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Saturday, November 30, 2019

Bulldogs fall 6-4 to Capitals in Multiplex return


The Bulldogs came out off a 28 day wait between home games, and spent a full minute to open the game in the attacking zone, however they were unable to get any pucks on net. The Capitals answered with a solid shift of their own in the Bulldogs end. Jackson Glassford would suddenly become very busy as the Capitals started to carry the play. He made three great saves in succession to keep it scoreless, on a bouncing puck from the left point that resulted in two rebound chances in tight for Luc Wilson that he got his right toe on before  making a glove save.  The Capitals continued to control the Bulldog zone, and went up 1-0 on a shot from the deep slot that hit something and changed direction drastically to sneak inside the far post, with Cole Broadhurst getting credit for it at 7:01 of the first. Four minutes later, it was 2-0 when the Capitals made good on the power play as Will Arquiett walked into the top of the right circle and snapped a wrist shot high far-side past the blocker of Glassford. Assists on the play went to Primo Self and Olivier Gauthier at 11:08. The following five minutes saw the Capitals continue to have the edge in play, but the Bulldogs  started to tilt the ice later in the period. Despite several good opportunities and extended shifts in the attacking zone, they  were unable to  beat  Zach Borgeil to to trim the deficit.  Shots  in the first were 18-8 Capitals.

The Bulldogs came out a new team to start the second, with an obvious jump that they carried through the opening minutes of the period. It led to them halving the deficit just short of four minutes into the period as Caige Sterzer fought a puck from the left wing behind the net and out the right side before putting a perfect pass into the hashmarks for Isaac Pascoal to beat Zach Borgeil with a quick release far-side  past his blocker to make it 2-1 at 3:56 of the second. Less than three minutes later, it was a tied game as Jackson Doucet kept the puck in at the left point to continue the attack. Josh Zary would find the puck behind the net before feeding Doucet  in the slot. He would walk  to the middle before setting up Tim Gould in the right circle, where he put a perfectly placed shot top corner, over the glove of Borgeil to make it 2-2 at 6:41 of the second. The pace would slow  through the following ten minutes, but the Capitals took the lead back late in the frame on a  crazy play  that saw a wide-open Zach Brooks hit the bar behind Glassford, only to have the puck bounce to the far circle where Will Arquiett snap it home short-side before he could recover to make it 3-2 at 16:37 of the second, with Primo Self also earning an assist. Just over a minute later, the Bulldogs tied it as Caige Sterzer won a battle in the right corner to walk to the side of the net before putting a perfect pass onto the tape of Tommy Bannister in the slot, where he beat Borgeil with a quick release five-hole to make it 3-3 at 17:50 of the second, with Olivier Fizet also assisting. Shots in the period were 16-14 Bulldogs, for a 32-24 Capitals advantage after 40 minutes.

The first few seconds of the third period were a bit bizarre, as a Bulldog dump in hit a stanchion in the glass went on net where it was stopped by Borgeil. A Capital defender then accidentally put it off the post on his own net, but it stayed out. The Capitals would take the lead back just over eight minutes into the period after a failed Bulldog power play with a gorgeous goal by Primo Self, who walked down the left wing and put a pretty spin move to avoid a defender to skate in alone where he went high short-side over the blocker of Glassford to make it 4-3 at 8:27 of the third. The Capitals pushed hard over the following minutes to not let the Bulldogs mount a response, before getting a critical insurance marker as Cullen Ferguson put a shot on net from the left circle that resulted in a rebound that Primo Self got to first where he slid it home past the right pad of Glassford to make it 5-3 at 15:40 of the third. The Bulldogs had a couple fantastic chances to make it a one-goal game in the following minutes, as Ryan Doolin was stopped in alone by Borgeil, before a long 2 on 1 rush never ended up on net. Seconds later, it was 6-3 as the Capitals made good on an odd-man rush of their own as Brady Lynn walked in deep and snapped it past the blocker of Glassford at 17:42 of the third, with Dimitri Mikrogiannakis drawing the lone assist. The Bulldogs didn't quit, and made it a 6-4 score late in the period as Caige Sterzer fought the puck to the top of the point where Moe Acee beat Borgeil with a quick release blocker side at 18:32 of the third. Before the Bulldogs could attempt a further comeback, they ended up in the penalty box and the Capitals killed the rest of the clock.

Third period shots were 12-11  Capitals, for a game total of 44-35 in their favour as Zach Borgeil and Jackson Glassford were the goalies of record. The Bulldogs went 0 for 3 on the power play, while the Capitals went 1 for 2.

The Bulldogs are next in action tomorrow afternoon in Victoria as they visit the Grizzlies for a 2:00pm 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 FINALLY back home, host Capitals tonight


After last playing in their building on November 2nd, the Bulldogs (13-10-0-2, 4th Island) finally have their home back, as they return to the Multiplex tonight to host the Cowichan Valley Capitals (18-11-2-1, 2nd Island) for the second game between the teams in seven days to conclude the "swapped home games" scenario that saw the Bulldogs give the Capitals their home date last Saturday, and the Capitals return the favour tonight. 

The Bulldogs last played Saturday in Duncan, where they emerged victorious 6-5 in overtime in a wildly entertaining affair. The Capitals have played twice already this week - they lost 4-2 to the Grizzlies in Victoria on Tuesday night, and lost their third in a row again against Victoria, 4-3 last night at the Q Centre. 

The last head to head game between the teams prior to last Saturday was  on October 25th, a 4-3 Bulldog win. The previous meeting was a 3-1 Bulldog triumph on October 5th, both at the Dog Pound. The first meeting of the season was in Duncan, a 3-2 Capitals win on September 20th.




I simply cannot wait to broadcast a game from inside the friendly confines of the Dog Pound. 

If you can't make it, we'll bring the game to you on Pacific Chevrolet Bulldogs Hockey on 93.3 The Peak FM. Dan Tisserand takes care of individual and team statistics, Bruce MacDonald handles colour commentary and analysis and I'm responsible for the hosting and play-by-play responsibilities. We're live for our pregame show at 6:45, with the puck drop following shortly after 7:00pm.



Tonight's 2nd Intermission feature is the latest edition of "The Island Division This Week" - a collaboration of all the BCHL's Island Division play-by-play voices providing previews, recaps, highlights and various news and notes from their respective teams they cover. 




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 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

Saturday, November 23, 2019

Bulldogs top Capitals in wild one in Duncan, 6-5 in overtime




The Bulldogs didn't even have a chance to get into the game, before they trailed 1-0 as two back to back giveaways in their zone saw the second one end up in the back of the net as Cole Broadhurst made no mistake on a look from in tight, going high over the glove of Luke Pearson from the right circle. The Bulldogs ended up in the penalty box two minutes later, and the Capitals went to a four-minute power play. Luke Pearson was very busy, as the Capitals put a lot of rubber on net, but the Bulldogs did a good job to limit scoring chances throughout the kill as they kept it 1-0, while the Capitals ran up a 11-1 edge in shots. Once it was back to five-on-five hockey, the Bulldogs pushed back and generated opportunities of their own and turned momentum with extended shifts in the Capitals zone. They would get the equalizer in the final minute of the period on a delayed penalty, as Isaac Pascoal was knocked down in the near corner. Stephen Castagna found the puck and played it cross-ice back to the top of the right circle for Tim Gould. He would put a low shot off the far post, where Isaac Pascoal deflty deflected it top corner over the blocker of Ben Howard to make it 1-1 at 19:17 of the first. Shots in the period were 14-12 Capitals.

The teams traded chances to start the second through the opening minutes, with the Bulldogs taking the lead just short of five minutes in after a dangerous attacking zone shift for the Capitals as Mitchel Deelstra defended at the side of the net and then flew end-to-end up the left side to the slot where his first shot was blocked, right back onto his stick where he mid-air one-timed it inside the far post to make it 2-1, unassisted at 4:46 of the second. The Bulldogs earned their first power play of the game five minutes later and capitalized on the advantage in the dying seconds of it as Jackson Doucet set up Jimmy Rayhill at the top of the point, where he put a perfect pass on the tape of Jacob Bosse in the right circle that he one-timed home through the legs of Howard to make it 3-1 at 10:13 of the second. The Capitals didn't sag though, and pushed right back to earn a power play a few minutes later. They would strike on it in the late stages, on a faceoff win and a cross-ice pass to the deep slot where Will Arquiette put a quick release past the blocker of Pearson to make it 3-2 at 14:01 of the period, with assists to Olivier Gauthier and Primo Self. The Bulldogs came painfully close seconds later to restoring their two-goal lead, as Ben Howard made a save but kicked a rebound off the body of Jacob Bosse where it just bounced wide of the open net. Seconds later, the Bulldogs went back to the penalty box. It took the Capitals just 9 seconds on the power play to make it 3-3 as Olivier Gauthier put a quick release from the top of the point past the blocker of a screened Pearson, with Will Arquiette and Primo Self drawing the assists at 15:44 to make it 3-3. Shots in the period were 13-12 Capitals, for a 27-24 Capitals advantage.


The third period was again played at a high pace through the early stages, with the Capitals going to the penalty box short of seven minutes in. The Bulldogs again made them pay as Jacob Bosse made a nice pass to the right point for Jimmy Rayhill. He slid it cross-ice onto the tape of Jackson Doucet who walked into the top of the left circle where he snapped a shot long-side past the glove of Howard to make it 4-3 at 7:15 of the third. The score stayed that way into the final five minutes, with the Bulldogs having several great chances around the Capitals net but being unable to build their lead. The Bulldogs were again sent to the penalty box with under four minutes to play, with the Capitals remaining on the power play when play was stopped and Primo Self was ejected from the game, but not given a minor penalty. That would be a factor, as the Capitals tied the game on the power play when Zach Brooks deflected a Dimitri MikroGiannakis shot five-hole on Pearson, with Luc Wilson also assisting at 16:25. The Bulldogs answered back and took the lead again with 1:28 to play as Grayson Valente put a perfect pass onto the tape of Tim Gould at the top of the right circle. He ripped a perfect far-pad low shot that resulted in a rebound that Stephen Castagna one-timed low through a diving Howard to make it 5-4 at 18:32. The Capitals didn't quit, and fought to the buzzer and tied the game with ten seconds to play after Pearson made two good saves around the net but couldn't get help on the rebound as Dan McIntyre poked it home, with Dimitri Mikrogiannakis drawing the lone assist to make it 5-5 and force overtime. Third period shots were 17-17, for a 44-41 Capitals advantage.


Overtime saw the Capitals have initial possession, but be unable to generate a chance on Pearson. The Bulldogs fought to get it back, and had a couple of looks of their own before the Capitals defended and got the puck back in their end. They would go D-to-D but give it away, as Ryan Doolin out-fought a defender and walked off the left wing wall to the middle where he snapped a low one on net where Jackson Doucet deflected it home for the game winner and the 6-5 final at 2:24 of overtime.

Overtime shots were 3-0 Bulldogs, for a 44-44 total with Luke Pearson earning the win while Ben Howard took the loss. The Bulldogs went 2 for 4 on the power play, while the Capitals went 3 for 6.

The Bulldogs are next in action Saturday night, AT HOME, when they host the Cowichan  Valley Capitals. 


Hammer






____________________________________________________________


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

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

Bulldogs visit Capitals tonight


It's another displaced home game - or in this case, a home game traded for a game to be played later... it's getting stranger by the game isn't it? As the Bulldogs (12-10-0-2, 3rd Island) visit the Capitals (18-9-1-1, 2nd Island) tonight at the Island Savings Centre in Duncan.

This game was supposed to be played at the Alberni Valley Multiplex, but the teams have swapped home dates - big thanks to the Capitals for finding a way for this game to at least be played, as next Saturday the Capitals will visit the Dog Pound to return the favour.

The Bulldogs last played Tuesday night in Parksville, where they fell 4-3 to the Prince George Spruce Kings. The Capitals were on home ice last night, where they won their fifth in a row, 5-1 over the Nanaimo Clippers. 

The last two head-to-head meetings between these teams have been at the Dog Pound. The  most recent was on October 25th, a 4-3 Bulldog win. The previous meeting was a 3-1 Bulldog triumph on October 5th. The only meeting so far this year in Duncan was a 3-2 Capitals win on September 20th.


I'll make you feel like you're at the game, even if you can't make it - on Van Isle Ford Bulldogs Hockey on 93.3 The Peak FM. The pregame show is on the air at 6:45, with the game action to follow at 7:00pm.

Tonight's 2nd Intermission feature is the latest edition of "The Island Division This Week" - a compilation of highlights, recaps, previews, news and notes from all of the Island Division Broadcasters.





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


Tuesday, November 19, 2019

Dogs blow three-goal lead, Spruce Kings comeback to win 4-3


The Bulldogs took a few minutes to get going, as the Spruce Kings had an early 3-0 edge in  shots on goal. Although they weren't Grade A chances, Jackson Glassford looked sharp. The Bulldogs would get their feet moving and respond, with a handful of glorious in alone chances for Mitchel Deelstra, Olivier Fizet and Caige Sterzer but Jett Alexander was fantastic to keep it scoreless. The Spruce Kings countered with a couple good chances of their own, on two separate power play chances throughout the period, but Jackson Glassford was great, and also got some help as he made a breakaway save and then Josh Zary dove across the goal line to save what looked like a sure goal to keep it scoreless. At the other end, Alexander came up with a shorthanded breakaway save on  Ryan Doolin to  preserve the tie. Shots in the period were 19-12 Spruce Kings.

The Bulldogs began the second period flying, and established a 3-0 lead by the 4:19 mark with goals in a span of two minutes and thirteen seconds. The scoring opened with a pass by Jackson Doucet back to the left point for Moe Acee. He would put a low hard one on net that Alexander stopped, but Stephen Castagna found the loose puck in the paint and jammed it home at 2:06 of the second. A minute and change later, it was 2-0 as Tommy Bannister supported a battle on the wall to send Jacob Bosse on a 2 on 1 up the left wing over the Prince George line. He would drive wide and then put a perfect pass onto the tape of Affiliate Player Josh Pederson, who made no mistake into the open net at 3:41. Just 38 seconds later, it was 3-0, as Dawson Tritt carried the puck over the line up the left  side  again on an  odd man rush, where he dished off to Mitchel Deelstra, who put a perfect pass across the slot to  a wide-open Ryan Doolin who deposited it into the open side at 4:19. The Spruce Kings would earn a third straight power play chance to open the game a couple minutes later, and a very odd scenario saw them make it 3-1 as Tim Gould was knocked down, and his helmet came off. He did not immediately leave the ice, as the rules state. He also threw a couple of  punches on a Spruce King player, and also wasn't penalized. Seconds later, the puck went on net where Glassford made the save, but the puck went  up in the air and off of Nicholas Poisson and in past Glassford to make it 3-1 at 12:38 of the second with Nolan Welsh assisting. The Bulldogs would push right back  with a great shift, and continued to carry the play in the following minutes leading to their first power play of the game. They would threaten on it, but couldn't find the net. Seconds after the chance was over, it was 3-2 as Nolan Welsh drove down the left wing and right in on net where he flipped a wrist shot past the glove, long-side on Glassford at 17:58 of the second. Shots in the period  were 12-12, for a 31-24 advantage for the Spruce Kings after 40 minutes.

The  Spruce Kings started the  third period  with a jump, and quickly parlayed it into the equalizer, as a giveaway behind the  net saw Corey Cunningham steal the puck and put it right  onto  the tape of Jaxon Steele between the hashmarks where he beat Glassford glove side with a quick release to make it 3-3 at 1:38 of the third. The Spruce Kings kept pushing, and the Bulldogs weren't able to answer, as it was 4-3 on a quick give and go at centre ice saw Nicholas Poisson take a return pass from Evan Orr and fight past a defender down the left wing and in on net where he just got enough of it off the left toe of Glassford to squeak it over the line to make it 4-3 at 5:25 of the third. The Bulldogs for the better of the period couldn't get any sustained attack going to generate the equalizer. They earned a power play with under eight minutes to play when Mitchel Deelstra danced in alone through the defence and was hooked off the puck. Seconds into the power play, Dawson Tritt was tripped up with the puck behind the Spruce Kings net and slid hard into the end boards face first, but no  arms went up. Instead of a long 5 on 3, it was 4-aside hockey seconds later when Tim Gould was called for an open ice check. The Bulldogs killed off the short Prince George opportunity to  keep it a one-goal game, before earning a power play of their own with under two minutes to play. They would generate a couple great chances, including right at the buzzer but Jett Alexander stood tall to  protect the lead right to the final second for the 4-3 final score.

Shots in the third were 10-9 Prince George, for a game total of 41-33 Spruce Kings. Jackson Glassford took the loss while earning 3rd star honours while Jett Alexander earned the win. The Bulldogs went 0 for 3 on the power play while the Spruce Kings went 1 for 4.

The Bulldogs are next in action Saturday night in Duncan.

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 Spruce Kings tonight in Parksville




It's a second consecutive road-home game tonight for  the Bulldogs  (12-9-0-2, 3rd Island) as they host the Prince George Spruce Kings (9-12-2-3, T-3rd Mainland) at Oceanside Arena in Parksville.

The Bulldogs were last in action on  "home" ice Sunday afternoon - in Campbell River, where they topped the Trail  Smoke Eaters 5-2.

The Sprince Kings last played Saturday night at home, where they snapped a six game losing streak with a 5-2 win over the West Kelowna Warriors

This is the second meeting of the season between the teams, with the previous affair being one to forget for the Bulldogs, an 8-2 Spruce Kings win in Prince George on September 27th


I'm looking forward to another adventure in another new rink to broadcast from, as Pacific Chevrolet Bulldogs Hockey will be on the air starting at 6:45 for our pregame show, with the puck drop and play-by-play following it at 7:00pm on 93.3 The Peak FM. Bruce MacDonald provides colour commentary and game analysis, Dan Tisserand tabulates and passes along individual and team game stats, and I call the play-by-play. 





Tonight's 2nd Intermission guest is former Bulldog Captain Mitch Oliver, now playing his Freshman year with the NCAA's Lake Superior State Lakers. 





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

Sunday, November 17, 2019

Bulldogs score five unanswered to top Smoke Eaters 5-2 in Campbell River

Here's the highlights....

Hammer





The Smoke Eaters had an early edge in the play, as the Bulldogs appeared a step behind throughout the opening minutes of the game. The Bulldogs would get into the game, and get pucks on net themselves but the Smoke Eaters found the net to open the scoring on a broken play that ended up at the line where a point shot was blocked before bouncing across the line where Diarmad DiMurro threw it at the net where it caromed off of a Bulldog defender and in through the legs of Jackson Glassford. Powell Connor drew the lone assist at 6:25 of the first. In the back half of the period an unfortunate collision at the Smoke Eater line that appeared to be incidental contact saw Austin Spiridakis and Chase Dafoe run into each other. Dafoe would get the worst of it, and Spiridakis would be given a five minute major for a blow to the head. The Smoke Eaters would make good on the major, going up 2-0 as Kent Johnston walked behind the net from left to right before dishing a pass back out the left post against the grain onto the tape of Tyler Ghiradosi who one-timed it home inside the post short-side at 15:07 of the first. The Bulldogs would kill off the remainder of the penalty to only give up a single goal. Shots were 14-10 Smoke Eaters after 20 minutes.

The Bulldogs started the second period with a noticable edge, and it paid off as they pushed hard in the offensive zone and drew a penalty. While they didn't score on it, they earned momentum and just thirty seconds after the power play elapsed they found the net to make it 2-1 as Jacob Bosse set up Moe Acee in the deep slot where he blew a slap shot post and in past the blocker of Logan Terness. Jimmy Rayhill drew an assist on it at 6:39 of the second. The Bulldogs were penalized in the back half of the period, and the Smoke Eaters threatened on several instances in front but Jackson Glassford was fantastic to keep it a one-goal game. Shots in the period were 14-10 Bulldogs, for a 24-24 total after 40 minutes.

The third period began with an inspired opening minute by the Deelstra-Tritt-Doolin trio, who pushed and earned several great chances in the opening minute. The momentum continued for the following minutes, and the Bulldogs capitalized on it to tie the game after two great defensive plays in the zone to defend a 2 on 1 by Jimmy Rayhill saw the puck knocked loose by Moe Acee. Mitchel Deelstra would collect it and take off out of the Bulldog zone and fight all the way to the Smoke Eaters net where he found a way to get it by Terness to make it 2-2 at 5:48 of the third, with Tim Gould and Grayson Valente drawing the assists. Despite the game being in Campbell River, it felt like the Dog Pound when Deelstra made it 3-2 just 17 seconds later as he walked in to the left circle after a great effort by Dawson Tritt to snap it by Terness at 6:05 of the third. The Bulldogs had several chances to build their lead, but Terness was fantastic to keep the Smoke Eaters in it. Late in the third period Dawson Tritt fought hard on the backcheck to throw a hit, and earned a shot in the back in retaliation to draw a penalty. A Grayson Valente net drive would draw another penalty, to lead to a 5 on 3 power play for 21 seconds. They would need just 8 seconds to make it 4-2, as a faceoff win was put on net from the left circle by Mitchel Deelstra. Terness made the save, but Stephen Castagna potted the rebound in the paint at 15:23 of the third, with Tim Gould also drawing an assist. Another Smoke Eater penalty saw the Bulldogs complete the scoring, as they defended in their zone on a Smoke Eater push as Josh Zary headmanned it to centre ice for Jackson Doucet, who gained the line and then found Isaac Pascoal on the left wing where he was allowed to walk in tight through the circle where he snapped it home short-side inside the post and past the blocker of Terness to make it 5-2 at 17:40 of the third, with Grayson Valente also picking up an assist.

Shots in the third were 19-8 Bulldogs,  for a 43-32 total in the Bulldogs favour. Jackson Glassford earned 2nd star honours with the win, while Logan Terness took the loss. The Bulldogs went 2 for 4 on the power play, while the Smoke Eaters went 1 for 4.

The Bulldogs are next in action Tuesday night, when they host the Prince George Spruce Kings at Oceanside Arena in Parksville.

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 Smoke Eaters today in Campbell River



It's an extremely rare neutral site regular season game today for the Bulldogs (11-9-0-2, 3rd Island) as  they host the Trail Smoke Eaters (17-7-2-1, T-2nd Interior) at the Rod Brind'Amour Arena  in Campbell  River for a 2:00pm start time.

While rare, today's contest is not  entirely unprecedented, as the Bulldogs have played at  the very least one neutral  site regular season game (not including the BCHL Showcase) previously - at the Minoru Arena in  Richmond as they fell 4-1 to the Surrey Eagles on December 29th  2010

Today's game is, as far as I'm aware the first time  in franchise history where  the Bulldogs have been  the "home"  team. This of course wasn't part of the plan...if you've had your head under a  rock or your body on  a sandy beach for the last  couple of weeks you're forgiven in not knowing that the Bulldogs have been, for the lack of a better word - "homeless" since early November when the ice plant  was shut down at the Alberni Valley Multiplex.

I've tried my best to be optimistic and patient throughout it all, as inconvenient as it has been. Safety first is of the utmost concern. At the same time, it's gone on long enough that patience is getting harder to find, at least for me personally. There's been several instances where it's looked like there has been a light at the end of the tunnel....only to end up as the light turning out to actually be an oncoming train!

The Bulldogs announced yesterday that they've now also been forced to move Tuesday night's home game against the Prince George Spruce Kings  to Oceanside Place in Parksville as they STILL won't have a rink to call home. It's all way above my paygrade and level of understanding...I know power play percentage...not "parts per million"

Enough of all that anyway...the show must go on...and it is - and the Bulldogs had best be ready for the Smoke Eaters.

The Bulldogs were last in  action Wednesday night in Nanaimo for their first game in twelve days, where they came back from a 4-1 hole after 40 minutes to tie it in the final minute on the way  to dropping a  5-4 shoot out decision to the Clippers.

The Smoke Eaters  are playing their third game in two and a half days, as they won 6-2 in Powell River  on Friday night to open their trip, before dropping a 4–1 decision last night in Nanaimo to the Clippers.


We've done our due dilligence throughout the week to make sure we're as prepared as we can be to bring you today's proceedings on Pacific Chevrolet Bulldogs Hockey on 93.3 The Peak FM. The broadcast is on the air at 1:45 for the pregame show, with the play-by-play to follow at 2:00 as Bruce MacDonald provides game analysis and colour commentary while I call the play-by-play.



Today's 2nd Intermission feature is the latest edition of the Island Division This Week.


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

Wednesday, November 13, 2019

Bulldogs earn point with three-goal third period comeback, Clippers win 5-4 in shootout



After a 15 plus minute delay to start the game due to the induction of Matt Irwin into the Clipper's Wall of Honour, the Bulldogs showed little signs of showing any rust as they pushed the pace early and appeared ready to play. A good defensive play early in the slot prevented a dangerous looking chance by Josh Bourne, with Luke Pearson making a solid stick save in tight a minute afterwards. The Bulldogs pushed and got pucks low and spent time in attacking the zone, but Jordan Naylor made a couple good saves in tight, most notably on an odd-man rush on a delayed  penalty 2 on 1 rush. The Clippers would open the scoring late in the period when the Bulldogs appeared to be defending  well, but an unlucky bounce ended up behind the defence. Luke Pearson would make the first save, and the second, but he couldn't get any help on the third attempt as Mackenzie Merriman lifted it home to make it 1-0 Clippers at 17:16 of the first. The Bulldogs would again get sloppy in their zone with the puck on the next shift, turning it over behind the net resulting in a set up to the slot that saw Pearson make a highlight reel save off the back post on Tim Washe to keep it 1-0. The Bulldogs would answer back in short order to tie it up, as Jimmy Rayhill put a cross-ice aerial pass from the right side of the Bulldogs zone to the left side of centre ice for Caige Sterzer. He would carry it up the left wing and dump it in, and chase it down himself on the right half-wall. Mitchel Deelstra would carry it off the wall to the slot past a couple of checks where he ripped a wrist shot high over the glove of Naylor to make it 1-1 at 19:33 of the first. Shots were 9-8 Bulldogs after 20 minutes.

The second period saw the Bulldogs earn a power play chance, but give up a shorthanded goal - for the first time this season as Tim Washe picked off a pass at the blue line off a faceoff win and raced in alone where he ripped a shot high blocker side on Pearson to make it 2-1 at 3:05 of the second. The Bulldogs responded and generated a great chance a few minutes later, but Naylor made a great right toe save off Ryan Doolin from in tight, and an open-net rebound failed to hit the target. Seconds later, it was 3-1 as the Bulldogs coverage in their zone collapsed as Tyler Williams was found wide open in front by Sean Donaldson where he went high blocker to make it 3-1, with Steven Agriogianis also drawing an assist at 8:33 of the period. The Bulldogs went to the penalty box at the middle of the period when Cam Newson was called for a five minute major for a blow to the head on a body check on Aiden Hansen-Bukata in the far corner of the Bulldog zone. The hit did look marginally high, and certainly aggressive. The Officials couldn't be blamed for calling a major penalty, as Hansen-Bukata layed motionless on the ice for several minutes in what was a concerning scene. He would make a miraculous recovery however, back on the ice for the end of the power play. The Bulldogs would kill it off, with Pearson making a couple of good saves but the Bulldog penalty killers not giving up much throughout the five minutes. The Bulldogs couldn't get back on the attack before they fell into  a deeper hole as they turned it over at their line and Sean Donaldson picked it off and skated in alone where he went backhand-five hole on Pearson to make it 4-1 at 16:49 of the second, with assists to Tyler Williams and Robby Drazner. Shots in the period were 19-10 Nanaimo, for a 27-19 advantage heading into period three.

The Bulldogs began the third period with a huge exclamation point, making it a 4-2 game just 38 seconds in after they threw a couple of hits in the attacking and neutral zone saw the puck end up at the deep slot where Grayson Valente put a quick release off a deflection and low through Naylor. Assists on the play went to Mitchel Deelstra and Ryan Doolin. The Bulldogs kept pushing the pace, and were rewarded for it when they made it a one-goal game just short  of eight minutes into  the period as a good second effort steal by Mitchel Deelstra kept the zone alive and walked to the slot where he set up Ryan Doolin who went upstairs from in tight over the blocker of Naylor to make it 4-3 at 7:57 of the third. The score stayed that way into the late stages of the third, thanks to Luke Pearson who made a breakaway save on Ethan Scardina, who somehow got away with tripping up the last-man-back in Tim Gould to race in alone. The Bulldogs earned a power play a minute and change later, but couldn't get the equalizer. They  refused to quit though, and off a neutral zone faceoff win got the extra attacker out again as Grayson Valente found Mitchel Deelstra up the middle at centre ice. He danced around a defender and gained the line before putting a pass onto the tape of Ryan Doolin who drove in on goal and went high short-side over the glove of Naylor to make it 4-4 at 19:21 of the third. The Bulldogs came incredibly close to winning it with 14 seconds left, as a shot from the slot hit something and then the post behind Naylor, before caroming off the back of his leg and sitting on the line, but failing to go over it as the game went to overtime. Shots in the third were 12-4 Bulldogs, for a 31-31 total after 60 minutes.

Neither team generated a Grade A chance throughout a disjointed overtime, with the Clippers outshooting the Bulldogs 3-1 as a shootout was needed. It would be an epic affair, with ten rounds needed to find a winner. Liam Ryan scored on the first attempt for the Clippers, before Pearson came up with a game-saver on the Clippers third shooter. Mitchel Deelstra would score on the Clippers third shot to keep the Bulldogs alive. The goalies took over after that, with Pearson giving the Bulldogs five straight chances to win it, but Naylor kept the Clippers alive. Mackenzie Merriman would give the Clippers the advantage, but Stephen Castagna forced a tenth round when he found the net. Kyler Kovich would get the eventual winner with a quick release five-hole, with Naylor coming up with a final save to win the game.

The Bulldogs went 0 for 3 on the power play, as did the Clippers - one a five minute major - while also scoring once while shorthanded.

The Bulldogs are next in action Sunday afternoon in Campbell River, when they host the Trail Smoke Eaters.

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. *

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Bulldogs FINALLY back in action, visit Clippers tonight




It's the first game in twelve days for the Bulldogs (11-9-0-1, 3rd Island) as they head over the hump to visit the Nanaimo Clippers (15-6-1-1, 1st Island) tonight at the Frank Crane Arena.

The Bulldogs last played Saturday, November 2nd at home, when they snapped a two-game losing streak with a 4-0 win over the Powell River Kings.

The Clippers last saw game action Saturday night in Victoria, where they won their fourth straight 4-0 over the Grizzlies.

These teams last met head-to-head on Friday, November 1st, a 3-1 Clipper win at the Frank Crane Arena.

Beyond tonight, the Bulldogs are continuing to deal with the most unfortunate scenario that exists at the Multiplex as they were forced to announce last night that their Friday and Sunday home games scheduled against the Merritt Centennials and Trail Smoke Eaters are being postponed and rescheduled. Here's the details from the team:



The Alberni Valley Bulldogs announced that this weekend’s games vs the Merritt Centennials on Friday November 15th has been postponed, and Sunday November 17th vs the Trail Smoke Eaters has been moved to the Rod Brind’Amour Arena in Campbell River. The start time will be 2:00 pm.

“The postponement of Friday’s game, and ultimately the decision to move Sunday’s contest to Campbell River is something that causes our organization great disappointment. With no ice in the Multiplex, we were forced to balance our wants of playing in front of our fans, and being good BCHL partners. The reality is, asking Trail to come back to Port Alberni later in the season wasn’t something that was fair to them, both from a time standpoint, but also financially”. said Bulldogs president David Michaud. ”We’re extremely disappointed to be in this position. We’ve had to cancel our parent weekend that was scheduled for this weekend as well. All in all, this a very difficult decision to try and balance what is right for all parties involved.

Fans holding tickets for the postponed game vs Merritt may use them for the rescheduled game when the date is announced, or exchange their paid tickets for any Bulldogs regular season game during the 2019-2020 season.

Season ticket holders and fans holding a game ticket for Sunday wishing to make the trip to Campbell River will have until 2:00 pm on Friday to pick up complimentary vouchers for the game. After Friday, the seats will be made available to the Campbell River public. All tickets for the game will be general admission. The Bulldogs office will be open Wednesday from 10:00am – 4:00 pm, Thursday 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm, and Friday from 9:00 am – 2:00 pm.

“We appreciate all the supportive messages we’ve received from our wonderful fans” said Bulldogs head coach and general manager. “Playing in front of our fans at the Dawg Pound this year has been incredible, we hope a few of them will make the trip and come support us”

Questions or concerns can be directed to club president David Michaud


The full broadcast crew will bring you tonight's proceedings on Van Isle Ford Bulldogs Hockey on 93.3 The Peak FM. I'll get things underway at 6:45 for the pregame show, with the play-by-play to follow at 7:00 as Bruce MacDonald provides game analysis and colour commentary while Dan Tisserand compiles player and team statistics. 

Tonight's 2nd Intermission guest is Ben Phillips, the play-by-play voice of the Trail Smoke Eaters, who the Bulldogs host next in a neutral site game Sunday afternoon in Campbell River. 



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

Saturday, November 02, 2019

*UPDATED WITH HIGHLIGHTS* Bulldogs top Kings 4-0





The game was fun to watch early, with good pace and few whistles. The Bulldogs had an early edge in the play, running up a  lead in shots and testing Thomas Wardle in the Kings net. It would lead to a 1-0 lead, as a series of board battles were won in the Kings  zone in succession. Cam Newson would keep the puck in at the right point and put it in deep below the Kings goal line  where Ryan Doolin and Dawson Tritt fought it loose. Tritt  would walk out into the bottom of the right  circle and put a quick spinning shot low and on  net  from a sharp angle where it surprised Wardle and snuck through over the  line at 8:24 of the first. The Bulldogs were penalized not long afterwards, and the Kings got a  couple of pucks on net but Luke Pearson looked sharp in not allowing any second opportunities.  The Bulldogs earned a power play following it, but were penalized just 30 seconds into it. Shots in the first were 11-6 Bulldogs. 


The second period saw much of the same, as the Bulldogs continued to play at a high pace. They would double their lead just three minutes into the period in pretty fashion as Austin Spiridakis blocked a shot in the Bulldog end, and  immediately flew out of the zone up the left wing and into the Kings zone. He would dish off to Jacob Bosse in the left circle, and drive the net were Bosse put  it perfectly to the top of the crease where Spiridakis deflected it home five-hole to make it 2-0 at 3:09 of the period. Despite continuing to press, they couldn't pad their lead, or draw a call as Austin Spiridakis was tackled while walking in alone on net. Seconds later at the other end, the Bulldogs were penalized. That would be further magnified by a slashing call just 19 seconds later, putting the Kings to a 5 on 3 power play of 1:41 in duration. The Bulldogs would kill it off, with Pearson making a couple good saves, the most notable with his right toe on an end-board bounce of Ethan Schmunk. The Bulldogs would earn a power play just 30 seconds after the kill, and took just 11 seconds to make it count as Dawson Tritt won a draw back to the left point for Jackson  Munro. He would make a quick D-to-D pass to the right point for  Jimmy Rayhill, who put a quick release that was deflected off the post by Dawson Tritt. It would bounce back to the slot where Mitchel Deelstra kicked it across the slot for Ryan Doolin, who somehow found a way to slide it past Wardle from the seat of his pants on his backhand to make it 3-0 at 10:44 of the period. The Kings mounted a push in the following minutes, but the Bulldogs defended and pushed back to end the period  with a couple good opportunities. Shots in the frame were 18-12 Bulldogs, for a 29-18 edge in their favour  after 40 minutes. 


The Bulldogs efficiently killed off a Kings  power play  to start the third, and despite spending the following minutes in the attacking zone couldn't again draw a penalty, or pad their lead. The Kings would earn another power play five minutes into the period, with  some fireworks early in it  as  Austin Spiridakis took a blow to the head but couldn't draw a penalty, bringing about a response from Tim Gould who dropped the gloves with Davis Pennington. The Bulldogs would once again kill off the penalty and support Pearson well, in not giving up much. They would continue through the period to control the play and spend extended sequences in  the Kings zone,  but completed  the scoring  by going end to end  from their own zone  from a faceoff, as a 3 on 2 rush took just a handful of seconds as Jacob Bosse went forward off the draw for Austin Spiridakis, who again immediately took off on the attack.  He would set up Tommy Bannister walking to the net on the right side of the slot where he  walked in and went high, short-side off the glove of Wardle and  in at 13:16 for the 4-0 final. 


Third period shots were 15-8  Bulldogs,  for a game total of 44-26 with Luke Pearson earning 1st star honours with the win and his second shut out, while Tomas Wardle took the loss. 


The Bulldogs  are next in action  Friday night when  they host the  Coquitlam Express. 


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 back home to host Kings tonight


It's the first meeting between the teams since the second night of the season, as the Bulldogs (10-9-0-1, 3rd Island) host the Powell River Kings (9-11-0-0, 4th Island) for the first time this season tonight at the Multiplex.


The Bulldogs were in Nanaimo last night, where they lost their second straight, 3-1 to the Clippers. 


The Kings were in Duncan last night, where they picked up a 4-3 win in the dying seconds over the Cowichan Valley Capitals.





If you can't make the game, tune in, and we'll make you feel like you're there. Pacific Chevrolet Bulldogs Hockey on 93.3 The Peak FM goes live at 6:45 with our pregame show, followed by all the game action after 7:00pm. I'll take care of the hosting responsibilities and play-by-play calling while Bruce MacDonald provides game analysis and colour commentary. Last but certainly not least, Dan Tisserand compiles individual and team statistics period-by-period.



Tonight's 2nd Intermission feature is the latest edition of the Island Division This Week. It's a recurring feature that's contributed to by the Island Division broadcasters with a mis of recaps, previews and highlights from all 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



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

Friday, November 01, 2019

Bulldogs drop second straight, 3-1 to Clippers


The Clippers drew first blood  before the game was two minutes old, as the Bulldogs failed to clear their zone, and then were too soft on a bouncing puck across the slot that was found by Tim Washe who put a spinning  one-timer off the post and in, short-side past the blocker of Jackson Glassford to make it 1-0 1:45 in, with assists going to Travis Walton and Aiden Hansen-Bukata. The Clippers had a great chance to build their  lead seconds later on a set up to the back post for Sean Donaldson, but  Jackson  Glassford went post-to-post to get his shoulder up on it to keep it out. The Bulldogs got going as the period wore on, generating a couple Grade A chances later in the period,  especially on the power play as a Mitchel Deelstra chance in front hit the crossbar and stayed out. Prior to that, Jordan Naylor made a great  save with his right toe on a  Jacob Bosse cross-ice one-timer attempt set up by Caige Sterzer. Shots in  the first were 8-7 Bulldogs.


The Bulldogs came out to start the second,  and looked like a team possessed  as they spent extended periods of time in the Clippers zone,  and had  ample opportunities before finally finding the equalizer as Jackson Doucet put puck from the left half wall behind the net, and drove the slot where Dawson  Tritt set him up in deep where he ripped a shot off Naylor, off the end glass and back  to the net front where it caromed off Naylor and in to make it 1-1  at  5:16 of the second with Carson Hemenway also  drawing an assist. The Bulldogs kept the pressure up for a further five minutes, but couldn't beat Naylor to take the lead. Later in the period the momentum fell off, and the Clippers started to push back. Despite zone time, they weren't able to generate any Grade A chances as the Bulldogs defended  well. Shots in the period were 12-8  Bulldogs, for a 40 minute advantage of 20-15 Bulldogs.


The third period was somewhat evenly played through the opening minutes, but the Clippers upped their game as  the period wore on, and  played at a higher pace than  the Bulldogs. They generated a couple fantastic chances back-to-back, but Jackson Glassford came up huge on breakaway chances for both Mackenzie Merriman and Ethan Scardina to keep it tied. The Bulldogs didn't respond however, and the Clippers kept  pushing and went up 2-1 on a pass from the left half wall by Tim Washe to the point for Trevor LeDonne, who one-timed it low and  hard on net. Jackson Glassford made the first save, and a desperation save on the rebound, but Walton's second bit was batted home from in the paint to make it 2-1 at 7:04 of the third. Washe didn't get an assist, as they went to Josh Bourne and LeDonne. Less than a minute later, an unfortunate giveaway cross-ice up the middle of the defensive zone ended up right on the tape of Tim Washe who wasted no time in ripping a one-timer that was perfectly placed top  corner, long-side over the glove of Glassford at 8:01 of the third to make it 3-1 Clippers. The Bulldogs would call time out to try and rally and settle, but the Clippers continue to have the better of the play throughout the remainder of period into the late minutes. The Bulldogs would show flashes of desperation in an attempt to make it a one-goal game, but couldn't beat Naylor as the Clippers made the lead stand.

Shots in the third were 13-9 Clippers, for a game total of 29-28 Bulldogs. Jackson Glassford took the loss while Jordan Naylor earned the win. The Bulldogs went 0 for 3 on the power play while the Clippers went 0 for 1.

The Bulldogs are next in action tomorrow 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