Bulldogs 2018 Award winners

Academic Player of the Year
High School: Grayson Valente
College: Julian Benner and John Hawthorne

Humanitarian of the Year
Mitch Oliver

Community Hero
Brock Lefevbre

Unsung Hero
Isaac Tonkin-Palmer

Most Improved Player
Jackson Doucet

Most Sportsmanlike Player
Bradley Ong

Port Alberni Port Authority Hardest Working Player/Fan Choice Award
Keaton Mastrodonato

Coaches Award
Paul Selleck

Rookie of the Year
Keaton Mastrodonato

Best Defenceman
Mitch Oliver

Top Scorer
Keaton Mastrodonato

Most Valuable Player
John Hawthorne



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Did someone say PLAYOFFS?

UPDATED with VIDEO - Dogs top Kings 4-2 to win second straight

The Bulldogs had the first Grade A scoring chance of the game, with a pretty three way passing play seeing Mitch Oliver take a Stephen Castagna pass over the Kings line up the right wing before putting a cross-ice feed onto the tape of Paul Selleck, only to have Matteo Paler Chow make a highlight reel save getting something on it to keep it scoreless. The Dogs opened the scoring three minutes later, when an initial chance at the net stayed out, and Stephen Castagna cleared the crease to back off to the slot where he found a Paul Selleck pass worked free from Tyler Vanuden in the left corner that he one-timed low through Paler-Chow for his first career goal to make it 1-0 at 6:53 of the first. The Bulldogs would immediately break down in their zone seconds later, with all five players getting caught on one side of the ice, resulting in a wide-open Nick Abbott being set up on the door step, only to be robbed by the glove of Brock Lefevbre. Seconds later almost the same play developed, with Abbott making no mistake after being set up alone at the side of the crease where he lifted a shot high past the glove of Lefevbre to make it 1-1 at 7:40 of the first, with Mitch Williams and Carmine Buono drawing the assists. The Bulldogs killed off a Kings penalty later in the period, with Brock Lefevbre making a great right pad save on a Carter Turnbull one-timer. The puck bounced up ice, and Paul Selleck skated in alone where he was stopped by Paler-Chow, with the Kings drawing a blow to the head penalty on the play. The Dogs earned a short 5 on 3 power play soon afterwards on a slashing call, and had a couple great chances in the paint but couldn't beat Chow or get a bounce as it stayed 1-1 after 20 minutes, with the shots favouring the Bulldogs 15-10.


The second period was hotly contested but without and glaring mistakes leading to scoring chances throughout the early parts of the period. The Kings would take their first lead of the game on a power play just short of eight minutes in as they worked the puck around the zone before Carter Turnbull collected an Andy Stevens pass at the top of the left circle. He would pull the puck back to change the angle just enough to open a shooting lane before snapping a perfectly placed shot top corner, long-side over the glove of Lefevbre to make it 2-1 at 7:28 of the second. The Bulldogs had their fair share of chances to tie it, the most notably coming on the rush when both Carter Harris and Pearce Messer were robbed in tight by Paler-Chow to protect the lead. The Kings had a chance to build the lead later in the period with a dangerous looking power play that they threatened on, but Lefevbre made a handful of good saves to keep it a one goal game. Shots in the period were 16-10 Kings, for a 40 minute advantage of 26-25. 


The Kings had an early edge in the third period, with Brock Lefevbre making a couple solid saves, most notably on Josh Coblenz and Mitchell Williams. The Kings kept pushing, but Lefevbre was solid to keep it a one-goal game. The Dogs would respond at the midway point of the third on the rush, as Tyler Vanuden cut back at his own line to play the puck up the left wing for Stephen Castagna, who chipped it ahead for Paul Selleck. He would gain the line with speed and let a quick release go that might have caught Paler-Chow, and might have tipped off of Carmine Buono as it found the top corner, long side to make it 2-2 at 10:04 of the third. The Kings pushed back and hemmed the Dogs in on the very next shift, but the Dogs defended well. They then pushed offensively at the other end, and took a 3-2 lead with 3:22 to play as Paul Selleck played the puck from the left corner up the left half-wall where Tyler Vanuden picked it up and walked into the deep slot where he ripped a wrister high past the glove of Paler-Chow. Assists on the play went to Darren Rizzolo and Stephen Castagna, although Paul Selleck certainly appeared to have been in on the play. The Dogs would put the game away two minutes later, when a faceoff win was rimmed up the glass up the right wing and through the legs of a Kings defender at the line. Keaton Mastrodonato would chase it down up the right wing into the top of the circle where he sniped a perfect shot top corner, far-side over the blocker of Paler-Chow to make it 4-2 at 18:15 of the third, with assists to Darren Rizzolo and Mitch Oliver.


Third period shots were 14-8 Kings, for a game total in their favour of 40-33 with Brock Lefevbre picking up 1st star honours with the win while Matteo Paler-Chow took the loss while earning 2nd star honours.


The Bulldogs go into the playoffs winning two in a row, they'll face the Victoria Grizzlies in a best-of-seven set beginning at the Q Centre on Friday night.


Hammer

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Bulldogs host Kings today for Regular Season finale

It's the final contest of the 58 game regular season today, as the Bulldogs (16-32-5-4, 4th Island) once again host the Powell River Kings (29-18-6-4, 3rd Island) at the Multiplex.

These teams met at the Dog Pound last night, with the Bulldogs snapping a seven game losing streak while sending the Kings to back to back losses with a 5-4 win in a wildly entertaining game. 

The Kings loss on Friday, coupled with their loss last night in regulation time means that this game has zero ramifications in the standings. The Kings can finish no higher than third in the Island Division. While this game doesn't "mean anything", you can bet that both sides of the puck want to set a good tone going into the real season next week.

Bruce MacDonald and I will bring it all to you, taking care of the Colour Commentary and Analyis and Play-by-Play respectively. 93.3 The Peak FM's coverage begins with our pregame show at 1:45, followed by the puck drop at approximately 2:00 - all on Van Isle Ford Bulldogs Hockey.

Today's 2nd Intermission guest is former Bulldog Henry Marshall - he was here for only a single season last season. He's now with the NCAA's Colgate Raiders playing his Freshman season.

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

____________________________________________________________

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 top Kings 5-4 in wildly entertaining affair

The Bulldogs got off to an inspired start, and had a great chance to open the scoring inside the first two minutes when the puck was put on net by Jackson Doucet and stopped by Alex Rolfe, but it sat between his legs on the goal line and stayed out through a frantic scramble. The Bulldogs were called for Interference a minute later at the attacking blue line, but killed it off to keep it scoreless. They would have a dangerous offensive look of their own on a 2 on 1 rush. The Bulldogs would open the scoring just a minute and change later on the rush, as Sami Pharaon flipped the puck to centre ice up the left wing from deep in the Dogs zone. Jackson Doucet would find it off traffic, before putting a rink-wide pass to Keaton Mastrodonato in full flight over the Kings line up the right wing. He walked in to the right circle where he out-waited Rolfe to pick the top corner, far-side with a perfect shot over the glove and under the bar at 4:42 of the first. The Bulldogs kept pushing, and had a couple near misses on the rush with Pearce Messer just missing on a breakaway followed by Rolfe stopping Mastrodonato on a partial breakaway. The Kings responded and came close to tying the game on the power play later in the period, but Hawthorne came up with a couple good saves to protect the lead. Shots were 13-11 Kings after 20 minutes.

The second period started with shenanigans, and they were fairly prevalent throughout the frame. Kevin Obsuuth got into it with Cole Poliziani behind the Dogs net just 30 seconds in, and appeared to draw an initial penalty for throwing a punch, before Poliziani was sent to the box for retaliating. A minute later, Tyler Vanuden was called for boarding on a hit in the Kings zone. As he was defenceless on his knees following the hit, he was hammered from behind in retaliation after the whistle. No retaliation penalty was called. Adding insult to injury, the boarding penalty was changed to a checking from behind penalty in the time it took the Referee to get to the penalty box, resulting in Vanuden being ejected from the game. And even up call went against the Kings for hooking early in their power play, resulting in a four-aside situation. The Bulldogs cashed in on a short power play following it, with one of the prettier goals of the season. Julian Benner started it with a hard pass back to the right point for Sami Pharaon. He returned it to Benner at the right half wall, where he passed to the slot to Cole Poliziani. He one-touched it to the goal line at the right side of the net for Paul Selleck, who put a perfect cross-ice feed back door onto the tape of a wide open Mitch Oliver, who slid it into the open net to make it 2-0 at 4:14 of the second. Later in the period, an extended dust up broke out at the side of the Dogs net, that extended behind it resulting in Kevin Obssuth throwing a series of sucker punches on Grayson Valente - I believe at least four of them, while Valente didn't appear to throw any. The calls would be even throughout the skirmish as the teams remained five aside. There would be no scoring throughout the remainder of the period, and thankfully no further incidents. Shots in the frame were 10-9 Kings, for a 23-20 in their favour after two.

The third period began with a bang, as the Dogs drew a penalty and then promptly conceded a breakaway off the draw as Carter Turnbull chased down a flip to skate in alone on Hawthorne, who stuck with him to make a pad save. The Dogs still couldn't get back, as Ethan Kimball found the puck in the right corner and threw it to the top of the crease where Turnbull tipped it home five-hole to make it 2-1 at 1:54 of the third. The Bulldogs failed to score on the power play, but did find the net a handful of seconds later as Christian Simeone put a rink-wide pass onto the tape of Jackson Doucet in the right circle. He would feed it back to the right point for Sami Pharaon, who put a shot that had eyes long-side past the glove of Rolfe to make it 3-1 at 3:52 of the third. A Bulldog penalty less than a minute later put the Kings on the power play, but they were quickly taken off of it as Neal Samanski was called for hooking on Mitch Oliver. Ben Berard would then pick up a misconduct crossing in front of the Official, that quickly turned into an ejection. The Kings didn't quit, and made it a 3-2 game when John Hawthorne made a great first save on an odd-man rush off Ethan Kimball, but he got his own rebound and jammed it inside the post at 8:25 of the third, with Ben Thomas also assisting. It was a tied game on a power play as Carmine Buono one-timed an Andy Stevens pass from the right point at the net that was deflected home by Neal Samanski at the top of the crease to make it 3-3 at 10:42 of the third.  The teams traded opportunities through the next few minutes, with the Bulldogs getting the go-ahead goal as Christian Simeone took a Cole Poliziani pass and walked through a couple of Kings and in alone on Alex Rolfe, who he appeared to have down an out in the crease, but he couldn't get around James Orban in front of him. The puck would slide back to the deep slot for Spencer Hora, who made no mistake with a quick release top corner, glove side as Rolfe hadn't yet recovered to make it 4-3 at 16:07 of the third. The Dogs did a good job to defend to the final minute and change where the got some insurance as James Orban fought the puck ahead to Grayson Valente at centre ice. He would be checked, but Cole Poliziani found it at the Kings line to float it into the empty net to make it 5-3 at 18:38 of the third. The Kings didn't quit, as they pulled their goalie again and make it 5-4 with 34 seconds to play as a no-look spinorama was thrown at the net from the top of the left circle by Ben Thomas, where Carter Turnbull deflected it through Hawthorne with Kyle Kawamura also assisting. The Kings called time out, and again got their goalie out but the Dogs did well to defend and didn't give up an opportunity before clearing their zone. Cole Poliziani would hit the empty net, but I think the Officials made the correct call in waving it off as it appeared half a second late as it stayed a 5-4 final.

Shots in the third were 16-10 Kings, for a game total of 39-30 in their favour with John Hawthorne picking up the win while Alex Rolfe took the loss. The Dogs went 1 for 4 on the power play while the Kings went 1 for 6, while also scoring once while shorthanded.


With the win, the Dogs snap a seven game losing streak. With the loss, the Kings have lost back to back games, and won't be able to chase down the Grizzlies for 1st place in the Island Division.

The teams meet again tomorrow afternoon to conclude the regular season.


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 Kings tonight to open season ending double header

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It's the first of two head to head meetings to end the regular season between these squads, as the Bulldogs (15-32-5-4, 4th Island) host the Kings (29-17-6-4, 3rd Island) tonight at the Multiplex.

The Bulldogs were last in action Thursday in Victoria, where they dropped their seventh in a row, 4-2 to the Grizzlies. The Kings began a season-ending three-in-three Island swing last night in Duncan, where they had a six game winning streak halted with a 3-2 loss to the Capitals.

The last head to head match between the Bulldogs and Kings was on February 12th in Powell River, a 4-1 Kings win. The last meeting in Port Alberni was a 3-2 Bulldog win on New Year's Eve in double overtime.

While the Bulldogs position in the standings has been confirmed for what feels like forever, the Kings are still in a three-way battle to claim the Island Division title. Their loss last night was crucial, as not only did they fail to pick up two points and a win to tie the Grizzlies for first place, they also now find themselves in third place behind the Nanaimo Clippers, after they topped the Surrey Eagles last night 4-3 in double ot for their 32nd win. The Kings CAN still win the Island Division, but their fate is no longer in their hands. They need to beat the Bulldogs tonight and tomorrow, and have the Grizzlies lose or tie against the Eagles Sunday. The Clippers are done their regular season, and need the Dogs to beat the Kings and the Eagles to beat the Grizzlies in REGULATION time on Sunday when they host Surrey. The first tie breaker after total points is most wins - the Grizzlies have 31 while the Kings have 29 and the Clippers have 32. The second tie breaker is head to head records, and the Grizzlies hold that one over both the Kings and Clippers.

Confused yet? I think I have all that right... I'm starting to go cross-eyed here, HA!

93.3 The Peak FM's coverage begins with our pregame show at 6:45, followed by the puck drop at approximately 7:00 - all on Van Isle Ford Bulldogs Hockey. Dan Tisserand compiles team and player stats, Bruce MacDonald adds colour commentary and analysis while I provide the play-by-play.

Tonight's 2nd Intermission feature is an interview with outgoing BCHL Commissioner John Grisdale, from TSN 1040 hosts Matt Sekeres and Blake Price.

If you haven't heard, John announced earlier this month that this season will be his last with the league. 

He was recently named a Life Member of the CJHL for his contributions to Junior A Hockey.

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

____________________________________________________________

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 fall 4-2 to Grizzlies

It wasn't the most crisp or energetic start for either side of the puck in the early minutes but the Dogs had a slight edge with the first couple of shots on net. An interesting penalty call would change the game, as affiliate player Stephen Castagna went to the net at the whistle and knocked down a Grizzlies defender. The player would jump to his feet and retaliate. Castagna would get the only penalty. The Grizzlies would make it 1-0 on the power play, as TJ Friedmann walked deep into the left faceoff dot and put a perfectly placed top corner far-side high shot over the glove of John Hawthorne - who made a couple good saves early in the advantage, to make it 1-0. Assists on the play went to Ethan Nother and Dayne Finnson at 4:33 of the first. The Bulldogs created a great chance three minutes later but couldn't get Kurtis Chapman in the paint, but did draw a power play on a crosscheck to the back of Michael Sacco. The Bulldog power play was flat, and if anything lost momentum. Immediately afterwards, the Dogs got caught on the wrong side of the puck in neutral ice, resulting in a 4 on 2 rush that the Grizzlies cashed in on as Lach Hadley walked down the left side and threw a puck to the crease where it went off a Bulldog skate and in to make it 2-0, with assists going to Trevor Bishop and Finn Withey at 9:18 of the first. The Bulldogs earned back to back power play chances in the final five minutes of the first, but failed to generate anything more than a single chance before the buzzer. Shots in the first were 10-7 Bulldogs.


The Bulldogs failed to generate on a half a minute of carry over man advantage time to begin the second, before earning another power play soon afterwards when Cole Poliziani pushed the pace through centre ice. The Dogs power play showed an increased level of urgency on this instance, and came painfully close to scoring when Cole Poliziani ripped a shot from the deep slot off the crossbar that stayed out. The Dogs continued to push to the midway point of the period, having an edge in play in chances, but they couldn't beat Chapman. The Bulldogs were penalized later in the period, and the Grizzlies struck quickly on the rush to pad their lead as Dayne Finnson gained the zone up the left side and put a perfect backdoor pass onto the tape of Shawn O'Malley, who tapped it into the open net. Also drawing an assist on the play was Ethan Nother at 12:41 of the second. The Bulldogs continued to push, and made a game of it after a huge toe save by John Hawthorne on TJ Friedmann on a 2 on 1 rush. They would turn up ice and make it a 3-1 game as James Orban dropped it back for Christian Simeone, who walked deep to the side of the net down the right wing before putting a perfect cross-ice pass onto the tape of Mitch Oliver. He would show good patience to rip it over a down and out Chapman at 19:24 of the second. The Grizzlies would complain - I would guess about contact on their goalie, but there wasn't any and the goal stood after a discussion. The Dogs weren't able to even enjoy the goal, as before the period was out it was 4-1 as the Grizzlies attacked the Dogs end and won a series of battles before Drayson Pears threw the puck D-to-D to Dayne Finnson at the left point. He threw a quick shot at the net that appeared to be heading wide but Ryan Nolan got a stick on it to tip it inside the far post with just eight tenths of a second to play in the period. The Grizzlies were penalized on their goal celebration. Shots in the second were 16-9 Bulldogs, for a 26-16 advantage after 40 minutes.


The Bulldogs would make a game of it again before the period was a minute old, as Tyler Vanuden jumped in off the draw in the Grizzlies end to play it back to the left point for Luc Salem. He would make a quick D-to-D pass to Keaton Mastrodonato at the right point, where he ripped a low shot on goal that eluded a screened Chapman five hole to make it 4-2 on the power play at 56 seconds of the third. The Bulldogs continued to push, and had a couple solid chances but couldn't get a bounce around Chapman to make it a one-goal game. John Hawthorne at the other end would keep them in it, with two big saves in tight on a scramble. The Bulldogs would continue to push throughout the period, but couldn't dig out of the hole as the Grizzlies made the lead stand to the final buzzer.


Third period shots were 11-7 Bulldogs, for a game total in their favour of 37-23. John Hawthorne took the loss while Kurtis Chapman earned 3rd star honours with the win. The Dogs went 1 for 7 on the power play while the Grizzlies went 2 for 3.


The Bulldogs are next in action Saturday night when they host the Powell River Kings.


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 Grizzlies tonight for final regular season road game

It's the final regular season meeting between these divisional foes, and a potential playoff preview as the Bulldogs (15-31-5-4, 4th Island) visit the Grizzlies (30-18-4-4, T-1st Island) at the Q Centre.


The Bulldogs were last in action Sunday afternoon at home, where they dropped their season-high sixth straight game, 4-1 to the Vernon Vipers. The Grizzlies enter play tonight winless in two games, after playing to a 2-2 tie against the Centennials in Merritt in their last contest Sunday afternoon.


These teams haven't met in over a month, with the Grizzlies winning the last meeting 3-0 January 12th at home. The Grizzlies have owned the season series, winning six of seven meetings and five consecutively. The lone Bulldog win was by a  3-2 score in overtime on October 18th at the Q Centre. 


This game is of critical importance for the Grizzlies, who are currently tied with Powell River AND Nanaimo for 1st place in the Island Division standings. The Grizzlies have a game in hand on the Clippers, and the Kings have a game in hand on the Grizzlies.


The Bulldogs need to find a way to make this game just as important for them, if they hope to compete. That's not going to be easy as they don't have the built in motivation, but if playing for pride and the logo on the front of the sweater isn't enough hopefully the Bulldogs can be inspired with the fact that this is a potential playoff meeting, and they have only three contests remaining to get to the point where they can go into the playoffs feeling good about their game.

We'll bring the game to you if you can't make it to it, on Pacific Chevrolet Bulldogs Hockey on The Peak, starting with our pregame show at 6:45 in advance of the 7:00pm puck drop.

I'll handle the play-by-play and take care of the hosting responsibilities while Bruce MacDonald provides colour commentary and analysis.


Tonight's 2nd Intermission guest is Alex Rawnsley, the play-by-play voice of the Powell River Kings, who the Dogs host for a double-header Saturday and Sunday to conclude the regular season.

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

____________________________________________________________

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 sixth straight, 4-1 to Vipers

The Bulldogs earned a power play before the game was a minute old - a four minute advantage in fact, but they were unable to get much going before conceding the opening goal on a pretty backdoor set up by Jagger Williamson that was deflected in by Jesse Lansdell at 4:26 of the first. It was 2- Vernon three minutes later on the rush, as Jimmy Lambert picked up a pass in full flight over the Bulldog line up the right side where he snapped a perfectly placed shot top corner, far-side under the bar and over the blocker of Brock Lefevbre at 7:05 of the second, with Chris Jandric drawing the only assist. The Vipers further padded their lead with less than five to play in the period as the Dogs were caught deep in the attacking zone resulting in a 2 on 1 rush. The first shot was blocked by a Bulldog defender, but it ended up right on the stick of Michael Young in the hashmarks, who beat Lefevbre with a quick release blocker side to make it 3-0 at 15:24 of the first. Shots after 20 minutes were 12-6 Vipers.


The Bulldogs began the second period on the power play, but didn't look sharp on it and weren't able to generate any momentum. As the period wore on to the midway point, they did a good job of stepping up their game with an increased pace to their play resulting in a couple good opportunities on goal, but they couldn't beat Anthony Yamnitski to trim the deficit. The kept pushing the pace, and were finally rewarded for it late in the period as Christian Simeone gained the line and passed to the deep slot for James Orban. He was checked but it came right back to Simeone who walked in and fired a quick wrister that just snuck through Yamnitski and dribbled over the line to make it 3-1, with Orban drawing the lone assist at 14:08 of the second. The Dogs continued to threaten, and drew a late period power play after a good attacking zone shift. They would have two Grade A chances on the power play, with Christian Simeone stopped on an in-alone chance from the top of the crease by Yamnitski, followed by a fantastic save a Vipers Defenceman on a Keaton Mastrodonato cross-ice set up where it looked like he had an empty net to keep it 3-1 after 40 minutes.


The Bulldogs failed to convert of their remaining power play time to begin the third, and then came up with a solid penalty kill to keep it a two-goal game immediately afterwards. The Bulldogs pushed near the midway point of the period to get back in the game, and generated a handful of good chances around the Viper net but couldn't beat Yamnitski to make a game of it. The Vipers would push hard through the final ten minutes, at one point changing all three Forwards while on the attack in the Bulldog zone for an extended clock eating shift. The Bulldogs came up with a penalty kill following it to remain in the game, but were unable to threaten before the Vipers hit the empty net on an attacking blue line turnover that was found by Brett Stapley who lifted a perfect shot high over the head of a Bulldog defender from centre ice to complete the scoring for the 4-1 final at 18:40 of the third. No assists were given on the play.


Shots in the third were 13-6 Vipers, for a 32-27 total in their favour. Brock Lefevbre took the loss while Anthony Yamnitski earned the win while also earning 1st star honours. The Dogs went 0 for 4 on the power play while Vipers went 0 for 3 while also scoring once while shorthanded.


With the loss, the Dogs have dropped a season high six straight games. They are next in action Thursday night when they visit the Grizzlies in Victoria.


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 host Vipers today for 2:00pm Matinee

It's the third meeting between the teams this season, as the Vipers (36-14-1-4, 2nd Interior) make a visit to the Dog Pound tonight to visit the Bulldogs (15-30-5-4, 4th Island)

The Bulldogs were in action last night at home, where they dropped their fifth straight, 5-0 to the Chilliwack Chiefs. The Vipers were in Powell River Friday night, where they fell 2-1 to the Kings. They bounced back with a 4-0 win last night over the Capitals in Duncan.

The most recent head-to-head meeting was a 4-2 Viper win in Vernon on January 27th. The teams played to a 1-1 draw at the BCHL Showcase in Chilliwack on September 21st.

Bruce MacDonald and I will comprise the Broadcast Crew that brings the game to you on Van Isle Ford Bulldogs Hockey on  93.3 The Peak FM, taking care of the colour commentary/analyis and play-by-play/hosting duties respectively. The pregame show gets everything underway at 1:45pm in advance of the 2:00 game time.

Tonight's 2nd Intermission guest is Port Alberni Native and former Bulldog Josh Bonar, now in the coaching game with the Burnaby Winter Club after two years of CIS Hockey followed by an extensive pro career across North America and Europe.

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

____________________________________________________________

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 fifth straight, 5-0 to Chiefs

The Chiefs had an early edge in the play in the opening minutes, followed by a dangerous looking power play that the Bulldogs killed off with John Hawthorne making a couple solid saves. The Dogs were unable to generate any sustained attack time in the Chilliwack zone, before the Chiefs took a 1-0 lead by doing just that, as Tommy Lee made a fantastic desperation play diving to swipe the puck back to the line for Jake Gresh at the right point. He would fire a quick wrist shot at the net that might have been tipped, but certainly wasn't seen by John Hawthorne as it beat him five hole to make it 1-0 at 11:47 of the first. The Dogs had a dangerous chance on the rush later in the period, but Mathieu Caron made a good save on Keaton Mastrodonato. The Bulldogs were penalized late in the period, and killed it off to the clock with the Chiefs again looking dangerous. The Dogs were penalized at the buzzer, and were again penalized on a misconduct before hitting the dressing room resulting with the Chiefs having 19 seconds of 5 on 3 time to begin the second. Shots were 8-4 Chilliwack after 20 minutes.


The Bulldogs killed off both penalties to begin the period, with John Hawthorne coming up with a huge paddle save on the goal line on Will Calverly just 12 seconds into the period to keep it 1-0. The Bulldogs finally earned a power play seven minutes into the period, and it appeared to be the worst thing that could've happened to them as the Chiefs won the opening draw and cleared it down and then immediately out-worked the Dogs in their zone for a good half minute to earn some momentum. The Dogs would again turn it over in their zone, and it was 2-0 when Anthony Vincent read a rim back of the net and stole it. Tyler Vanuden went and got it back, and was then tripped up at the side of the net by Jared Turcotte. Anthony Vincent would find the loose puck, and put it to a wide open Turcotte at the top of the crease where he one-timed it top corner, far-side over the glove of Hawthorne at 7:32 of the second. The score stayed that way until the late stages of the period, with the Bulldogs unable to generate almost anything in the way of offence. The Chiefs went up 3-0 on the power play after two great right toe saves by Hawthorne, as a Jake Gresh point shot was stopped but Ryan Bowen located the rebound off the back post and tapped it in. Assists on the play went to Ryan Miotto and Marcus Tesink at 18:46 of the second. It was 4-0 before the period was out, as Regan Kimens was set up all alone in front where he deked to the backhand and slid it inside the post. Assists on the play went to Ryan Bowen and Kale Yewchuk at 19:42 of the period. Shots in the frame were 20-4 Chiefs, for a 28-8 advantage after 40 minutes. 


The Bulldogs looked somewhat inspired to begin the third, getting a couple pucks on net but not being able to generate anything in the way of a solid scoring chance. Just three minutes into the frame, they picked up a four minute penalty, and while they killed it off they lost precious time and were unable to generate any momentum. The Chiefs took a 5-0 lead at 10:10 of the third on a goal that was hard to watch - at least from the Bulldog side of the puck as Harrison Blaisdell dumped the puck in from centre ice, and no Bulldog went to get it. Kaden Pickering hustled to pick it up and put it to the top of the crease for Blaisdell, who was all alone and allowed to deke it low inside the far post past Hawthorne to complete the scoring.

Third period shots were 11-10 Bulldogs, for a game total 38-19 Chiefs with John Hawthorne taking the loss, while Mathieu Caron picked up the win and the shut out. The Dogs went 0 for 3 on the power play while the Chiefs went 1 for 7 while also scored once while shorthanded.

With the loss, the Dogs have dropped five in a row. They are next in action tomorrow afternoon when they host the Vernon Vipers.

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 Chiefs tonight to kick off Parents Weekend

It's the second and final Regular Season meeting between the teams, as the Bulldogs (15-29-5-4, 4th Island) host the RBC Cup host Chilliwack Chiefs (25-22-3-3, T-3rd Mainland) tonight at the Multiplex to open Parents Weekend.


The Bulldogs last played Monday afternoon in Powell River, where they lost their fourth straight, 4-1 to the Kings. The Chiefs were in action last night at home, where they had a three game winning streak snapped with a 5-2 loss to the Merritt Centennials.


These teams last met December 9th in Chilliwack, where the Bulldogs picked up a 4-1 win.

93.3 The Peak's Bulldogs Hockey, brought to you by Van Isle Ford, is live on the air from the Multiplex starting at 6:45 for the pregame show with all the game action to follow the 7:00pm puck drop. Dan Tisserand complies and provides team and individual statistics, Bruce MacDonald covers the analysis and adds colour commentary while I take care of the play-by-play.


Tonight's 2nd Intermission guest is Graham Turnbull, play-by-play voice of the Vernon Vipers, who the Dogs host tomorrow afternoon for a 2:00pm puck drop.

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

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


Thanks as always for checking out the blog! 

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

Kings drop fourth straight, 4-1 to Kings

The Bulldogs took a penalty on an up the middle turnover in the first minute of the game, but battled back to create a shorthanded breakaway as Christian Simeone blocked a shot and out fought his man to race in on Derek Krall. He would take enough sticks from behind that he didn't get a Grade A shot away, but he still got one on goal, although he couldn't draw a penalty. The Kings were whistled 10 seconds later for an infraction on a puck battle behind their net. The Dogs came close on their 50 second power play, as Luc Salem was stopped on a rebound in front, before Tyler Vanuden rang a shot off the crossbar. The Bulldogs were penalized twice more throughout the period - in somewhat frustrating fashion as they couldn't draw the call their way that they were called for the other way. They would kill the penalties off, but couldn't get any momentum going as a result. The Kings would open the scoring seconds after the third power play chance as Ben Raffler kept the puck in at the left point, and threw it down low for Gavin Rauser. He would make a nice pass to the slot to an un-guarded Kevin Obssuth who fired a quick wrister past the arm of Brock Lefevbre to make it 1-0 at 13:22 of the first. The Bulldogs responded quickly, as Michael Sacco stole the puck off a draw in the Kings end and threw a pass between two Kings to the slot for Keaton Mastrodonato. He would be stopped by the glove of Derek Krall, but Tyler Vanuden pounded the rebound home at the side of the net to make it 1-1 at 14:48 of the first. Shots after 20 minutes were 20-10 Kings.


The Bulldogs pushed hard early in the second, and had a couple good chances around the Kings net, the most notable being when James Orban put a puck on the goal line from behind the net, but it was saved by Aiden Sutherland. The teams would trade chances through the next couple of minutes, with both goalies being sharp. The Dogs were penalized short of the midway point of the period, but similarly to the first period they killed it off but seconds later gave up a goal as Kevin Obssuth did a great job to back-check and cleanly steal it on a stick lift on the Kings side of centre. He would quickly wheel up the left wing and around a Bulldog defender to cut in alone on goal where he lifted it high, far-side over the glove of Lefevbre to make it 2-1 at 10:54 of the period, un-assisted. The Bulldogs earned a penalty shortly afterwards, and while they threatened with a couple pucks on net they couldn't get any second chances to capitalize on it. The Kings would take a 3-1 lead with four minutes to play in the period as Andy Stevens took a pass at the right point from Hunter Findlater. He would avoid two Bulldog stick checks in walking into the deep slot before putting a pass off the far post on the goal line for Gavin Rauser, who fired it home short-side before Lefevbre could get back to his post, at 16:19 of the second. Shots in the period were 16-13 Kings, for a 40 minute total in their favour of 36-23.


The third period absolutely flew by, with not much in the way of whistles through the first 10 plus minutes. The Bulldogs were unable to mount any sort of sustained attack to trim the two goal hole. Christian Simeone would generate a great in alone chance with about five minutes to play. With less than three minutes to play the Bulldogs finally got a good scoring chance, as Tyler Vanuden picked up a perfect stretch pass to skate in alone on Krall but he couldn't slide a backhand home. The Bulldogs would pull their goalie on the same play, but would be immediately penalized to kill any comeback chances. The Kings would put the game away with 1.4 seconds to play from centre ice as Jonny Evans hit the crossbar for the 4-1 final at 19:59 of the third. 


Final shots were 48-26 Kings, with Brock Lefevbre taking the loss, but playing solid, while Derek Krall earned 3rd star honours with the win. The Dogs went 0 for 3 on the power play while the Kings went 1 for 6.


The Bulldogs are next in action Saturday when they host the Chilliwack Chiefs.

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 visit Kings for Family Day Matinee

It's the third meeting between these rivals already this month, as the Bulldogs (15-28-5-4, 4th Island) visit the Kings ( 26-16-6-4 2nd Island) at the Hap Parker Arena for a matinee affair.

The Bulldogs were last in action Saturday night at home, where they dropped their third straight, 5-1 to the Wenatchee Wild. The Kings also last played Saturday night at home, where they won their third in a row 5-3 over the West Kelowna Warriors.

These teams last met February 2nd and 3rd in Powell River, as they split a two game set. The Bulldogs won 4-3 in overtime in game one, with the Kings responding with a 4-1 win on Saturday night.

It's a 2:00pm puck drop, which means Bulldogs Hockey on 93.3 The Peak FM will be on the air starting with the pregame show at 1:45, brought to you by Pacific Chevrolet. 

Today's 2nd Intermission guest is former Bulldog Jake Witkowski - who was second in team scoring last year. He's currently playing his Freshman season of NCAA hockey with Boston University.

Here's some highlights from Jake last year...

And my favorite.... 

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

Wild top Dogs 5-1

The game had a fast pace through the first couple of minutes, and good atmosphere. The Wild took a 1-0 lead just over two and a half minutes in when a Sam Morton shot from the right circle was stopped by John Hawthorne, but the rebound went off his blocker and skyward where it fell behind him and bounced over the line. I couldn't tell from my angle whether it was in or not - but the Bulldogs visibly argued that it didn't go in. The Referee was well positioned behind the goal to make the call. Morton got credit for it, with the lone assist to Nathan Iannone at 2:37 of the first. The Wild on at least two sequences spent a long time in the attacking zone, with the Bulldogs bending but not breaking to keep it a one-goal game after 20 minutes. John Hawthorne made one solid save that stood out, on a one-time bid by AJ Vanderbeck from the deep slot. Shots were 11-3 Wild.


The Wild began the second on the power play, but the Dogs killed it off and didn't give up anything. The Bulldogs then earned back to back power play chances, and didn't look good on either as the Wild hounded them in their zone. A third straight penalty would be one too many, as the Dogs finally connected on an end to end rush as John Hawthorne stopped a dump in behind his net for Michael Sacco. He would defer possession to Keaton Mastrodonato, who went end to end up the middle through centre and made two Wild defenders miss before gaining the Wild zone up the right wing. He would skate into the right circle and put a perfectly placed top corner, short-side high shot over the glove of Seth Eisle to make it 1-1 at 8:16 of the second. The goal ignited the crowd, and the Bulldogs pushed hard with the momentum and earned a couple good chances on the rush and in around the Wild net, but they couldn't take the lead. The Wild would counter, on a quick bang-bang play from behind the goal line that was August Von Ungern make a perfect pass to the hashmarks for Sam Morton, who one-timed it past the glove of Hawthorne far-side to make it 2-1 at 10:54 of the period, with Nathan Iannone also drawing an assist. The Dogs would get caught running around late in the period in their zone when they turned the puck over at their line, but Hawthorne came up with a series of saves to keep it a one-goal game. The Dogs would come up with a big kill on a Wild power play that followed it to keep it 2-1 after 40 minutes. Shots in the period were 16-8 Wild, for a 27-11 advantage.


The Bulldogs had a great chance early in the third to tie it, but Eisle made a stop on a deflection at the side of the net with his shoulder. A minute and change later, it was 3-1 as the Dogs turned it over in their zone allowing Nathan Iannone to walk in alone on Hawthorne, who made a great first save, and a rebound save, but Sam Morton stuck with it to lift another crack at it over Hawthorne's glove to make it 3-1 at 7:37 of the third, with August Von Ungern drawing the only assist. The Bulldogs would come painfully close to making it a one-goal game, as Christian Simeone was sent in alone and deked out Eisle but couldn't tuck it in. Neither could Carter Harris, as the rebound sat at the side of the open net. The Wild would get all the insurance they needed with just under five minutes to play as Cooper Zech picked a puck off at centre ice and attacked the Dogs zone before feeding it to the slot for Nathan Iannone. He would put a shot high off the end glass, but it bounced cross-ice and out front for Sam Morton, who caught it, dropped it and fired it home before Hawthorne could recover to make it 4-1 at 15:05 of the third. August Von Ungern drew the only assist. The Wild would be penalized twice late in the third - initially for too many men. The Bulldogs would pull their goalie for the rare 6 on 3 situation and had a couple good looks, most notably a back door set up for Cole Poliziani but Eisle came up with a big save to preserve the cushion. Off the next draw the Wild would block a shot, and then hit the empty net on a banker from their own zone by Jasper Weatherby to complete the scoring with no assists at 19:25 of the third.

Final shots were 38-21 Wild, with Seth Eisle earning the win while John Hawthorne took the loss but earned 3rd star honours. The Dogs went 1 for 8 on the power play while the Wild went 0 for 4 while scoring once while shorthanded.

The Bulldogs are next in action Monday in Powell River, as they visit the Kings for a 2:00pm Matinee on Family Day.

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 host Wild tonight

It's the second and final regular season meeting between the teams, as the Bulldogs (15-27-5-4, 4th Island) host the Wenatchee Wild (33-14-3-1, 3rd Interior) at the Dog Pound.

The Bulldogs were last in game action Wednesday night at home, where they fell 4-3 in overtime to the Nanaimo Clippers. The Wild were in Nanaimo last night, where they had a three game winning streak halted with a 4-1 loss to the Clippers.

These teams last met October 28th in Wenatchee, on a night to forget - for the Dogs at least, as the Wild picked up an 8-1 win.

If you can't make it to the game, we've got you covered with Van Isle Ford Bulldogs Hockey on 93.3 The Peak FM, starting with our pregame show at 6:45. I'll handle the hosting and play-by-play while Bruce MacDonald provides colour commentary and analysis. Dan Tisserand tabulates team and player stats. 

 Tonight's 2nd Intermission guest is former Bulldog Connor LaCouvee,  who's currently playing his Senior season with the Minnesota State Mavericks after transferring from Boston University where he played the three previous seasons.

Here he is in the 2013-2014 season stopping a penalty shot...

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

Hopefully we'll see you at the rink tonight - if not, we'll talk to you from there! 

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