Alberni Wrestling update, Grizzlies vs Chiefs brawl...

 Alberni Wrestlers Dominate at Age Class in Kamloops

A large contingent of local wrestlers competed this past weekend at the Western Canadian Age Class Tournament in Kamloops and they did not fail to produce results. Twenty-nine Alberni wrestlers competed, twenty four placed and sixteen medaled at the prestigious Western Canada Age Class event which featured close to 500 wrestlers from BC, Alberta and Saskatchewan.

EJ Dunn led the Alberni team placing second in both boys and girls School Age divisions.  Aaron Badovinac was voted Most Outstanding Wrestler in the School Age division after winning gold in the 55kg weight class.  Adding to medal totals were Summer Wass, Trevor Barker (silver), Kalissa Montgomery, Morgan Dagenais, and Mathew Grimston (bronze).

Other top six placers included Ravi Manhas (4th), Trenton Vanderkooi (4th), Queenie Zhang (4th), and Austin Patten (6th).  Proud coach Andrew Edgell commented, "I was extremely impressed that all ten Dunn wrestlers in the competition placed in their respective weight classes.  It shows promise for the future of Alberni wrestling."

Not to be outdone by their younger teammates, the ADSS Cadet boys took second overall and the Cadet girls took third overall. The ADSS group was led by two wrestlers who went undefeated to claim gold medals in their respective weight classes. In the Cadet division for ages 15 – 16 wrestler Nolan Badovinac claimed top spot in the 76 kilogram division and Micaela Dick followed suit in the 65 kilogram division. Other top performers included ADSS wrestlers Johannes Kulich (silver, 69 kg), Michel Kurucz (silver 60 kg), Dean Leyland (bronze 69 kg), Emma Vanderlee  (bronze 70 kg), Remi Wells (bronze 56 kg), and Eryk McKenzie (4th 69 kg). Tyler Drew-Adams (100 kg), Lauren Barker (56 kg), and Jarred Beckett (50 kg) all had strong performances but finished out of the standings.

The ADSS Juvenile wrestlers placed second overall in the boys division due to outstanding performances by team captain Jonathan Spencer (second 76 kg), Jesse Wagner (second 54 kg), Jordan Wagner (third 54kg) and Russell David (third 50 kg).  “We have come to expect the Wagners to do well, but Jono and Russell really stepped up their game this tournament,” stated coach Russell Bodnar.  “Both wrestlers have been training hard so it’s great to see them getting the results they deserve.”  In her first year of wrestling, Elise Huffman was the lone representative in the Juvenile girls division. Elise finished 6th in the 70 kg weight class.  Wrestlers Sheldon Haddad, David Wilson and Kaden Tardif all had tough matches and battled hard, but finished out of the standings. “The committment of these young athletes is extraordinary,” stated ADSS coach Chris Bodnar. “Practice after practice these wrestlers grind to improve technique and conditioning and they are getting better each round they wrestle.”

ADSS coach Richelle McKenzie was pleased with the performance of the team in Kamloops. “Our wrestlers did well. This was a high level tournament and we had terrific results.  I am especially impressed that the Alberni team finished top three in five out of six age divisions – it shows the depth of our programs!”

According to Alberni Wrestling coach James Messenger Age Class is an excellent tune up for the busy few months ahead. “We always want to take a large group to the Age Class,” said Messenger, “it provides us with an opportunity for great competition and it is also a great team builder. Road trips like this with several days away on the bus, in the hotel, and around the gym give our team an opportunity to do some team building. We have a great group of kids here and they were excellent ambassadors for our sport and city.”

The busy weeks ahead include 4 practices per week including an Island practice Thursday January 17^th at ADSS, a Neill/Dunn dual meet this Wednesday the 16th at Neill, tournaments in Campbell River and Abbotsford then the Annual Alberni Invitational tournament at the Multiplex February 7-9. The season will continue with the Island Championships in Ucluelet February 15-16 and the BC High School Championships in Cowichan February 28-March 1. The season wraps up for some of the top wrestlers at the National Championships April 3-7 in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.

It will be interesting to see how the BCHL handles the situation that erupted at the end of the Victoria vs Chilliwack game Friday night. The Grizzlies could/should/will be down some bodies for Wednesday night's game at the Dog Pound. Lots of stuff going on - two-handed slashes, sucker punches to the back of the head, 2 on 1's, third-man-ins, thrown sticks, and not a lot of control!

See for yourself by watching the video below.

Former Bulldog Frank "the tank" Slubowski, now with the University of Western Michigan Broncos,  is up for the Hobey Baker Award, symbolic as the MVP of  Men's NCAA Division 1 Hockey. 

You can vote for Frank by clicking THIS LINK! 

Full details from the Bulldogs:

 Bulldogs Alumni Frank Slubowski Nominated for Hobey Baker Award

PRESS RELEASE
January 12, 2013

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Port Alberni, BC – The Alberni Valley Bulldogs are very proud to report that alumni Frank Slubowski has been nominated for the Hobey Baker Award. Slubowski, known as “Slubs” by his fans and teammates, was with the Alberni Valley Bulldogs organization from 2007 to 2011. Slubowski battled through a season-long injury for a full season before being the Bulldogs starting goalie for two seasons.

Once healthy, it was Slubowski that started between the pipes most nights. In his rookie campaign in the 2009/10 season, he appeared in 44 games and posted a record of 32-10-1 with an impressive goals against average of 2.24 and a .919 save percentage. Slubowski followed that up with 13 additional playoff appearances which took the Bulldogs into the second round before eventually being beat-out by the Powell River Kings in 7 games.

The following season “Slubs” played in 54 games posting a 21-26-4 record with a 2.89 GAA and a .906 save percentage. Slubowski earned a scholarship to Western Michigan University where he is currently in his season season. Yet again, Slubowski made an immediate impact in his rookie campaign with the Broncos.

In 2011/12, Slubowski played in 32 games and posted an impressive 2.03 GAA and a .911 save percentage. That year, he helped lead Western Michigan to an NCAA championship while also being recognzied as the tournament MVP and was named to the NCAA (CCHA) All-Rookie Team.

So far in the 2012/13 season, Slubowski has a record of 8-3-1, a GAA of 2.15 and a save percentage of .910, yet again putting Western Michigan in a position to win a championship. Slubowski also has two shutouts.

The first round of fan voting for the Hobey Baker Award started January 7, 2013. As college hockey enters the second half of the season, fans of the collegiate game can now help determine the winner of the 2013 Hobey Baker Award. Fans can cast their vote online at www.hobeybakeraward.com or by clicking the link on the Alberni Valley Bulldogs’ Facebook page.

This first phase of fan balloting will run now through March 10, 2013. Phase two of fan balloting will begin on March 22 from the list of Top Ten Hobey Baker finalists. The fans’ vote accounts for a full 1 percent of the total ballot in each phase in selecting this year’s award recipient.

Award criteria include candidates emulating the exceptional character traits exhibited by the award’s namesake, Hobey Baker. An American super-hero, Baker was a World War I fighter pilot and was known as America’s greatest amateur athlete in his day, excelling at hockey and football while starring for Princeton. Award candidates must demonstrate strength of character both on and off the ice, contribute to the integrity of his team and display outstanding skills in all phases of the game. Consideration should be given to scholastic achievement and sportsmanship.

Key Hobey Baker announcement dates for 2013 include:
Top Ten list of candidates: March 21
Hobey Hat Trick of three finalists: April 3
Hobey Baker Award announcement: April 12

Follow the official Twitter page of Hobey Baker Award @HobeyBakerAward and ‘Like’
the award's Facebook page.

For more information contact Alberni Valley Bulldogs assistant coach and assistant
director of hockey operations Adam Hayduk. For a comment about Slubowski as a player and
student, please contact educational advisor Tom McEvay

Hammer

Armada boys in Totem Final 7:30 tonight at ADSS

For the first time since 2000, the ADSS Armada boys will play in the Totem Tournament final - which is also the last time the Armada won it, 7:30 tonight at the gorgeous new ADSS. What a way to really christen the new school!

The Armada are 2-0 after picking up a thrilling 60-59 win over Woodlands to open the tournament,  and then topping Reynolds 57-39 last night.

They will play the winner of Stellys and Highland. That game is currently underway with Stellys up 20 points with 7 minutes to play.

I wouldn't be surprised if the guys felt a little pressure or butterflies today...just play hard and have fun and know it's going to be one of those "experience of a lifetime" things!

Action is underway throughout the day today at both the Alberni Athletic Hall and ADSS so if you are looking for some great sports excitement I encourage you to get out and support Totem '58!

The Armada Girls are in the 5th/6th place game, also at ADSS tonight at 5:45 so get out and support them and catch the last two games.

GO ARMADA!

Hammer

 

Grizzlies 3 Dogs 2

OUCH. That one hurt to watch as a supporter/fan etc. I can't imagine how bad the players feel.

The better team certainly won the game in my humble opinion. Without the heroics of Deo early in the game, in the second, through the game, the Dogs aren't in it. Might seem harsh, but the Dogs need to raise their work ethic and find some urgency, or at the very least, find it at the same level as their opponents. Or maybe quite simply they need to bear down and get to the net and put more pucks at the net? The Dogs had their chances, but 21 certainly isn't going to do it. Unlike the loss to the Spruce Kings last Saturday, the Dogs didn't have 38 shots and didn't have at least a dozen loose puck scrambles around the net and odd-man rushes. Last night it was just a small handful, and next to none through the third period.

I thought the Dogs were fortunate to be up 2-0 after two, and I thought they came out at a different level than their opponents to begin the third.

Coulda, woulda, shoulda...didn't. Too bad as it was a big two points. Second time the Grizzlies have dug out of a 2-0 hole after 40 minutes to win. Seems to be a lesson that should have been learned on several different occasions this season.

Full Recap from the Bulldogs website HERE

Line Up Bulldogs vs Grizzlies

PACKED at Totem '58

S'Port Alberni at its finest!

Bulldogs add Teal Burns, Ryan Buse, move Hepso, release Halls

The Bulldogs made several moves ahead of last nights 8pm Trade Deadline, acquiring 20 year Teal Burns from the Cowichan Valley Capitals, while also signing Port Alberni Native Ryan Buse from the Oceanside Generals.

The well-travelled Burns brings an offensive touch and comes with plenty of post-season experience. When he plays with an edge and when he's engaged he is a very effective player and can be a difference maker. In talking with the Coaches, he was excited to be joining the Bulldogs. He has dynamic offensive skills (think back to the top-corner short-side snipe on the 2 on 1 rush when the Caps beat the Dogs 2-1 on New Years Eve) and over 40 games of BCHL Playoff experience, including a trip to the finals last season, and he also played in the 2009 RBC Cup with the Grizzlies.

Burns has played in the BCHL with Victoria, Powell River, Nanaimo and Cowichan. He has played in the WHL with Portland, Vancouver, Everett and Prince Albert.

Ryan Buse leaves the Oceanside Generals to join the Bulldogs for the stretch run. Buse has improved in leaps and bounds since the start of this season, a testament to the job Coach Brent Demerais is doing there. Always nice to add a local player to the roster, but know he's a player the Bulldogs Staff like first and foremost and that's why he's here. It's a bonus he's a Port Alberni boy!

To make room for Burns, the Bulldogs dealt 20 year old Forward Lars Hepso  and the rights to Adam Rossingol (recently released by the Regina Pats and on the Bulldogs protected list) to the Coquitlam Express for Future Considerations.

Lars is a great kid, and was great off the ice and in the community. It's always tough to see someone go when you have known them and watched them battle for three years, and I wish Lars all the best in Coquitlam.
 
Trades, saying good-bye and the Trade Deadline in general is always an exciting time but also a tough time for everyone involved in the game - Coaches, Players, Billet Families, etc. I am glad it's over, I'm excited at the changes the Bulldogs have made in the last several days and I'm excited for tonight and the rest of the season!

Full details from the Bulldogs website, including Brandon Halls deciding to play Junior B can be found HERE 



Hammer

Bulldogs host Grizzlies, Walker rejoins team, Totem 58 starts today, deadline details at 10

Beauty picture from the 2003-2004 season to start the blog off today. Trades, whatever the Dogs did or didn't do - will be posted on the blog right after the embargo on transaction details is lifted at 10am this morning.

The Bulldogs (17-13-1-5, tied 2nd Island) try to snap a two-game losing streak when they host the Grizzlies (24-9-0-3, 1st Island) at the Dog Pound in the first post-deadline game for both teams.

Catch all the action on Boston Pizza Bulldogs Hockey on 93.3 The Peak FM with the Pacific Chevrolet pregame show kicking off at 6:45 with Bruce MacDonald and I.

I CAN tell you that Eric Walker has rejoined the team as this isn't a "transaction", in that no paperwork needed to be done, and the Dogs never released Walker or removed him from the roster, but instead "loaned" him to the WHL's Portland Winterhawks when they lost three defenceman to the World Juniors.

The Bulldogs are immediately better with Walker, and they very much missed him when he was gone. Here's hoping he returns playing as good as - or even better - than when he left. He brings a physical edge, leadership, and is solid at both ends of the ice.

Further details on Walker's return from the Bulldogs website HERE

The 58th Annual Totem Tournament gets going today at ADSS and the Alberni Athletic Hall. Click the below pictures to enlarge, and GO ARMADA!

Hammer

Bulldogs add Chase Paylor...trade deadline/blackout approaches

Welcome to the club Chase! Nice to see the Bulldogs add something for the stretch run without giving anyone off their roster.

Great job by the Bulldogs to get the news out last night before the BCHL deadline to announce trades which expires at 10am tomorrow. I know the media and fans appreciate it!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Port Alberni, BC – The Alberni Valley Bulldogs announce that they completed a deal Wednesday afternoon that sees 1992-born forward Chase Paylor come to the Bulldogs from the Olds Grizzlys for future considerations.

“The Bulldogs are pleased to add forward Chase Paylor to the roster,” said Bulldogs’ general manager and head coach Kevin Willison. “He will bring leadership and experience down the stretch,” added Willison. “Chase has great speed which will help create scoring chances on the rush and from his tenacious fore-checking.”

Paylor first broke into junior A hockey as an 18 year old with the Victoria Grizzlies in 2010/11. Last season, Paylor started with the Okotoks Oilers in the AJHL before ending up with the Olds Grizzlys where he recorded 8 points in 31 games and added 103 PIMs. Paylor also appeared in 14 playoff games with Olds last season.

So far in 2012/13, Paylor played in 35 games with the Olds Grizzlys and scored 6

goals. Paylor is expected to join the team on Thursday or Friday.

For more information contact Alberni Valley Bulldogs general manager and head coach Kevin Willison

Chase scores a goal early in this highlight pack....

The BCHL trade deadline arrives at 6pm tonight for out-of-province trades, and 8pm for transactions within the league. 

You won't be hearing any details of trades made today until 10am tomorrow as per new BCHL regulations, outlined on the league website and below. 

It's interesting how the league has chosen this route. On one hand, you have to appreciate the attempt at streamlining the process and protecting the kids so they find out about any moves involving themselves from their respective clubs and not message boards or social media. I've always been a proponent of protecting the kids and only announcing trades and transactions (on the Bulldog Broadcasts, here on the blog, on facebook, on my Morning Show, on The Peak's Sportscasts) AFTER I have received official word from the team. 

On the other hand, it's 2013 and one would think that it's easier than ever in this day and age to get information out fast, professional and fair for the fans, the media, the players/parents etc. I know I'm in a different position than some of the Broadcasters/Media professionals in the league, but my duties hosting the Morning Show at The Peak (where we have our biggest listening audience) end at 10am, so here' s hoping in the future the gag period could maybe end overnight or early the next morning, 6am or 8am perhaps. With the trade deadline being a time when traffic records have been set in the past in regards to website views, it's obvious that interest is HIGH, and one thinks the league would want to capitalize on that.

The polar opposite of the BCHL approach to the deadline has to be the Central Canada Hockey League. In checking my twitter feed this morning I saw a tweet from "Commissioner" from the CCHL, saying "I will tweet trades as they are approved all day. @CCHLTier1 up to the minute."

The Alberta Junior Hockey League, Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League and Mantioba Junior Hockey League, their respective teams and associated media are all releasing trade information to the public today. It might be interesting to keep the blackout going in BC should any out-of-province trades occur today. I'm not saying the BCHL is in the wrong with regards to how they are handling the deadline and the other leagues are right...just an observation.

Here's the official BCHL release on their deadline stance... 

In anticipation of player transactions leading up to the Jan. 10 Hockey Canada roster deadline, the British Columbia Hockey League is clarifying its policy on trade reporting at deadline time.

For any transaction made after 11:59 p.m. PST on Wednesday, Jan. 9, BCHL team personnel are required to wait until 10 a.m. on Friday, Jan. 11 to release details. Only after that time are they permitted to discuss transactions with media.

The absolute Jan. 10 deadline for transactions between separate leagues (i.e. BCHL to AJHL), is 6 p.m. Pacific. For moves made within the BCHL, the absolute deadline is 8 p.m. Pacific.

Teams not in compliance with this league regulation are subject to a fine.

Trade information will be also be posted on the BCHL website at 10 a.m. on Friday, Jan. 11.

The Jan. 10 deadline reduces the number of player cards available to BCHL clubs to 22. For Junior A clubs in other leagues, the number of cards available is reduced to 23.

Dogs fall to Spruce Kings 2-1

Third straight home loss, 2-1 to the Spruce Kings. Great effort, just couldn't bury. You won't win many games if you only score one goal!

Recap from the Bulldogs website HERE

Hammer

Line Up Spruce Kings @ Bulldogs

Dogs host Spruce Kings, Zolnierczyk interview, Bantam Bulldogs tourney continues...

The Bulldogs (17-12-1-5, 2nd Island) open up the 2013 portion of their schedule tonight when they host the Prince George Spruce Kings (17-11-1-5, 3rd Mainland) for the final Regular Season meeting between the teams. The Spruce Kings won the previous meeting in Prince George on October 26th 

The Spruce Kings opened their trip in Powell River last night where they fell 2-0 in the battle of the Kings.

All the action gets underway tonight at 6:45 with the Pacific Chevrolet pregame show on Boston Pizza Bulldogs Hockey on 93.3 The Peak FM with Bruce MacDonald and myself.

Tonight's 1st intermission guest is Bulldogs Forward Mitch Crisanti. Our 2nd intermission guest is former Bulldog and current Philadelphia Flyer prospect/Adirondack Phantoms player Harry Zolnierczyk.

The Bantam Bulldogs tourney continues today...as I sit at the rink writing this they trail Whitehorse 2-0 in the second, but they have a 2-0 record in the tournament, so here's hoping they can come back in this one.

Here's the website to follow the tournament - Medal games go tomorrow!

Hammer

Bantam Bulldogs tourney starts today, Canada goes for Bronze tomorrow, Dogs host Spruce Kings..

Lots of hockey at the Multiplex as the Bantam Dogs host a tournament this weekend. Seems like 100 years ago when I was playing Bantam, but I still have some great memories of back to back Provincial Championships for us! I will be providing the Public Address Announcing for the Dogs feature game tonight at 7:15 and I hope to see you there. Best of luck to the Bulldogs this weekend! 

Bantam Bulldogs Host Tier 2/3 host 8 team tournament to kick off 2013

The Alberni Valley Bantam Bulldogs are hosting an 8 team tournament this weekend at the Alberni Valley Multiplex.  Participating teams include the host Bulldogs, Nanaimo Clippers, Juan de Fuca Grizzlies, Kerry Park Islanders, Oceanside Generals, New Westminster Royals, North Vancouver Storm, and the Whitehorse Mustangs.  

18 games in total will be played at the Multiplex starting at 1130am Friday when the host team takes on Kerry Park. Alberni Valley also plays in the feature game Friday evening at 715pm against North Vancouver.  Come on out and support up and coming young hockey players in the valley. 

Medal round games will be played on Sunday starting with the Bronze game at 1130am followed by the Gold Medal game at 145pm.

Visit the tournament website for more information by CLICKING HERE 

Canada can finish no better than third at the World Juniors after yesterday's 5-1 loss to the US. The Bronze Medal game gets underway at 1am tomorrow against the host Russians.

Canada will be making a change in net going with Jordan Binnington instead of Malcolm Subban. Unfortunately they aren't able to go back to selection camp and make the right decision so they could have Port Alberni Native and former BCHL'er Laurent Brossoit. 

As I said on the air when the team roster was announced after selection camp - Canada will be lucky to win a medal, better yet gold. I'm a Canada supporter through and through, but I'm not a fan of the politics that currently exist within the National Program. Eastern bias - 17 players from East of Manitoba was one of the reasons I had a bad feeling, but it was the goalie selections that had me convinced we were doomed. All I can think of over the last 4 years is that our goaltending was sub-par. If you don't have the best goalie, you more often than not don't win championships.

Here's hoping Canada comes out better against Russia. The last time Canada failed to Medal in this event was in 1998. Right around the time of the 1998 Nagano Olympics failure, which brought about the "Open Ice" Summit, for those that remember it. 

While I thought that Canada wasn't as ready as the USA (unacceptable) I thought the bigger problem was how tight they were. You can't play the game nervous. Your hands don't work and your brain doesn't work. Having said that,  I can't blame any single one of the players for being nervous when you see what Head Coach Steve Spott is like. You need to be calm cool and collected, as the kids take their cues from you. Think Sutter/Quinn for example. Spott always gives the impression that at any given second he could go absolutely postal and spontaneously combust. 

All just my opinion, opinions are like you-know-whats, everyone has one!

I really hope I am wrong and the Canadian boys can find a way to pull it out tomorrow to at the very least keep the medal streak going, but I can't help shake the bad feeling I've had since the roster was announced. 

The Bulldogs play their first game of 2013 tomorrow night when they host the Prince George Spruce Kings. The Dogs enjoy a night off tonight while the Sprucies begin their roadie in Powell River tonight and conclude it in Nanaimo Sunday.

HUGE points up for grabs for the Bulldogs, Kings, Clippers and of course Spruce Kings. The Dogs face a tough test in the 3rd placed Kings, and they owe them some payback after the Kings picked up a 6-3 win in Prince George in October. Here's hoping they are more ready to play than they were on Monday night or it won't be pretty as Dave Dupas and Mike Hawes have assembled a good team and have made some good additions along the way since the last head to head meeting. 

Hammer