Pictures/Play-by-Play from the weekend, Would you see the "Gay Hockey Movie"?

I agree Bernie, what the heck is going on here!

photo: Dennis See/Bulldogs Photo Gallery @ http://www.avbulldogsmedia.ca/

Dogs Tie it Up-great pic

photo: Shane Power of Lasting Images Photography

Now that you have the image, hear the sound, courtesy and copyright 93.3 The Peak FM:

Click HERE for the play-by-play on the 3-3 goal

More pictures from the Bulldogs tail gate party Sunday afternoon, with credit and thanks for all the following pictures to Dennis See. Be sure to check out all the great pictures/audio/videos by visiting the site

http://www.avbulldogsmedia.ca/

Interviewing Sawyer Eichel for the NEW Bulldogs SHAW TV program (more on that in the future)

Kevin Ross, Liam Brennan and Josh Pineiro hard at work manning the grill

The Bulldogs Booster club is always hard at work at events like this. Thanks to Garreth and Alice and the rest of the club, on behalf of the players!
Bernie giving Manny and Mandeep tips
All proceeds from the event went to a great cause, the Canadian Cancer Society and Cops for Cancer, Tour de Rock!

Moving on- This is garnering plenty of attention recently. Would you see the "Gay Hockey Movie"? Sounds interesting to me.

'Gay Hockey Movie' hopes to score despite vicious remarks

Pics from the weekend, Dogs earn point with comeback, "Bulldogs This Week" tonight at Alberni Chrysler

Aside from all of my broadcast duties I also had the camera out this weekend taking pictures from both home openers. Enjoy.

New luxury boxes going up in Duncan. Are you listening City of Port Alberni/Bulldogs??!!!

BCHL Comissioner John Grisdale speaks

Alberni Valley Bulldogs President Andy Oakes addresses the crowd

Congrats to BCHL Volunteer of the Year, Gerry Fagan!

A great weekend of hockey for the Dogs and Caps and the fans of both teams. For the Dogs, they continue to get better and more competitive every game, which is a very good sign! They have their first point, next up it's the first win! Nothing like a comeback in the Dog Pound. Of course you don't want to be in that position. About the weekend- I'm just glad it's over. I think....

Here was my sked for the weekend:
Friday-
Morning show on 93.3 The Peak.
Down to Duncan for the game, Broadcast Game.
Home by 2am.

Saturday-
Morning show on 93.3 The Peak FM
On location for The Peak at the 23rd Annual Port Alberni Toy Run 11am-3pm. (best one ever, we counted 1018 bikes!)
Straight to rink after throwing on a shirt and tie for interviews for the broadcast.
Then did some TV interviews for a new SHAW TV Bulldog show we are working on.
Broadcasted the Game.
Home.

Sunday-
Morning Show on 93.3 The Peak FM
Back to rink parking lot to get more interviews for SHAW TV Bulldog show.
Wrote "Weekly Recap" for the Bulldogs website www.albernivalleybulldogs.ca
home to recover.

Today-
Morning show on 93.3 ThePeak FM
Write this Blog posting.
Interviews, planning, formatting for Bulldogs games Friday and Saturday
Beginning of writing "Weekly Preview" for Bulldogs website
Down to the rink to get audio from the coaching staff and players for preview article
Interviews and planning for tonights "Bulldogs This Week" at Alberni Chrysler from 6pm-7pm.

Tonights guest list:
A member of the Dogs coaching staff.
A Bulldog player.
Victoria Grizzlies play-by-play voice Scott Didmon
Nanaimo Clippers play-by-play voice Dan Marshall

and of course your emails HERE

Is that as boring as it appears? Throw in trying to deal with life's issues, and about 50 other work things, thats my sked for the last couple of days and today/tonight! I hope you tune into the show and I hope you email in.

I'll be in to the SHAW studios tomorrow to do some work on the Bulldogs show. More on that to come, but I hope you are excited of the news of this show being in the works!

Hammer

Dogs Gameday #3, Dogs make trade.

Hi and thanks for stopping by the blog. I managed to find the above pictures in the archives. They are from the Caps and Dogs home openers LAST year. I thought it was appropriate to post them today since the schedule is the same this year- Duncan Friday, Alberni Saturday. Should be some great fun!

Here's the PLANNED schedules for the broadcasts tonight and tomorrow. All times are approximate.

Tonight: Pre game show at 7:25. Puck drop at 7:50. Our second intermission feature guest will also be tonight's colour commentator- Rick Schievink. I will be replaying the interview Rick and I did regarding the Alberni Valley Hockey Academy. Yes, it was on the morning show, and also here on the blog, but for any fans that missed it I thought it was important to get it out there again. I figured that there would be no better time to run the interview again than during a HOCKEY broadcast.

Tomorrow: Pregame at 6:55. Puck drop at 7:20. My second intermission feature guest will be the BCHL Director of Officiating Mr. Frank Brodeurs. It should be a great interview worth listening to, as we will discuss new BCHL rules, rehash the old ones, and talk about officiating in general.

The Bulldogs made a trade last night sending Matt Thompson to the Burnaby Express in exchange for Lee Patzer. The Bulldogs have just put a media release up on their website www.albernivalleybulldogs.ca

That's it, very busy day, I must run- See you/Talk to you tonight and tomorrow!

Don't forget to add a comment, or send me an email during the broadcast or regarding anything else!

Hammer

**Broadcast time changes this weekend** + Bulldogs Tailgate Party

With both games Friday and Saturday being the home openers for the Caps and Dogs, our broadcast times will change due to the game start times being pushed back.

Here are the approximate schedules, according to Capitals Marketing Director/Business Manager Shari Paterson, and Laurie Smillie, the Bulldogs Director of Marketing/Public Relations:

Friday in Cowichan- Approx puckdrop of 7:50pm. We will hit the air with the pregame show at approximately 7:20pm

Saturday in Alberni Valley- Approx. puckdrop of 7:20pm. We will hit the air with the pregame show at approximately 6:55pm

Of course you should be in your seats BEFORE 7:30 and 7:00 Friday and Saturday respectively to catch the pregame festivities!

Thanks to Shari in the Caps office and Noreen Pelk and Laurie in the Dogs office for the information.

Dogs Tailgate Party-
This sounds like tonnes of fun for the Kids Sunday!
Bring the kids to the rink between 1 and 3pm for the party that will include a chance to play some Road Hockey with the players. Twiggly Wiggly The Clown will also provide entertainment. Bulldogs players will be signing kids up for the Bulldogs Kids Club as well. Lastly, there will be Burgers/HotDogs and a pop BY DONATION with all proceeds going to the Cops for Cancer, Tour De Rock

Gotta roll!
Hammer

Fired up for the home opener yet?

For those that have never seen the inside Alberni Valley Mulitplex (thinking about the Bulldogs players/families/friends/etc) or anyone that hasn't been in the rink in a while, I hope you enjoy this video- I took it with my feet right standing on the centre ice faceoff dot, I give you "Dog Pound 360" I really should get into movies I think....
I guess I put alot of thought into the VISUAL aspect of the rink and the game...My whole business remember is making people SEE the game, making people feel like they are AT the game. My belief is that if you see the rink in your mind you can better see the game in your mind.
The video starts facing the opposition's end of the ice....The end with the scoreclock is the Bulldogs end, as in- Dogs defend twice. The end with the catwalk and windows is the opposition end, as in-Dogs attack twice.



Man....this one gets me right fired up. Love John Ashbridge. Love the Drums. Love the Horn. Love the U2. Love the fans. Love the air raid siren. Man we gotta crank that thing up at the Mulitplex. I can't even hear it. Maybe I can do some talking on that one.....Also must say I love what CBC does. Many other networks, and many other sports, they don't seem to care much about giving the viewer the experience of being there and watching the game. The intro of the teams onto the ice, the anthems....Seems it's just commercial time to them. Kudos to CBC.
Lastly, love Youtube!


It'sssssssssss AAAAAAAALLLLIIIIVVVVEEEE



I hope you can appreciate this next video even if you aren't a Canucks fan, but a fan of "crowd energy" like me. Growning up in Manitoba I was never really a Canuck fan. Habs and Jets first, then Oilers because Cujo was there. 2002 or so watching the playoffs on CBC it was actually the CROWD that got me into the Canucks. The unreal atmosphere, the great "pop" from the crowd when the team came on the ice or scored a goal, the tradition of singing part of the Anthem, all of that got the passion flowing and next thing you know, I'm a fan!

Thanks for checking the blog!Don't be afraid to send an email HERE or add a comment below!
Hammer

Who are you, where are you from, and why don't you comment!

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Apparently people actually read this thing...Aside from a nice message board comment (Thanks Cam my friend, I really appreciate the props, thank you very much!) and the nice encouraging email now and again (thanks to the Hout's in Cali for the very nice words on Sunday) it seems that there's a few other readers/viewers that are unaccounted for. Whoever you are, thanks again for viewing/reading/etc. If no one was, then why would I be doing this? Still, don't be SHY people. Be interactive. Email me or post a comment/question/complaint/etc. I look forward to some feedback the other way every now and again. Of course I don't want anyone visiting this site to cause a fight or to bash me or the team or the league etc etc etc but I also don't want to just give YOU the reader what I think you want....Tell me. Help me help you, I think that how it goes? I try to give you a little hockey, a little personality, a little seriousness with a dose of lightheartedness, a little human-interest, some Alberni Valley pump-up stuff, BCHL thoughts, hockey in general, even a RANT now and again. All of the above coming to you in the form of pictures, audio, video, and last but not least and by far my weakest skill-the written word. As one fan said on the message board, I "won't be winning any nobel's" But that's ok, you understand me right?

ANYWAY, If there's anything else you would look forward to regularly or enjoy on here, let me know. If there is something of the above that you like more than others, let me know. Or leave me unleashed and loose and let me do my thing I guess if I am doing that good of a job! HA.

I have heard lots of feedback around town from the fans about Bryant Perrier's great interview on Saturday from Powell River. Being that it was the first time in the booth I had interviewed Bryant I didn't know what to expect really....The radio station on a nice sunny morn is different than in the press box after losing 4-1. Having said all of this- I found Bryant to be honest and articulate and intelligent. A coach through and through, but a good interview at the same time. That IS a possibility, you know?

By request- CLICK to hear Bryant Perrier on the postgame in Powell River. Enjoy.

I have to be up to do a morning show in 6 hours...sleep time.

Hammer

So I'm not Steven Spielberg....

....but I still think I did respectable job on this using just a digital photo camera on the video function. Oscars here I come!

Took this picture right after taking the video. Loading the good 'ole bus up again to head to Nanaimo on Friday. It's a second home come hockey season. We'll be back on it Friday to head down to Duncan Friday to take on the Caps at the BIG STICK.

A big THANKS goes out to Alan Kerr, Daniel Moriarty, BCHL Comissioner John Grisdale, and Cowichan Valley Capitals Head Coach and GM Scott Robinson for helping me make the first edition of "Bulldogs this week" a roaring success last night. Thanks to the folks at Alberni Chrysler Dodge Jeep for hosting us and sponsoring the show, thanks to Diane from The Peak and thanks to Dan "the stats man" for dropping by. Final thanks goes out to The Baileys who sent in a great question for Head Coach/GM Alan Kerr via email that coach even hung around for an extra minute to answer on the air.

That's about it for today. Back to the rink again this afternoon to grab some audio for "Hammer's Preview" that will be on the Bulldogs website later this week teeing up this weekend.

Hammer

Bulldogs start 0 and 2, BULLDOGS THIS WEEK is BACK 6-7pm tonight, May's new gloves, the worlds best soup?

Hello and thanks for stopping by the blog. The Bulldogs opened the season over the weekend with losses in Nanaimo Friday and Powell River Saturday. For my recaps on those games please visit the Bulldogs website and click on "Hammers Recap" to see what happened.

After everyone got the jitters and nerves out in the first game in Nanaimo I thought that everyone looked better Saturday in Powell River. That's what it's going to be about for this group- getting better every night.

This week of action sees two games- a home and home set beginning in Duncan Saturday against the Caps, before heading back to Port Alberni Saturday FINALLY for the Dogs home opener. Should be fun as always.

"Bulldogs this week" is BACK! Now, for those that probably don't know it was even gone, here's the background- In 2004-2005 the radio station (then CJAV AM) produced a 2 hour Monday night "Bulldogs This Week and BCHL This Week" show that was hosted by yours truly at the radio station. We brought on a host of guests locally and league-wide to talk BCHL and hockey in general. Due to a variety of reasons the show was put on the shelf for the last couple of years. Now, it's back, and I'm excited to be hosting it again. We have made some changes, namely- the show is only 1 hour long, and it will now be ON LOCATION at Alberni Chrysler, located "at the top of the town" in Port Alberni by the Tourist Info Centre. We have plans as the show progresses to open it up for the public to come by and watch, and even ask a question or two. For the first week though, we intend to just do the show and get the kinks out of the way. You are welcome to send an email for me or my guests HERE if you have any questions. Also, I am always open to any suggestions/complaints/ideas. Bring 'em on!

Tonights guests will be:
Dogs head coach/GM Alan Kerr
Bulldogs forward Daniel Moriarty
BCHL Commissioner John Grisdale
Cowichan Valley Capitals Coach/GM Scott Robinson

It should be a lot of fun! Big thanks to the radio station staff for making it happen, for Alberni Chrysler for coming on board, and last but no least the Bulldogs organization for their commitment and involvement. Without them, there is NO SHOW.

I have to run as I'm in the process of getting read for the show, but I have a couple of pictures for you.

First, I give you the new gloves belonging to Bulldogs Goalie Harrison May. I LOVE the "MayDay" stitching. You see, I take credit for "MayDay" being Harrison's nickname. Last season the boys were calling him "Dirty Harry" (yes after the Eastwood character) but I thought MayDay was much more appropriate. Harrison, I expect my royalty check any minute now.


I give you the "worlds best soup" (in my humble opinion) It's the "Roasted Scallop" soup first discovered by Matt Auerbach when he was the Dogs trainer. I made sure the tradition of the staff and support guys getting the soup lived on last year, and I raved about it enough this year that we got to have it again on Saturday. Honestly, I would go to Powell River and back just for this stuff. It sure tastes better than the picture might lead you to believe, trust me! No one else thought it was as good as I did....Must be due to how much I pumped it up ahead of time!
Don't forget "Bulldogs This Week" tonight at 6pm on 93.3 The Peak FM. The show might actually make it onto the BCHL Fanzone tonight under "Live Shows" It will surely be there in the future for fans and parents outside Port Alberni, but I'm not sure if the league and station can swing it for tonight. I really did my best with that one, but it's out of my hands.

Thanks for reading the blog!
Hammer

Season starts TONIGHT, BIG PEAK ANNOUNCEMENT #1 + THE CHAMP epidsode for Bob Phillips!

Thanks for visiting the blog today....Very busy day, Game Day #1, a Friday for "Fall Fair" here in Port Alberni. It's a beauty of a morning and I hope the rest of the day shakes out!

It's Game #1 tonight, with an anticipated pre-game show start time at 7:20pm, with the puck drop somewhere around 7:40 to 7:45 as there will be pregame festivities a-plenty with the Clippers raising their 06-07 Championship Banner. Tonight's "feature guest" in our second intermission will be new Clippers play-by-play caller Dan Marshall. I hope you tune in, and it you do, send an email to the pressbox to let us know how it sounds, to answer our trivia question, to see if we might get a "shout-out" on the air for you. Click here to email us in the PRESSBOX

BIG NEWS FROM THE PEAK REGARDING BULLDOGS HOCKEY

After broadcasting all 60 games last season without a colour analyst as my teammate, I have company again!

Of course Alf Thompson was my "partner in crime" for three years on the broadcast. (after he did the Jr. B. Bandits and the first year of Bulldogs before I arrived) Ace stepped down last year to focus his time and efforts into the Midget Rep program as their Head Coach.

Please join me in welcoming RICK SCHIEVINK as colour-analyst for all 30 Bulldog home games. I'm very excited for this after going it alone last year, and I hope the fans are excited too. For those that don't know Rick, he has been involved in hockey at many levels throughout his life. As a player he suited up locally here in the Valley, and even as a pro in Europe. As a coach, he is coming off of three years as Assistant Coach with the Alberni Valley Bulldogs, and further involvement with Team BC and the "Best Ever" Program.

Rick stepped down from his Bulldogs duties in August to focus his time with his new big responsibility- Head Instructor with the Alberni Valley edition of the Hockey Canada Skills Academy.

The best news is that Rick still has free time at NIGHT. Not too much free time now Rick!

Rick brings a great knowledge of the game of hockey and the BCHL, and he will be a true professional in the booth. Rick has an incredible work ethic that he put into everything he does that I have seen FIRST HAND over the last three years. I look forward to Rick bringing this to the broadcast booth!

Welcome Rick! It will be no easy process but in no time I'm sure Rick and I will be working together like a well-oiled machine!

THE CHAMP does an episode for Bob Phillips

This could be about the coolest thing EVER to end off the post today. You might have heard of THE CHAMP. AKA Bro Jake from Rock101 in Vancouver. If you haven't heard of THE CHAMP, where have you been?

I will give you some advice- The Champ is....well...THE CHAMP. The best boxer that has ever lived. He's a bit tempermental now that he has retired and he isn't in the ring much anymore. It seems each and every single week SOMEONE is stupid enough to say SOMETHING to the champ that has some naughty innuendo involved. About his wife, about him, WHATEVER. And the Champ always loses it, SNAPS, and OVERREACTS on said person. After some upper-cuts and some flurries....He's THE CHAMP and the show ends.

Well this show isn't about THE CHAMP losing it, it's about giving some nice words to someone who is in his corner- Bob Phillips.

(Pictured above with his wife Star, the absolute MOMENT that Andrew Ella scored the OT winner over the Nanaimo Clippers for the 18th WIN IN A ROW for the Dogs. It's quite possibly the best picture ever. Great job BIG DOG on getting that pic)

Speaking of BIG DOG and this special edition of THE CHAMP. It seems Big Dog might've been in the Champ's corner back in his hey-day, and he called in a special favour for his friend Bob Phillips.

And THE CHAMP delivered.

Bro Jake, you ARE the CHAMP.

Big Dog, you are the champ too.

Bob and Star, YOU are the REAL champs.

Ladies and gents, I give you THE CHAMP for Bob. A warning- It brought a tear to my eye, and it might do the same for you! Click the link below to listen!

THE CHAMP FOR BOB

I was hoping to be able to play it on the air today on my morning show, but I couldn't get permission in time. I hope I'm not pushing it by putting it on the blog!

For more on THE CHAMP, please visit his official website HERE

And of course Bro Jake (Jake Edwards) The 'Stro (Martin Strong) and The 'Co' (Corrie Miller) are on Rock101 HERE

Some of my favorite CHAMP episodes we used to run when I was the Morning Man at CJ1240am in The Pas, Manitoba, include:

The Old Log Inn, The BlackHawks AND last but not least- Brett Hedican. Enough of those though, as this is a FAMILY SHOW!

For Bob Phillips' ALS Blog and to learn more about this horrible disease, please click below:

FU-ALS Blog

ALS British Columbia

FU ALS (Friends United, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis)

That's about all I have for today. Hockey game #1 tonight, and #2 tomorrow. Off to work for me.

Thanks for checking the blog!

Hammer

Rick Schievink interview UP, My first "Weekly Preview" article is up+HUGE NEWS FROM THE PEAK+Bulldogs looking for a "Bernie"

Peak Control

Hello and thanks for checking out the blog.

First today, I give you the Rick Schievink interview from my show yesterday here on 93.3 The Peak Fm. Click the link below to hear Rick talk about the Alberni Valley-edition of the Hockey Canada Skills Academy. Rick is the head instructor. All audio courtesy and copyright 93.3 The Peak Fm.

Rick Schievink Interivew 09/05/07

Expect TWO (at the very least ONE) huge announcements for Bulldog fans coming from 93.3 The Peak FM sooner rather than later. I would tell you more, but they'll kill me!

Want a hint? I already gave you one- see above "for Bulldog fans" I will say no more except this- We are doing our best here at The Peak for the sports fans in our audience. We are the home of the Bulldogs. We are the home of the Canucks. More to come!

Head on over to the Bulldogs website http://www.albernivalleybulldogs.ca/ to read my first "Weekly Preview" of the year...What a load of work this was, as I looked back at the changes the team had made throughout the spring and summer months up to camp. It can only get easier next week!

If you notice any errors- Spelling of players names, stats, what-have-you, please don't hesitate to let me know. I am very meticulous in my preparation but I am not perfect. I would rather know than keep on getting it wrong!

If you have a problem with my opinion- Write your own column!

The Dogs are looking for a "Bernie the Bulldog" If this sounds up your alley get your resume to the Dogs office by this Saturday.

I think that's it. TICK TOCK season starts tomorrow!

Hammer

Hockey Canada Skills Academy Video, Rick Schievink interview 8:10 Wednesday Morning on 93.3 The Peak FM

As previously posted, Rick Schievink will be on my show tomorrow (Wednesday, September 5th) to talk about the Alberni Valley Hockey Academy. Rick was kind enough to share this video with me, a very comprehensive story done by CBC's "The National" on what the Hockey Canada Skills Academy program is all about. If you have the time, I suggest watching the video by clicking the > play button below. Also, be sure to tune into the interview.

Instant Karma, Sutter nails slew-footer, exhibition season over+back doing work for the Dogs

Hope you had a great long weekend! It was a busy one for me with my "live on location" duties as Salmon Fest surrounding a Dogs game Saturday night. The weather wasn't great, but the times were!

Lets get down to business. The "(anything but) Super Series" shifts to Canada after our boys won all four games in Russia in fairly dominating fashion. It will be nice to see the Winnipeg hockey fans perform tonight as they are second to none with their noise and enthusiasm. I still remember the last days of the Jets and the '99 World Juniors in The 'Peg. Too bad that the hockey they may see may be a little less than intense. Who knows, maybe the Russians need to get on the road to get together?

Brandon Sutter on Alexei Cherepanov. At one end of the ice, Cherepanov throws a slew-foot on Sutter. At the other end, Cherepanov cuts to the middle with his head down, and Sutter puts him out of the tournament. Ladies and Gents, boys and girls, I give you INSTANT KARMA, INSTANT PAYBACK



I laugh at the penalty that was called on Sutter. Big hits just equal penalties in this day and age. Look up slew-footing in the rule book and find out it's a major penalty. There's a simple reason for that- it's extremely dangerous. The victim most of the time doesn't see you coming, and you instantly throw them to the ice on the back of their brain.

For ANY of the ________ ___________'s (I couldn't think of ANYTHING non offensive there so I'll let you fill the blank yourselves) out there that say for ONE SINGLE SECOND that Sutter's hit wasn't clean (ok CHARGING I will maybe MAYBE give you that) I will please ask you to look at the following video.



Enjoy watching the tournament from the stands Cherepanov. Too bad your slew-foot led to you cutting to the middle with your head down which led to you getting king-kong-ed.

Rant off.
_____________________________________________

The Bulldogs prepare for the season opener Friday in Nanaimo after going 1-3 and 1 during exhibition. After going loss-tie-win the Dogs ended with two lopsided losses to Nanaimo and Victoria Saturday and Sunday. I don't have a problem with lopsided losses in exhibition (or the regular season even) as long as they are LEARNING experiences and not recurring experiences. I can't speak of the game Sunday in Victoria as I didn't head down there. What I can say about Saturday at home against Nanaimo is I hope the team learned to not get sucked in to the stupid stuff, and to keep their cool. Also, I hope they learned that the standard of play that is upheld at one moment won't be held up the next, but it might be held up later. Does that make sense? Expect nothing, be ready for what you perceive as bad calls and battle through it. Everyone goes through it. The team that does it best might very well end up higher in the standings than a team that doesn't, and further in the playoffs than a team that doesn't. It's a fact of life in the BCHL. It's a developmental league for the players as it is every one else associated with the league. I was standing with Clippers play-by-play voice Dan Marshall and I remember how dumbfounded I was with some of the things the Dogs got away with the last five minutes of the third. The Dogs sure paid for it in spades in the third with a couple of back to back 5 on 3's against. Bye bye hockey game, as the Clippers capitalized. It was an awful game for a fan to watch, and especially for a coach to watch, especially when coaches are using the games to evaluate talent. I don't know what if anything could be evaluated Saturday. Again, as I said off the top, I hope it was a learning experience.

I'm back doing the "Weekly Preview" and "Weekly Review" feature for the Bulldogs website this season, as I'm putting the finishing touches on the first edition coming out some time this week. A little hard to finish the write up and prep for my broadcasts this weekend as at the moment as I don't have the rosters for the Clippers or the Bulldogs or the Kings. Rest assured, I'm working on it.

For those that haven't read the feature before, it's pretty simple. I look forward at the Dogs "Games of the Week" and get some audio comments for your listening pleasure from a couple of players and a member of the coaching staff. Early the next week, I submit a recap of the games of the week. Then, I "lather, rinse, repeat" for every week of the season. It's just one of my duties throughout the season, but it takes alot of work. I won't let the blog go, but I will have to push the blog down a bit on the priority list.
____________________________________________

Last but not least- I am excited to have former Bulldogs Assistant Coach Rick Schievink in on my morning show tomorrow at 8:10am on 93.3 The Peak FM. The focus of the interview will be yet another BIG NEWS item in the local hockey scene, the emergence of Port Alberni's own Hockey Academy- of which Rick will be the lead instructor. This is great news and make sure to tune in tomorrow to hear more details. If you miss the interview, I will be posting it here on the blog along with running it during a Bulldogs broadcast coming up for those that missed out. Of course I will also get Rick's comments on the Bulldogs and the time he spent with the organization as Assistant Coach from 04-05 through 06-07.

That's it for today. Busy guy here, hi-ho hi-ho.
Hammer

Final- Dogs 6 Clippers 3

The Bulldogs won their first game of the exhibition season tonight, 6-3 over the Clippers at Frank Crane Arena. Sadly, I couldn't make it down to the game with commitments here in the Valley with Salmon Festival. Many thanks to Gary (AKA LRT) who caught the game after being in Nanaimo today on work, as he updated me throughout the game and passed along the final score.

Sounded like a great game for Sawyer Eichel and Marcello Ranallo.

Yes, it's just exhibition, but it's always nice to win.

Thoughts from anyone that was there? Please post below in the comments section!

Thanks for stopping by, see you at the 'Pound tomorrow!
Hammer

*Yawn* Canada goes 3 and 0, Dogs in Nanaimo, Salmon Fest weekend, more Bulldogs off to school

Team Canada beat Russia 6-2 today to lead the "Super Series" 3-0. Kyle Turris scored agian. That's 3 goals in 3 games. WOW.

Still a game to go in Russia, and Canada is up 3-0 before heading here for the next four games. I was having flashbacks today of the replays when Philly pounded the Red Army "they're goin home! they're goin home!" At this rate, the Russians might not even LEAVE home. Good job Canada.




The Dogs are back in action tonight with an exhibition tilt at the Frank Crane Arena at 7:30 against the Clippers. The Dogs are 0-1 and 1 so far in exhibition, the Clippers are 0 and 1 after dropping a 4-3 decision to the Powell River Kings Wednesday night also at the Frank Crane.

Tomorrow night these two bitter rivals go back at each other again, this time at the Dog Pound, a 7:00 start.

Ahhhhh.....Dogs vs Clippers. Where exhibition might as well be for the Stanley Cup-or the Royal Bank Cup, if you will. From my experience, I've found that most of the fans from both sides of this rivalry hate losing to the other team so much, they don't care if it's exhibition play or not. It's always neat to see the players absorb the rivalry and the feel of it. I remember what I was told about the rivalry when I came to Port Alberni, and I remember viewing it first hand for the first couple of times. Good stuff! Of course, all these Clipper games just give me the opportunity to "shoot the stuff" with my good friend "The Canpar Man" Bruce Sly so it's always a hoot!

It's Salmon Festival this weekend in Port Alberni so I won't be able to make the game tonight. I would appreciate any comments here on the blog from anyone who goes down tonight, so POST away! Salmon Festival is always a crazy busy time....I spend lots of time at the station on the air, and then equal amounts live on location with updates from Clutesi Haven Marina. It's hectic, but fun! I can taste the World Famous Kiwanis Club Salmon BBQ now!

Great story on the Bulldogs website today http://www.albernivalleybulldogs.ca/ regarding two more players moving on to school. Bradyn Melrose is heading down to The University Wisconsin-Superior to hit the books and hit the ice for the Yellow Jackets.

Stephen Pattison is heading to Brock University in Ontario- Scroll down to hear the entire interview with Stephen when he left Port Alberni a couple of weeks ago.

Congrats to both players and their families and support systems, and last but not least- the Bulldogs organization and Educational Advisor Tom McEvay- School and playing hockey, it's what Junior A Hockey is all about!

LASTLY- Does anyone have a suite for rent? A kitchen area, living area and sleeping area is all that is needed. Bulldogs trainer Leigh Fitzpatrick has asked me to try and help him find somewhere for the season- SO if you can help out with a place, or if you know someone else that has one, please call Leigh at the Dogs office at (250) 723 4412

I think that's it for today.

Enjoy the game at the 'Crane tonight if you are going. We'll see you at the 'Pound tomorrow!

Have a great long weekend!

Hammer

Canada 2 and 0 as Turris scores GWG, New 'Nucks Unis, A week and a day from Game #1

Canada is now 2 and 0 at the Super Series, and Kyle Turris has scored 2 goals in 2 games after scoring the game winner yesterday on a beauty give-and-go.

I would NEVER hope for Canada to lose, but I'm also hoping that this series won't be over before it even hits Canada. The 5 and 6am start times aren't helping, but it seems like not too many people care about this one. Imagine if they came back to Canada tied 2-2, or ended up going to game 8, in a winner take all game? OH, we would care alright.

Game 3 is tomorrow, 5am. Again, I am blessed with the fact that I'm up at 4:30am and on the air at 6am so I can again see some of the game. As diehard as I am, I will be honest- If I wasn't having to go to work, I wouldn't be getting up at 5 and 6 in the morning to watch these games.

Canadian Press

VANCOUVER (CP) - The Vancouver Canucks have had no success in winning a Stanley Cup in the 37 years since they entered the NHL, but the club may be hoping another new uniform will finally bring them the championship.
About 8,500 people, taking advantage of free tickets and enormous hype, trekked into GM Place on Wednesday to watch as five of the team's most popular players skated onto the ice wearing the new uniforms.
They will look strikingly familiar to fans.
The jerseys carry the most recent orca logo on the front and the original hockey stick emblem on the shoulders. But above the orca logo the word Vancouver is written across the jersey.

The sweaters are in the same blue, green and white colours the Canucks wore when they first joined the NHL

After finishing out of the playoffs since 2004, the Canucks advanced to the second round last season before losing to the Anaheim Ducks in five games.
The enthusiasm from the mostly under-30 crowd and the huge turnout of TV cameras and photographers almost made it look like the Canucks had won the Stanley Cup.
The new uniforms will go on sale next month for $139.95.
''It's really just to capture the dollars from the fans' pockets,'' says Nick Arcieri, a marketing analyst with All Sports Marketing in Toronto.
''In addition to ticket sales and beer sales and food sales, they need another stream of revenue, so merchandise is where it comes from.''
Many teams with great longstanding traditions would never change their uniforms, such as the New York Yankees and Montreal Canadiens.
In Toronto, said Arcieri, ''the fans don't want to see the (Maple Leafs) jerseys change. There have been some artists' renditions and all have been totally ripped apart by the fans. They like what's going on now.''
Every team in the NHL will be using new form-fitting, stretchier uniforms this season, and some of those teams took the opportunity to change other things.
''A lot of the teams are just using this (new form-fitting uniform) as an opportunity to update their logos and things since they're getting new jerseys anyway,'' says Arcieri.
Arcieri says the large crowd at GM Place is not surprising.
''It's considered the beginning of a new era so I guess a lot of fans want to be part of it. A hard-core hockey fan wants to be there.''
Star forward Markus Naslund modelled the new uniform along with Mattias Ohlund, Kevin Bieksa, Trevor Linden and Willie Mitchell.
Naslund was asked how important uniforms are for success.
''I think it's a big part of it,'' he said. ''You want to look good winning and I think this is a great step for us. We've got a new fresh outlook and hopefully that will be a positive thing.''
Bieksa said he liked having the word Vancouver across the jersey.
''It's strong and bold and the material is a lot more comfortable, too.
''When I first heard about the Vancouver across the jersey I was a little skeptical but after seeing it it looks good.''
He said he likes the new material.
''You notice the difference for sure. It's stretchy and it gives a little bit. It's a little lighter and a little more air gets through so I'll probably be just a little bit faster this year.''
Canucks fan Clarice Chow gave a thumbs up.
''I like the colours and I like how they kept the orca but I'm not sure about the Vancouver across (the jersey). Otherwise, it looks fine.
''Thank God it's not red and orange and black,'' she said, referring to the lamentable uniforms the Canucks wore through the 1980s that looked like something to be worn on Halloween.

Now before you bash the Canucks for not changing too much, check out the "new" Ottawa Senators sweaters

Ummm? Geez, at least the Canucks wrote "Vancouver" on the front. Nice effort Sens....

I actually don't mind the Canucks new sweaters, although I hoped that they would have really blown all of us out of the water yesterday with something totally "out of the box" Not so much.....When I dig it up, I will post it later today- A picture of a very cool Canucks memorabilia item from the Hockey Hall of Fame. It is a pennant with the blue/green/white colour scheme and a Johnny Canuck-like character. He would've been a cool idea for the new jersey, but I think the Vancouver Giants might have that area kind of locked down.

I'm not a hater of the "whale" like many people seem to be. It does say "BC" to me, before it says "Orca Bay"

Checking out sportsnet.ca today, I found what I was expecting when it came to fan feedback on the new jerseys. Canucks fans are hard to please, but are also very split in their opinions.

The sportsnet.ca poll question "What do you think about the Canucks' new Jerseys?"

37%- Hate them

34%-Indifferent

29%-Love them

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The Bulldogs have three more exhibition games, all in three days this weekend- Friday in Nanaimo, Saturday at the 'Pound at 7pm against Nanaimo, and Sunday at 1pm down at Bear Mountain Arena against the Grizzlies. After that, it's the REAL DEAL. A week tomorrow the 07-08 season officially kicks off as the Dogs open against the defending BCHL Champs, The Nanaimo Clippers. I'm not ready yet, but I will be!

Things are so busy around Port Alberni this weekend with Salmon Festival that I'm not sure how many of the final three exhibition games I will be able to watch. At the very least, I hope to see you all on Saturday night at the 'Pound.

Thanks for checking out the blog...As always, love to hear your comments or get your emails
bulldogs AT islandradio.bc.ca (replace AT with @....an anti-spam trick one of my hacker buddies has taught me)

Hammer

Dogs and Grizz play to 4-4 tie

Action again back at the 'Pound for 07-08!

A better picture of "ThankYou Fans" on the ice

New coaches, new staff, new players, lots of new faces on both benches

Score after 2 periods

It was a pleasure to get back into the 'Pound for a good ole' hockey game again tonight! Even better, it was one of the 5 or 6 times in 4 years that I have actually been able to WATCH a game as opposed to always being at WORK when I am at a game.

Here is what I managed to grab for a scoring summary. Yes, even when I'm not working, I'm still working!

First period scoring:

1-0 Victoria Brad Reid from Cam Reid and Shawn Stuart at 8:26

Second period scoring:
1-1 Isaac Smeltzer from Evan Michalchuk and Daniel Moriarty at 10:12, on the powerplay

2-1 Alberni Marcello Ranallo from Daniel Moriarty and Isaac Smeltzer at 17:08, on the powerplay

Third period scoring:

2-2- Karl Hagg from Sean Robertson at 3:52

3-2 Victoria-Brad Reid (2), unassisted, shorthanded 6:31

4-2 Victoria-Dustin Sobchal from Jordan Kwas, again shorthanded at 10:00

4-3 Victoria-Isaac Smeltzer (2) from Matt Thompson and Joey Perry 15:16 on the powerplay

4-4- Daniel Moriarty from Isaac Smeltzer at 17:06, shorthanded

There is no overtime in exhibition. Too bad, as the Bulldogs had a power play on the clock as 60 minutes expired.

Special teams were both awful and special at the same time for both teams. The Bulldogs were 3 for 11 on the power play, while the Grizzlies were 0 for 8. The Grizzlies also scored two shorthanded goals.

Final shots were 32-31 in favour of the Dogs.

Kevin Genoe started in goal for the Dogs and gave up 1 goal in 19 shots and 28:08 of work.

Jared Anderson came in and played the second half, giving up 3 goals on 12 shots

Matthew Wong started in goal for Victoria and gave up 1 goal on 16 shots in 31:40 of work.

Alex Kwong gave up 3 goals on 16 shots coming in for the second half.

That's all I've got....Again, it was nice to be back in the barn for an "almost real" game. Don't take my stats and summary as official by any means please!

Hammer

Caps beat Dogs 4-2 in rookie game (thanks capssuperfans.com)+ Exhibition home opener tonight! + Turris scores in Team Canada win

The Bulldogs kicked off their 07-08 Exhibition schedule last night in Duncan against the Cowichan Valley Capitals in an "all rookie game"


Big thanks goes out to Capital's SuperFans Lizz and Chris, as their website CapsSuperFans.com was the only place I could find the score and summary of last night's game when I went into the radio station this morning!


CapsSuperFans.com is a great BCHL website. Of course it is Capital-themed (in case the name didn't give it away) but they have some great information on there- newspaper articles, pictures, a message board, etc. I would suggest checking it out if you are itching for more BCHL info. I wouldn't suggest going there if you just want to cause trouble. They won't take any of that!

The Caps led 1-0, 2-1, and 4-1 last night, out shooting the Bulldogs 38-21. Bulldogs goal scorers were Andrew Hawkins and RJ Cetnarowski. Goal tending duties were split by Vincent Nelson and Kyle Sykes.

If you are interested in the full game summary, head on over to the CapsSuperFans.com site and sign up!

The Bulldogs return home tonight for their first Exhibition game at the 'Pound as they host the Victoria Grizzlies at 7pm. The Grizzlies have been through plenty of changes so far this off season. Then those changes changed....If you haven't been following that story down there, here's a brief summary. After the Grizzlies season ended with a second round loss last year to the Cowichan Valley Capitals, changes were made in the coaching staff as the team parted ways with Rylan Ferster and co. In came former Burnaby Express coach Rick Lanz as the new head coach. Before Lanz would even coach a game he was gone, accepting a scouting position with the Colorado Avalanche just last week. The timing was obviously awful for the Grizzlies, losing their new head coach a week before training camp. They have filled the coaching vacancy internally, as GM Jackson Penny will take over the coaching duties. Penny has coaching experience at the pro level in Europe. It will be interesting to see how the Grizzlies might change (or stay the same) under the guidance of Penny.

The puck drop tonight is 7:00pm at the Pound, I hope to see you there!

photo: hockeycanada.ca

Canada opened the Super Series '07 yesterday with a come from behind 4-2 victory over the Russians. Canada actually scored 4 unanswered goals after falling behind 2-0 early in the first period. One of those goals was scored by former Burnaby Express star Kyle Turris, on a penalty shot. Canada next sees action tomorrow, again at 6am for those of us in BC. Good thing I'm at the station and on the air at 6 anyway!

I will have a quick report on tonight's game posted later this evening or early tomorrow!

Regards,
Hammer

Summit Series Redux- take a little credit BCHL!+ exhibition season begins

photo: hockeycanada.ca

Well, it's one way to make a Monday morning a little less rough-throw an international hockey game on the sked! The "Super Series 07" kicked off this morning in Ufa Russia. Hmm, they have cheerleaders at hockey games in Russia. Who knew? Anyway, being that I'm stuck here at the radio station in the middle of doing a show I have to do my best to keep up to date on this game by relying on the scoreboard updates and when it works- TSN.ca broadband. I finally got that up and running in the second period. As I type this, it's 4-2 Canada late in the second period. I look forward to watching a game or two or more in this series. Should be interesting.

photo: sportsnet.ca

This is where the "take a little credit BCHL" part comes in. Canada's Captain for this tournament- none other than Vancouver Giant Milan Lucic. Yes, the same one that was named the MVP of the Memorial Cup. The same Milan Lucic that suited up in the BCHL with the Coquitlam Express in 2003-2004. Yes yes yes I know that he is playing in the WHL now and was playing in the Dub when he was named the Memorial Cup MVP. HOWEVER the BCHL is a developmental league and they should be taking some of the credit that a player that once played in their league is now wearing the "C" for our country, that a player that once played in their league was the Memorial Cup's Most Valuable Player.

I just caught a couple of seconds of game 1 on the TSN broadband feed. Unfortunately, the few seconds I caught involved Kyle Turris ending up teeth first into the top of the boards as he went overtop of the Russian player he was trying to hit as the Russian ended up falling down as the hit was coming.

Again, having a former BCHL'er (a recent one at that) in Turris playing for our country at the highest level is something that the league should be patting themselves on the back about.

As I haven't been able to watch much of the game today, I would appreciate any comments on how Turris looked out there from someone who got to watch most of it today. That might end up being a blog reader from out of province, as 6am on a Monday is a die-hard time to get up to watch a hockey game!

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It's time to play for REAL! Well.......sort of. Not for keeps, but at least for real. Does that make sense? Exhibition season kicks off tonight for the Dogs as they travel down to Duncan and the BIG STICK to face the Cowichan Valley Capitals, a 6pm start time. Sadly, I can't make it to this one as I will be over in Vancouver and back later today attending to some things. So, if anyone heads down there or if any Capitals fans are reading this, don't be shy to say a couple of words on the game and the players that stood out in the COMMENTS section below.

The Dogs travel home Tuesday for their first exhibition tilt on home ice, a 7pm start time as they host the Victoria Grizzlies.

That's it for today. Over to Vancouver and back for me so it's a busy day. Have a good one!

Hammer

Training Camp underway

Notice the nice touch in the picture above- "Thank You Fans" painted on the ice on either side of the rink. Whoever came up with that idea- well done! Please accept my apologies for the quality of the picture...I was testing out the camera on my new smartphone. Not bad, but the quality is nowhere near what I get with my regular camera.

It's been a hectic weekend down at the 'Pound as the new Bulldogs coaching staff has been busy putting the prospective players through a very hard working training camp. It was tough to find a place to hide for any players that were out of shape or hadn't skated enough this summer, as Friday's practice sessions had plenty of 1 vs 1 and 3 vs 3 skating drills. I think this shows the smarts of the coaching staff. They don't know much about their players, and they don't have much time to learn much about them. To me, it looks like they have designed their practices to give them the best opportunities to see what the kids can do.

I was smiling when I noticed Bulldogs assistant coach Bryant Perrier keeping a close eye on who touched the lines and who didn't when the players were skating. Again, a very smart and simple way to keep the players honest from the very beginning. "No shortcuts" might be the message being sent there.

One thing was very obvious to me- If you were one of the players who didn't go all the way to the line and Bryant raised his stick and let you know you didn't touch- you WERE NOT going to be short of that line ever again.

Camp ends tonight with the final scrimmage. Then it's off to the exhibition season that starts in earnest with the Dogs in Duncan to face the Caps tomorrow at 6pm, and then back to the 'Pound for the first home exhibition game Tuesday night at 7:00pm when the new-look Victoria Grizzlies will be in town. Friday night the Dogs travel to Nanaimo for a 7:30 start at the Frank Crane, before the back half of the home-and-home wraps up Saturday night at the Pound at 7:00pm. The Dogs exhibition season ends next Sunday when the Dogs head down to the Bear Mountain Arena for a 1pm start time there against the Grizzlies.

Thanks for stopping by, and as always, feel free to post comments/questions/complaints/suggestions or email me HERE

Hammer