Clippers top Bulldogs 6-2

The game had good pace early, with a great chance for Jackson Doucet on a partial breakaway in the opening seconds that saw Jordan Naylor make the save from a sharp angle. The Bulldogs continued to have a slight edge in the early minutes, running up a 5-1 edge in shots, but being unable to open the scoring. The Clippers would soon afterwards make it 1-0 on the rush as Jonathan Stein kept the puck up the right wing and put a shot on goal through traffic that Cole Demers got a good chunk of but not enough of as it just got through him and barely snuck over the line. Hunor Torzok drew the lone assist at 9:14 of the first. Just 90 seconds later it was 2-0 as the Clippers kept the puck in the Dogs zone on several instances before Devon Mussio put a spinning cross-slot pass onto the tape of Kyler Kovich who fired it into the open side. Aiden Hansen Bukata also assisted at 10:45 of the first. The Clippers tacked on another one three minutes later when Kyler Kovich kept the puck in at the left point and threw it at the net where Tyler Williams knocked it down and spun a backhand home inside the far post past the pad of Demers to make it 3-0 at 13:40 of the first, with Marcus Mitchell also drawing an assist. Shots in the period were 13-13



The Bulldogs got on the board just 19 seconds into the period on the power play on a pretty set up that saw Jackson Doucet feed Ryan Miotto in the right corner below the goal line. He put a perfect pass into the hashmarks onto the tape of a wide open Aaron Bohlinger, who one-timed it home past the blocker of Naylor to make it 3-1. The Clippers had a glorious chance seconds later as a rebound went cross-ice off Demers, but he went post to post to get his glove up to rob Thomas Samuelsen with a highlight reel save. The Bulldogs weren't able to build on it though, as the Clippers made it 4-1 four minutes later on a shot on net through traffic that was stopped by Demers, but the rebound bounced cross-ice where Tyler Williams fired it into the open side for his second of the game. Assists went to Kyler Kovich and Marcus Mitchell at 4:35 of the second. John Hawthorne would enter the game in relief off the bench. The Bulldogs didn't show any signs of sagging, as they pushed the pace throughout the period and had several good chances to trim the deficit, but couldn't finish any of them as it stayed 4-1 Clippers after two. Shots in the period were 14-9 Bulldogs, for a 40 minute total in their favour of 27-22.


The Bulldogs earned a power play early in the third, and again made it count with a broken play that saw a Dawson Tritt shot hit traffic at the net and bounce cross ice where Ryan Miotto deflected it home to make it 4-2, with Austin Spiridakis drawing the lone assist at 2:24 of the third, on the power play. The Bulldogs had two great chances seconds later in tight on Naylor, but couldn't get a bounce to make it a one-goal game. They would earn a power play chance a couple minutes later, but looked out of sorts on it before giving up an odd-man rush that saw Hawthorne make a good right toe save and a Bulldog penalty, The Clippers would get the three goal lead back on it as Sammy Steele exited the penalty box and walked to the net down the left side where he snapped it low inside the far post to make it 5-2 at 8:20 of the third, with assists on the play to Aiden Hansen Bukata and Robby Drazner. The Bulldogs again didn't quit, and appeared to make it a 5-3 game as Stephen Castagna was hauled down on a breakaway, resulting in a delayed penalty. Isaac Tonkin-Palmer would roof the loose puck in the crease, with a whistle sounding before the puck went in, but the Referee at the net emphatically signalling goal. After a discussion, the goal was waved off, but a penalty shot was awarded but Castagna couldn't beat Naylor. The Bulldogs earned one more power play with under five to play, but couldn't generate on it. The Clippers added one more late in the game as a final exclamation point as Ethan Scardina was allowed to walk right in tight on Hawthorne where he beat him far-side from the left circle to make it a 6-2 final with assists to Jordan Dawson and Jonathan Naylor at 17:54 of the third. 


Shots in the third were 16-12 Clippers, for a game total of 39-38 Bulldogs. Cole Demers took the loss giving up 4 goals on 18 shots before being relieved by John Hawthorne, while Jonathan Naylor earned the win. The Bulldogs went 2 for 5 on the power play while the Clippers went 1 for 3.

The Bulldogs are next in action Wednesday night in Victoria.

Hammer 
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Bulldogs host Clippers today for New Year's Matinee affair

It's the final game of 2018, as the Bulldogs (13-22-1-0, 4th Island) host the Nanaimo Clippers (17-18-0-0, 3rd Island) at the Multiplex to ring in 2019.


The Bulldogs were in action last night at home, where they picked up a 5-4 come-from-behind win over the Cowichan Valley Capitals. The Clippers returned from their Christmas break Saturday in Victoria, where they won their fifth in a row 4-2 over the Grizzlies


The last meeting between these teams was heading into the Christmas break, a 4-2 Nanaimo win at the Multiplex on December 16th. Prior to that they met in Nanaimo on December 12th, a 3-1 Clippers win. After the Bulldogs won the first two games of the season series, the Clippers have responded to win the last three.

Bruce MacDonald (colour commentary and analysis) and I (play-by-play and hosting) will have the call for you on 93.3 The Peak FM's Bulldogs Hockey, brought to you by Van Isle Ford starting at 1:45 for the pregame show in advance of the puck drop following 2:00pm.

Today's 2nd Intermission guest is former Bulldog Trainer Matt Auerbach, now with the Victoria Royals.

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

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

Bulldogs stage third period comeback, top Capitals 5-4

There was no rink rust evident from either side through the opening minutes of the game, as the pace was high. The Bulldogs had a good attacking zone shift in the first minute. The Capitals would earn a power play a few minutes later, and made good on it in the dying seconds as Luc Wilson accepted a David Melaragni pass and walked into the top of the left circle and put a perfectly placed shot top corner, far-side over the glove of a screened John Hawthorne to make it 1-0 Capitals at 5:52 of the first. The Capitals were sent to the penalty box seconds later, where 23 seconds later another minor penalty was given to the player in the box leading to a 5 on 3 for the Bulldogs that they made quick work on with a pretty passing play that saw Aaron Bohlinger dish off to Ryan Miotto in the left circle. He would cross ice to the top of the right circle, before putting a cross-ice feed on the tape of Keaton Mastrodonato, who set up Jackson Doucet with a cross-crease feed that he jammed home through Jack Grant to make it 1-1 at 7:10 of the first. The score stayed that way through to the late minutes of a fairly nastily played period, when the Capitals scored on the rush to lead 2-1 as Luc Wilson set up an un-checked David Melaragni walking down the slot where he snapped a shot through the blocker arm of Hawthorne to make it 2-1 at 17:34 of the first. Just 20 seconds later it was 3-1 when a turnover ended up right in front on the tape of Adam Conquest, who ripped it by Hawthorne, un-assisted to make it 3-1 at 17:58 of the first. Shots were 10-8 Capitals after 20 minutes.

The Capitals had a different gear to start the second, and had no less than half a dozen Grade A chance in tight on Hawthorne, who came up repeatedly with big saves to keep his team in it, The Bulldogs responded to make it a one-goal game just past the midway point of the period on the rush, as Tanner Pochipinski accepted an Aaron Bohlinger pass up the left wing and walked in tight on Grant and got him down and out before walking around him and putting a pass to the crease that was deflected in under the crossbar to make it 3-2 at 10:43 of the second. The Bulldogs pushed for the equalizer on the next shift and drew a penalty, but Grant made two good saves to protect the lead. The Capitals would restore their two-goal lead late in the period when Timber Lewis one-timed a Jordan Robert pass on net from the left point that deflected off the ice and over Hawthorne from the slot by Preston Brodziak at 16:39 of the second to make it 4-2 Caps after 40 minutes. Shots in the second were 12-6 Capitals, for a two-period total in their favour of 22-14.

The Bulldogs killed off a Capital power play of 1:45 in duration to open the third, with Hawthorne making two good saves in tight on a deflection and a rebound. They would earn a power power play a minute and change later and made good on it when Ryan Miotto ripped a shot from the deep slot high over the glove of Grant to make it 4-3 at 3:00 of the third, with assists to Aaron Bohlinger and Keaton Mastrodonato. The Bulldogs pushed throughout the period, and finally got the equalizer with under six minutes to play as Jackson Doucet and Ryan Miotto played catch on the left side of the Capitals zone before finding Keaton Mastrodonato in the left corner where he walked up the wall to the top of the blue line where he threw a quick release on goal that got through Grant who was screened by Ryan Miotto at 14:19 of the third. The Bulldogs earned a power play a minute later, which turned into a 5 on 3 less than a minute afterwards when Jackson Doucet was taken down after chipping the puck through two Capital defenders. The Bulldogs capitalized on it when Aaron Bohlinger took a Dawson Tritt pass and set up Ryan Miotto in the left circle. His one-timer was blocked, but it caromed right back to him where he beat Grant with a quick release short-side inside the post blocker side to make it 5-4 at 16:54 of the third to complete the scoring. 

Third period shots were 11-7 Bulldogs, for a game total of 29-25 Capitals with John Hawthorne earning 3rd star honours with the win while Jack Grant took the loss. The Bulldogs went 3 for 6 on the power play, while the Capitals went 1 for 4.

The Bulldogs are next in action tomorrow at 2:00pm when they host the Nanaimo Clippers.

Hammer

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

Bulldogs return from break tonight, host Capitals *6:00 puck drop*

It's back to action tonight for the Bulldogs (12-22-1-0, T-5th Island) following the Christmas break, as they host the Cowichan Valley Capitals (10-21-4-1, T-5th Island) for a 6:00pm puck drop tonight at the Multiplex.

The Bulldogs last saw action in BCHL play on December 16th at home, where they dropped a 4-2 decision to the Nanaimo Clippers. The last played together against the Kazakhstani Junior National team in an Exhibition game on December 18th, falling 5-2 to the Kazaks.

The Capitals returned from their break last night, dropping their second in a row 4-3 at home to the Powell River Kings

These teams last met on December 8th in Duncan, a 4-1 Bulldog win.  Tonight is the fifth game in the season series. The teams have split the first four - with all wins by the road team. The Capitals won by a 4-1 score at the Multiplex on November 13th. The previous meeting was a 4-0 Capitals win on September 15th. The Bulldogs won the first meeting 3-2 in a shoot out on September 7th 

Note the unique start time of 6:00pm, which means Van Isle Ford Bulldogs Hockey on 93.3 The Peak goes live at 5:45 for our pregame show,  with the puck drop to follow. Bruce MacDonald handles analysis and colour commentary while I take care of the play-by-play.

It's a replay of the Very Merry Bulldog and BCHL Christmas specials in the 1st and 2nd Intermission shows tonight.

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

Kazakhstan tops Bulldogs 5-2, Bulldogs win shoot out

A very fast-paced start to the game saw each team have their fair share of chances in the opening minutes, with both Cole Demers and Demid Yeremeyev being very busy in the Kazakhstani and Bulldog nets, but looking very sharp. The Bulldogs had a few Grade A chances on the rush, but Yeremeyev came up big, most notably with a glove save on Mitchel Deelstra in the slot. The Kazakhstani's would open the scoring on a scramble with Cole Demers making the first save, but being unable to reel in or poke away the rebound resulting in Maxim Musorov finding it and sliding it home from the paint at 13:55 of the first. The Bulldogs earned a power play with just over two minutes to play in the first on a long dust up between the benches after the whistle that saw Kazakhstan pick up an extra minor for spearing. They would threaten on it, but couldn't beat Yeremeyev as it stayed 1-0 after one, with the Bulldogs up in the shots 21-14.

The second period saw the Kazaks have an obvious jump to their step to start the period, aided by a power play that saw them pepper Cole Demers, who again was sharp to keep it a one-goal game. The Kazakhstani's would continue to push the pace and control the play though, making it 2-0 at 4:13 of the period as Demers made the first save on a scramble but couldn't find the rebound before Sayan Daniyar fired it home from the crease, with assists to Samat Daniyar and Andrew Buyalskiy. The Bulldogs responded to get back in the game and get the crowd into it a minute later, as the Bulldogs attacked on the rush with Ryan Moon gaining the zone up the left wing before putting a perfect cross-ice pass onto the tape of Ethan Jones, who walked in tight before sliding a pretty feed across the crease onto the tape of Dawson Tritt, who made no mistake finishing it into the open net to make it 2-1 at 5:21 of the second. The Bulldogs unfortunately couldn't build on the momentum, as they ended up in the box soon afterwards, and The Kazaks made it a 3-1 game with just 8 seconds to go in the advatage as Demers again made a great save on a rink-wide set up, but couldn't get enough help on a feed from behind the net out front to the opposite post where he got a chunk of it, but it just squeezed over the line. Valerie rekhov scored it, with the lone assist going to Artur Gatiyatov at 8:33 of the second. The scoring would slow for a spell, with Cole Demers being relieved just after the midway point of the game, stopping 29 of 32 shots. John Hawthorne would enter the game, and would receive a rude welcome in the form of a 2 on 0 Kazakhstani rush, but they would over-pass it to miss the net. The Kazaks would add to their lead late, on a shot that was stopped by Hawthorne, but Maxim Musorov found the rebound in front and pulled it around him through the crease to tuck it home and make it 4-1 at 15:11 of the second. Shots in the period were 26-10 Kazakhstan, for a two period total of 40-31.


The Kazaks immediately added to their lead before the third was half a minute old, as a pass from below the goal line to the deep slot onto the tape of Artur Gatiyatov was one-timed past the glove of Hawthorne to make it 5-1 at 27 seconds of the third, with the lone assist going to Andrew Buyalskiy. The Bulldogs to their credit never quit, and after a series of painful close calls around the Kazak net they finally got a bounce as a Jackson Doucet faceoff win back to the line saw Aaron Bohlinger dish off to Ryan Pouliot. He would throw a low shot at the goal that missed, but bounced back off the end wall to the slot where Keaton Mastrodonato one-timed it home inside the far post to make it 5-2 at 11:32 of the third to complete the scoring. Shots in the third were 10-5 Bulldogs, for a 45-41 Kazakhstan edge through 60 minutes.

The teams played overtime, but neither side could find the net. The Kazak's even pulled their goalie in the final minutes of it, with the Bulldogs coming close but just missing from outside the Kazakhstan blue line. Shots in overtime were 5-2 Kazakhstan for a 50-42 game total through 65 minutes.


The shoot out saw each team send five skaters, with the Bulldogs trailing early 1-0 on a pretty goal by Andrew Buyalskiy. The Bulldogs responded, with Austin Spiridakis snapping it home five-hole to tie it at 1-1, with Hawthorne staring down a deke to keep it tied. Ryan Miotto gave the Bulldogs a lead walking into the left circle and snapping it home glove side. Hawthorne would be unabeatable the rest of the way, as the Dogs won the shoot out 2-1.


Hammer

Bulldogs host Kazakhstan tonight in International Friendly

(image:lordo.com)

It's a unique match up to say the least, as the Bulldogs host the Kazakhstani U20 National team tonight at the Multiplex for an International Exhibition game at the Multiplex. 

The Bulldogs last saw action Sunday afternoon at home, where they fell 4-2 to the Nanaimo Clippers. Meanwhile Kazakhstan last played Monday night at the Langley Events Centre, where they beat a British Columbia Intercollegiate Young Stars team by a 2-0 score to conclude the College Hockey Showcase with a 3 and 0 record.

These teams couldn't be headed in more different directions, as the Bulldogs play one final game tonight before the players head home for their Christmas break. On the other side of the puck, Kazakhstan is preparing for their first appearance in the World Junior Hockey Championships since 2009, with their opener set for December 27th.

Lets take a look at the Kazakhstani roster......about that...I actually haven't been able to acquire one yet, despite my best efforts. It'll be a job to memorize before puck drop today, but I'll do my best! 

Our broadcast courtesy of Pacific Chevrolet takes to 93.3 The Peak FM airwaves starting at 6:45 for our pregame show, with the game action to follow at 7:00 with Bruce MacDonald providing the colour commentary and game analysis while I call the play-by-play.

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

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

It's my Christmas present to you tonight - A Very Merry Bulldog and BCHL Christmas.

I can't remember how many years I have thrown this together now. The concept is very simple - I ask everyone to give me some items on their Christmas wish list... as in what they want under the tree for themselves, whether it's related to the game or not, and I then ask them to send greetings to anyone they would like to send them out to!


I hope you enjoy it, and I hope you enjoy a good Christmas break!

Hammer

Clippers comeback to top Bulldogs 4-2

The Bulldogs drew a power play early in the first, and spent nearly a full two minutes in the attacking zone with a bushel of chances around the net, but Jordan Naylor kept it scoreless with a couple good stops. The Clippers countered out of the box on a 3 on 1 rush, but John Hawthorne came up with a big save in the slot on Marcus Mitchell. The Bulldogs would open the scoring a minute later, as Ryan Novecosky and Stephen Castagna chipped the puck up the left wing for Tanner Pochipinksi, who fought it out at the line and raced up the left wing on a 2 on 1 rush where he kept the puck and beat Naylor with a quick release short-side to make it 1-0 Bulldogs at 4:42 of the first. The Bulldogs ended up in the penalty box a minute later, but killed it off with Hawthorne looking sharp with a couple of big saves in tight. The Bulldogs were instantly penalized again, but again killed it off, with a great chance for Stephen Castagna on a short-handed breakaway that saw Naylor come up with a big right toe save to keep it a 1-0 game. The Bulldogs were again penalized two minutes later, with an extra two minutes added on for arguing the call resulting in a four minute Nanaimo power play. The Bulldogs killed off the first two minutes with not giving up much, but the second penalty came back to haunt them as Aiden Hansen-Bukata set up Carter Stephenson at the top of the point where he scored on a partially mis-fired one-timer that found the top corner over a screened Hawthorne - with Marcus Mitchell possibly deflecting it. Tyler Williams also drew an assist at 14:36 of the first, for a 1-1 tie after 20 minutes, with the Bulldogs up 15-11 in shots on goal.


The second period began with lots of whistles, not much in the way of flow, and both sides fighting the puck through the opening four or five minutes. The Bulldogs earned a power play on an errant stick soon afterwards, and made good on the power play with a minute of pressure before Jackson Doucet fed it back to the left point for Aaron Bohlinger. He would one-time it on goal where Keaton Mastrodonato deflected low inside the post past Naylor's blocker at 5:39 of the second. The Bulldogs were penalized two minutes later, before being whistled again on a battle at the side of the net putting the Clippers to a 5 on 3 power play for 35 seconds. John Hawthorne came up with three big saves, twice on one-time set ups for Gunnar Wegleitner, and once on Ethan Scardina on a rebound in the paint. Other than that, the Bulldogs did a solid job in keeping the Clippers to the outside to kill it off and protect their lead. The Bulldogs continued to push the pace and create chances, but couldn't add to their lead. They earned a power play later in the period, but the Clippers had the best chance in it early when Kyler Kovich skated in alone on a shorthanded breakaway. Hawthorne would out-wait him to keep it out and keep it 2-1. The Bulldogs came close seconds later to finding the net, on a dump in that hit a partition and went on goal, but Naylor reacted with his right toe to keep it out. Shots in the period were 14-5 Bulldogs, for a 29-16 advantage after 40 minutes.

The third period started somewhat similar to the second, with lots of whistles early and not much in the way of flow or chances. The Clippers would get the equalizer on an end-to-end rush just under five minutes into the period, as Sammy Steele drove wide down the left side and in alone on Hawthorne who made the save, but couldn't locate the rebound before Ethan Scardina jammed it home in the paint to make it 2-2 at 4:50 of the third. The Clippers spent the next few minutes all over the Bulldogs zone, with Hawthorne making two big saves on Marcus Mitchell and Tyler Williams in tight to keep it tied. The Bulldogs weren't able to respond, as the Clippers continued to carry the better of the play, eventually going up 3-2 on a dump-in that the Bulldogs retrieved but then turned over to the middle of their zone where Jonathan Stein picked it off and walked in alone on Hawthorne were he put a backhand home cutting to the net. The goal was unassisted at 12:15 of the third. The Bulldogs weren't able to generate much in the way of chances or a sustained attack the rest of the way, but did have a couple of near misses around the net in the final minute with their goalie out for the extra attacker. The Clippers would hold on, before rubbing some salt in the wound with an empty netter potted by Thomas Samuelsen, with assists to Ethan Scardina and Tyler Williams at 19:57 of the third to complete the scoring for the 4-2 final.


Third period shots were 12-9 Clippers, with Jonathan Naylor earning 1st star honours with the win, while John Hawthorne took the loss. The Bulldogs went 1 for 3 on the power play, while the Clippers went 1 for 6.


The Bulldogs are next in action Wednesday when they host Kazakhstan.


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 Clippers today at 2:00

It's the last league game before the Christmas Break for the Bulldogs (12-21-1-0, T-4th Island) as they host the Nanaimo Clippers (15-18-0-0, 3rd Island) today at the Multiplex.

The Bulldogs have one last contest on their schedule before they head home, an International Friendly against the Khazakhstan Junior National team Wednesday night at the Multiplex.

The Bulldogs were in action last night at home, where they picked up a 2-1 win over the Victoria Grizzlies. The Clippers last played Friday night at home, where they won their third in a row, 4-3 over the Grizzlies in a shoot out.

These teams last met in Nanaimo on Wednesday night, a 3-1 Clippers win. Prior to that, the Clippers won 5-4 in Nanaimo on November 9th. The previous meeting was October 26th, a 2-0 Bulldog win at the Dog Pound, with the first meeting resulting in a 2-1 Bulldog win at the Frank Crane Arena on September 9th.

We'll be live on Van Isle Ford Bulldogs Hockey on 93.3 The Peak FM from the Multiplex starting with our pregame show at 1:45 ahead of the 2:00pm puck drop. Bruce MacDonald adds colour commentary and provides game analysis and I call the play-by-play. 

Today's 2nd Intermission feature is another edtion of the Island Division This Week - a compilation of previews, recaps, highlights and news and notes from all of the BCHL's Island Division broadcasters courtesy of Dan Marshall from 106.9 The Wolf in Nanaimo.

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 HIGHLIGHTS* Bulldogs top Grizzlies 2-1

Here's the highlights. Enjoy.
Hammer

There wasn't much in the way of chances through the opening minutes of the game, with the Grizzlies having an edge in shots and John Hawthorne coming up with a couple good saves, most notably on a deflection on the rush off Cameron Thompson. The Bulldogs first shot of the game was on 2 on 1 rush short of the midway point of the period, with Kyle Dumba making the save but kicking out a rebound cross-ice that saw a great defensive back check save a goal. The Bulldogs got their game going later in the period, coming close to opening the scoring on the rush when Jackson Doucet hit the crossbar behind Dumba. The Bulldogs earned a power play soon afterwards, and had several good looks on it but couldn't cash in. The Grizzlies earned a late period power play, but it was the Bulldogs having the best chance on it as Isaac Tonkin-Palmer chased down a loose puck for a breakaway but Dumba got his right toe on a backhand deke to keep it scoreless after 20 minutes. Shots in the first were 12-9 Grizzlies.


The opening minutes of the second were somewhat uneventful and similar to the first, with neither side looking especially sharp or taking control of the game. The Bulldogs earned a power play short of the midway point of the period, and again threatened on it with Ryan Miotto stopped in alone by Dumba, as it stayed scoreless into the back half of the period. The Grizzlies came close to opening the scoring on a crazy scramble that saw a sharp angle bid beat Hawthorne seven-hole, but sit on the goal line and not cross it with Hawthorne getting some help and making a couple desperation saves in the paint. Marcus Walter would get his stick on the loose puck outside the crease and poke it up the left wing, where Mitchel Deelstra out-raced Nico Somerville to poke it out of the zone. He would then out race Ryan Fisher to skate in alone on a breakaway where he went backhand-fivehole on Dumba to open the scoring, and send the Teddy Bears flying at 17:57 of the second. It didn't stay 1-0 for long though, as the Grizzlies tied it just 31 seconds later when Cameron Thompson sent Ryan Nolan in alone through the Dogs defence where he went top corner over the blocker of Hawthorne to tie it at 1-1 at 18:28 of the second. The Bulldogs responded well to end the period, creating a couple chances around the Victoria net, but they couldn't take the lead back before the buzzer.  Shots in the period were 17-8 Bulldogs, for a two-period total in their favour of 26-20.


The third period saw great pace from the get-go, with good chances both ways. The Bulldogs would earn a penalty shot when Austin Spiridakis was hooked on a breakaway on a great stretch pass. He would make good on the opportunity, beating Dumba through the five hole to make it 2-1 at 6:34 of the third. The Bulldogs pushed for more, but couldn't beat Dumba before John Hawthorne protected the lead with a stop on a partial breakaway by Cameron Thompson, and a follow up rebound save with his right toe. The Bulldogs didn't give up much the rest of the way, but Hawthorne came up huge with a trio of saves on Edward Yan, Charlie Campbell and Khalil Fontana with just under four minutes to play on a one-time bid in tight, a rediculous right toe save on a follow up rebound, and at least one more stop on another rebound when he was down and out that hit him and ended up loose on the goal line where he found it first to cover it and keep it 2-1, for the eventual final score as the Bulldogs didn't give up anything the rest of the way to the buzzer.


Third period shots were 8-7 Grizzlies, for a game total of 33-28 Bulldogs with John Hawthorne earning the win while Kyle Dumba took the loss. Both teams went 0 for 3 on the power play.


The Bulldogs are next in action tomorrow afternoon when they host the Nanaimo Clippers.


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 Grizzlies tonight for Teddy Bear Toss

It's down to the final three games before the Christmas break for the Bulldogs (11-21-1-0.T- 4th Island) as they host the Victoria Grizzlies (22-10-0-2, 1st Island) tonight at the Dog Pound on Teddy Bear Toss night. 

The Bulldogs were last in game action Wednesday night in Nanaimo, where they fell 3-1 to the Clippers. The Grizzlies were in Nanaimo last night, where they had their three game winning streak snapped with a 4-3 shoot out loss to the Clippers. This is the last game for the Grizzlies before they head home for their break, as they don't see action again until December 29th. 

This is the fifth game of the season series to date, with the Grizzlies winning the most recent contest 7-2 at the Multiplex on November 23rd, erasing a 2-0 second period deficit by scoring seven unanswered goals.  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 followed by a 2-1 overtime win for the Grizzlies at the Multiplex on October 13th.

Don't forget that it's the Teddy Bear Toss tonight - here's a look of some of the Teddy Bear games from years past.....

 If you can't come to the game, we will bring it to you as always, on 93.3 The Peak FM's Bulldogs Hockey Broadcasts courtesy of Van Isle Ford. I'll call the play-by-play, Bruce MacDonald provides game analysis and adds colour commentary.

Tonight's 2nd Intermision guest is Dan Marshall, the play-by-play voice of the Nanaimo Clippers, who the Bulldogs host tomorrow for a matinee affair at the Multiplex.

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

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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

Clippers top Bulldogs 3-1

The Bulldogs won the opening draw and got the puck into the Nanaimo zone, but seconds later it was in the back of their net as Aiden Hansen-Bukata kept the puck in at the right point and simply threw on goal where it was deflected from the top of the crease by Thomas Samuelsen high short-side over the glove of Cole Demers to make it 1-0 Clippers at 23 seconds of the first. The Bulldogs didn't let the early hole faze them, as they pushed right back with a couple chances of their own, one which appeared to have gone in on a Ryan Moon rebound in the paint four minutes in but the Referee well positioned back of the net waved it off as it stayed a one-goal Nanaimo lead. The Bulldogs earned a power play a minute later, and looked dangerous on it and came painfully close to tying it as Mitchel Deelstra beat Jordan Naylor but hit the post as it stayed out. The Clippers would respond with a long attacking zone shift a couple of minutes later, peppering Demers while the Bulldogs ran around but being unable to pad their lead. The Bulldogs again responded with a couple of fantastic chances, finally drawing even with under four minutes to play as Jackson Doucet gained the red line and put a high, soft flip into the right corner of the Clipper's zone. Ryan Miotto would hustle onto it, and knock a Clipper off of it before putting a pass out front to Ryan Novecosky. His one-timer would be stopped by Naylor, but Miotto found the rebound and fired it off a defender and in to make it a 1-1 game at 16:29 of the first. The Bulldogs got right back on the attack, but couldn't convert on a couple of opportunities around the paint. They would get caught pressing a minute later, resulting in an odd-man rush that saw Cole Demers make a diving cross-ice save on Josh Bourne to keep it tied. A penalty was called on the play, and the Clippers made quick work on the advantage as Tyler Williams put a high shot on goal from the left point that was deflected from the top of the crease by Marcus Mitchell high past the blocker of Demers to make it 2-1 Clippers at 18:20 of the first, with Josh Bourne also assisting. The Bulldogs again attacked immediately, with several chances failing to find the net, before again being penalized with 23 seconds left in the period. Shots were 15-14 Clippers after 20 minutes.


The Bulldogs successfully killed off the Nanaimo power play to open the second, with Demers making one great save on a pass out of the corner resulting in a one-time bid in front for Marcus Mitchell that he got his right pad on to keep it out. The Bulldogs would again push back and drew a power play that saw them threaten with over a minute and a half of attack time off the opening draw, but they couldn't cash in on it to tie the game. The Clippers then earned another fantastic chance on the rush, as Mackenzie Merriman knocked the puck down in mid-air and got by a Bulldog defender and in alone on Demers, who came up big to keep it 2-1. The Bulldogs were penalized late in the period but generated the best scoring chance on it as Stephen Castagna picked off a misplayed puck at the Bulldog line to race in on a shorthanded breakaway where he again beat Naylor, but hit the post short-side and it somehow stayed out while crossing the goal line and hitting Naylor before bouncing ahead to the top of the crease as it remained a 2-1 Nanaimo lead into period three. Shots in the period were 13-7 Clippers, for a 28-21 advantage after 40 minutes.


The Bulldogs were penalized immediately to open the third period, but again came up with a solid kill to keep it a one-goal game They would push back and generate a couple great chances, with Naylor coming up big on a Jackson Doucet one-timer from the slot. The Clippers would have the better of the chances through to the middle of the period, with Cole Demers coming up with no less than five saves on glorious chances for Tyler Williams alone in front, Kyler Kovich on a cross-ice one-timer on a 2 on 1 rush, and finally on Sammy Steele on a long 2 on 1 with his glove to again keep the Bulldogs in it. The Bulldogs would press into the back half of the third, but couldn't find the equalizer before getting caught at the attacking line as Sammy Steele blocked a shot at the Clipper line and chased down the loose puck for an odd-man rush over the Bulldog line up the right wing where he walked in deep before snapping a quick release long side low inside the post to make it a 3-1 game, with Tyler Williams drawing the assist at 13:26 of the third. The Bulldogs would push into the final minute with their goalie out for the extra attacker and created a couple of good looks, but couldn't get one to go as the Clippers made the lead stand.


Third period shots were 10-6 Bulldogs, for a 34-31 total in favour of the Clippers. Jordan Naylor picked up the win in net, while Cole Demers took the loss. The Bulldogs went 0 for 2 on the power play, while the Clippers went 1 for 4.


The Bulldogs are next in action Saturday when they host the Victoria Grizzlies.


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 Clippers tonight

It's the opener of a home and home set between these teams over the next four days, as the Clippers (13-18-0-0, 3rd Island) host the Bulldogs (11-20-1-0, 4th Island) tonight at the Frank Crane Arena in Nanaimo. 

The Bulldogs played just once last week, picking up a big 4-1 win over the Cowichan Valley Capitals in Duncan on Saturday night. The Clippers last saw action in Langley Sunday afternoon, where they finished a three-in-three road trip by snapping a five game losing streak with a 6-3 win over the Rivermen. 

These teams last met November 9th in Nanaimo, when the Bulldogs seized defeat from the clutches of victory, falling 5-4 with the Clippers scoring the winner with seven seconds to play, after the Bulldogs had tied it earlier in the final minute with the goalie out for the extra attacker. The previous meeting was October 26th, a 2-0 Bulldog win at the Dog Pound. The first match up was a 2-1 Bulldog win at the Frank Crane Arena on September 9th.

If you can't make it down to the Frank Crane Arena, fear not, as we'll bring the game to you on Pacific Chevrolet Bulldogs Hockey on 93.3 The Peak FM starting at 6:45 with our pregame show. Dan Tisserand is a game time decision to be on hand to compile team and player statistics while Bruce MacDonald gives game analysis and provides colour commentary while I call the play-by-play and handling the hosting responsibilities

Tonight's 2nd Intermission guest is former Bulldog Captain Eric Margo, currently playing his third year with the CIS's Queens University Gaels. 

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