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Friday, November 30, 2018

Dogs drop third straight, 5-3 to Kings



The Bulldogs earned a power play just two minutes into the game on a neutral zone trip caused by a nice move by Dawson Tritt. They did get a couple of pucks on net, but also made a couple of unforced errors to allow the Kings easy clears. The Bulldogs would open the scoring just over four minutes into the game, when Evan Googins walked from behind the goal line up the right side and across the blue line before dishing off to Marcus Walter on the left half-wall. He would put a cross-crease feed onto the tape of Mackenzie Wight, who one-timed it home to make it 1-0 at 4:35 of the first. The lead didn't last long, as it was 1-1 two minutes later when Jayden Lee made a nice move to make a defender miss in the slot. He would walk in tight and be stopped by John Hawthorne, but he found his own rebound and one-timed it home blocker side at 6:43 of the first, from Ryan Brushett and Ryan Pouliot. The Bulldogs pushed back later in the period, with a series of shifts spent in the attacking zone, but couldn't take the lead. The Kings would go up 2-1 late in the period on the rush, as Josh Coblenz picked up a loose puck at the Bulldog line and was allowed to walk in tight where he used a defenceman as a screen and put a perfect shot past the ear of Hawthorne and under the crossbar to make it 2-1, with Ben Thomas and Matthew Byrne assisting at 18:09 of the first. The Bulldogs earned a power play on the following rush, and made quick work of it as Ryan Miotto accepted an Aaron Bohlinger pass at centre and dished off to Jackson Doucet up the left wing. He made a quick pass at the line for Dawson Tritt, and then took a return pass at the left point. Doucet would then walk in to the top of the left circle where he snapped a quick release low through the legs of Adamyk to tie it at 2-2 at 19:08 of the first. Shots after 20 minutes were 13-10 Bulldogs.


The Bulldogs got in penalty trouble early in the second, with a couple of what I thought were soft ones after Ethan Jones had been tripped up earlier in the period. The Bulldogs fought through it, killing off a 30 second long 5 on 3 power play for the Kings, and the following penalty. They would earn a power play chance of their own a few minutes later, and again made it count as Marcus Walter walked down the right side before feeding Ethan Jones below the goal line. He would carry it behind the net and out the far side, before putting a perfect pass onto the tape of Mitchel Deelstra in the left side of the slot where he ripped a quick release far-side off the post and in high past the glove of Adamyk to make it 3-2 Bulldogs at 6:22 of the second. The Bulldogs would protect the lead with two penalty kills consecutively in the following minutes, doing a good job of supporting Hawthorne and clearing pucks in front. Keaton Mastrodonato would race in alone on a shorthanded breakaway, but he couldn't beat Mitch Adamyk on the backhand as it stayed 3-2 Bulldogs after 40 minutes. Shots in the period were 13-7 Kings, for a 23-20 Kings advantage after two periods.


The Kings earned another power play early in the third, on another tough one to take as Mackenzie Wight attempted to check Josh Coblenz, who saw him coming and jumped out of the way and fell down with Wight being called for tripping. The Kings would score what was for all intents and purposes a power play marker to tie the game on it, a second after the opportunity elapsed as Ryan Brushett accepted a rink-wide pass up the right side where he walked in on a partial breakaway to the right faceoff dot where he blew a slapper high far-side over Hawthorne's blocker to tie it at 3-3, with Jayden Lee assisting at 5:03 of the third. The Bulldogs were again almost immediately penalized on a stick check from behind, and the Kings scored the go ahead goal on it as a rink-wide pass was accepted in the top of the right circle where he put a wrist shot past the blocker of a screened Hawthorne to make it 4-3, with no assists given at 7:56 of the third. The Bulldogs put up a valiant attempt to get back into it into the dying minutes, winning a long battle in the corner in the Kings zone with under two minutes to play, but couldn't generate the equalizer before allowing a backbreaker as Josh Coblenz accepted a pass across the Bulldog line and skated in alone where he beat Hawthorne five-hole to complete the hat trick for the 5-3 final at 18:50 of the third, with Matthew Byrne drawing the lone assist.


Third period shots were 7-3 Kings, for a game total of 30-23 in their favour with Mitch Adamyk earning the win while John Hawthorne took the loss. The Bulldogs went 2 for 3 on the power play, the Kings went 1 for 7.

The teams meet again tomorrow night, a 5:00pm 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 Kings tonight to open double header in Powell River




It's the third meeting between these teams this month, and the first of two in as many days as the Bulldogs (9-18-1-0, T-4th Island) visit the Kings (16-12-0-0, 2nd Island) at the Hap Parker Arena.


The Bulldogs were last in action a week ago tonight, when they lost their second straight, 7-2 to the Grizzlies at home. The Kings last played Saturday night at home, where they won their third in a row, 3-0 over the Cowichan Valley Capitals

These teams last met Tuesday November 20th, a 3-0 Kings win. The previous meeting was Saturday November 10th, a 4-0 Bulldog win.




Pacific Chevrolet Bulldogs Hockey on 93.3 The Peak FM is on the air starting tonight at 6:45 for our pregame show, with the puck drop and play-by-play to follow at 7:00pm.



Tonight's 2nd Intermission feature is a little different - it's Bulldog Goalie John Hawthorne, interviewed by BCHL Communications Director Brent Mutis last week for the BCHL Podcast. 


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 

Friday, November 23, 2018

Grizzlies score seven unanswered to top Bulldogs 7-2




The Bulldogs got off to a great start, getting a series of chances on the opening shifts and forcing the Grizzlies into an icing to keep the pressure on. Matt Dumba made two good saves on deflections to keep it scoreless. He would made another fantastic save on Ryan Moon all alone in tight, appearing to just get the shaft of his stick on it to deflect it out of play. The Grizzlies pushed back on a good attacking zone shift near the middle of the period, with John Hawthorne making two solid saves in tight on Alex Cambell with both pads. The teams traded chances back and forth through the next few minutes, with tempers flaring late in period when Mitchel Deelstra took a hit from Ryan Nolan at the lip of the Grizzlies crease, but stood his ground as Nolan bounced off and onto his own goalie. Deelstra would fall backwards, and then be immediately jumped and repeatedly pummeled by Carter Berger, who went over the line in my opinion, and also in the opinion of the Referees with one last vicious punch while he was defenseless on his back. Berger would get the game with a blow to the head minor, and double misconducts. The Grizzlies took a bench minor before the puck drop, resulting in a full two minute 5 on 3 for the Bulldogs. They would push on it, but couldn't beat Dumba or the Grizzlies penalty killers as it stayed scoreless. A minute later, it was 1-0 when Stephen Castagna found a Ryan Moon rim behind the Grizzlies net and left it for Mackenzie Wight. He would walk out into the left circle where he beat Dumba short-side to make it 1-0 at 19:19 of the first. At the buzzer, a srcum broke out that saw Henri Schreifels take a shot at Marcus Walter, who returned a punch in retaliation, as he would receive the only penalty. Shots in the period were 14-10 Bulldogs.


The Bulldogs quickly struck while shorthanded to open the period, as Grayson Valente made a composed play to bank the puck up the right wing. Stephen Castagna also might have gotten a piece of it, as it came to the middle of the line where Dawson Tritt raced away on a breakaway that he finished top corner, far-side over the glove of Dumba to make it 2-0 at 29 seconds of the period. Seconds later, the Bulldogs were again penalized, putting Victoria onto a 5 on 3 power play that the Bulldogs effectively killed off with a handful of blocks and sticks in passing lanes. The Grizzlies would get on the board on the second penalty however, as Cameron Thompson put a wrister on net from the left circle that beat a screened Hawthorne short-side to make it 2-1, with assists to Nico Somerville and Ryan Nolan at 2:14 of the second. It was a 2-2 game two minutes later when the Bulldogs got caught in the Grizzlies zone and gave up an odd man rush that saw a pretty passing play be finished off by Alex Newhook at the top of the crease, with assists going to Alex Campbell and Darwin Lakoduk at 4:26 of the period. The Dogs were penalized two minutes later, but again successfully killed it off. Mitchel Deelstra would exit the box and race in alone on a breakaway but couldn't get a shot on target to test Dumba as it remained tied. The teams traded chances until the late stages of the period, when the Grizzlies scored again on the rush, on a pass picked up by Ryan Nolan across the Bulldog line that was close to offside - to skate in alone on Hawthorne where he beat him high short-side to make it 3-2, with assists to Cameron Thompson and Nico Somerville at 16:16 of the second. The Grizzlies would push hard for the next two minutes, but the Bulldogs held on with Hawthorne making a couple good saves to keep it a one-goal game after 40 minutes. Shots in the period were 10-7 Bulldogs, for a 40 minute total in their favour of 24-17.

The Grizzlies killed off a short Bulldog power play to start the third, before immediately going to a four minute power play of their own that they cashed in on just 28 seconds into it on a cross-ice set up by Riley Hughes that was one-timed home from the right side of the slot by Alex Newhook for his second of the game. Also assisting on it was Jeremie Bucheler at 1:30 of the third to make it 4-2. Hawthorne made a couple saves on the second penalty to keep it a two-goal game, before Mackenzie Wight raced in on a breakaway but couldn't get a shot on goal on a stick on stick from behind as it stayed a two-goal game. The Bulldogs weren't able to generate a push to get back in it before the Grizzlies padded their lead, going up 5-2 8:14 into the period as Marty Westhaver was allowed to walk into the Dogs zone, and right through the defence up the middle where he beat Hawthorne seven-hole. Assists on the play went to Henri Schreifels and Jarin Sutton. The score stayed that way until the late stages of the game, with Cameron Thompson somewhat similarly to the Westhaver goal being allowed to walk from centre into the Dogs zone into the right circle untouched where he snapped one home top corner, far-side over the blocker of Hawthorne to make it 6-2 at 16:19 of the third. Some final salt in the wound came in the final minute, as Alex Newhook completed the hat trick, again similar to the previous goal as he accepted a pass and walked into the right circle and past a forward playing defence to pick the top corner, far-side past the blocker of Hawthorne to complete the scoring with Alex Campbell drawing the assist at 19:20.

Third period shots were 15-12 Grizzlies, for a game total of 36-32 Bulldogs with John Hawthorne taking the loss while Kyle Dumba earned the win. The Bulldogs went 0 for 3 on the power play, while also scoring once while shorthanded. The Grizzlies went 2 for 5.


The Bulldogs are next in action Friday night 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. *


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Bulldogs host Grizzlies tonight



It's the only game action this weekend for the Bulldogs (9-17-1-0, 4th Island) as they host the Victoria Grizzlies (17-8-0-1, 1st Island) tonight at the Multiplex.

The Bulldogs were in Powell River on Tuesday night, where they fell 3-0 to the Kings. The Grizzlies haven't played since Sunday afternoon in Vernon, where they emerged victorious 6-5 over the Vipers in a shoot out.

This is the fourth meeting of the season between the teams so far. The Grizzlies took the first meeting 5-1 in Port Alberni on September 14th. The Bulldogs won the second match up, 5-3 in Victoria on October 12th. The most recent meeting was a 2-1 overtime win for the Grizzlies at the Multiplex on October 13th.


If you can't make it to the game, as always we will bring it to you - Van Isle Ford Bulldogs Hockey is on the 93.3 The Peak FM airwaves starting with our pregame show at 6:45, with the puck set to drop shortly after 7:00pm. Bruce MacDonald adds colour commentary and provides analysis while I call the play-by-play.

Tonight's 2nd Intermission feature is another edition of Island Division This Week, courtesy of Nanaimo Clippers voice Dan Marshall from 106.9 The Wolf in Nanaimo. It's a compilation of recaps, previews and highlights from all broadcasters of Island Division teams.


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




Thank you 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 

Thursday, November 22, 2018

Bulldogs add Ryan Moon, move Spencer Hora


The Bulldogs announced a trade earlier today, as they added Ryan Moon from the Cowichan Valley Capitals in exchange for Spencer Hora. Welcome to the team and the community Ryan, and thanks for your service to the same Spencer! 

Hammer


EXPERIENCED POWER FORWARD PICKED UP IN DEAL WITH COWICHAN VALLEY

Port Alberni, BC – The Alberni Valley Bulldogs have completed a trade  
with the Cowichan Valley Capitals, acquiring the CJHL playing rights  
of 1999-born forward Ryan Moon in return for 1999-born defenceman  
Spencer Hora.

Moon had scored three goals and added four assists in 14 regular  
season games with the Capitals. He spent the previous two seasons with  
the Trail Smoke Eaters, combining to score 14 goals and 30 points in  
89 games as a 17- and 18-year old. He also suited up 11 playoff games  
last season as the Smoke Eaters advanced to the Interior Conference  
finals.

"Ryan is a physical power forward who can contribute offensively and  
be a tough guy to play against in all three zones," says Bulldogs head  
coach Matt Hughes. "We had been looking to add a player who would  
challenge for minutes in our top-six forward group and we feel Ryan  
can do that. We're excited to have him join us."

In return the Bulldogs parted with an assistant captain and  
experienced defender in Spencer Hora, who had been acquired in a  
January 2018 trade from the West Kelowna Warriors. Hora had picked up  
five assists in 26 games this season.

"It was a very difficult decision moving a tremendous person and  
leader like Spencer," says Hughes. "He quickly became a fan favourite  
after we picked him up in January because of how hard he plays, and he  
was well-liked and respected in our dressing room. We wish him all the  
best with the Capitals and appreciate the big role he played in our  
leadership group this season."

Moon is expected to arrive in Port Alberni in time to make his  
Bulldogs debut when the Victoria Grizzlies visit on Friday night.

***

For more information, please contact:

Matt Hughes
Head Coach/GM

Tuesday, November 20, 2018

Bulldogs fall 3-0 to Kings in Powell River




The game was played at a high pace early, but with plenty of whistles through the early minutes resulted in not much in the way of chances, with neither team able to either create anything or force a mistake. The Bulldogs soon afterwards started to dominate the play, with the line of Keaton Mastrodonato, Ryan Miotto and Jackson Doucet hemming the Kings in their zone for over a minute, testing Mitch Adamyk several times but being unable to find the net. They continued to push, drawing a penalty on the next shift. They did everything but score on the power play, spending as close to a full two minutes in the zone on the attack as possible, but again just couldn't get a bounce with a handful of pucks on net. The action would slow throughout the remainder of the period, until the Kings got a late power play opportunity that the Bulldogs defended well to the buzzer to keep it scoreless after 20 minutes. Shots were 15-8 Bulldogs, but it felt like considerably more.


The second period was vastly different through the opening five minutes, as the Dogs spent the better part of it trying to gain the attacking zone. While they didn't give up anything to the Kings, they didn't generate anything either. Another Powell River power play was killed off, but the Dogs still couldn't get their game going. The Kings would open the scoring eight minutes into the period on a play that was hard to accept, as Ryan Miotto took a half blindside/all head shot hit at the Bulldog blue line while accepting a pass that resulted in him being down and hurt on the ice. No call came on the play, and seconds later it was a 1-0 game as the Kings capitalized with a Bulldog player down and out of the play to score on an odd-man rush as Mitchell Williams roofed a cross-ice pass over the glove of Hawthorne to open the scoring, with assist going to Ethan Martini and Kyle Kawamura at 8:37 of the second. There would be no scoring the rest of the period, with the Bulldogs coming up with a couple solid penalty kills to keep it that way, with Hawthorne making a notable save on Josh Coblenz who walked in tight. The Bulldogs had a fantastic chance late in the frame on a breakaway for Ty Pochipinski on a pretty Mackenzie Wight set up, but despite being hooked off the puck under the arms at the top of the crease the Dogs couldn't earn a penalty call. Shots in the period were 19-8 Kings, for a 40 minute total in their favour of 27-23.


The Bulldogs had a renewed urgency to their game to start the third, and did a better job of getting pucks on net and spending time in the attacking zone, but couldn't through the first half of it find the net. A long 2 on 1 early in the period saw perhaps one pass too many result in not a shot on net. The Bulldogs earned a power play with ten minutes to play, but couldn't cash in on it. They would pay for it, as the Kings went up 2-0 just two minutes later as Ryan Brushett walked across the crease from below the goal line up the right side where he tucked a backhand home around the outstretched right toe of Hawthorne. Levi Glasman drew the only assist on the play at 12:38 of the third. The Kings would put the game away two minutes later, on a delayed penalty situation that saw the Bulldogs touch the puck twice, but the Officials didn't deem it long enough for possession as play continued. Hawthorne would make the first, and perhaps second save but a scramble continued that resulted in the puck ending up in the back of the net courtesy of Ethan Schmunk, with assists going to Matt Rickard and Josh Coblenz at 14:10 of the third to complete the scoring.


Third period shots were 10-9 Bulldogs, for a game total of 36-33 Kings with Mitch Adamyk earning 1st star honours with the win and shut out, while John Hawthorne took the loss. Both teams went 0 for 4 on the power play. .


The Bulldogs are next in action Friday for their only game of the weekend, as they host the Victoria Grizzlies.


______________________________________________________________



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 first time this season tonight



It's the first meeting of the season between these Island Division rivals in Powell River, as the Bulldogs (9-16-1-0, 4th Island) visit the Kings (13-12-0-0, 2nd Island) at the Hap Parker Arena.

The Bulldogs were last in action Sunday afternoon at home where they snapped a two game losing streak with a 4-1 win over the Chilliwack Chiefs. The Kings last saw the ice Saturday night at home, where they dropped their fourth straight, 7-5 to the Chilliwack Chiefs.

These teams have met just once this season, and it was just back on November 10th, a 4-0 Bulldog win.

I'll be live tonight on 93.3 The Peak FM's Bulldogs Hockey presented by Pacific Chevrolet. The broadcast starts at 6:45 for our pregame show, with the puck drop and play-by-play to follow at 7:00pm.



Tonight's 2nd Intermission guest is former Bulldog (2015-2017) Brody Claeys - the 2016-2017 Bulldog MVP, now playing his Sophomore season with the NCAA's University of Alaska-Anchorage  Seawolves


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




In other news from yesterday, Bulldogs goalie John Hawthorne earned the BCHL's Player of the Week... congrats John! 



Alberni Valley Bulldogs goaltender John Hawthorne has been named the BCHL Player of the Week for the week ending Nov. 18, the league announced Monday.
The second-year netminder faced a ton of rubber over the weekend, stopping 105 of 111 shots over three games. Hawthorne finished the week with .946 save percentage, a goals-against average of 2.02, one win and was named a game star twice.
The 20-year-old from Chemainus, B.C. made 33 saves on 36 shots in a 4-1 loss to the Cowichan Valley Capitals on Wednesday night and followed that up with a 32-save performance on Saturday in a 2-1 loss to the Prince George Spruce Kings and was named the game’s first star. Hawthorne was finally rewarded for his solid play on Sunday afternoon when he made 40 saves and was named the game’s second star in a 4-1 win over the league-leading Chilliwack Chiefs.
After this week’s games, Hawthorne sees his save percentage climb to .920, tying him for second-best in the BCHL. He has a 7-12-0 record, a 2.84 goals-against average and two shutouts, while playing the fifth-most minutes in the league.
Honourable mentions:

Chilliwack Chiefs F Harrison Blaisdell: 3GP, 2G, 5A, 1st star
Chilliwack Chiefs F Kevin Wall: 3GP, 3G, 5A
Wenatchee Wild F Josh Arnold: 3GP, 2G, 4A, GWG, 1st star
Surrey Eagles G Cayden Bailey: 3GP, 1W, 85 saves/91 shots, .934 SV%, 2.35 GAA, FortisBC Energy Player of the Game
Prince George Spruce Kings G Logan Neaton: 2GP, 2W, SO, 41 saves/42 shots, .976 SV%, 0.50 GAA, 3rd star
Nanaimo Clippers G Jordan Naylor: 2GP, 2W, 62 saves/66 shots, .939 SV%, 2.00 GAA, 3rd star
Langley Rivermen F Trevor Ayre: 2GP, 3G, 1A, hat trick, GWG, 1st star

And in more news, the Bulldogs and Port Alberni Junior Hockey Society announced that they've begun the process of searching for potential ownership partners of the franchise.. 

BULLDOGS, PAJHS BEGIN SEARCH FOR POTENTIAL OWNERSHIP PARTNERS
November 19, 2018 – Port Alberni, B.C – The Alberni Valley Bulldogs Junior A Hockey Club has begun a search for Ownership Partners that will solidify the long-term success of the franchise in Port Alberni.
The Bulldogs franchise relocated to Port Alberni from Burnaby in 2002 and quickly became ingrained as an important part of the city’s sporting community. The team was sold in 2012 to the Port Alberni Junior Hockey Society, which has owned and operated the team for the past seven seasons.

“The Bulldogs have been run by a committed group of local individuals who were determined to keep BCHL hockey in the Alberni Valley,” says PAJHS Director Darren Deluca. “The reality is that Junior A hockey is a business and we feel the time is right to find an ownership partner who shares our interest in the success of the team and the significant role it plays in our community.”
From a strong season ticket base that exceeds 700 to a team-friendly arena lease and tremendous local corporate sponsorship support, there is no shortage of positive factors that should make the Bulldogs an attractive opportunity for potential ownership partners.

“We have tremendous fans and sponsors that really set the Bulldogs organization apart,” says Deluca. “The relationship with local government is strong and there is a lot of money being invested in the economic development of our region. And anyone who has been inside the Alberni Valley Multiplex for a big game knows that this is a great hockey town. We’re very confident that potential partners will see all the reasons why the Bulldogs can thrive on and off the ice over the long term in Port Alberni.”

The Port Alberni Junior Hockey Society is spreading the word regarding the potential for ownership in the Alberni Valley Bulldogs in order to attract the best possible field of potential partners. BCHL franchises sell at a wide range of values and Alberni Valley’s is going to be driven by the market.

“The Alberni Valley Bulldogs are an essential part of our local community,” says City of Port Alberni Mayor Sharie Minions. “In addition to providing great entertainment to hockey fans in Port Alberni, the team contributes to numerous projects and events that benefit our citizens. We look forward to working with anyone whose goal is to ensure the long-term strength and stability of the Bulldogs organization in the Alberni Valley.”
To learn more about the Bulldogs organization, the City of Port Alberni and the opportunity to join our team, visit www.albernivalleybulldogs.ca/invest.


***
Media Contact:
Darren Deluca
______________________________________________________________



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

Sunday, November 18, 2018

*UPDATED WITH HIGHLIGHTS* Bulldogs top Chiefs 4-1

Here's the video highlights from last night. Please accept my apologies for not getting this posted as quick as I usually do. I had a family dinner immediately after the game last night! 

Hammer






There was a flurry of scoring chances both ways through the first three minutes of the game, with Nolan Hildebrand tested first on a deflected point shot, before John Hawthorne turned aside a Brett Willits breakaway a minute later. Another in alone Chief chance saw Hawthorne stare down Cameron MacDonald on a breakaway with a right toe save, before Hildebrand came up with a sparking glove save on a Keaton Mastrodonato one-timer from a couple feet off the crease on a set up from behind the goal line. The pace would stay high, but the chances slowed somewhat through the remainder of the period, with the Bulldogs threatening but being unable to score on a power play opportunity. Shots in the period were 14-9 Bulldogs.

The second period began with a great Chiefs chance in the opening second with Hawthorne diving forward to keep a loose puck out, with the next five minutes being somewhat disjointed. The Bulldogs generated a couple good chances near the midway point of the period, with both Dawson Tritt and Mitchel Deelstra being denied on the doorstep by Hildebrand. At the other end, Hawthorne was solid with a trio of saves on a scramble sequence around his net to keep it scoreless. The Chiefs would earn a power play on contact at the front of the Bulldog net later in the period, and they would open the scoring on it after a full minute and a half of pressure and a handful of saves by Hawthorne. The Chiefs kept the pressure on, and after an initial save by Hawthorne, and a follow up rebound, and a pile of bodies in the paint the puck crossed the line with Kevin Wall getting credit for it, unassisted at 14:17 of the second. The Officials would have an extended discussion afterwards, but the goal stood. The Bulldogs earned a power play late in the period of their own, and worked it around crisply to tie the game as Aaron Bohlinger put it into the right corner for Keaton Mastrodonato. He found Jackson Doucet walking up the middle from the point, where he put a perfect backdoor feed onto the tape of former Chief Ryan Miotto, who made no mistake in one-timing it into the open side to tie it at 1-1 at 19:25 of the second. The Bulldogs earned another power play seconds later on a trip at centre that might have denied a breakaway, to begin the third on the power play. Shots in the second were 20-11 for a 29-25 Chiefs advantage after 40 minutes

The Bulldogs threatened on the power play to open the period, but couldn't generate a Grade A chance to take the lead. Just past the five minute mark the Bulldogs took their first lead of the game, as a Chief defender misplayed the puck at their line, allowing Mitchel Deelstra to steal it and race in alone into the left circle where he beat Hildebrand with a high shot that he got a piece of, but not enough of it, to make it 2-1, unassisted at 5:39 of the third. The Chiefs would push back, but Hawthorne was solid with a couple of saves to protect the lead. The Bulldogs found some insurance just a minute later when a turnover to the slot was found by Jackson Doucet. His initial shot was blocked, but it ended up on the tape of Ryan Miotto on the right wing, where he put a quick release on net that was deflected off the post and in by Keaton Mastrodonato to make it 3-1 at 8:17 of the third. The score would stay that way until the late stages when the Chiefs pulled their goalie while on the power play to create a 6 on 4 scenario. The Bulldogs held on, with back-to-back shot blocks by Jackson Doucet and Mackenzie Wight resulting in a loose puck that was one-timed home down ice dead centre by Grayson Valente for the shorthanded empty netter for some final insurance to seal the deal for the 4-1 final at 19:24 of the third.


Third period shots were 13-12 Bulldogs, for a game total of 41-38 Chilliwack. John Hawthorne earned 2nd star honours with the win, while Nolan Hildebrand took the loss. The Bulldogs went 1 for 4 on the power play while also scoring once while shorthanded. The Chiefs went 1 for 3.


The Bulldogs are next in action Tuesday night when they visit the Kings in Powell River.


______________________________________________________________



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 today to conclude four game home stand


It's the end of a four game home stand, as the defending National Champion and current league leading Chilliwack Chiefs (19-7-0-0) visit the Multiplex to take on the Bulldogs (8-16-1-0, 4th Island) for the second and final regular season meeting between the teams.

The Bulldogs were in action last night at home, where they suffered their second straight loss, 2-1 to the Prince George Spruce Kings. The Chiefs had Friday night off, but were in Powell River last night, where they fought back from a 4-1 first period deficit to win their third in a row, 7-5 over the Kings. It's the third game for the Chiefs this week, after they beat the Eagles in Surrey 10-2 on Monday afternoon

These teams met just a couple of weeks ago in Chilliwack, a 7-4 Chiefs win.



Bruce MacDonald (colour commentary and analysis) and myself (play-by-play and hosting) will have the call on Van Isle Ford Bulldogs Hockey on 93.3 The Peak FM, with our broadcast beginning with the pregame show at 1:45

Today's 2nd Intermission feature is another edition of Island Division This Week, courtesy of Powell River Kings voice Alex Rawnsley. It's a compilation of recaps and previews from all broadcasters of Island Division teams.



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

Saturday, November 17, 2018

Bulldogs drop late heartbreaker 2-1 to Spruce Kings



The Bulldogs chased the game early, finding themselves in a 1-0 hole just 1:15 into the game when John Hawthorne played a dump-in to the near corner, but couldn't seal his post short-side as Nicholas Poisson put a quick shot on net from the left wing wall that snuck home short-side for an un-assisted marker. The Bulldogs struggled to find their game through the first ten minutes, unable to generate a shot on net. They wouldn't get a true shot on goal until the final five minutes of the period, as Spruce Kings netminder Logan Neaton misplayed a dump in to the slot that Isaac Tonkin-Palmer backhanded on goal. Neither team would generate much in the way of offense throughout the remainder of the period, with the shots being 7-2 Prince George after 20 minutes.


The Bulldogs doubled their shots on goal in the first two minutes of the second, and had another great chance when Mackenzie Wight beat Neaton but hit the post as it stayed out. John Hawthorne would make two big saves later in the period, the first being on Patrick Cozzi on a give-and-go with Ben Brar on an odd-man rush. Later, Keaton Mastrodonato hustled hard to chase down a puck in the Spruce Kings zone and drew a penalty after being high-sticked. Hawthorne would make a big shorthanded in alone save on an end-to-end rush by Dustin Manz. Later in the power play, the Bulldogs won a long battle in the Spruce Kings zone that saw Jackson Doucet dig it free in close quarters for Mitchel Deelstra, who rimmed it back to the left point for Darren Rizzolo. He would walk to the middle before putting a wrist shot on goal through traffic that hit a Spruce King stick before finding its way past Neaton to make it 1-1 at 10:00 of the second. Tempers flared seconds later, when Grayson Valente was hit from behind by Michael Conlin. Stephen Castagna would come to his defence, and won a spirited scrap with Conlin. Hawthorne would make another big save late in the period, with his left toe on a spinning one-timer from the slot by Ben Brar seconds after the Bulldogs had killed off a penalty. The Bulldogs pushed and had a series of good opportunities late in the period, with Logan Neaton scrambling to get a blocker on a Dawson Tritt shot from in tight. Shots in the period were 14-7 Spruce Kings for a 21-9 advantage after 40 minutes.

The third period was played at a high pace, with each team having their opportunities, with the Bulldogs the better of them before and after a power play chance as Logan Neaton made in-tight saves on both Dawson Tritt and Jackson Doucet to keep it 1-1 through the middle of the period. The score stayed that way into the late stages of the third, when the Bulldogs were penalized for interference on a hit on a dump in at centre ice. The Spruce Kings would work the puck around the Bulldogs zone for over 90 seconds without a whistle with a handful of great saves and near misses ending with Ben Brar taking a cross-ice pass in the right circle in tight where he walked in and snapped it home to make it 2-1, with assists going to Nick Bochen and Patrick Cozzi with just 3:56 to play in the third. The Bulldogs would be awarded a power play late in the game, and came painfully close on a number of occasions in tight but couldn't get a bounce on a rebound to beat Neaton for the equalizer as the Spruce Kings killed it off and held on until the final seconds to make the lead stand.


Shots in the third were 17-13 Bulldogs, for a game total of 34-26 Spruce Kings with Logan Neaton earning the win while John Hawthorne earned 1st star honours while taking the loss. Both teams went 1 for 3 on the power play.


The Bulldogs are next in action tomorrow 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 host Spruce Kings tonight



It's the second and final regular season meeting between the teams, as the Bulldogs (8-15-1-0, 4th Island) host the Prince George Spruce Kings (16-7-0-1, 2nd Mainland) tonight at the Multiplex for the third game of a four game home stand.

The Bulldogs last saw the ice Tuesday night, when they dropped a 4-1 decision to the Cowichan Valley Capitals. The Spruce Kings began a three game road trip last night in Powell River, where they emerged victorious in the BCHL's Battle of the Kings by a 3-0 score.

These teams last met November 2nd up in Prince George, a 2-1 Spruce Kings victory.



Van Isle Ford Bulldogs Hockey on 93.3 The Peak FM is on the air from the Multiplex starting with our pregame show at 6:45, with the puck dropping shortly after 7:00. Bruce MacDonald provides colour commentary and game analysis, and I will call the play-by-play.


Tonight's 2nd Intermission guest is Jacob Bestebroer, Colour Commentator and Director of Scouting for the the defending RBC Cup National Champion Chilliwack Chiefs , who the Bulldogs host tomorrow.




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 stopping by to check 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

Tuesday, November 13, 2018

Dogs fall 4-1 to Capitals


The pace was high off the opening puck drop, but neither side generated much in the way of offense through the opening five minutes. The Bulldogs didn't have a shot on goal, but almost had a goal on several instances as a centering pass hit a Capital defender skate and just missed the post, while Ryan Miotto settled a loose puck on a breakaway but couldn't get a shot on net. The Capitals would run up a healthy edge in shots, but the Bulldogs didn't give up much if any chances, as John Hawthorne kept it scoreless. The Bulldogs would open the scoring just over eight minutes in, as Stephen Castagna picked up a Marcus Walter rim up the left wing in the Dogs zone and put a cross-ice pass onto the tape of Mitchel Deelstra. He would race over the Capitals line into the top of the left circle where he beat Blake Wood with a quick release, high far-side over his glove to make it 1-0 at 8:06 of the first. The Bulldogs went to an immediate power play opportunity on the following shift, and had several great opportunities around the the net but couldn't get one to go as it stayed a 1-0 game. The Bulldogs continued to push, but couldn't pad their lead before the Capitals got the equalizer on the rush as Dimitri Mikrogiannakis put a shot on net from the right half-wall that Hawthorne turned aside, but couldn't control the rebound as it went across the slot and onto the tape of Paul Selleck. He would put it home short-side past the blocker of Hawthorne, who made a valiant attempt to recover. Brady Lynn also drew an assist on the play at 16:22 of the first to make it 1-1. The teams traded chances to the end of the period, with Hawthorne coming up with a big save in tight on Olivier Gauthier to keep it 1-1 after 20 minutes, with the shots 16-15 Bulldogs.

The Capitals had an edge through the early minutes of the second, hemming the Bulldogs in their zone for an extended period, and winning repeated faceoffs to get pucks on net. The Bulldogs continued to chase the game through the middle of the period, with the shots favouring the Capitals 8-1, with Hawthorne again solid when called upon. The game stayed 1-1 into the late stages of the second, with Hawthorne coming up with a big save on an Andrew Troy one-timer in tight from a pass from behind the goal line. The Bulldogs would manage to generate some offense later in the frame, with Blake Wood coming up with a highlight reel save to keep it 1-1 when Mitchell Deelstra accelerated over the Capitals line on a 2 on 1 up the left wing before putting a perfect pass across the slot for Evan Googins, only to have Wood get a glove on it in desperation to keep it tied. Shots in the period were 11-7 Capitals, for a 40 minute total in their favour of 26-23.

The Bulldogs started the third much better than a previous two, with an imeditae scramble that somehow stayed out. They continued to push over the next few minutes, with Wood coming up with another save on the goal line on a very odd play that saw a long shot miss into the far corner, but neither Wood or his defender blocked it from coming cross-ice into the crease where it was one-timed on goal by Mackenzie Wight, only to have Wood get his right toe on it. Neither team generated much into the back half of the period, as it remained deadlocked at 1-1. The Capitals would take their first lead of the game on the rush, on a double rink-wide series of passes out of their zone from the left to right side, to the left side of centre at the Bulldog line where Dan McIntryre skated into the top of the left circle with a step where he beat Hawthorne long-side under his glove to make it 2-1, with assists to Boo Grist and Peter Tabor at 13:39 of the third. Seconds later, the Bulldogs were penalized on a high hit at centre ice. It took just 18 seconds on the man advantage for the Capitals to put the game away, as a high-low set up ended up in the slot from behind the goal line where Affiliate Player Jo Jo Tanaka Campbell one-timed a Paul Selleck feed past the glove of Hawthorne. David Melaragni also drew an assist at 14:07 of the third. The Bulldogs were unable to mount a push to make a game of it, before the Caps sealed the deal into an empty net when Olivier Gauthier chased down a loose puck in the Bulldog zone on the left wall and fired it low through a Bulldog defender to make it 4-0 at 17:57 of the third to complete the scoring for a 4-1 final.


Third period shots were 12-11 Bulldogs, for a game total of 37-35 Capitals. Blake Wood earned 1st star honours with the win, while John Hawthorne took the loss. The Dogs went 0 for 1 on the power play while the Capitals went 1 for 1.


The Bulldogs are next in action Saturday night when they host the Prince George Spruce 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