The Canucks look to take a 2-0 lead over the Blues tonight with the puck dropping on game two at GM place just after 7pm. As always, catch all the action on 93.3 The Peak FM with our pregame show at 6:30.
OK, PROFANE/OBSCENE LANGUAGE WARNING ON THE FOLLOWING CLIP. NOT FOR THE KIDS PLEASE, OR THOSE EASILY OFFENDED BY PROFANE LANGUAGE.
Roger Millions of Sportsnet made a little boo-boo recently, uttering a word at the end of taping a stand-up in front of the United Center in Chicago. It's the golden rule of broadcasting, that I learned the HARD way - a long long time ago - that you never say anything that could get you in trouble around a microphone or in front of a camera. You never know when your producer is going to drop the ball or you are going to make a mistake and play the wrong thing or just leave a mic on or something...So the golden rule is just NEVER say anything bad. Roger said something bad. I find it extremely funny, but I also feel for Roger and for whoever is responsible for messing up and letting it get on the air....
Ok, on a much lighter note now - one of my all-time favorites....
Just a 5 second detour here, because he doesn't deserve any more of my typing time than that....Does ANYONE who reads this blog actually LIKE Pierre McGuire doing analysis during the game? I'm not bashing you if that's the case, to each their own, I always say. I'm just curious, that's all. I feel so sorry for Chris Cuthbert, as he is one of the premiere play-by-play guys in the business. They put him with Pierre, and for more than 50% of the actual game, there isn't any PLAY BY PLAY, because Pierre NEVER SHUTS UP. I think I should watch a full game with a stop watch and see how much actual play-by-play announcing happens, compared to Pierre going on and on and on and on and on and on and on and on and on and on.....Really, I don't have anger issues....I'm actually pretty level headed. But I need to remove all items that ARE NOT bolted down to the floor from my reach if I ever try to stomach watching a game that he's working, because if I didn't, I'd throw them through the TV.
Finally - A suggestion to thank those that REALLY make your business go, but maybe don't get a lot of credit - This is a super cool idea. It's The Peak's Administrative Professionals Appreciation Luncheon out at the Alberni Golf Club.
The event goes down next Wednesday, April 22nd with the doors opening at 11:30am.
There will be door prizes, live music by Lance Lapointe, and radio personalities. (No idea who that is)
And there will be an outstanding lunch served to get everyone back to work on a full stomach!
If you haven't eaten at the Eagle's Nest Restaurant, you haven't lived! OK - I might be sucking up a tiny-little bit because I want the special fries....but the food is always excellent out there and the service is just as good!
Tickets are just $25.00, available at the Alberni Golf Club and 93.3 The Peak on 3rd Avenue.
It's a perfect way to say THANKS to your valuable support staff by sending them out for lunch!
For more details call THE PEAK at 250-723-2455 or the Alberni Golf Club at 250-723-5422.
Well I didn't see more than a couple minutes of it, but I certainly heard most of it as the Canucks took game 1 last night 2-1 over the St. Louis Blues.
So far, so good. Game 2 goes tomorrow at GM place.
Am I the only one that misses WHERE THE STREETS HAVE NO NAME?
Some great games to watch tonight as the other series kick off with Montreal at Boston on CBC, and then the second half of the double-header sees the Ducks at the Sharks.
On TSN, it's Columbus at Detroit, then Calgary at Chicago.
I'm not sure exactly how TSN is airing both games, as they start 90 minutes apart...but there ya go! Maybe TSN 2?
I'm off to the Alberni Golf Club with my dad. Let the battle of the Hammond's begin!
FINALLY, the second season is here, as the 2009 Stanley Cup Playoffs open up tonight!
Four series open this evening with the Rangers at the Capitals, Carolina at New Jersey, Philly at Pittsburgh and last but not least - the St Louis Blues visit the Vancouver Canucks Of course 93.3 The Peak will be bringing you the play-by-play of all Canuck playoff games
As for my thoughts on the series..... First off, don't expect it to be easy because no series will be easy, there is just too much parity in the NHL. Especially don't expect it to be easy as St. Louis has been extremely hot down the stretch and almost as hot since the All-Star break. And playoffs start from the goalie out. Well Chris Mason is a goalie that can be very hard to beat.
I actually wish that the 'Nucks were playing anyone BUT the Blues.
It isn't that I fear the match up, it's that I am a big fan of what's going on in St. Louis. I have always been a fan of John Davidson, and it's nice to see how quick he turned them around and got them back into the post season. It's also nice to see the fan support they have had there, with a loud and sold out building down the stretch. Canuck fans that haven't paid any attention will certainly see what I mean when the action shifts to St. Lou. The barn has been packed to the tune of 19,500 people I think, and it has been crazy loud.
I like seeing teams have success when their cities are 100% behind them, as opposed to teams winning when their own buildings aren't even sold out and their cities couldn't even care about the NHL or hockey in general.
They care BIG TIME about the Blues and the NHL in St. Louis again.
Anyway.
CANUCKS in SIX.
The rest of my predictions -
Capitals in SIX.
Carolina in SEVEN.
Pittsburgh in FIVE.
Blackhawks in SIX.
Bruins in SEVEN. I had Habs in seven, but chickened out.
Blue Jackets in SEVEN.
Sharks in FIVE.
Wow, what a Game 7 last night as the Vancouver Giants and Spokane Chiefs took a 0-0 tie into overtime. Coming off double OT in Game 6, and quadruple OT in game 5, I had a feeling that last night's OT would be a short one....That proved to be the case as Nick Ross gave Vancouver the win early in sudden death.
Some sweet pics, off the facebook of my good friend Eddie Gregory. Eddie of course is the play-by-play voice of the Burnaby Express. Check out his blog - the link is on the right - or click this link - Burnaby Expressions
The celebration after the winner....Man you had a great seat for that Eddie.
A great crowd at the Pacific Coliseum
The Giants play the Kelowna Rockets for the Western Conference Championship. No word yet whether SHAW will be carrying that series, or the Calgary Hitmen vs. Brandon WheatKings series for the Eastern Championship. I gotta cheer for the home-province team - GO WHEATIES.
On this side of things, go G-Men!
UPDATE - Gregg Drinnan reports on his blog TAKING NOTE, that SHAW will be staying out West, covering the Kelowna vs. Vancouver series.
GOLF TALK.... A great 9 holes for me yesterday at the Alberni Golf Club. A further tinkering of my swing and equipment has continued to help me. Yesterday was the consistently inconsistent round. I'd hit it huge up the middle, or throw a nice approach shot in there. Then I'd snap hook on in the woods or flub it. So it was a day of several pars (awesome!) and several triples. But all in all a fun day and the course is continuing to get in better and better shape everyday.
Special thanks to CPGA Professional Bruce MacDonald for allowing me to hit some demo clubs to continue to find the one that's right for me.
And a big thanks to assistant CPGA Pro Brian Rands for his help on the weekend getting me some new spikes. It was pretty funny actually, I walked in and tried to buy some spikes, and he said "let me see your shoes" and then he quickly wished that he hadn't asked. The spikes were all worn so bad he could barely get them out and get the new ones in. Long story short, he ended up giving me one of his old pairs of shoes, as he said "They keep giving me pairs, I must have about 15 lying around" THANKS BRIAN! As they say, your swing has to start with a good foundation, or something like that!
My dad is visiting from Manitoba, starting today. Needless to say, he'll be a huge regular out at the course for the next while!
This is cool stuff, and it makes me proud to work for my employers!
Pattison Radio Joins Superhero Network
BC Children’s Hospital Foundation announced today that it has formed a partnership with: The Jim Pattison Broadcast Group. Under the partnership, which will be launched publicly on April 13, 2009, Pattison Broadcast Group stations will support the foundation in its efforts to promote the $200-million Campaign for BC Children around the province. The campaign is urging British Columbians to “Be A Superhero” by supporting the construction of a new BC Children’s Hospital and Child Health BC, a hospital initiative that is improving access to pediatric care for BC children, regardless of their location in BC.
“Many of us know someone who has been treated at BC Children’s Hospital, whether they live in Prince George, Kamloops, Vancouver or Nanaimo,” said Jim Pattison Broadcast Group President Rick Arnish. “This partnership is an important opportunity for the Pattison Broadcast Group to help shape the future of health care for BC’s kids.”
As campaign media partner, Broadcast Group stations will run a series of public service announcements featuring campaign information, as well as featuring children from around the province who have received care at the hospital. “We hope to inspire the listeners of the Pattison stations to participate in the campaign,” said Sue Carruthers, President and CEO of BC Children’s Hospital Foundation. “We need Superheroes to emerge from every corner of the province.”
With 20 stations across BC, the Jim Pattison Broadcast Group gives the hospital access to a host of listeners. More than 67 per cent of the 75,000 children who come to BC Children’s Hospital each year live outside the City of Vancouver. The Pattison stations have enormous potential to provide coordinated radio coverage to reach more of the communities served by the hospital.
BC Children’s Hospital Foundation also has a partnership with Global BC TV, which has been providing news coverage and airing campaign public service announcements since the campaign was launched in April 2008. To date, British Columbians have contributed $80 million toward the campaign goal.
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This is just plain awesome...The talent and creativity of some people blows my mind!
Thanks to Dan the Stats Man for sending me this beauty!
I don't know about the rest of you, but I just plain love playoff hockey. NHL BCHLWHL Junior B C D E F G....When the stakes are raised and the players play with the passion and emotion that come hand in hand with the playoffs, I just love the game. I'd go watch an Mites playoff game and love it.
When you can have it delivered to your living room, even better.
When it's a Game 7, it's just that much more intense.
Tonight the Vancouver Giants and Spokane Chiefs play a seventh and deciding game in their second round playoff series, and you can catch the game on your local SHAW channel - that's channel 4 in Port Alberni.
I love how SHAW gets on board with the WHL playoffs. It's just another playoff hockey game to watch on most nights, which is cool. I really wish SHAW would take a look at covering the BCHL this way, or maybe just the Doyle Cup series? I know the scope of the BCHL pales in comparison to the WHL but there would still be considerable interest and a market for it in my humble opinion.
It should be a good one tonight from Pacific Coliseum - game time is 7pm.
Last but certainly not least, the Stanley Cup Playoffs kick off tomorrow...More on that later today!
And hey - Anyone up for a little golf today out at the Alberni Golf Club? Give me a call/text/email/blog comment etc if you are in!
I was hoping for the Coast to do well, but at the same time I wanted the series over in six games after the GrandPrarie Storm won the AJHL Championship in just four games. They've had more than enough rest. I'm glad the Vipers will now get some recovery time before opening the Doyle Cup Series Friday in Vernon.
First things first, in less than an hour the Canucks will play the final game of their regular season as they try to sew up the Northwest Division title with a win over the Avalanche.
The pregame starts at 11:30, with the puck drop and all the play-by-play at just after high noon.
As always, catch it all on THE PEAK, part of the Canucks Radio Network.
I was down at Bulldogs prospects camp for a bit last night and this morning. There is a great mix of young talent and some older talent, and some returning Bulldogs mixed in too. Last night was full on game action, while this morning the goalies were getting a pretty intense work out in a specialized goalie session.
It's a little weird to me to be at the rink this time of year, when it's not for a playoff game. I kind of like to saunter in, and check out things for 20 minutes or so, then get back out into the sunshine and golf or do out side stuff.....Having said all that, if there is one time you should get down to the rink to check out the prospective future Bulldogs that would have to be tomorrow's ALL-STAR game, which goes at 11:15am at the Multiplex. All the best players from the weekend will be playing. The price is right, as admission is free, as it is for the entire camp if you wish to get out and watch.
Last but not least - GOLF. Not the best of forecasts this weekend for Port Alberni sadly, which means I might not be getting out today or tomorrow to swing the sticks. After how I played on Friday, when I got out to the Alberni Golf Club, maybe that's not too bad of a thing?
Yes, GOOD Friday was anything but for me out on the course. The company was at least good though! Thanks to Chris Colclough for the invitation, and thanks to Dave and Larry to for the good games. Now if my game would have actually have been good. Oh well, it was a nice day!
Special thanks as always to those at the Alberni Golf Club, especially Brian and Bruce in the Pro Shop for continuing to work on my game and my equipment. I haven't improved vastly, but I'm sure I can take on my dad Cal when he comes out here next week to visit. HA.
Ah yes, The Masters....What a tourney. At least if the weather is poor, there's hockey at the rink and Masters Coverage on TV.
Go Tiger!
And I love the Kenny Perry story too. It's a great thing about golf, how a 48 year old guy can still be out there tearing it up against the 20 year olds and the everyone in between.
Please accept my apologies for not posting yesterday. It was a crazy busy day for me. I finished work, and had a good walk home. I then headed to Alberni Chrysler and spent the next couple of hours finalizing a deal on a vehicle. More on that later.
I then flew out to the Alberni Golf Club at Cherry Creek Road where I played 18 holes. My best 18 of the season by the way, I shot an 89 with only 2 pars all day and no birdies. CONSISTENT. After that, it was off to Softball practice. Finally an after-practice beverage and some supper. And a good nights sleep!
The Alberni Valley Bulldogs prospect camp opens tomorrow - with a twist. Not only will prospective Bulldogs be attending, but half of the returning Bulldogs will be there as well. The other half will attend the upcoming prospect camp in Osoyoos.
For more information on the camp, including a camp schedule - CLICK THIS LINK
MAYDAY MAYDAY MAYDAY
Brad May has just seemed like one of the good-ole hard working honest guys to me. It's nice to see him hit 1000 games. It's especially nice to read a story like this one, where we find out he couldn't even play DOUBLE A hockey. You just never know kids.
Now - LAST, but certainly not least. Maybe LEST, as in LEST WE FORGET.
VIMY. Adults, you know about it. I hope. Kids - If you don't please read more HERE
Or read THIS:
On This Day - April 9th, 1917: Vimy France - Arthur William Currie 1875-1933 leads all four divisions of the Canadian Corps. fighting as a unit for the first time, with one British brigade under Lt.-Gen. Julian Byng, to Easter Monday victory at Vimy Ridge. Using 1,000 guns and a masterful artillery barrage technique developed by Currie and his gunners, they take the German stronghold where the French and British had earlier failed; 4,000 Canadians killed, 6,000 wounded. From that day onward, Germany is on the defensive.
Away from the hockey stuff for a second... Ah, the Tragically Hip...Canada's BEST BAND in my humble opinion.
THE PEAK has scooped some tickets to the special SECOND SHOW added at the Save on Foods Memorial Centre in Victoria June 19th. Tickets go on sale Thursday, April 9th.
WE have two pairs of tickets ALREADY that we will be giving away TOMORROW.
It's simple, any time you hear us play THE HIP, get on the phone in a hurry and call 250-723-0933 and we'll enter you in the draw that Jolie will do on the afternoon drive show tomorrow!
What a HUGE game tonight as the Nucks host the Flames. A Flames regulation win, and they clinch the Northwest Division Title. Get it all on THE PEAK with the pre game show at 6:30 and the puck drop and play-by-play shortly after 7:00pm.
Hello and HAPPY MONDAY. Another successful weekend for Alberni Wrestling, this time at the National Championships. Congrats to all the athletes, coaches, and everyone involved with Alberni Wrestling! here
Alberni Wrestlers Top The National Stage Again
Port Alberni, Alberni District Secondary and the Alberni Valley Wrestling Club were well represented by six athletes who competed at the National Cadet/Juvenile Wrestling Championships in Fredericton New Brunswick over the weekend. The highly respected Alberni Wrestling program had three medalists and four athletes place in the top six to once again make its presence felt on the national scene.
The Alberni contingent was led by the young guns this year.Grade 10 wrestler Isaiah Taylor was simply outstanding winning the gold medal and a National title in the Cadet (15 & 16 year olds) Boys Division at 76 kilograms. Taylor looked sharp all weekend long. In the semi final he had a very tough opponent from Abbotsford to get by and after a great battle Taylor pinned him to reach the final. He dominated his Ontario opponent in the final beating him by technical superiority in two straight rounds.
When asked about Taylor’s win Alberni Coach James Messenger had this to say, “It was obviously great to see Isaiah win the title of National Champion. He is incredibly strong especially when you consider he is only in Grade 10. He has really matured as a competitor this season. His mat awareness and match strategy has really developed. He has obviously benefited from wrestling with the likes of Travis Cross, Ivan Diaconu and Michael Cappus on a regular basis. I am excited about the fact that Isaiah still has two years of high school wrestling left.”
Narrowly missing a gold medal herself grade 9 wrestler Daley Forbes won the silver medal in the 70 kilogram Cadet Girls Division. Forbes had a very strong tournament and showed a lot of determination just to wrestle let alone win the silver medal. Forbes sustained a serious foot injury at the Provincial Championships last month and as her condition failed to get better Forbes was forced to stop training. For the past two weeks she had to walk around on crutches to keep weight off her foot. With her doctor’s and physiotherapist’s clearance Forbes decided to push through the pain and compete. Her only loss all weekend came in a close three round battle with the provincial champion from Saskatchewan.
“We are really impressed with how Daley competed this weekend. To win the silver medal as a Grade 9 especially when having to push through the pain in her foot, is a great accomplishment. I respect the grit and focus she showed.” commented Coach Messenger.
Alberni’s third medal performance came from the team’s grade twelve standout Michael Cappus. Cappus claimed a bronze medal in the Juvenile (17 & 18 year old) Boys 69 kilogram division. Competing in one of the toughest weight classes of the tournament Cappus’ only loss was a hard fought 2-2, 2-2 decision in the semi finals to a returning National medalist from Ontario. Cappus turned heads with the way he came back on the consolation side especially in the Bronze final where he threw and pinned his opponent.
“Michael was disappointed he was not in the final. However, he did not let that affect his focus. He came back and demonstrated his dynamic scoring ability by making great leg attacks and throws in his two final matches. As a Grade Twelve, he is one of the top recruits in the country right now. I know Simon Fraser University is very excited about the commitment he has made to join their team next year,” said Messenger.
Rounding out their top six finishers was Grade 11 wrestler Savannah Toth. Savannah placed fifth in the 65 kilogram Juvenile Girls division. Toth lost two tough 3 round matches which unfortunately knocked her out of medal contention. “Savannah showed mental toughness not to let the disappointment of her losses get the better of her” said Messenger, “ I am really pleased that she battled through and am confident that this experience is going to help her next season. She is only a first year Juvenile so she gets another crack at a medal.”
Wrestlers Cullen Hines and Kyle Plaunt unfortunately did not manage to finish in the top 6 but both wrestlers recorded wins in their competitive weight classes. For Grade 9 student Hines, the National Championships is an important stop along his path to develop into one of BC’s top High School wrestlers. “Cullen is tremendously strong and has worked hard to develop the physical side of his wrestling. Competing at the Nationals will help him continue to develop the strategy and mental focus needed to be a top high school wrestler next year,” commented Coach Messenger.
For grade twelve wrestler Plaunt the tournament marked the end of his high school wrestling career. “Kyle wrestled well but at the national level he is small for the 58 kg weight class. Cutting to the lower weight just wasn’t an option,” commented Messenger. “Right now Kyle is considering his options for next year. We are excited about the fact that he is considering wrestling for North Island College and continuing his education and his wrestling.”
On receiving the news of the latest achievements for Alberni Wrestlers at the National level program Director Tom McEvay had this to say, “We are proud of all of our athletes and our coaches. We are very fortunate to have an amazing group of young people in this community who given the right opportunity will excel in many different areas. We are also blessed with incredible volunteers who give so much of themselves to help these young people follow their dreams. Our wrestling program is but one example of this process that occurs over and over again in Port Alberni.”
McEvay’s words have had great examples from Alberni wrestlers this year. The accomplishments of Olympian Travis Cross are well documented and most people are aware of alumni Ashlea McManus’s achievements on the National and International stage. Recently alumni Isaac Wing won the Canadian Intercollegiate title for Simon Fraser University.
The accolades continue for Alberni wrestlers and alumni. This past year local wrestlers once again excelled at the High School Provincials, the BC Summer Games and the North American Indigenous Games. Alberni coaches have been named to coach BC and National teams and alumni are coaching in many parts of BC. Alumni Patrick McEvay is now one of the top young wrestling officials in the country and drawmaster Richelle McKenzie was recently upgraded to one of the highest rankings in Canada. The list goes on for what is widely considered one of the best developmental wrestling programs in Canada if not the world.
The National Championships marks the official end of the high school and club wrestling season. The wrestlers will enjoy some down time before they gear up for their summer fundraising and camp activities. The wrestlers who travelled to the National Championships would like to thank all the coaches and sponsors who helped them get there. Special mention to School District 70 who supported coach James Messenger as one of TeamBC’s National Team coaches.
All Alberni Valley wrestlers will be gathering at their Annual Wrestling Awards Night April 29th at Echo Center at 7 pm. The night will provide the club and their associated school programs with an opportunity to recognize its athletes, coaches, and volunteers for their achievements over the past year. The night is open to anyone who wants to support a very proud program that is a shining examples of their motto … “Let the Tradition Continue.”
Thanks to Les Toth for the pictures!
The Vernon Vipers lead the Fred Page Cup Series 2 games to 0 after back to back shut out victories by scores of 4-0 and 3-0 Friday and Saturday in Powell River. Are the Vipers that good, are the Kings that average, are the Kings worn out? Just bad "puck luck"? Should be interesting to see what happens in the pivotal game 3. Not a nice position for the Kings to be in, down 0-2 heading to Vernon.
It seems lately that there's a new blog joining the hockey world on almost a daily basis. The newest addition to the blogging community is a blog started by the Okanagan Hockey Academy. Check it out by clicking THIS LINK
Welcome to the blogosphere guys and gals!
The Northwest Division leading (that sounds almost weird, doesn't it?) Vancouver Canucks are in action tonight, hosting the Anaheim Ducks at The 'Garage at 7pm.
Catch it all on THE PEAK, part of the Canucks Radio Network, with the pregame show getting underway at 6:30 with the puck dropping shortly after 7:00.
A new feature added to their homepage is the "Stretch Drive" an easy way to keep track of who's in and who's out and the road ahead and the road already travelled. Check it out HERE
The Alberni Valley Minor Hockey Association Year-End Banquet goes this Saturday at the Glenwood Center. The doors open at 4:00pm, with dinner served at 4:30 and the awards kicking off at 5:00pm. The HUGE Car Raffle goes at 7:00pm.
The event is open to the public, with a $5.00 charge at the door.
There will be free draws for minor hockey players, a 50/50 draw, a U17 presentation and even a Minor Hockey Slide Show prepared by Anna Jack.
Awards will be handed out to divisions, as well as to the coaches and volunteers of the year. The final cap on the evening will be the recognition of the players graduating out of the AVMHA program.
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A big thanks to Tony Timberlake for this update on former Bulldog Tyler Scofield...
Hi Hammer...
Thought you might want to mention something about ex-Dog Tyler Scofield on your blog.....he plays for Bemidji State in the College Hockey America Conference....
Well Bemidji State has made it to the Frozen Four by pulling off two huge upsets at the NCAA Finals this past weekend.
They beat Notre Dame 5-1 and then Cornell 4-1 to advance to the Frozen Four....Leading the way was Tyler Scofield...he had 2 goals and 1 assist against both Notre Dame and Cornell....total of 4 goals and 2 assists....
Also he was the second leading scorer on the team for the season....34 games.....22 goals....16 assists.....He ripped it up this year (Senior)...
You may know this site already but if not it is a great site for College scores and stats for all the games....also under the drop down menus there is a ton of other info and stats...check it out...its quick and fast....
A final update on a great season for Maury Edwards...He was named to the Hockey East All Star First team, as well as the Hockey East Championship All-Tournament team. Last but not least - he finished the season as the top scoring D-Man in all of Hockey East. Way to go Eddie!
And thanks Jack for the update! I love hearing how the former Dogs are doing!
I pulled a prank here earlier today. Some got it, some didn't, I hope it was fun for everyone!
NO FOOLIN' - The 2009 RBC Cup hosts will be on the sidelines throughout the Fred Page Cup Final and the Doyle Cup, after the Powell River Kings beat the Grizzlies 4-1 last night in Game 7 at Bear Mountain Arena. Congrats to the Kings, and good luck against the Vipers. Go Coastal!!
The Canucks look to take a 2-0 lead over the Blues tonight with the puck dropping on game two at GM place just after 7pm. As always, catch all the action on 93.3 The Peak FM with our pregame show at 6:30.
This is a super cool idea. It's The Peak's Administrative Professionals Appreciation Luncheon out at the Alberni Golf Club.
