for a 40 minute advantage of 33-20.


The third period saw the Bulldogs start with some jam initially, but they couldn't trim the deficit. They were subsequently penalized, but Brock Lefevbre was good to keep it a 6-1 score. The Dogs pushed on a nice odd-man rush to create a solid chance to trim the hole they were in, but couldn't cash in around the net, and ultimately were penalized for...... I'm not quite sure. The Bulldogs would kill it, and then another penalty later in the period, before earning a power play of their own. It would turn into a 5 on 3 advantage of just under half a minute when the Warriors were again penalized. The Bulldogs were all over the Warrior net initially, but couldn't get a bounce to beat Amundrud. They quickly connected on the 5 on 4 power play when Paul Selleck won the draw for Jackson Doucet. He helped it back to Timon Prexler at the left point, who went D-to-D to the right point for Mitch Oliver. He would put a quick shot on goal that was deflected home in the paint by Christian Simeone to make it 6-2 at 16:59 of the third for the eventual final.


Shots in the third were 15-7 Bulldogs, for a 40-35 game total in the Warriors favour. John Hawthorne took the loss before being relieved by Brock Lefevbre, while Nik Amundrud picked up the win. The Dogs went 1 for 6 on the power play, while the Warriors went 2 for 6.


With the loss, the Bulldogs have dropped three straight. They are next in action Friday night as they kick off a double header against the Kings in Powell River.


Hammer











____________________________________________________________

There has never been a subscription fee for this blog - and there never will be, but if you enjoy stopping by here, why not consider donating to the cause? Just click HERE. . . and thank you very much. *

*As eloquently said by Gregg Drinnan of Taking Note - the best hockey/sports blog around

Bulldogs visit Warriors this afternoon *2:30 start*

It's the finale of a three game weekend this afternoon in West Kelowna,  as the Bulldogs (14-25-4-4, 4th Island) face the Warriors (23-22-1-1, 5th Interior) at Royal Lepage Place for a 2:30 puck drop.


The Bulldogs were in Vernon last night, where they lost their second in a row, 4-2 to the Vipers. The Warriors have played twice this week, as they were at home Tuesday night against Coquitlam, when they picked up a 5-0 win over the Express.They hosted Vernon on Friday night, when they lost 7-4 to the Vipers before having last night off.

These teams last faced off on Sunday January 7th, a 4-3 Warrior win at the Dog Pound.

Here's a look inside Royal Lepage Place...

I'll be on the air today starting at 2:15 for the pregame show - the puck drops at 2:30. Catch every minute of the action on 93.3 The Peak FM, on Pacific Chevrolet Bulldogs Hockey.

Today's 2nd Intermission guest is former Bulldog Mark MacMillan, into his third professional season, and having a great year so far with the ECHL's Tulsa Oilers.

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

____________________________________________________________

There has never been a subscription fee for this blog - and there never will be, but if you enjoy stopping by here, why not consider donating to the cause? Just click HERE. . . and thank you very much. *

*As eloquently said by Gregg Drinnan of Taking Note - the best hockey/sports blog around

Dogs drop 4-2 decision in Vernon

The Bulldogs had an early noticeable jump to their step, as they held an early lead in shots through the first four minutes of the game, with one good chance seeing Julian Benner dance over the line only to be stopped in tight by Ty Taylor. The Bulldogs continued to push, and drew a penalty short of the midway point of the period as Isaac Tonkin-Palmer was hooked from behind while walking in on net. The Bulldog power play looked dreadful for the first minute and a half, as the Vipers out worked them and won a series of battle to not concede their zone. The Bulldogs failed to quit though, and gained the zone on the rush with speed as Julian Benner flew down the left side and behind the net before putting a quick pass out front for Jackson Doucet.  He put a quick one timer on goal that was stopped by Taylor, but he couldn't control the rebound as it went cross-crease to the far post where Cole Poliziani hammered it home to make it 1-0 Bulldogs at 10:11 of the first. The Vipers would push and tie the game later in the period, on a sharp angle chance through traffic by Connor Marritt that found the post short-side to make it 1-1, with assists to Alex Swetlikoff and Coleton Bilodeau at 14:01 of the first. The Bulldogs pushed right back, and a fantastic save by Ty Taylor kept it tied as he stopped Jackson Doucet on a deflection attempt on the doorstep on the rush off a pretty set up by Cole Poliziani. The Bulldogs earned a late period power play, and threatened on it but couldn't cash in before the buzzer. The Vipers were penalized at the buzzer, as Mitch Andres was whistled for being an ineligible player for not leaving the ice after losing his helmet. Shots in the first were 19-10 Bulldogs.


The Bulldogs once again connected on the power play to take the lead, just over a minute into the frame as Mitch Oliver kept the puck in at the right point and found Jackson Doucet on the right half wall. He would feed it below the goal line for Julian Benner, who took one quick step out front and swept a wrap around through Taylor to make it 2-1 Bulldogs at 1:21 of the second. The Vipers answered to tie the game four minutes later, after a long shift in the Bulldog zone and a post hit that stayed out, as Mitch Andres put a slap shot on goal from the top of the line that beat a screened Lefevbre top corner, long-side over his glove to make it 2-2 at 5:05 of the second, with the lone assist going to Brett Stapley. The Vipers continued to push, and drew a penalty and what they thought was a goal in what was a crazy sequence. I was surprised at the penalty call, as Spencer Hora dove on a Viper who had a step on him and got nothing but puck to break up the play. The arm went up anyway, and the Vipers pressured. Brock Lefevbre would make a save in the crease, the Bulldogs would appear to have possession of the puck, and the puck went to the crease again where Lefevbre was bumped out of position before a rebound went in. After a long discussion, the goal was waved off. I thought initially it was for contact in the crease, but the announcement in the building was due to the Bulldogs having had possession of the puck - I'm not sure that's a call that can actually be made after the fact though, and not in the moment. In the end, it didn't stay tied long. While the Dogs killed the penalty, the Vipers connected soon afterwards as Chris Jandric carried the puck end-to-end and back of the Bulldogs net where he was hit off of it, only to have Jimmy Lambert find it. He walked across the top of the line and to the deep slot where he fired a wrister high over the glove of Lefevbre to make it 3-2 Vernon at 7:56 of the second. Less than a minute later it was 4-2 as a Jordan Sandhu rush down the right wing was defended well by Darren Rizzolo, but the loose puck from the side of the net was found by Derek Brown. He put a quick wrist shot on goal that eluded Lefevbre seven hole to make it 4-2 at 8:51 of the second, with assists to Jordan Sandhu and Jack Judson as John Hawthorne entered the game in relief. He would be very busy for the remainder of the period, and rock solid to keep it a two-goal deficit into the third.  Shots in the period were 21-6 Vernon, for a 40 minute edge of 31-26.


The third period saw the Vipers push throughout almost the bulk of the first 15 minutes of it, getting plenty of attack zone time and a good amount of opportunities around John Hawthorne but he was fantastic to keep the Bulldogs in it. The Dogs earned a power play with nine minutes gone in the period and a huge chance to get back into it. They couldn't generate much, or anything on it however. The Bulldogs didn't quit, and generated a couple Grade A chances with under four minutes to play - the first of which saw Julian Benner make a drop pass to Keaton Mastrodonato on the rush that he rang off the crossbar behind Taylor, but it stayed out. Later in the shift Mitch Oliver put a puck on goal that Taylor allowed a fat rebound on to the hashmarks for a wide-open Mastrodonato. Taylor would come up with a fantastic glove save to keep it 4-2. The Dogs would be given a major penalty with just under three minutes to play when Tyler Vanuden was called for boarding on Jagger Williamson who appeared to admire his own dump in and not protect himself as he put the puck in from centre. The Bulldogs quickly attacked and pulled their goalie, and had another series of near misses around the Vernon net resulting in a penalty to Ty Taylor to make it a 5 on 4 for the final minute and change. They pushed to the final buzzer, but couldn't beat Taylor as the Vipers held the lead to the final buzzer.


Final shots were 43-32 Vernon, with Brock Lefevbre taking the loss while Ty Taylor picked up the win. The Bulldogs went 2 for 4 on the power play, while Vernon went 0 for 3.


The Bulldogs conclude their weekend tomorrow afternoon in West Kelowna for a 2:30 start.


Hammer



____________________________________________________________

There has never been a subscription fee for this blog - and there never will be, but if you enjoy stopping by here, why not consider donating to the cause? Just click HERE. . . and thank you very much. *

*As eloquently said by Gregg Drinnan of Taking Note - the best hockey/sports blog around

Bulldogs visit Vipers tonight *6:00pm start*

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It's a big test tonight on tap for the Bulldogs (14-24-4-4, 4th Island) as they visit the Vernon Vipers, (30-12-1-4, 2nd Interior) one of the top teams in the Interior Conference at Kal Tire Place.

The Bulldogs were in Salmon Arm last night, where they had their two game winning streak halted with a 7-6 double overtime loss to the Silverbacks. The Vipers were in West Kelowna last night, where they snapped a two game losing slide with a 7-4 win over the Warriors.

This is the second of three meetings between the teams this season, due to the previous meeting at the BCHL Showcase in Chilliwack on September 21st, when they played to a 1-1 tie. 

Here's a look inside Kal Tire Place - formerly the Vernon Multiplex, and in this video, known at Wesbild Centre.

Note the somewhat unique, but becoming somewhat more common start time of 6:00pm. That means our pregame show on 93.3 The Peak FM's Bulldogs Hockey brought to you by Pacific Chevrolet is on the air starting at 5:45pm.

Tonight's 2nd Intermission feature guest is Trevor Miller, the play-by-play voice of the West Kelowna Warriors, who the Bulldogs visit tomorrow afternoon (2:30 start) to conclude this three game road trip. 

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

____________________________________________________________

There has never been a subscription fee for this blog - and there never will be, but if you enjoy stopping by here, why not consider donating to the cause? Just click HERE. . . and thank you very much. *

*As eloquently said by Gregg Drinnan of Taking Note - the best hockey/sports blog around

UPDATED with VIDEO Dogs drop 7-6 double OT thriller in Salmon Arm

The Bulldogs began the game on the power play, due to the Silverbacks being whistled for a warm up infraction, as they didn't leave the ice before the clock hit zero. The Bulldogs looked flat on the power play, but struck with one second remaining in it as Luc Salem did a nice job to keep the puck in at the left point. Keaton Mastrodonato would support the pile, and chip it down the left side for Michael Sacco. He would pick it up and walk untouched to the net where he snapped one through the legs of Kyle Dumba from in tight to make it 1-0 at 1:59 of the first. The clock stopped late, so it wasn't credited as a power play goal. No assists were given on on the play. The Bulldogs continued pushing, and drew another power play seconds later. They would connect on it, on the rush, on a blown call at the attacking line as Paul Selleck appeared to take down a Silverback without the puck. Mitch Oliver head-manned a pass up the left wing for Julian Benner, who gained the line with speed before dishing off a perfect cross-ice pass for Jackson Doucet in the right circle, where he ripped a one-timer through Dumba to make it 2-0 at 4:05 of the first, with Paul Selleck - who didn't touch the puck, drawing the only assist. The Referees would immediately commence the even up, with Salmon Arm awarded a 5 on 3 power play for 1:16 in duration exactly two minutes later. The Bulldogs would kill it, with John Hawthorne coming up with a couple big saves, the most notable one on Rhett Kingston on an in alone net drive. The Silverbacks pushed with the power play momentum, and made it a 2-1 game soon afterwards as Nick Unruh located an end-board bounce back of the net and fed it out front to Grayson Constable, who one-timed it far-side past Hawthorne. 9:42 was the time of the goal, with Travis Halladay also assisting. The Bulldogs would again be penalized a minute later, nd Salmon Arm connected on it to tie the game as Akito Hirose put a slapper on net from the left point that hit a Bulldog defender and deflected up and over Hawthorne. Assists on the play went to Trevor Adams and Trey Thomas 12:12 of the first. There would be no scoring the rest of the way, with the shots even at 14-14 after one.

The second period started with a bang, with the Bulldogs restoring their lead just 55 seconds into it as Jackson Doucet threw a big hit at centre on Trevor Adams to knock him off the puck. Mitch Oliver would find it, and head-manned it up the right wing for Cole Poliziani. He would walk deep down the right side into the Salmon Arm zone before dishing off to the deep slot for Doucet, who fired a quick release long-side past the glove of Dumba to make it 3-2. The Dogs earned another power play quickly, and made quick work of it as Darren Rizzolo fed the puck from the left point to the top of the right circle for Keaton Mastrodonato. He would put a perfect cross-ice pass onto the tape of Tyler Vanuden, who ripped it home high into the open side to make it 4-2 at 4:25 of the second. The Bulldogs didn't respond well to the lead, as the Silverbacks pushed right back and forced them into a series of failed clears in their zone and made it 4-3 as Max Wutske put a slap shot on net from the right point that was stopped by Hawthorne, but Tanner Campbell found the rebound un-checked in front where he tucked it inside the near post. Demetri Kambeitz also drew an assist at 5:06 of the second. The Bulldogs would then spent the better part of the remainder of the period in the penalty box, penalized four straight times including twice in quick succession, giving Salmon Arm two more 5 on 3 power play chances - one of which was over a minute in duration on a horrible call that saw Julian Benner take contact at centre ice - not initiate it, but still be penalized. The Bulldogs would kill them all off, with Hawthorne coming up with a couple big saves, and his penalty killers coming up with big blocks and critical clears. Hawthorne would come up big again on a breakaway chance for Grayson Constable, protecting the lead. The Silverbacks would tie it with just 18 seconds left in the period on the rush, as Akito Hirose was stopped, but the loose puck went to Tanner Campbell, who beat Hawthorne short-side under his arm with a quick release to make it 4-4 at 19:42 of the second. Shots in the period were 17-5 Salmon Arm, for a 40 minute total of 31-19.

The 'Backs had a good chance for the go-ahead goal a minute into the third, but Hawthorne came up with a big goalmouth save on Tanner Campbell. The Bulldogs were again penalized early in the period, and once again came up with a big kill to keep it tied. They finally earned a power play a couple minutes later, and for the fourth time in the game connected on it as Tyler Vanuden sent the puck to the deep slot for Keaton Mastrodonato. He would put a slap shot on goal from the middle of the slot that was deflected home by Michael Sacco on the door step to make it 5-4 Bulldogs at 7:19 of the third. Once again, the Bulldogs didn't respond well to the goal for, as Salmon Arm tied it just over a minute later as Sol Seibel took a drop pass in the slot from Tanner Campbell that he fired in past the blocker of Hawthorne. Also drawing an assist on the play was Nick Unruh, at 8:34 of the third. The Silverbacks would take their first lead of the game with just over eight minutes to play on the rush as John Hawthorne made the first save with his blocker on Brandon Whistle, but Demetri Kambeitz beat his man to the net and jammed the rebound home five hole to make it 6-5 Salmon Arm at 11:51 of the third. The Bulldogs would push back and get the equalizer with just over a minute to play as Luc Salem went to D-to-D for Spencer Hora, who dumped it into the Salmon Arm zone where Michael Sacco found it off a defenders arm and walked in alone where he snuck it in through the legs of Dumba to make it 6-6 at 18:32 of the third to force overtime. Shots in the third were 8-6 Salmon Arm for a 60 minute total of 39-25.

Overtime saw the Bulldogs questionably penalized early in it, but once again come up with a big kill to keep the game going, with John Hawthorne coming up with a couple good saves to protect the tie. Overtime shots were 5-2 Salmon Arm. Double overtime saw the Silverbacks win the opening draw, and never lose possession as they regrouped and made a change before getting the winner as Trevor Adams walked out from behind the goal line and out front where he was stopped by Hawthorne, but was able to find his own rebound home and slide it inside the far post for the game winner and a 7-6 final at 1:22 of double OT.


Final shots were 47-27 Salmon Arm, with John Hawthorne and Kyle Dumba being the goalies of record. The Bulldogs went 4 for 7 on the power paly while Salmon Arm went 1 for 10.

The Bulldogs are next in action tomorrow night in Vernon, a 6:00pm puck drop.

Hammer
____________________________________________________________

There has never been a subscription fee for this blog - and there never will be, but if you enjoy stopping by here, why not consider donating to the cause? Just click HERE. . . and thank you very much. *

*As eloquently said by Gregg Drinnan of Taking Note - the best hockey/sports blog around

Bulldogs visit Silverbacks tonight to kick off weekend roadie

It's the start of a three game weekend in the Okanagan, as the Bulldogs (14-24-3-4, 4th Island) visit the Salmon Arm Silverbacks (18-23-3-1, 6th Interior) tonight at the Shaw Centre.


The Bulldogs were last in action Saturday night in Duncan, where they won their second in a row, 4-1 over the Capitals.  The Silverbacks were in Langley on Tuesday night, where they won their fourth in a row, 5-2 over the Rivermen.


This is the second of two meetings between the teams this season. The Bulldogs took the previous meeting 5-4 at the Dog Pound on January 13th - which was the last time the Silverbacks lost a game.

The Bulldogs will need to be at their absolute best tonight - Salmon Arm has had a fantastic month beyond winning their last four games. Prior to that, they won twice and tied once in four games. They've lost only twice this month - to the Bulldogs, and 4-2 in Merritt.

Here's a look inside the SHAW Centre - back when it was the Sunwave!

As always, we'll have every minute of the road trip covered for you. Tune in live for the pregame show tonight at 6:45, on Pacific Chevrolet Bulldogs Hockey on 93.3 The Peak FM

Tonight's 2nd Intermission guest is Graham Turnbull, voice of the Vernon Vipers. The Bulldogs visit the Vipers tomorrow night for a 6:00pm 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.hockeytv.com

Hammer

____________________________________________________________

There has never been a subscription fee for this blog - and there never will be, but if you enjoy stopping by here, why not consider donating to the cause? Just click HERE. . . and thank you very much. *

*As eloquently said by Gregg Drinnan of Taking Note - the best hockey/sports blog around

UPDATED with VIDEO Dogs win second straight, 4-1 over the Capitals

A fast start to the game, in a sold right out building. The Bulldogs had a couple great chances early, but couldn't convert. They earned a power play soon afterwards, and generated a Grade A chance of the end of it on a backdoor pass to Sami Pharaon, but Michael Corson came up with a big save. The Dogs earned another power play a couple minutes later, when Tate Coughlin high sticked Carter Harris, and then hit him from behind. The Bulldogs again generated a couple good chances on the door step, but couldn't get a bounce to beat Corson. The Capitals would get their best chance of the game at the midway point of the period as a centering pass was deflected on goal from in tight by Hugh Larkin, but Hawthorne came up with a big save. The Bulldogs continued to push the pace hard, and again drew a high sticking penalty. They again threatened around the goal, but couldn't get anything to go. Corson would also come up with a big save late in the period on Isaac Tonkin-Palmer on a 3 on 2 rush to keep it scoreless. The Capitals had another great chance in the final minute and change of the period, as David Laroche was set up in the slot but hit the post with the teams heading to the room tied at 0-0 after 20 minutes, with the shots 9-8 Capitals.

The Bulldogs were penalized twice in quick succession to start the second, with the Capitals going to a 5 on 3 power play for 50 seconds. They couldn't make it count, with the penalty killers doing a good job of not giving up much, and Hawthorne being rock solid when called upon. The Bulldogs earned a power play short of the midway point of the period, but again couldn't capitalize as the game remained deadlocked into the back half of the second. The Bulldogs would finally open the scoring with just over two minutes to play in the period as an extended shift in the Capitals zone with a series of battles won in the right corner resulting in a giveaway to the slot that saw Paul Selleck corral the puck and fire a quick wrister long-side past the blocker of Corson to make it 1-0, with Cole Poliziani assisting at 17:43 of the second. The Bulldogs had a glorious chance to build the lead on the next shift, but couldn't connect on a long 2 on 1 rush. Shots in the period were 12-9 Bulldogs, for two period total in their favour of 20-18.

The Bulldogs killed off a minute and change of a penalty to start the third, with two fantastic plays made - the first by Bradley Ong off the bench, diving to prevent a Ty Pochipinski breakway chance. The second was a great Hawthorne save on MacTavish on the doorstep. Another Bulldog penalty immediately afterwards was successfully killed off with a couple of great efforts by Christian Simeone. They would open up a 2-0 lead with seven minutes gone in the third on a crazy scramble around the Capitals net that started when Mitch Oliver put a puck on net from the right point. Corson would make the save, but kicked out a big cross-ice rebound. Cole Poliziani would have a wide open net, but missed short-side. Jackson Doucet would jam the end board bounce on goal from the opposite side where it was stopped by Corson. Paul Selleck would find the rebound, and jam it over the line. The Referee in perfect position behind the net immediately called it a goal. A long discussion would ensue, but the original call stood. Replays showed it looked to be the correct call. It was Selleck's second of the game, with assists to Cole Poliziani and Mitch Oliver at 7:00 of the third. The Capitals would earn a power play soon afterwards, and it changed the game as they made it 2-1 as Hugh Larkin collected a long stretch pass and skated up the right wing on a partial breakaway that he snapped far-side off the post and in past Hawthorne. Assists on the play went to Nicholas Wilson and Marshall Skapski at 13:03 of the third. The Bulldogs responded well to the Capitals momentum, and didn't give up much and in fact earned a fantastic chance to put the game away on a long 2 on 1 rush but Corson came up with a huge save on Carter Harris on a Julian Benner set up. Harris would take a shot at the whistle, and responded, and for some reason was the only player sent to the penalty box. The Capitals pushed hard for the equalizer, firing six shots on net on the power play but John Hawthorne was razor sharp to protect the lead before the Dogs put the game away shorthanded as Paul Selleck found a rebound in front and sent it up the left wing for Cole Poliziani. He would walk over the Capitals line and cut to the middle where he snapped a quick release low, against the grain inside the post on Corson to make it 3-1. Mitch Oliver also drew an assist on the play at 18:12 of the third. The Dogs killed off the remaining seconds of the penalty, and rubbed some salt into the wound on an empty net as Keaton Mastrodonato skated the puck to centre and head-manned it up the right wing for Michael Sacco who gained the zone and finished it off for the 4-1 final score at 18:56 of the third.


Third period shots were 12-8 Captials for a game total in their favour of 30-28 with John Hawthorne earning second star honours with the win while Michael Corson took the loss. The Dogs went 0 for 6 on the power play while the Capitals went 1 for 7.


With the win, the Bulldogs have won two in a row, and now lead the Capitals by 11 points in the standings. They also snapped a four game road losing streak, going back to December 9th.


The Bulldogs are next in action Friday night in Salmon Arm.


Hammer



____________________________________________________________

There has never been a subscription fee for this blog - and there never will be, but if you enjoy stopping by here, why not consider donating to the cause? Just click HERE. . . and thank you very much. *

*As eloquently said by Gregg Drinnan of Taking Note - the best hockey/sports blog around

Bulldogs visit Capitals tonight to finish three game set

It's the finale of a mid-season mini series between these teams, as the Bulldogs (13-23-3-4, 4th Island) head down to the Island Savings Centre tonight to visit the Capitals (8-30-4-2, 5th Island) for the third head to head match up in just four days.

These teams met last night at the Dog Pound, with the Bulldogs coming up with a 7-6 double overtime win in a wild and crazy game.

Not only is it sure to be a great game, just due to the implications on the standings, it's also sure to be a fantastic atmosphere with a sold out crowd due to Roger's Hometown Hockey in Duncan today. The Bulldogs again need to keep their desperation and work ethic at a higher level than the Capitals. Easy to say, and hard to do of course.

As always, 93.3 The Peak FM will be there to bring the game to you, on Pacific Chevrolet Bulldogs Hockey. The pregame show is on the air starting at 6:45, with the puck dropping just after 7:00pm. I'll take care of the play-by-play, Dan Tisserand will compile and provide team and player stats.

Tonight's 2nd Intermission guest is former Bulldog Captain Tryg Strand, now a SENIOR with the CIS's Guelph Gryphons. Hard to believe he's into his fourth season of University!

Here's a gorgeous goal from Tryg!

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

____________________________________________________________

There has never been a subscription fee for this blog - and there never will be, but if you enjoy stopping by here, why not consider donating to the cause? Just click HERE. . . and thank you very much. *

*As eloquently said by Gregg Drinnan of Taking Note - the best hockey/sports blog around

Dogs top Caps 7-6 in wild double OT thriller *UPDATED with Audio highlights*

Accept my apologies that there were problems with the video broadcast tonight - it's 100% not my department....but there were a handful of people that all tried their best to rectify the problems, but a solution couldn't be found. 

I hope you still can appreciate the audio highlights, like back in the good 'ole days huddled around the transistor radio! 

Click here to listen - Bulldogs 7 Capials 6 

After a late start to the game to honour the Bulldog Billet families, the Bulldogs opened the scoring before the game was a minute old as the puck was held in at the attacking line and thrown to the side of the net where Julian Benner put a sharp angle shot on goal that was stopped by Michael Corson. He couldn't control the rebound though, as Paul Selleck fired it off the post and in, far-side to make it 1-0 at 51 seconds of the first. The Capitals didn't sag at all, and almost immediately tied it at 1-1 as Andrew Jackson threw the puck at the net from the right half wall. John Hawthorne made the first save, but couldn't find the rebound as it sat between his feet. Brendan Cherwalk would find it, and poke it home. Assists on the play went to Marshall Skapski and Andrew Jackson at :51 seconds of the first. The Bulldogs would be penalized soon afterwards when a player slashed a Capital stick out of their hands. The Capitals would make quick work of the advantage, as a point shot by Andrew Mccann from the top of the point was deflected home by Troy MacTavish at the top of the crease, making it 2-1 Capitals at 5:09 of the first, with Tate Coughlin also drawing an assist. There would be no scoring the rest of the period, with the Bulldogs again being penalized for a slashing the stick out of the hands penalty but coming up with a big kill. The Bulldogs pushed hard in the final minute of the frame but couldn't find the net, or draw a call, as Mitch Oliver was hit from behind head first into the end wall in the Capitals zone which had the fans up in arms. Shots in the period were 17-10 Capitals.

The Bulldogs earned a power play before the second was a minute old, they not only failed to connect on it, but didn't look good and were unable to generate a shot. They would tie the game just over four minutes into the period, as Christian Simeone found a turnover at centre and carried it 1-on-1 over the Capitals line up the left wing. He would take a step to the middle, and pull the puck back before beating Corson with a quick release, short-side to make it 2-2, unassisted at 4:03 of the second. The Bulldogs took their second lead of the game just under three minutes later when they raced up ice out of their zone as Michael Sacco head-manned it up the right wing for Keaton Mastrodonato. He would gain the line and put a perfectly placed cross-ice pass to the top of the left circle for Tyler Vanuden, who beat Corson with another quick release top corner, far-side off his glove and in to make it 3-2 at 7:01 of the second. Just 1:40 later the Capitals answered to make it 3-3 as Azzaro Tinling walked out of the right corner to the deep slot where he fired a wrist shot short-side past the glove of Hawthorne. Assists on the play went to Tate Coughlin and Ty Pochipinski at 8:41 of the second. The Capitals took their second lead of the game less than two minutes later when the Bulldogs got caught pushing offensively and forgot to back check, leading to a 3 on 2 when Troy MacTavish dropped it to Tate Coughlin trailing in the slot. He would walk in and snap a wrister long-side past the glove of Hawthorne, making it 4-3 Capitals at 10:04 of the second as Brock Lefevbre entered the game in relief. The Caps kept pushing, and went up 5-3 a minute and a half later as Coughlin was found alone at the side of the net where he scored on a spin around backhand that he snuck home inside the post, short-side. Marshall Skapski drew the lone assist on the play at 11:37 of the second, as the Bulldogs called Time Out and John Hawthorne re-entered the game. He would be called upon to keep it a two-goal game, making a glove save in tight on Ty Pochipinski a couple minutes later. The Bulldogs earned a power play late in the period, on a hard working shift by Isaac Tonkin-Palmer that saw him take a high stick after intercepting a pass. They would connect late in the advantage, when Darren Rizzolo dished off to Mitch Oliver at the top of the right circle. He simply got a wrist shot on net, where it was deflected home low through Corson by Keaton Mastrodonto, making it 5-4 Capitals at 17:05 of the second. It was 5-5 in the final minute, when Brandon Bergado intercepted a pass that was found by Christian Simeone in the left corner. He would walk out above the goal line and fire a sharp angle shot that he banked in off of Corson to make it 5-5, with Mitch Oliver also assisting at 19:07 of the period. Shots in the second were 14-12 Capitals, for a 40 minute advantage of 31-22.

The third period was played at a high pace, with both teams having chances through the first 10 minutes. The Capitals would earn a power play at the midway point of the period, and looked very dangerous on it, as Hawthorne came up with a couple sparkling saves in tight to keep it tied. The Bulldogs had a fantastic chance a few minutes later to take a lead, but Michael Corson made a rediculous cross-ice save on Julian Benner on perfect 2 on 1 set up by Paul Selleck. The Capitals would take the lead back a minute later, as the Bulldogs coverage broke down in front of their net as Andrew Mccann kept the puck in at the left point and rimmed it behind the net. Tate Coughlin would find it, and put a pass to the front of the net for an un-checked Ty Pochipinski, who one-timed it up and under the bar over Hawthorne to make it 6-5 at 13:10 of the third. The Bulldogs didn't panic, and tied the game when they caught the Capitals changing as Darren Rizzolo took a D-to-D pass from Sami Pharaon and put a perfect stretch pass onto the tape of Keaton Mastrodonato behind the defence, where he made no mistake on the breakaway with a quick release, low glove side to tie it at 6-6 at 15:36 of the third to force overtime. Shots in the third were 19-11 Capitals for a 60 minute advantage of 52-34 Capitals.

The first overtime saw the Bulldogs have two fantastic chances early, with both Cole Poliziani and Paul Selleck both having great chances but failing to hit the target. The Capitals would have a great chance late in the first OT, as Tate Coughlin skated in alone and attempted to go between the legs but he couldn't get it over Hawthorne. Shots in the first OT were 2-1 Capitals.

In the second overtime, the Bulldogs had several outstanding chances and lots of possession in the attacking zone, and finally were rewarded for it in the final minute when Paul Selleck stole the puck and dished it off to Darren Rizzolo, who delayed in the deep slot before putting a high wrist shot on goal that had eyes through traffic and found the top corner, short-side over the blocker of Corson for the game winner and a wild celebration. Cole Poliziani also drew an assist at 4:24 of double OT.

Final shots were 52-28 Capitals, with John Hawthorne earning the win while Michael Corson took the loss. The Dogs went 1 for 2 on the power play while the Capitals went 1 for 3.

With the win, the Dogs now lead the Caps by nine points in the Island Division. These teams meet tomorrow night again in Duncan.

Hammer

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There has never been a subscription fee for this blog - and there never will be, but if you enjoy stopping by here, why not consider donating to the cause? Just click HERE. . . and thank you very much. *

*As eloquently said by Gregg Drinnan of Taking Note - the best hockey/sports blog around

Bulldogs host Capitals tonight

(photo: Tali Campbell)

It's right back at it for these two squads, as they play their second head to head game in three days, as the Bulldogs (12-24-3-4, 4th Island) host the Capitals (9-30-3-2, 5th Island) for another big four-point game tonight at the Dog Pound.

These teams last played Wednesday night in Duncan, where the Capitals snapped a two game losing streak with a big 6-2 win. They will of course meet again tomorrow night in Duncan to conclude this three-game in four days mini series.

It goes without saying like Wednesday, that this is as big as a game gets in January. The Bulldogs failed in getting it done in Duncan, and full credit to the Caps for the win. The Bulldogs need to find the extra gear to raise their level of desperation. You can bet the Caps will be feeling good after last game.

Don't forget to bring a book tonight!

The trio you see above, left to right - Bruce MacDonald, Dan Tisserand and myself will bring the game to you, on Van Isle Ford Bulldogs Hockey on 93.3 The Peak FM. The pregame show is on the air at 6:45, the puck drop and game action follows at 7:00. Bruce adds colour commentary and analysis, Dan covers the team and player stats, and I call the play-by-play.

Tonight's 2nd Intermission guest is ..... if you have managed to attempt to read this and aren't still distracted by that majestic moustache/beard combo - former Bulldog Eric Therrien, now into his Junior season with the NCAA's Concordia University Wisconsin Falcons. 

Here's a beautiful goal he scored in the 2015 Playoffs....

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

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There has never been a subscription fee for this blog - and there never will be, but if you enjoy stopping by here, why not consider donating to the cause? Just click HERE. . . and thank you very much. *

*As eloquently said by Gregg Drinnan of Taking Note - the best hockey/sports blog around

Caps top Dogs 6-2

A very energetic start for the Bulldogs, as they had a great jump in the opening minutes and earned a few good chances as a result. They earned a power play a minute later, and looked very dangerous on it but couldn't beat Michael Corson. The Caps earned a power play almost immediately afterwards, but the Bulldogs came up with a solid penalty kill and didn't concede a shot. Another Bulldog power play later in the period didn't look as good, and another immediate penalty call the other way put the Capitals on the power play. The Caps would open the scoring - not really, but in the Referee's eyes they did, and that's all that matters, as Nicholas Wilson walked out from behind the goal line from the left side and attempted to go high, short-side. He would beat John Hawthorne, but hit the crossbar. The Referee at the side of the net instantly sounded his whistle, and said it was a goal. A discussion would ensue with all four Officials, and the call stood. No assists were given on the play, at 15:36 of the first. The Bulldogs earned another immediate power play, but while they again threatened they couldn't cash in. Shots in the first were 13-9 Bulldogs.


A high paced start to the second again by the Bulldogs failed to yield a goal, as Corson came up with a big save on Paul Selleck on the door step, and a shot a second later hit the bar on a deflection at the side of the net. The Dogs kept pushing, and tied the game before the period was four minutes old as Paul Selleck hustled on the forecheck to throw a hit and force a bad pass. Cole Poliziani would pick it off on the left wing wall, and throw a cross ice pass to the middle for Luc Salem. He slid across the slot, and fired a low shot that appeared to change direction before beating Corson five-hole for his first career goal to make it 1-1 at 4:24 of the second. Frantic action played out throughout the next few minutes, with each team having chances. The Capitals would earn a power play after a long shift on the defence in their zone, and while the Bulldogs killed it off they couldn't clear the zone, and it ended up in the back of their net as Andrew McCann found an errant pass off the side-board bounce and walked into the top of the left circle where he walked in and put a wrist shot under the glove and over the pad of Hawthorne, long-side. Tate Coughlin drew the only assist on the play at 13:46 of the second. The Bulldogs pushed back, and had a couple great shifts and good chances - the best of which saw Mitch Oliver set up Tyler Vanuden at the side of the net, where he beat Corson but hit the post and crossbar and it stayed out. The Capitals would get a big insurance goal late in the period as Tate Coughlin protected the puck across the blue line before dropping it for Marshall Skapski. He put a puck on net and found a wide-open Ty Pochipinski, who stopped the shot and had no one around him and Hawthorne down and out as he pulled it around him and lifted it home to make it 3-1 at 18:48 of the second. Shots in the period were 11-8 Capitals, for a 21-20 Dogs edge after 40 minutes.

The Bulldogs earned a power play a minute into the third, but weren't able to generate much on it. They earned yet another call at it's conclusion on a great steal and net drive by Jackson Doucet. Instead of pulling within a goal, the Dogs fell into a deeper hole as Ethan Scardina got a step on the Dogs defence and chased down a clear into the Dogs zone and tight to the goal where he snapped a shot off a defender's stick and in through the legs of Hawthorne to make it 4-1, shorthanded. Assists on the play went to Tate Coughlin and Simon Chen at 5:17 of the third. The Bulldogs were again penalized a minute later, and much like the 2-1 goal they killed the penalty off but couldn't clear the zone. John Hawthorne would make at least two saves in tight, and appeared to maybe have it covered for a fleeting second before taking contact. The puck would bounce to the hashmarks where Ty Pochipinski spun and fired one home long side. Ethan Scardina drew the lone assist at 8:18 of the third. The Dogs didn't quit, and got back within three just 90 seconds later as Julian Benner drove down the left wing with speed and dropped to Michael Sacco. His shot was blocked, but Benner found it behind the goal line and put it out to the slot where Keaton Mastrodonato one-timed it home to make it 5-2 at 9:48 of the third. The Dogs did earn a short 5 on 3 late in the third, but took a penalty before they could try to make it count. The Capitals would add one more late in the third with a single second remaining on the power play as Andrew Mccann kept a clearing attempt in at the line at the right point, and snapped a wrister home short-side past the glove of Brock Lefevbre - who entered the game in relief after the fifth Capital goal. The time of the goal was 18:24 of the third.

Shots in the third were 14-12 Capitals, for a game total in their favour of 34-33, as Michael Corson picked up 2nd star honours with the win while John Hawthorne took the loss. The Dogs went 0 for 7 on the power play, while the Capitals went 2 for 6 while also scoring once while shorthanded.

The teams meet again Friday night at the Dog Pound.

Hammer






____________________________________________________________

There has never been a subscription fee for this blog - and there never will be, but if you enjoy stopping by here, why not consider donating to the cause? Just click HERE. . . and thank you very much. *

*As eloquently said by Gregg Drinnan of Taking Note - the best hockey/sports blog around

Bulldogs visit Capitals tonight to kick off three game series

It's the first of three meetings between these Island Division rivals in just a four day span, as the Bulldogs (12-23-3-4, 4th Island) visit the Capitals (8-30-3-2, 5th Island) tonight at the Island Savings Centre. The Capitals will return the favour and visit the Dog Pound on Friday night, before both teams turn around and get back to Duncan for the rubber match Saturday night.

The Bulldogs were last in action Saturday night, when they snapped a four game losing streak with a 5-4 win over the Salmon Arm Silverbacks. The Capitals were in Surrey Sunday, where they concluded a three game road trip with their second straight loss, 7-0 to the Surrey Eagles. 

It goes without saying that this three game series is monumental when it comes to the Island Division standings. The Bulldogs are ten games points up on the Capitals, and there's a trio of four point games between the teams. Perhaps the best approach is not to look at it as a three game series, but just one game at a time. You can bet that the Bulldogs will need to up their desperation and intensity level, as I'm sure the Capitals will be treating these as must-win, Game 7 type contests.

The last meeting between the teams was a 4-2 Bulldog win at the Dog Pound on December 16th. The last meeting in Duncan was a 4-4 tie on November 22nd. The Bulldogs have a record of 4-0-0-1 in the season series.

The puck drops shortly after 7:00 - which means Pacific Chevrolet Bulldogs Hockey on 93.3 The Peak goes live at 6:45 for our pregame show. I'll call the play-by-play, Dan Tisserand will tabulate team and individual statistics.

Tonight's 2nd Intermission guest is Justis Doucet, the play-by-play voice of the Cowichan Valley Capitals - yes, he's also the brother of Bulldog Forward Jackson.

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

The Bulldogs also announced another commit for next season last night - welcome Ethan Jang! Read more below. 

FERNIE GHOSTRIDERS' LEFT WINGER ANNOUNCED AS THIRD COMMIT FOR 2018/19 SEASON

Port Alberni, BC – The Alberni Valley Bulldogs are pleased to announce  
that 2001-born forward Ethan Jang has committed to join the team for  
the 2018/19 British Columbia Hockey League season.

Jang is currently playing in his rookie season with the Fernie  
Ghostriders of the Kootenay International Junior Hockey League, where  
he has scored seven goals and added three assists in 30 regular season  
games. He recently represented the league's Kootenay Conference in the  
2018 KIJHL Top Prospects Game in Kelowna.

"Ethan plays an aggressive, in-your-face style and skates very well  
for his age," says Bulldogs head coach Matt Hughes. "He stepped into  
our lineup back in October as an affiliate player against a good  
Wenatchee team and his speed and compete level stood out immediately.  
He plays with intensity, finishes checks and has a ton of potential to  
be a contributor in all facets of the game. We're excited to see Ethan  
continue his development in a Bulldogs uniform."

The 16-year old spent the 2016/17 season with the BC Major Midget  
League's Kootenay Ice, where he scored 14 goals and finished with 29  
points in 39 regular season games. His goals total ranked sixth among  
all 2001-born players in the league, while his points total ranked  
fifth.

"Committing to the Bulldogs is a great feeling for sure," says Jang,  
who describes himself as a quick North-South skater known for taking  
the body and providing energy for his teammates. "My family and I  
believe that the Alberni Valley is the right place for me to play and  
develop as a player. Living on Vancouver Island and meeting new people  
will also be a great experience."

Jang enjoyed his first taste of BCHL action against the Wild and is  
looking forward to making the jump full-time: "Stepping on the ice and  
playing in a faster-paced game was a great feeling," he says. "I felt  
comfortable out there, and just being with the guys joking around was  
a experience I will not forget."

"We'd like to congratulate Ethan on his commitment to the Bulldogs,"  
says Ghostriders head coach Craig Mohr. "Alberni Valley will be  
getting a fast skating, hard hitting left winger. Ethan leads our team  
in shorthanded goals and is consistently our leading hitter in most  
games. Not only are the Bulldogs getting a great player, they’re also  
getting a great person."

Jang will continue to play for the Ghostriders and be available to  
play BCHL games as an affiliate player this season before joining the  
Bulldogs full-time next year.

***

For more information, please contact:

Matt Hughes

____________________________________________________________

There has never been a subscription fee for this blog - and there never will be, but if you enjoy stopping by here, why not consider donating to the cause? Just click HERE. . . and thank you very much. *

*As eloquently said by Gregg Drinnan of Taking Note - the best hockey/sports blog around