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Friday, January 31, 2020

Bulldogs drop last second heartbreaker, 4-3 to Clippers



It's hard to adequately describe the beginning of the game, without addressing the incident that occurred before it - as the game was supposed to begin at 7:22, due to  a long list of Nanaimo Clipper Alumni that were to be introduced on-ice  before the game. The first  former Clipper that stepped on the ice unfortunately had the carpet move underneath him, resulting in a frightening scene that saw him fall backwards  on the ice onto his head. He would appear to be unconscious, and remained motionless for a long period of time, as a full crowd and a carnival like atmosphere fell stunningly silent. The Bulldogs weren't even out of their dressing room for the National Anthem, as they were told to anticipate a 7:22 puck drop. The game instead began shortly after 7:00, and just 10 seconds in an out of sorts starting line up saw the puck end up in frontof the Bulldog net, with Luke Pearson down and out. A Clipper would fail to hit the open net, with the goal light even going on. The following few minutes were uneventful, before a scenario I've never seen - or heard of occurring came about, as Scott Mahovlich took a run at Mitchel Deelstra - who was engaged with two other Clippers at the time. He would deliver a leaping, from behind boarding/headshot resulting in Deelstra being cut and leaving the game. Mahovlich would proceed to then drop his gloves and sucker punch Matthew Grouchy several times. He would receive TWO Major Penalties on the play - one for a Blow to the Head, the other for a one-man-fight, putting the Bulldogs to a ten minute power play. Three minutes into  it, the Bulldogs were penalized, bringing about two minutes of four-aside play. The Bulldogs would push when they got back on the man advantage, and drew another penalty to go on a 5 on 3 power play where they finally opened the scoring as Josh Zary played it from the bottom of the right circle, to the top of the circle for Tim Gould. He would bump it across the slot where Austin Spiridakis blasted a one-timer short-side through the seven-hole of Jordan Naylor to make it 1-0 at 15:59 of the first. The Clippers would earn a power play late in the period, but couldn't capitalize before the buzzer. Shots in the first were 14-7 Bulldogs.


The Bulldogs killed it off to start the period, but were penalized at it's conclusion. The Clippers would make good on the second opportunity, when Aiden Hansen Bukata put a shot on net that was deflected off the post and in, blocker side by Liam Ryan. Joshua Bourne also drew an assist at 1:28 of the second. The Bulldogs had a great chance to take the lead a few minutes later, but Jordan Naylor made a great save with his right toe on Ryan Doolin on the doorstep. The period became flat in the middle portions of it, but actions picked up late in it as the Clippers took a 2-1 lead on a simple play to the net with a shot and a rebound finding it's way in with Mackenzie Merriman potting a loose puck off a Kyler Kovich and Liam Ryan drawing the assists at 14:16 of the second. The Clippers kept pushing the pace, and scored a pretty goal on the rush to  make it  3-1  at Josh Kagan  tipped in a Steven Agriogiannis pass, with a secondary assist going to Joshua Bourne at 17:41 of the second. Less than a minute later, the Bulldogs made it 3-2 as  Matthew Grouchy won an attacking zone draw back to the right point for Mattias Dal Monte, who put a wrist shot on net that was deflected home short-side by Dawson Tritt at 18:23 of the period. Shots in the second  were 15-9 Clippers,  for a 40 minute total of 23-22 Bulldogs.


It was a  3-3 game  just 2:05 into the third, when Dawson Tritt picked off a Jordan Naylor reversal behind the goal line and stuffed it home on his backhand, unassisted. The Bulldogs earned a power play two minutes later, on another Blow to the Head. They would threaten on it, hitting the post and failing to bury a rebound on an open net as it stayed tied. Into the middle and late stages of the third, the Bulldogs were penalized three straight times. They killed them all off, with a short 5 on 3 included with five minutes to play that was followed up by an even up call on the Clippers to bring about four-aside hockey. The Bulldogs pushed back and had a great chance to take the lead when Dawson Tritt got by a defender to skate in alone, only to have his feet taken out from under him but no penalty was called. The game stayed tied into the dying seconds, when the Clippers got the winner on a shot from the top of the right circle on the rush that was stopped by the right toe of Pearson, but the rebound went right onto the tape of Joshua Bourne who made no mistake hitting the empty net for the game winner and the 4-3 final at 19:49 of the third, with the lone assist to Josh Kagan.


Third period shots were 16-8 Clippers, for a game total in their favour of 38-31 with Luke Pearson and Jordan Naylor being the goalies of record. Each team went 1 for 5 on the power play.


With the loss, the Bulldogs have now lost three in a row. They next see action  tomorrow night when they host the 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 first meeting between these Island Division rivals since NOVEMBER, as the Bulldogs 24-20-1-2, 4th Island) head over the hump to visit the Clippers (29-16-2-2, 2nd Island) tonight at the Frank Crane Arena.

The Bulldogs played last night at home. where they lost their second straight while being shut out for the first time season, 3-0 to the West Kelowna Warriors.  The Clippers were last in action Wednesday night at home, where they earned a 3-2 win over the West Kelowna Warriors.

These teams haven't met since November 13th, a 5-4 Clipper win in a shoot out at the Frank Crane Arena. The previous meeting was a 3-1 Clipper win again at the Frank Crane Arena on November 1st. The Bulldogs won the two prior meetings, both at the Multiplex -  first by a 2-1 score on September 21st, which followed a 3-2 shootout win on September 14th. The Clippers won the season opener 2-1 at the Frank Crane Arena on September 13th.



Catch all the action on Van Isle Ford Bulldogs Hockey on 93.3 The Peak FM tonight, starting with our pregame show at 6:45, in advance of the 7:00pm puck drop.

Bruce MacDonald provides game analysis and colour commentary, I take care of the hosting and call the play-by-play while Dan Tisserand compiles team and player statistics.


Tonight's 2nd Intermission feature is the latest edition of The Island Division This Week - news, notes, highlights previews and recaps from all play-by-play voices of the BCHL's Island Division teams.
If you aren't in listening range of 93.3 The Peak FM you can listen/watch the game by:

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





Hammer



____________________________________________________________


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

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

Thursday, January 30, 2020

Bulldogs suffer second straight defeat, 3-0 to Warriors



The Bulldogs got off to a fantastic start - at least for the opening 60 seconds - as they buzzed around the Warrior zone with some obvious desperation, and came painfully close to opening the scoring when Mitchel Deelstra  hit the crossbar behind Johnny Derrick but it stayed out. Seconds  later, it was 1-0 West Kelowna as Tyler Christall came off the bench and was found wide open on the right side of the Bulldog zone as he walked untouched in on Luke Pearson where he tucked it inside the far post cutting across the crease. Drawing assists on the play were Nicholas Ardanaz and  John Evans at1:17 of the first. West  Kelowna got a noticeable jump from the  goal, while the Bulldogs appeared somewhat stunned for a couple of minutes. They would start to push back, and had several  great opportunities  but couldn't hit the net  before the Warriors  doubled their lead short of the midway point of the period on a set up  to the slot on  the rush and a quick release  seven-hole through the blocker arm of Levi Stauber  at 9:52 of the first  to make  it 2-0, with  the lone assist to Holden Kodak. The Bulldogs again had several great chances throughout the remainder of the  period, but couldn't capitalize them as it stayed 2-0 Warriors through 20 minutes. Shots were 8-7 West Kelowna. 


The Bulldogs began the second period once again inspired, and seconds into it looked to make it 2-1  but Ryan Doolin couldn't convert on a cross-ice set up and a wide open net, as  the  goal  light  went on and the horn sounded, but the puck certainly didn't go in. Somewhat similarly to the first, the Warriors added to their lead soon afterwards,  on  at least the third rebound attempt around the Bulldog net sliding to  the far side where Deegan Mofford lifting  it high short-side past the shoulder of Pearson at 4:18 of  the second,  with  the lone assist to Jacob Brockman.  The Warriors earned a power play later in the period, but the Bulldogs had the best chance on it as Jackson Doucet raced in alone on a breakaway but Johnny Derrick got his left toe on it to keep it out. The Bulldogs got a big break later in the period, when a  puck bounced to the front of the net onto a Warrior's stick and Luke Pearson never saw  it, but was down in the butterfly and made a left toe save none the less  on the in-alone chance. Bulldogs earned a late period power play, and again threatened on it with four shots, but couldn't get on the board.  A second penalty came in the dying second of the advantage, with a fourth chance following it in the final minute of the period leading to a 5 on 3 advantage of 55 seconds. They had an initial shot on it off the draw, but  couldn't make the opportunity count before  the buzzer. Shots were 12-10 Bulldogs,  for a two-period total of 19-18 Bulldogs.


The Bulldogs could not make the short 5 on 3, and subsequent 5 on 4 power play count to begin the period, as it stayed 3-0.  Two minutes later, Luke  Pearson would  make a big save on a deflection in the lsot to keep it that way. A few minutes later, the Bulldogs had a promising series of odd-man rushes, but none of the opportunities ended up with a puck on net. A Bulldog penalty kill maintained the three goal hole into the back half of the third, but there was no push mounted to make a game of it, as the Warriors continued to carry the play and not give up much around their net, while continuing to get opportunities to the buzzer but being unable to capitalize on them.


Shots in the third were 13-6 Warriors, for a game total of 31-25 in their favour. Luke Pearson took the loss, while Johnny Derrick earned 2nd star honours with the win. Both teams went 0 for 4 on the power play.


With the loss, the Bulldogs have suffered back to back defeats at home for the first time this season. Tonight also marks the first time the Bulldogs have been shut out this season.


The Bulldogs are next in action tomorrow night when they visit the Clippers in Nanaimo.


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 Warriors tonight to conclude four game home stand


It's the second and final regular season meeting between the teams this season, and the conclusion of a four-game home stand as the Bulldogs (24-19-1-2, 4th Island) host the West Kelowna Warriors (13-28-5-3, 6th Interior) for a make-up game from the originally scheduled date of November 9th due to Multiplex ice issues.

The Bulldogs last played Saturday night at home, where they had a two-game winning streak snapped with a 3-2 loss to the Langley Rivermen.  The Warriors were in Nanaimo last night, where they lost their second straight 3-2 the Clippers.

These teams last met Sunday January 12th in West Kelowna, a 6-2 Warriors win. 

Pacific Chevrolet Bulldogs Hockey goes  live on 93.3 The Peak FM from the Dog Pound at 6:45 for  the pregame show, with all the action to follow at 7:00pm. I'll call the play-by-play, Bruce MacDonald provides colour commentary and game analysis and Dan Tisserand tabulates team and individual game statistics.


Tonight's 2nd Intermission guest is Dan Marshall, the play-by-play voice of the Nanaimo Clippers on 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



Thanks for  visiting!  

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, January 25, 2020

Rivermen top Bulldogs 3-2



From the opening puck drop, the game was somewhat sloppy - at least from the Bulldog perspective, as they were  unable to get anything going early.  The Rivermen opening the  scoring on a shot and a rebound from a sharp angle that went off the stick of Luke Pearson to the slot where Jonathan Stein one-timed it home far-side to make it 1-0 at 2:35 of the first, with Tanner Versluis drawing the lone assist. The Rivermen kept pressing, and the Bulldogs  continued to fail to find their game, and it was a 2-0  game on a turnover and a net drive that saw a centering pass by Joseph Musa go off the skate of Jonathan Stein in the crease at 11:29 with  Brendan Budy also drawing an assist. The Bulldogs pressed late  in the period, after tempers flared on both sides with physical play increasing both ways. The Bulldogs threatened to get on the board on the power play late in the period, with Jonathan Mor making a couple big saves in tight to protect the lead. The Rivermen were again penalized in the dying seconds of the period as the Bulldogs began the second on the man advantage.  Shots in the first were 14-10 Langley.

The Bulldogs were unable to generate chances or momentum on the power play, but  drew yet another power play short of five minutes in. Again, it failed to threaten as they fought the puck and didn't look in sync and were unable to test Jonathan Mor to trim the deficit. Yet another opportunity late in the period brought about the same result, as the Rivermen didn't give up much to protect their lead. Langley would earn a power play of their own in the final seconds of the period, to begin the third on the man advantage. Shots in the second were 12-8 Bulldogs, for a 22-22 total after 40 minutes.

The Rivermen made good on the power play, after extended pressure in the zone as Jake Livingstone found a bounce of  the left wing wall and walked into the circle where he ripped a perfectly placed shot top corner, far-side over the glove of Pearson to make it 3-0 and 1:22 of the third, with assists to Joseph Musa and Tanner Versluis. The Bulldogs earned a power play a few minutes later, and finally made one count to get into the game, as passionate battles  on the left half-wall by Ryan Doolin, Josh Zary and Matthew Grouchy saw the Bulldogs keep the puck in, before Grouchy slid it back to the deep slot for Mitchel Deelstra, who put a quick release off the glove of Mor and in, top corner to make it 3-1 at 6:49 of the third. The building was alive in the following minutes, and the Bulldogs created a handful of opportunities and kept the pressure on and made it a one-goal game with six minutes to play as a one-timer from Tim Gould went off a stick and off the end glass before bouncing back  to the side of the net where Ryan Doolin poked it home five-hole  to make it 3-2, t 12:31 of  the third. The Rivermen did a good job over the following minutes to not give up much, but the Bulldogs mounted a push late aided by another power play with under four minutes to play. It wouldn't generate more than a single shot, with the Rivermen killing it off to protect their lead, and also generating a good shorthanded chance that saw Pearson come up with a right toe save to keep it a one-goal game. The Bulldogs would buzz the Langley net in the dying seconds but Jonathan Mor came up with a big shoulder save on a pass from behind the net with under five seconds to play to make  it a 3-2 final.

Third period shots were 16-12 Langley, for a game total of 38-34 Rivermen with Luke Pearson  taking the loss while Jonathan Mor earned 2nd star honours with the win. The Bulldogs went 1 for 7 on the power play while Langley went 1 for 2.

The Bulldogs are next in action Thursday night when they host the West Kelowna  Warriors.

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 Rivermen tonight



It's the second and final regular season meeting between these teams, and the conclusion of Parent's Weekend, as the Bulldogs (24-18-1-2, T-3rd Island) host the Langley Rivermen (19-22-2-1, 4th Mainland) tonight at the Multiplex.

The Bulldogs opened their Parent's Weekend last night at home, where they won their second straight 3-2 in overtime over the Victoria Grizzlies. The Rivermen were in Nanaimo last night, where they opened a three-in-three Island swing with a fourth straight loss, 4-3 in overtime to the Clippers

These teams previously met on December 19th in Langley, a 6-4 Bulldog win





Pacific Chevrolet Bulldogs Hockey is live on 93.3 The Peak FM airwaves starting at 6:45 with our pregame show, followed by the live game action at 7:00pm.

Dan Tisserand will be on hand to compile individual and team statistics, Bruce MacDonald provides colour commentary and game analysis and I handle the play-by-play.






Tonight's 2nd Intermission guest is former Bulldog (2014-2016) Chris Schutz, currently playing his Junior season with the NCAA's UMASS-Lowell River Hawks.



 In case you missed it, Schutz was recently named one of the candidates for the Bulldogs "All Decade Team"


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

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



Hopefully we'll see you tonight at the rink! 


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, January 24, 2020

Bulldogs win second straight, 3-2 over Grizzlies in overtime





After a late puck drop due to the Bulldogs parents being introduced on the  ice, the  game began at a breakneck pace, and stayed that way through the midway mark of the period. Each side had their share of chances, with Andrew Amousse having a breakaway early that he put off the post past Luke Pearson but it stayed out. At the other end, Blake Wood saw lots of rubber early but was sharp to keep it scoreless. The Bulldogs continued to push, and opened the scoring at 8:46 of the  first as Mitchel Deelstra chased down a rim on the left wing wall and put it back to the point for Moe Acee. He wasted no time in getting it on goal with a quick one-timer that was redirected home by Matthew Grouchy under the glove of Wood long-side for his first as a Bulldog to make it 1-0. The Grizzlies pushed back in the following minutes, and spent several stretches in the attacking zone with dangerous opportunities around the net, but Luke Pearson held the fort and several defensive back checks by Stephen Castagna and Josh Zary took away dangerous scoring chances. The Bulldogs started to lean on the Grizzlies in the final two to three minutes of the period, and had a couple great chances around the net but Blake Wood came up big to keep it a one-goal game. Shots in the first were 21-11 Bulldogs.


The Bulldogs earned a power play to open the second, but couldn't capitalize on it to build their lead. The pace was somewhat slow through the middle of the period, with each team having their chances but both goalies keeping it a one-goal game, with Luke Pearson coming up with a big save on a Jake Veilleux opportunity alone in the slot. The Bulldogs couldn't make a second power play count to build the lead later in the period, before the Grizzlies earned an opportunity of their own that followed it. They had one good chance early, but Luke Pearson came up with a blocker save  off Cody Monds from the slot. The penalty killers were solid the rest of the way, coming up with a couple big shot blocks. Tommy Bannister came close to building the lead, ringing a shot off the crossbar that stayed out, before he was stopped on a breakaway late in the period, which was followed immediately by a Brendan Bowie breakaway that went off the glove of Pearson,  off the post and stayed out as  it stayed a 1-0 game into the third. Shots in the second were 9-7 Bulldogs, for a 30-18 total in their favour after 40 minutes.


The third period was somewhat sloppy and passive early, but things picked up in a big way just short of six minutes in when the Grizzlies earned a power play on a soft call back of their net. They would capitalize on the advantage to tie it on a gorgeous rink-wide pass by Cody Monds that was one-timed from the right faceoff dot home short-side by Alex  DiPaolo, with Brady MacDonald also assisting at 5:47 of the third. Seconds later, the Grizzlies took  the lead on an awkward play that saw a shot from the right point  hit a defenceman up  high before bouncing across the crease where  it went off the paddle of Pearson and in to make it 2-1, un-assisted at 6:07 of the third. The lead  didn't last long, as seconds later the Bulldogs responded to tie it as Matthew Grouchy put the puck back to the right point for Mattias Dal  Monte who simply put a wrister on net that perhaps deflected, and initially stopped by Wood, but the rebound went across the crease where Ryan Doolin swatted a backhand home to make it 2-2 at 6:32 of the third. Neither team found the net through the remainder of regulation, with the Grizzlies coming up with a penalty kill with under five minutes to play to keep it tied. The Grizzlies  had a  great chance to win it in the dying seconds on an in alone chance for Vincent Nardone, but Pearson came up with a huge right toe save to force overtime. Third period shots were 15-13 Bulldogs, for a 60 minute total of 45-31 in their favour.

Overtime was quick, as the Grizzlies won the initial possession, but Mitchel Deelstra applied pressure relentlessly to eventually work the puck free for Tim Gould. He found Matthew Grouchy exiting the Bulldog zone, where he sent Mitchel Deelstra in alone down the left wing as he drove the net and tucked a backhand deke home five-hole for the game winner at 30 seconds of overtime for the 3-2 final.

Shots were 46-31 Bulldogs, with Luke Pearson earning 2nd star honours with the win while Blake Wood  earned  1st star honours with the loss. The Bulldogs went 0 for 3 on the power play, while the Grizzlies went 1 for 2.

With the win, the Bulldogs have now won two in a row. They're next in action tomorrow night when they host the Langley Rivermen.

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 to open Parents Weekend


It's the third meeting between these teams in seven days, as the Bulldogs (23-18-1-2, T-3rd Island) continue a four-game home stand by hosting the Victoria Grizzlies (17-29-0-0, 5th Island) to open Parents Weekend. 

The Bulldogs last played Wednesday night at home, where they picked up a come-from-behind 5-4 overtime win over the Cowichan Valley Capitals. The Grizzlies last played Saturday night at home, where they halted a three-game losing streak with a 4-1 win over....the Bulldogs. 

This is the seventh game in the season series between the teams with the Bulldogs having a head-to-head record of 4-2-0-0. Prior to Saturday night, the Bulldogs earned a 5-0 win a week ago tonight at the Multiplex. December 6th was a 4-3 Bulldog win at the Q Centre. Five days earlier, the Grizzlies were 4-3 winners, again at the Q Centre.   The Bulldogs were 6-2 winners at the Q Centre on October 19th and also won the first meeting of the season 5-3 at the Dog Pound on October 11th.


 If you can't make the game, we'll make you feel like you're there, on Pacific Chevrolet Bulldogs Hockey on 93.3 The Peak FM Tune in at 6:45 for our pregame show, with all the game action to follow the 7:00pm puck drop. The full crew will again be on hand in the broadcast booth - Dan Tisserand compiles team and player statistics, Bruce MacDonald provides game analyis and adds colour commentary, and I'm responsible for calling the play-by-play.

Tonight's 2nd Intermission guest is Mike Bordignon, play-by-play voice of the Langley Rivermen, who the Bulldogs host tomorrow night.



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

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



Thank you as always for stopping by! 


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, January 22, 2020

Bulldogs comeback from 4-1 down to top Capitals 5-4 in overtime




The Bulldogs got off to a good start, with several instances of pressure in the Capitals zone early, but they couldn't generate anything dangerous on net. A minute later, the Capitals opened the scoring on a shot from the left point by Tyrell Boucher that was deflected off the post, far-side and in by Zach Brooks to make it 1-0 Capitals at 3:01 of the first with Olivier Gauthier also drawing an assist on the play. The Capitals would draw a penalty on a big open-ice check by Jackson Munro later in the period, but it was the Bulldogs that scored while shorthanded to tie it at 1-1 as Jimmy Rayhill found a Matthew Grouchy face off win in the Bulldog zone and slid it up the right side for Matthew Grouchy, who made a perfect cross-ice pass for Mitchel Deelstra to skate in alone on Zach Borgiel where he picked the top corner, far-side to make it 1-1 at 9:52 of the first. The Bulldogs had a couple good chances to take the lead in the following minutes, including a penalty shot for Jackson Doucet after he was hooked on a breakaway. Zach Borgiel would shut the door on it though, to keep it tied. Less than a minute later it was 2-1 on an odd one as Cole Broadhurst fed Tyrell Boucher at the left point, where he put a one-timer at the goal that appeared to be missing the target short-side where it went off the blocker of Glassford and skyward where it arced perfectly off his back and in to make it 2-1 Capitals at 14:57 of the first, with Dimitri Mikrogiannakis also drawing an assist. The Capitals added one more with three minutes to play in the period, on a stretch-pass resulting in a breakaway for Tanner Sidaway that stayed out, but Sidaway kept the puck and walked below the goal line where he put a pass to the slot that Brady Lynn found and  beat Glassford with a quick release, blocker side to make it 3-1 at 17:01 of the first. Shots in the period were even at 16-16.


The Bulldogs had a passionate start to the second, with a couple  dangerous chances  around the Capitals net, but they couldn't convert on one to get back into the game as it stayed 3-1 through the midway point of the period, with the Bulldogs outshooting the Capitals 9-3 at the media time out. A minute and change later, another odd one found it's way into the Bulldog net, as a rink-wide pass through the slot missed everyone, before another set up to the slot failed to connect yet still hit something and bounced in past the left toe of Luke Pearson (who came on to start the second) to make it 4-1 at 12:06 of the period, Matthew Crasa and Luc Wilson drawing the assists.  The Bulldogs didn't show any signs of deflating, but continued to be snakebitten around the Capitals net. The finally found a way to back into the game in the final minute of the period, as Matthew Grouchy threw a thunderous check on Austin Chorney in the left corner of the Caps zone before finding the puck and putting a perfect pass onto the tape of Mitchel Deelstra in the left circle where he put a one-timer high far-side over the glove of Borgiel to make it 4-2 at 19:17 of the second. Shots in the period were 14-7 Bulldogs, for a 30-23 total  in their favour heading into the third.


The third period saw the Bulldogs again come out with some desperation, and it would result in a power play opportunity. They would make good on it to make it a whole new game, as Jackson Doucet set up Mattias Dal Monte at the top of the point from the left wing wall. He would put a perfect pass onto the tape of Tim Gould at the top of the right circle, where he blew a one-timer on goal where it hit either a defender's stick, or Borgiel's and went skyward before bouncing over the line to  make it 4-3 at 3:08 of  the third. The Capitals would push back, and have several long stretches in the attacking zone with several good chances, but Luke Pearson was sharp to keep it a one-goal game. The Bulldogs would tie it just after the midway point of the period when Grayson Valente made a perfect stretch pass up the middle to Tommy Bannister, who walked  over the line to the slot and put a low shot on net that  was stopped by Borgiel, but he gave up a big rebound cross-ice that Stephen Castagna one-timed home to make it 4-4 at 10:02 of the  third. The Capitals would again push back, and had a couple great chances to tie it, but Pearson was fantastic, most notably on an in-alone net drive by Dimitri Mikrogiannakis to keep it tied. Zach Borgiel was equally huge with just over two minutes left, as he made a highlight reel diving save across the crease with his paddle to rob Matthew Grouchy to force overtime. Third period shots were 17-9 Capitals for a 40-39 edge into overtime.


The Bulldogs had the better of the play in overtime, with Borgiel stopping Mitchel Deelstra in alone seven seconds in. Josh Zary would dance in alone later in overtime on a faceoff win and get hauled down, but couldn't draw a penalty. A minute later, the Bulldogs won it as Jackson Munro threw a hit on Matthew Crasa  to knock him off the puck. Matthew Grouchy would collect it and race up ice down the right side before  putting a perfect cross-ice feed onto the tape of Jackson Munro, who put it off the post and in short-side for the game winner at 2:35 of overtime for the 5-4 final.


4-1 in overtime, for a game total of 43-41 Bulldogs. Luke Pearson earned the win in relief, while Zach Borgiel took the loss. The Bulldogs went 1 for 1 on the power play, and also scored once shorthanded while the Capitals went 0 for 2.


The Bulldogs are next in action Friday when they host the 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 host Capitals tonight to open four game homestand



It's the opening of a four-game home stand tonight for the Bulldogs (22-18-1-2, 4th Island) as they host the Cowichan Valley Capitals (30-12-4-2, 1st Island) for the first meeting between the Island Division rivals in over a month.

The Bulldogs were last in action in Victoria on Saturday night, where they fell 4-1 to the Grizzlies. The Capitals were in Coquitlam on Sunday afternoon, where they emerged victorious 2-1 over the  Express - handing Coquitlam their  first home ice loss of the season in the process.

Fun fact - or not very fun for the opposition perhaps....the Capitals have ONE regulation defeat in their last 16 games, a 4-3  loss in Trail on December 20th.

These teams last met December 13th in Duncan, a 3-2 Bulldog win in overtime. Prior to that, the Capitals earned a 6-4 win at the Multiplex on November 30th. The Bulldogs won 6-5 in overtime in Duncan on November 23rd, and also earned a 4-3 win over the Capitals at the Dog Pound on October 25th. The Bulldogs won the first meeting of the season in Port Alberni 3-1 on October 5th, after the Capitals earned a 3-2 win in the first meeting of the season on September 20th in Duncan.

Catch all the action live from the Multiplex tonight on Pacific Chevrolet Bulldogs Hockey on 93.3 The Peak FM, starting with our pregame show at 6:45, with the game action to follow after 7:00

Bruce MacDonald provides analysis while adding colour commentary, Dan Tisserand tabulates team and player statistics, and I call the play-by-play. 


Tonight's 2nd Intermission feature is the latest edition of The Island Division This Week - previews, recaps, highlights and news and notes from all the BCHL's Island Division Broadcast voices, courtesy of Dan Marshall, voice of the Nanaimo Clippers on our sister station 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



Thank you as always for stopping by! 


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, January 18, 2020

Grizzlies top Bulldogs 4-1




The Bulldogs fell in a 1-0 hole  early in the game, as  the Grizzlies pushed the pace  early and  forced  a  series of  turnovers. The final one at neutral ice resulted in an odd-man  rush that  saw  Cody Monds convert a cross-ice one-timer into an open net before  Luke Pearson could get over  at  1:27 of the first, with assists going to Alex DiPaolo and Andrew Amousse. The Grizzlies had a great  chance to build their lead three minutes later, when they won an attacking zone draw to the line and got a point shot through traffic and on net.  Luke Pearson would make a left toe save on the initial shot which was deflected, before then making a highlight reel save while down on his stomach by getting his glove up behind him  to rob Alex DiPaolo  on the doorstep to keep it just 1-0.   The Bulldogs would respond to tie the game at  the 6:03 mark as Caige Sterzer tapped the puck behind the Bulldog net for Tim Gould.  He would then make a perfect stretch pass to the Victoria line for a streaking River Fahey,  who placed a perfect wrist shot  from the top of the left circle long-side past the glove of Liam Souliere  inside the far post to  make it 1-1. There would be no scoring through the remainder of the period. Shots  were   even  at  15-15.


The Bulldogs had a strong start to the second, spending the better part of the opening two minutes of the period on the attack in the Grizzlies zone,   but they were unable to generate any good  chances. The Grizzlies had a great chance to take the lead a few minutes  later, but Luke Pearson made a breakaway save on Marty Westhaver to keep it tied.  The period was somewhat  sloppy  through the middle portion of it, with neither team carrying any extended stretches of play. The Grizzlies had another good chance late in the period to  take the lead, but Luke Pearson got his right toe on a  Connor Eddy net drive to keep it tied. The Bulldogs had a 2 on 1 rush in  the final 20 seconds of the period, but couldn't hit the net to take the lead. In the end,  there would be no scoring in the period, with the shots even  at 12-12 for a 40  minute total of 27-aside.

The third period saw the Bulldogs whistled for back to back penalties in a span of 13 seconds, putting the Grizzlies to a 5 on 3 power play for 1:47 in duration. The Bulldogs did a good job of not giving up much into the final seconds of it, but the Grizzlies would pot what would be the eventual winner on a simple shot and a rebound from the right side of the slot  that saw Pearson make the initial save with his left pad on Marty Westhaver, but Alex DiPaolo potted  the rebound from the paint  to make it  2-1 at 5:04 of the third, with Vincent Nardone also drawing an assist. The Bulldogs would earn a power play three  minutes later, but couldn't threaten enough on it, or earn an even up 5 on 3 call as the Grizzlies killed it to protect  their lead. Another  Victoria power play was awarded later in the period that had the Bulldog bench up in arms, and again the Grizzlies connected on it as Brady MacDonald threw the puck at the net from the right point where it was cut off half way by Andrew Amousse in the right circle, who spun and fired a  quick release home short-side inside the post to make it 3-1 at 13:40 of the third. The Bulldogs would threaten on a scramble with under four minutes to play to make it a one-goal game, but hit the crossbar and it stayed out. The Grizzlies would put the game away a minute and change later, as the Bulldogs turned it over onto a Grizzlies stick resulting in an in-alone chance for Henri Schreifels, who out-waited Luke Pearson to tuck it inside the post far-side to make it 4-1 with no assists on the play at 18:02 of the third.

Third period shots were 16-14 Bulldogs, for a game total in their favour of 43-41 with Luke Pearson taking the loss while Liam Souliere earned the win and third star honours. The Bulldogs went 0 for 3 on the power play while the Grizzlies went 1 for 5.

The Bulldogs are next in action Wednesday 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 Grizzlies tonight to conclude home-and-home set




It's the second meeting between these teams in as many days, as the Bulldogs (22-17-1-2, T-3rd Island) return the favour and visit the Grizzlies (16-29-0-0, 5th Island) tonight at the Q Centre. 

The Bulldogs took the opener of this two game set last night at the Dog Pound by a 5-0 score. snapping a four game losing streak while sending the Grizzlies to a third straight defeat.

We'll bring the game home to you, on Van Isle Ford Bulldogs Hockey on 93.3 The Peak FM - the pregame show is on the air at 6:45, in advance of the 7:00pm puck drop. 




Tonight's 2nd Intermission guest is former Bulldog (2016-2018) Connor Welsh, currently playing his Freshman season with the CIS's Dalhousie University Tigers



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

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


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

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


Friday, January 17, 2020

Bulldogs top Grizzlies 5-0




The game began somewhat passively - at least after the Bulldogs were penalized in the opening minutes of the game. They did a solid job of keeping the Grizzlies to the outside, with Luke Pearson looking sharp when tested.  The Bulldogs had consecutive attacking zone shifts in the back half of the period resulting in the Grizzlies being forced to ice it, but they were unable to beat Liam Souliere to open the scoring. The Bulldogs earned a power play late in the period, but were quickly sent back to the penalty box resulting in a four-aside situation for over a minute that saw things open up  for a short span. There would be no scoring in the first, with  the Bulldogs out shooting the Grizzlies 10-8. 


The second period  saw a plethora of penalties throughout the first 7-8 minutes, with the Grizzlies having  two  power  play chances, with a long stretch of four-on-four hockey in the middle as the Bulldogs were again subsequently penalized. At the end of the power play chances, Luke Pearson came up with a fantastic diving save across the crease on a rebound off his shoulder to keep it scoreless. The Bulldogs pressed at the middle of the period, but couldn't find the target  to beat Souliere. The Bulldogs leaned on the Grizzlies in the back half of the period, and spent time in the attacking zone with each line continuing the momentum. They would finally be rewarded for it late in the period, as Josh Zary refused to lose a board battle against two Grizzlies against the end wall, before Jackson Doucet and Ryan Doolin arrived to support him and keep it below the goal line. Zary would kick it free for Ryan Doolin, who put a perfect pass to the deep slot for Tim Gould, who put a one-timer that appeared to change direction past the blocker of Souliere to open the scoring at 16:06 of the second. The Grizzlies had a great chance to tie it in the final 20 seconds of the period on an in-alone chance for Alex DiPaolo, but Pearson got his blocker arm on it, and a backchecking Jackson Munro helped clear the rebound to keep it 1-0 after 40 minutes. Shots in the period were 18-14 Bulldogs, for a 28-22 total in their favour heading into the third.  


The Bulldogs earned their second power play of the game early in the third, and made it count, as Matthew Grouchy made a rink-wide pass through neutral ice to the Victoria line up the right wing where Ryan Doolin tipped it around a defender before  chasing it down in the right corner. He would then throw it to the paint, where Mitchel Deelstra deflected it home far-side over the blocker of Souliere to make it 2-0 at 4:50  of the third. The Bulldogs would pad their lead four minutes later, as Jackson Munro drove the net and found a loose puck at the end of a rush that he jammed  to the left half-wall for Tommy Bannister. He would put a pass to the top of the point for Jimmy Rayhill, who put a seeing eye wrist shot high past the blocker of a screened Souliere to make it 3-0 at 9:57 of  the third. The Grizzlies pushed to try and get back in it, and had a dangerous chance on the rush that saw Luke Pearson make a shoulder save on Vincent Nardone. The Bulldogs would counter on the rush seconds later and make it 4-0, as Tommy Bannister led off a 3 on 1 rush with a cross-ice pass up the left wing for Matthew Grouchy. He would out-wait a defender before putting a perfect pass to the far post where Ryan Doolin deflected it home past the left toe of Souliere at 16:03 of the third. Two minutes later, it was  a 5-0  game as  Caige Sterzer retrieved a loose puck behind the net that he put  onto  the tape of Jackson Doucet, who put a pass  to the front of the net  that was  one-timed top  corner, far-side  by  Josh Zary at 17:56 of the third to complete the scoring. 


Third period shots were 14-9 Bulldogs, for a 42-31 total in the Bulldogs favour. Luke Pearson earned the win and first star honours with the shut out while Liam Souliere took the loss. The Bulldogs went 1 for 3 on the power play while the Grizzlies went 0  for 5. 


The teams meet again tomorrow night at the Q Centre. 


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 to open Home and Home double header


It's back to action on home ice tonight for the Bulldogs (21-17-1-2, T-3rd Island) as they open a home-and-home set with the Victoria Grizzlies (16-28-0-0, 5th Island) tonight at the Multiplex, before the teams meet tomorrow at the Q Centre. 

The Bulldogs last played Sunday afternoon in West Kelowna, where they concluded a winless Okanagan road trip with their fourth straight defeat, 6-2 to the Warriors at Royal LePage Place. The fourth consecutive defeat matches the previous longest such stretch this season from September 27th through October 2nd, when the Bulldogs dropped four consecutive games to Mainland Division opponents through a three-in-three road trip into the BCHL Showcase. The Bulldogs ended that streak with a win over Merritt - and then followed it up with their longest winning streak of the season - seven games. 

The Grizzlies last saw game action Saturday night at home, where they dropped their second in a row, 3-1 to the Powell River Kings.

This is the fifth game between the teams this season - but the first of three in a span of just seven days, as they'll meet again a week from tonight at the Dog Pound following tonight's and tomorrow's games. The most recent meeting was December 6th, a 4-3 Bulldog win at the Q Centre. Five days earlier, the Grizzlies were 4-3 winners, again at the Q Centre.   The Bulldogs were 6-2 winners at the Q Centre on October 19th and also won the first meeting of the season 5-3 at the Dog Pound on October 11th.



I'm very much looking forward to calling a game back within the friendly confines of the Dog Pound - Pacific Chevrolet Bulldogs Hockey on 93.3 The Peak FM is on the air for our pregame show at 6:45, with the puck set to drop just after 7:00pm. Bruce MacDonald provides colour commentary and game analysis, Dan Tisserand compiles and provides team and individual statistics and I call the play-by-play. 



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


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

Sunday, January 12, 2020

Bulldogs drop fourth straight, 6-2 to Warriors



The game began with a resounding thud, as the Bulldogs  trailed 1-0 just 21 seconds in as Holden Kodak walked down the right wing and threw a puck on goal  far-pad low where Luke Pearson made the save, but had the rebound go off his right toe and onto the tape  of Colby Elmer who tapped it in from the crease. Also drawing an assist on the play was Nick Ardanaz. Pearson would be busy over the following minutes, as the Bulldogs continued be loose in their end. He kept it a one-goal game  until they responded to tie it, as Matthew Grouchy won back-to-back draws in the Warriors end, the second seeing Ryan Doolin get two shots on net. Johnny Derrick would stop them both, but Tommy Bannister found the second rebound and potted it inside the far post to make it 1-1 at 7:52 of the first. The Warriors would take the  lead back on a turnover at centre  ice five minutes  later that saw Colby Elmer walk down the right  side  one-on-one where he put a perfectly  placed backhand top corner, short-side over the glove of Pearson to make it 2-1, unassisted at 12:19 of the first. The Bulldogs would push a few minutes later on a good shift in the attacking zone, but get caught on the wrong side of the puck giving up a 2 on 1 that turned into a breakaway that saw Drew Vieten skate in alone and go off the post and in blocker side to make it 3-1 Warriors at 16:07 of the first, with Deegan Mofford assisting. The Bulldogs would pepper the Warrior net in the final two minutes of the period with an inspired effort, but couldn't get back into it as it stayed a two-goal game after 20 minutes. Shots were `17-15 Bulldogs after one.


The score stayed that way into the middle of the period, with the Bulldogs not looking especially sharp in an attempt to mount a comeback. The Warriors came out of the mid-period media time out, and had a handful of great chances around the Bulldog net, but Luke Pearson came up huge to keep it a 3-1 game. The Bulldogs would earn  a power play of their own later in the period, and connected on it to get back into the game as Tim Gould kept the puck in at the top of the point  and dished off to Matthew Grouchy   in the left circle. He made a pretty pass to a wide open Josh Zary on the doorstep, who initially lost the handle but recovered to stuff a backhand deke home to make it 3-2 at 14:43 of the second. The Bulldogs earned another power play immediately following it, and threatened all around the net, but couldn't  convert. Yet another power play in the  final minute of the period saw them create several great chances, but be unable to find the  equalizer, beginning the third with 52 seconds on the power play. Shots in the second were 25-14 Bulldogs,  for a 42-29 advantage after 40 minutes.

The  Bulldogs were sloppy to begin the third on their power play, with the Warriors having  a great chance to build their lead, only to have Luke Pearson make a highlight reel save with  his heel in midair on a cross-ice set up to keep it 3-2. The Bulldogs earned another power play, and were flat on it. It came back to haunt them almost immediately, as they blew coverage in their zone allowing a loose puck to the  slot and a breakaway for Carter Wilkie, who walked on goal and tucked a forehand deke inside the far post to make it 4-2 at 8:18 of the third, with assists  going to Johnny Evans and Holden Kodak. Five minutes later, the  Bulldogs ended up  in big penalty trouble, first with a soft call on a bump by Dawson Tritt that appeared to be sold by Johnny Evans, which was followed by a match penalty for kicking to Moe Acee. The Bulldogs killed off the two minutes of 5 on 3 play for the Warriors, and a further two minutes of the major, but they couldn't get out of it before the Warriors went up 5-2 as Nicholas Ardanaz put a shot on net from the left circle that was deflected by Porter Dawson and stopped by Pearson, but the rebound went across the crease where it was tappedhome by Deegan Mofford to make it 5-2 at 13:35 on the power  play. The final salt  in the wound came a minute later, when the Bulldogs earned a power play chance, but gave up a shorthanded goal to add further insult to injury as a defender fell down, and no one picked up Carter Wilkie, who walked into the slot and beat Pearson with a long-side wrist shot past his blocker to make it a 6-2 final at 14:50 of the third, with Drew Veiten drawing the lone assist at 14:50 for the 6-2 final.

Third period shots were 14-6 Warriors, for a game total of 48-43 in the Bulldogs favour, with Luke Pearson taking the loss while Johnny Derrick earned 1st star honours with the win. The Bulldogs went 1 for 7 on the power play, and the Warriors went 1 for 5 while also scoring once while shorthanded.

The Bulldogs are next in action Friday when they host the 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