Sorry I haven't posted lately. Just not a lot of news coming down the pipe, and too many other things to keep me entertained.
What a big game tonight.....Or is it? One would think that if the Habs hope to advance to the Stanley Cup Finals, that they HAVE to win tonight so they don't fall down 3 games to 0.
BUT, lets not forget they were down 3-1 in round 1, and 3-1 in round 2, and they came back to win the series. Yes, I understand 3-0 and 3-1 are a little different.
Should be a fun one to watch tonight, and I'm sure the Bell Centre will be the loudest building in the world tonight.
I was saddened to hear that the Williams Lake Timberwolves will be suspended for next season. Tough luck for the fans there in Williams Lake, and for their nearest rivals in Prince George and Quesnel.
Being here on the Island, it sure was nice to head up North and get three games done in three days in a nice tidy little trip. Here's hoping they can get things figured out.
The Bulldogs are losing a good one, and a very important part of the organization, as Jess Moser is going back to school to pursue nursing....I always think of this picture when I think of Jess. Always working while the rest of the guys relaxing. The trainers job is a tough one, and Jess did it very well. She will be sorely missed, and she leaves big shoes to fill....even with her tiny feet, haha!
Good luck Jess, I will miss you around the rink and on the road!
Bulldogs Athletic Therapist going Back to School
Jessie Moser leaving Alberni Valley Bulldogs to pursue Nursing degree
PRESS RELEASE
May 14, 2010
The Alberni Valley Bulldogs announced today that Athletic Therapist Jessie Moser is leaving the organization to pursue a degree in Nursing at the University of British Columbia.
“She put in long hours in a thankless job but we truly appreciate everything she did for the team,” said Paul Esdale, Head Coach and General Manager of the Bulldogs. “I’m excited for her to go back to school and pursue this dream of hers.”
Jessie Moser worked as an Athletic Therapist for the Bulldogs organization for three seasons.
“I loved being in Alberni,” said Moser. “I was immediately accepted in to the community by being a part of the Bulldogs organization. The team’s been on a roller coaster since I started so it was great to see them have such a successful season. I hope they can continue that success next year.“
With two more years of University, Moser will become a full Registered Nurse. “I knew I didn’t want to be an Athletic Therapist forever, but I’m glad I tried it out for a while. The long hours didn’t leave much free time for myself. As a nurse I’ll be able to do my job and have a life at the same time, which I’m really looking forward to.”
For additional information:
Paul Esdale
General Manager and Head Coach
Alberni Valley Bulldogs
Should be quite the contest in Boston as the Bruins host the Flyers in Game 7 for the right to go on to face the Habs in the Eastern Conference Final. How can you predict the outcome of this see-saw series? The Bruins go up 3-0 after winning the first three games. The Flyers win the next three to knot it all up. If the Flyers complete the comeback, they will be just the third in NHL history to dig out of a 3-0 hole. And the first since the 1975 Islanders.
Just plain WOW. Who would have thought it? ME, of course. Besides that, I'm not sure who! I picked the Habs in 6 this round. So what, I was off by a round. I don't think anyone gave the Habs more than 1 game in this series. Or the last one either. Goaltending. Incredible fan support. Players with heart and experience. It's something to watch isn't it?
GO HABS GO.
The Brandon Wheat Kings will be wearing these sweet commemorative jerseys in the Memorial Cup (they are the host team) which opens tomorrow.
Don Cherry and Ron McLean showed them off last night on Coaches Corner. The jerseys will be auctioned off with proceeds going to the Dominion Command Poppy Trust Fund, which supports veterans and their families.
Here's the Alberni Golf Club Men's Club Update, thanks to Gerry.....
Lyman Jardin, who joined the Men’s Club for the first time this year was the low gross winner on Sunday shooting 76, taking home 3 balls. Second low gross was Preban Rasmussen coming in with 77 winning 2 balls. On the net side of the ball sweep, Jacques Giovetti carded 66 to win 3 balls. Chris Colclough Shot 69 to win 2 balls, and Steven Forrest took home 1 ball with his net 70.
$23 went into the pocket of James Haggard after he won the Charity closest to the pin on # 2, other closest to the pin winners were, Al Wright on # 4, Chris Colclough on # 13, Bob Matlock on # 17 and for his second shot on # 11 it was Jim Lawler.
Gentlemen, this Sunday is the AV. News/Alberni, Chrysler, Dodge, Toyota, two man best ball. The format is 2 man teams with the best net and best gross counting on each hole. The shotgun is set to go off at 8 AM. Please try to be there no later than 7:45. Register with your partner in the Pro Shop or as a single and Bruce will find someone that doesn’t mind being you partner. You can also sign up by phoning, 250-723-5422.
Something to keep in mind ladies and gentlemen. The Rotary Club ’s 2nd annual hole-in-one competition. Qualifying rounds to be held May 26,27,28 and 29 at the Alberni Golf Club. Qualifying will take place on the driving range from 11AM until 7PM each day with the final being held on Sunday May 30th. To Qualify all you do is hit balls to a designated hole on the driving range and the 5 closest to the pin each day, 20 in all, will be eligible to shoot for big prizes on the final day. You can purchase golf balls from the attendant on the driving range for $1 per ball or 12 balls for $10.There will be qualifying prizes awarded each day. On the final day all 20 contestants go to one of the par 3’s on the golf course and are entitled to hit 3 balls at the hole, Men from 160 yards and Ladies from 140 yards . If you get a hole-in-one on the first ball you win $100,000 If you sink your 2nd ball on the first shot you win a brand new car or truck and if you get it in on the third ball you win a $10,000 dream vacation. Golfers of all levels are invited to come out and try your luck, challenge your friends make this a fun filled event with the possibility of cashing in big time. All funds raised will go to the Rotary’s Scholarship Fund. Once again thanks go out to our many sponsors, for their generous contributions this season.
Got this via email from Richelle.....
Hello again
I am just emailing to let you know about a fundraiser our relay team is doing. We are having a hotdog sale at Safeway on Saturday May 15 and Friday May 21st 11am-4pm. Pop and a hotdog for $2, and will also have luminaries for sale for $5. Our relay team is "Family pride for big G" Thank you. Richelle McKenzie and Team.
Well that's it for the Canucks....Ouch. When you lose 5-1, no one remembers you dominated the first period and should've been up 5-1 after 20 minutes. ShouldaWouldaCoulda, that's the way it goes.
The Canucks were all over the Hawks, they just couldn't bury a chance. Then the Hawks finally get one (after Luongo makes several big saves to keep it scoreless) and they get rattled and go down 2-0.
The 3-0 shorthanded goal? You need a save. You need a save on the 5th one too. The fourth one, you need some defence as Kane is too wide open. Of course the defence was banged up though.
A tough loss, and another "wait til next year" for the Canucks and their fans. My house was a pretty down place last night that's for sure.
Now it's all on Les Habs, as they try to become the first Canadian team to win the Cup since 1993, when Montreal of course won it.
We are blessed to have some amazing lakes surrounding us. Take care of yourselves! And don't get fined!
Hammer
Hi Evan,
Hope you had a great weekend! Just wanted to fill you in on some important news that The Peak listeners may be interested in.
As boaters across BC prepare to start their boating season, law enforcement officers across the country prepare to hand out hefty fines of no less than $250 to an estimated 6 million boaters in Canada who still don't have their Pleasure Craft Operators Card (PCOC).
After a 10 year federal law phase in period, the deadline for all Canadian recreational boat operators to have a Pleasure Craft Operator Card arrived last fall. This boating season marks the first year where ALL boaters in the country, regardless of age, need an Operator Card, commonly referred to as a boating license, or they risk expensive fines if caught without it. This news is something that all boating enthusiasts, whether you're a driver or a passenger, should be aware of before the start of this year's boating season.
One of the easiest places to get a PCOC is online at www.BoaterExam.com.
An expert and www.BoaterExam.com spokesperson available for interviews is Robert Dupel. Robert is a retired police officer with 34 years of experience and a marine officer and master diver for 15 years and also chaired the National Capital Joint Police Patrols unit. He was also the head of Formula 1 boating rescue team and is the author of many safe boating manuals in Canada. He is also the founder of Forensic and Nautical Consultants of Canada - so basically he is the expert of all experts when it comes to boating and water safety.
Please let me know if you would be interested in having Robert on via a phoner to speak about the importance of having a Pleasure Craft Operators Card. The timeliness of having Robert on-air to speak about the PCOC is perfect for this upcoming boating season and also for North American Safe Boating Week launching on May 22. On top of that, Robert has a wealth of knowledge about boating and is fantastic on-air.
Thanks so much for your consideration. Attached is a release with more information.
Without a doubt, the best atmosphere in hockey. Maybe even in sports. Period. The Bell Centre is a special place. Maybe if you threw 21,000 plus in GM Place it would be the same...
Game 7 should be a beauty. What a goal this one was. Good old Bob Cole. He's lost a bit of his game, but if it's not Jim Hughson calling a game I'm watching, I want it to be BOB!
It's a second straight MUST WIN for the Canucks tonight as they host the Hawks, trailing the series 3 games to 2.
If you can't get to a TV, no problem, get it on THE PEAK with our pregame show on the air at 6:00 and all the play-by-play starting just after 6:30.
Patrice Cormier, Canada's Captain at the World Juniors this past Christmas in Saskatoon, has been charged by the RCMP after this hit in the QMJHL shortly after the World Juniors...
Congrats to the Vernon Vipers for becoming the first ever back-to-back RBC Cup Champions as they smoked the Dauphin Kings 8-1.
Big saves at big times by Graeme Gordon, combined with what seemed like immediate goals by the Vipers to follow them up, were the big difference in the game.
I still have a bad taste in my mouth from some of the things I witnessed in Dauphin during my MJHL broadcasting days. I certainly felt bad for the players on the Kings as it's no fun to get stomped down at home like that, better yet in the biggest game of your lives on National TV. For the rest of Dauphin, I don't feel so bad!
What a win last night by the Canucks as they found a way to get it done to stay alive with a 4-1 win in Chicago.
Poor Sammy Salo. At last report, everything is still "there and intact" which is nice to hear. You certainly don't wish that on your worst of enemies. At least I never would... if you do, you are a bad bad bad human!!
Game 6 goes tomorrow night at the Garage.
Huge thanks to the Alberni Athletic Association for asking me to MC their sold-right-out "Sportsman's Dinner" Friday night at the Mulitplex to raise money for the new Athletic Hall.
Below are a few pictures I snapped from the BlackBerry during the event. You will see Bob Cole holding a paddle. The significance of it? It's signed by Jim Hughson, John McKeachie, and former NHL'er Gary Roberts. McKeach of course was one of the guest speakers Friday night. The paddle is pretty neat as it's signed by the guys after a day on Sproat Lake back in '85. Neat stuff!
Happy Mothers Day to all the Moms out there! You deserve wayyyyyy more than one day to be thanked for all that you did for us!
It's the final game of the CJHL season today as the defending RBC Cup Champion Vernon Vipers look to become the first ever team to repeat as RBC Cup Champions when they face the host Dauphin Kings.
Someone said on the BCHL Message Board that the Dauphin Kings are trying to become the first team since the 2000 Fort McMurray Oil Barons to win the championship through the front door.
Incorrect.
I had a press box seat as the Halifax Oland Exports won the 2002 RBC as the hosts - and they went through the front door winning the Maritime Junior Hockey League and the Eastern version of the Fred Page Cup to qualify. I had a press box seat as I was the play-by-play voice of the team the Exports beat, the OCN Blizzard, 3-1 with an empty netter in the dying moments. I still to this day feel the pain of that game. So close, yet so far.
Best of luck to the Vipers. Do the BCHL proud and show again that the BCHL is the best Junior A league in Canada
So far 2 posts in the first five minutes for the Vipes.....Good start.
It's win or go home for the Canucks tonight, as they face the Hawks in Chitown at 5:00pm. Here's some pregame scene setters from the Canucks website
If you can't get to a TV, no problem you can get it on 93.3 The Peak FM or our website www.933thepeak.com
It seems that every single Canuck fan I have run into has already given up the fight, thinking the Canucks are d-o-n-e DONE. Come on people, it takes FOUR to win a series. Bulldog fans especially should know that after they saw a 3-1 series lead end in a 4-3 series loss. AND it's not like we didn't just see the Montreal Canadiens come back from a 3-1 series deficit against the Capitals in round 1.
Granted, I didn't watch Game 4 on Friday night as I was Mc'ing the Sportsman's Dinner so maybe if I had seen the horrors first hand I would be throwing in the towel too. It just takes a win tonight to make things start to get interesting again. Hopefully Luongo plays more like himself, as opposed to Dan Cloutier.
That's it for today! Go Vipers Go Nucks, THANKS MOM!
BCHL's Vernon Vipers to face off for
2010 RBC Cup title Sunday on TSN
BURNABY, BC -- May 8, 2010 -- The British Columbia Hockey League's Vernon Vipers will play for the
franchise's second consecutive National Junior A Championship title — and sixth overall — on Sunday
after defeating the Brockville Braves by a 2-0 score in the first of two RBC Cup semi-finals match-ups
on Saturday at Credit Union Place in Dauphin, MB.
The Vipers will face either the Dauphin Kings or La Ronge Ice Wolves in the Championship Game, which
will be broadcast live on TSN at 12:00 PM Pacific.
The Kings and Ice Wolves will meet for the second
spot in Sunday's final later tonight.
Twin brothers Connor and Kellen Jones were the heroes for Vernon on Saturday, as Connor broke a
scoreless third period deadlock before Kellen added the insurance marker minutes later. It was the first
game at the event for Connor, who had missed his team's four round-robin games due to injury. In net,
Graeme Gordon picked up his third victory and first shutout of the tournament, stopping 20 shots.
The Vipers had finished second in the round-robin portion of the tournament at 3-1, having won three
straight following a 6-5 overtime loss to the host Kings in their opener last Saturday. Victories over the
La Ronge Ice Wolves (4-2), Oakville Blades (5-3) and Brockville Braves (4-2) followed.
Vernon will now look to become the first team to capture back-to-back RBC Cup titles since the
tournament was first contested in 1996. The Vipers are the last team to have won consecutive National
Junior A Championships after hoisting the Centennial Cup in 1990 and 1991.
The Vipers earned their
berth in the RBC Cup after winning the BCHL's Fred Page Cup over the Powell River Kings and the Doyle
Cup (B.C.-Alberta Championship) in seven games over the Spruce Grove Saints.
***
Go Vipes Go!
Hammer
Sent wirelessly from my BlackBerry device on the Bell network.
Envoyé sans fil par mon terminal mobile BlackBerry sur le réseau de Bell.
From the 93.3 The Peak FM Morning Show today, here's the audio from my interview with Paul Esdale. Click the below link to download it. All audio courtesy and copyright 93.3 The Peak FM and the Jim Pattison Broadcast Group.
Click the below link to download a FULL COPY of today's announcement, with comments from Bulldogs President and Governor Andy Oakes, outgoing Coach Nolan Graham, and new Head Coach and GM Paul Esdale.
Also included, is the formal question and answer session.
Paul Esdale named new General Manager and Head Coach
The Alberni Valley Bulldogs announced today that Nolan Graham is leaving the
organization to pursue a coaching opportunity at the NCAA level, and named Paul Esdale
as the team's new General Manager and Head Coach.
"We'd like to thank Nolan for all of the efforts he put into the Bulldogs organization this
year," said Andy Oakes, President & Governor of the Bulldogs.
"He turned the team
around in a substantial manner and in a very quick period of time. We appreciate
everything he's done and wish him well in his future endeavor of coaching at the NCAA
level."
"The past 14 months in Alberni has been phenomenal." said Graham, who joined the
Bulldogs in March 2009. "The pride and passion that runs throughout the community is
very special and it was unbelievable to be a part of that. I feel very blessed to have had
the opportunity to have begun my coaching career in Alberni."
Paul Esdale, who joined the Bulldogs as Assistant Coach and Assistant General Manager
in September, has been named the Bulldogs new Head Coach and General Manager.
"This is a great opportunity for me," said Esdale. "I'm truly grateful for the recognition
from ownership and I look forward to continuing the momentum we created last
season."
Graham and Esdale coached the Bulldogs throughout the team's successful 2009-2010
season. They were the BCHL regular season's Coastal Conference Champions for the
first time in franchise history, and set a franchise record for regular season wins with 45
of 60 regular season games.
"When we found out Nolan's time with the Bulldogs was coming to an end, we
conducted a full search for a new head coach," said Oakes. "Paul was the leading
candidate coming out of that process. We really feel that Paul's education, playing
A standing room only crowd (just like the games at the end of the season, awesome) was on hand today at the Multiplex for the Alberni Valley Bulldogs Major Announcement as they revealed that Nolan Graham is stepping down as Head Coach and GM of the organization.
Nolan thanked the organization and fans for the great opportunity they gave him, and for their role in furthering his career.
Best of luck to Nolan. You won't find a better guy, and a more passionate and hard working Coach.
At the same time the Bulldogs announced that they will be promoting from within, as they named Paul Esdale as their new Head Coach and GM effective immediately.
Huge congrats to Paul....what a crazy year, as he made a huge life changing decision when he and his new wife raced to Port Alberni last fall to be Nolan's Assistant Coach and GM after the sudden departure of Bryan Vines. Less than a year later, he is now the Head Coach and GM.
I couldn't be happier for Paul personally. From a hockey standpoint, I absolutely love this move. Paul was obviously a huge part of everything in what was the most successful season in franchise history. What better way to keep it going by trying to maintain some familiarity behind the bench? Great call, in my humble opinion.
More later, including audio from the press conference.
Bulldogs President Andy Oakes also stated that the team is currently searching for an Assistant Coach and Assistant GM to compliment Paul's Coaching Staff.
Hammer
Sent wirelessly from my BlackBerry device on the Bell network.
Envoyé sans fil par mon terminal mobile BlackBerry sur le réseau de Bell.
We are just hours away from the "major announcement" that the Bulldogs announced on Tuesday they will be making today at the Multiplex.
If you can't make it to the Multiplex (the media, fans, corporate sponsors and season ticket holders are all invited for the 12:30 Press Conference) fear not, I'll have everything covered for you here on the blog, so be sure to check back.
The Alberni Valley Bulldogs will be making a major announcement tomorrow...here's the details....
The Alberni Valley Bulldogs will make a major announcement on Thursday, May 6th at 12:30pm at the Alberni Valley Multiplex.
All media, fans, season seat holders and corporate sponsors are invited to attend.
What: Special announcement / press conference
Who: Alberni Valley Bulldogs staff and ownership
When: Thursday, May 6, 2010, 12:30pm
Where: Mezzanine, Alberni Valley Multiplex - 3737 Roger St.
For additional information:
Steve Taylor
Director, Website & Media Services
Okanagan Hockey Academy
Mobile: 250-809-9715stevetaylor@hockeyschools.com
Now the "Million Dollar Question" - what specifically will this announcement be? The rumourmill is turning big time on this one with fans guessing and suggesting that it's going to be about a coaching change, player transactions, even an announcement that the RBC Cup is coming to Port Alberni.
I have some ideas what this is all about, but I'll keep them to myself until we find out officially tomorrow just after 12:30. For those that can't make it I'll do my best to get some audio of the proceedings up here on the blog.
A HUGE Game 3 tonight for the Nucks and Hawks with the series tied at 1-1. Get it all on 93.3 The Peak with the pregame show kicking off at 6:00 and the puck dropping shortly after 6:30.
It's Game 2 tonight of the Canucks and Blackhawks series, after the Canucks took Game 1 convincingly by a 5-1 score on Saturday night in Chicago.
Get it all on 93.3 The Peak FM tonight with the pregame show at 5:30 followed by the puck drop and play-by-play at 6:00pm. Don't forget you can also listen online at www.933thepeak.com
It was a great time at the 5th Annual Gold in the Net Golf Tournament Saturday at the Morning Star Golf Course as folks from all over came together to raise money for the Aaron C Cornwell Memorial Scholarship Fund.
To date, Gold in the Net has given away up to $25,000.00 in scholarship money. After the great turn out on Saturday - upwards of 130 people, they will have more funds to put into the coffers.
Thanks to Perry and Debbie Elderbroom, the Cornwell Family, and everyone at Morning Star for putting on a great tournament.
HUGE THANKS go out to my teammates Frank Slubowski, Mike Slubowski, and their friend Carl. We didn't win, but we had a bunch of fun. We had to have won "most balls lost" for the tourny but I'm not sure if that was an award. HA!
P.S. I only lost one ball. I think our team total was about 128.
My only feat of the day was winning the long drive.
I was hoping to win this - one of the best prizes in the Silent Auction - but I was out bid!
Hopefully we will see you there next year! Visit www.goldinthenet.com for more details and to get ahold of them if you want to play in the event next year!
The Canucks open the second round tonight in Chicago as they visit the Hawks at the United Center. Get it all on 93.3 The Peak FM with the pregame show starting at 5:30.
I will most likely be missing the game, but that's ok, as I'm supporting a good cause. It's Gold in the Net's annual Golf Tournament today at Morning Star Golf Course in Parksville. The tournament raises funds for the Aaron C. Cornwell Memorial Scholarship Fund.
Don't forget that the Mini World Cup starts today in the Valley! Here's more details...
Alberni Valley Youth Soccer to host 68 teams in the 10th Annual Mini World Cup.
Teams from all over the Upper Island will travel to Port Alberni on May 1 and 2 to participate in the 10th Annual Mini World Cup. Teams from Nanaimo, Ladysmith, Oceanside, Comox, Campbell River and Powell River will join Port Alberni and be split into 4 continents to vie for the title. Each continent will be identified by a distinctly coloured t-shirt and points will be accumulated by continent to determine the winner.
Three girls divisions (U9, U10 and U11) will complement the four boys divisions (U8, U9, U10 and U11) in the fun tournament. Each team will play four games over the two days and will participate in a parade at 12:30 Saturday at Bob Dailey Stadium. Teams will also be creating banners for their teams for use in the parade. The top three team banners will receive a prize. Sunday local organizers will be providing lunch for the players.
Closing ceremonies are at 4:30 on Sunday. Sponsor for the event is the Alberni Valley Youth Soccer Association with support from Chances Rimrock Gaming Center. Co-chairs of the Tournament are Linda Rhodes, Val Jacobsen and Ralph Spencer
I'm starting to consider post titles for specific days of the week, a practice that some of my other blogger friends use.....
There is just way to much to fit into the title today....and "Friday stuff" isn't very catchy, is it?
First things first - It's the only game in the NHL tonight as the Habs meet the Pens in Pittsburgh.
The magic doesn't die. Habs in 7.
The San Jose Sharks took a 1-0 series lead with a win over the Wings last night at the Shark Tank. The Sharks raced out to a 3-0 first period lead, and in true Sharks fashion they NEEDED it as the final ended up being 4-3.
The Vernon Vipers open up defense of their RBC Cup title tomorrow when they face the host Dauphin Kings. The Vipers are trying to become the first ever RBC Cup Champs to defend their title. They are also trying to become the first Junior A team in the country to win back to back National Titles since the Vernon Lakers won back to back Centennial Cups in 1990-1991.
Good luck Vipes!
If anyone reading this is heading to Dauphin, don't forget to take a trip over to "Amisk" - the 20 foot tall Beaver statue. Last I saw him (her?) it resembled Alvin, from Alvin & the Chipmunks as it was painted to be wearing a sweater with the letter "A" printed on it.
Ah, gotta love Manitoba!
Follow the RBC Cup by clicking this link to the official HOCKEY CANADA site
The Canucks open their Western Conference Semi Final series tomorrow with the 'Hawks at the United Center. If you don't know already, where have you been - you can catch EVERY SINGLE Canucks playoff game from start to finish on 93.3 The Peak FM.
This is pretty funny. Global went into the 'Nucks room and played the Hawks goal song for the players to get their reaction to it. Not surprisingly, they all cringe. Here's hoping it's not heard much in this series.
Sadly I won't be watching the game from the comforts of home tomorrow, as I'll be down in Parksville at the Morning Star Golf Course for this great event....
I will play in the event, and then throw on my MC hat to host the dinner and silent and live auction. If you are looking for a great cause to support, and a great time, give the Gold in the Net folks a call ASAP!
I was unlucky enough to play with Bulldog Goaltender Frank Slubowski last year. Good thing he's a great goalie, because his golf leaves something to be desired. Sorry Frankie!
Don't forget that Trent Dorais' bottle drive goes TOMORROW, from 10am to 1pm (hopefully longer) as he continues his efforts to raise money to travel to Austria this summer to represent Canada as a member of the Canadian Ball Hockey Team. Shoot me a message, leave a comment, call me, heck even come see me - if you have some bottles you need picked up!
Hockey players are THE BEST PEOPLE. End of story. No discussion, no argument. Nothin'
If you want to try and debate it, first read this incredible story from the puckdaddy blog about Washington Capitals forward Brooks Laich. Fresh off an absolutely horrifying Game 7 loss, driving home to begin the healing and forgetting process, Laich stopped to help some Capital fans in need on the side of the road. Just a great great story - READ IT HERE
The schedule for the Conference Semi Finals is now confirmed. Thanks to the folks at the PUCK DADDY BLOG
Of course you can get EVERY SINGLE CANUCK GAME on 93.3 The Peak FM with the pregame show beginning 30 minutes before puck drop!
Last but not least - Trent Dorais and the Canadian National Ball Hockey Team need your help!
Trent made the decision to stay here in Port Alberni and work throughout the summer instead of heading back home. As he said during his interview with me on 93.3 The Peak this morning - "I just love it here, the people are great....friendly, kind, they smile and say "hi" when you are walking down the street"
Now he's hoping that his newly adopted home town can help him raise some money this weekend and this summer.
Here's some background on Trent making the National team, from the Vernon Morning Star Newspaper - CLICK HERE TO READ IT
Trent figures it will take upwards of $2,500.00 to fund the trip to Austria, so he's working hard at fundraising.
His first effort coming up this weekend is a BOTTLE DRIVE on Saturday from 10am to 1pm. He's been going door to door handing out pamphlets over the last couple of weeks to raise awareness - if he hasn't reached you, and you have some bottles that he can come collect, please leave a comment, or shoot me a message bulldogs@933thepeak.com - or even phone the Radio Station 250-723-2455 - and I will put you in touch with Trent.
If Saturday doesn't work for you, or if you anticpate having plenty of empties after another round of Canucks playoff action, you can also head down to the Recycling Depot and donate your haul to Trent's cause as he has opened an account there. Just declare that you are donating to TRENT DORAIS - BALL HOCKEY.
A huge THANK YOU to you all from me, on Trent's behalf!
Thanks to the "Two Ronnies" for the heads up on this one....
Congrats to former Bulldog Aaron Schepers for winning the 2010 Allan Cup with the Fort St. John Flyers.
I remember Aaron best for scoring the game winner in the longest game in Alberni Valley Bulldogs history. "Sheps" as we called him, found the net 4:04 into TRIPLE overtime in round 1 of the 2005-2006 playoffs as the Dogs took a 2-0 series lead with a 4-3 win over the Cowichan Valley Capitals.
The total game time was 94:04, with 34:04 of that obviously in overtime. This was back in the days of an immediate 10 minute overtime period after regulation, THEN a flood, and 20 minute periods afterwards. Of course now it's straight to an ice clean and intermission and a full 20 minute OT.
Congrats SHEPS!
Quite an incredible performance last night by Jaroslav Halak as the Montreal Canadiens forced Game 7 against the Caps with a 4-1 win. The atmosphere was exactly as expected in Montreal - NUTS.
And Go COYOTES GO tonight, as they host the Wings in the desert for Game 7. That one gets going just after 6pm tonight.
Now for a whole bunch of local sports news...
MessageAlberni Valley Youth Soccer to host 68 teams in the 10th Annual Mini World Cup.
Teams from all over the Upper Island will travel to Port Alberni on May 1 and 2 to participate in the 10th Annual Mini World Cup. Teams from Nanaimo, Ladysmith, Oceanside, Comox, Campbell River and Powell River will join Port Alberni and be split into 4 continents to vie for the title. Each continent will be identified by a distinctly coloured t-shirt and points will be accumulated by continent to determine the winner.
Three girls divisions (U9, U10 and U11) will complement the four boys divisions (U8, U9, U10 and U11) in the fun tournament. Each team will play four games over the two days and will participate in a parade at 12:30 Saturday at Bob Dailey Stadium. Teams will also be creating banners for their teams for use in the parade. The top three team banners will receive a prize. Sunday local organizers will be providing lunch for the players.
Closing ceremonies are at 4:30 on Sunday. Sponsor for the event is the Alberni Valley Youth Soccer Association with support from Chances Rimrock Gaming Center. Co-chairs of the Tournament are Linda Rhodes, Val Jacobsen and Ralph Spencer
The Vancouver Canucks are off to the second round of the playoffs for the second straight year, after a 4-2 win in last night's game six in Los Angeles.
For the second straight game in LA the Canucks dug themselves out of a third period hole, and for the second straight game they scored the winner late in the game, this time it was Daniel Sedin with just over two minutes left in third.
The Canucks rest and wait for their second round opponent right now. I will certainly update the blog when the opponent is known and the schedule is out, so be sure to check back often.
For now all I can tell you is that you can catch every minute of the action from every game on 93.3 The Peak FM as we follow the Canucks on their run to the cup!
Here are the two biggest highlights -
Speaking of a run to the cup - congrats to the Vernon Vipers for besting the Spruce Grove Saints in last night's Game 7 in the Doyle Cup Series.
The Saints trailed the series 3-1 but won two straight to force yesterdays winner-take-all game. The Vipers are now not only back to back BCHL Champs, but back to back Doyle Cup Champs as well.
Now they attempt to become the first team to win back to back National Junior A titles since the Vernon Lakers won back to back Centennial Cups in 1990 and 1991. No team has won back to back RBC Cups.
Now - everyone is probably wondering what the congrats to the "Americans" is all about.
That's the Tri City Americans of the WHL of course, as they are off to the WHL Championship Series after a series clinching 5-2 Game 6 win last night at Pacific Coliseum over the Vancouver Giants in the WHL's Western Conference Final.
I was of course cheering for the Giants and former Bulldog Defenceman Luke Fenske. At the same time, I'm very happy for former Bulldogs Head Coach Jim Hiller, now the Bench Boss for the Americans.
Good luck to Jim and the Americans as they face the Calgary Hitmen (who bounced the Memorial Cup host Brandon Wheat Kings in 5 games in the East Final) as they fight for the right to advance to the Memorial Cup.
