Dogs at Smokies, Alberni Wrestling hosts 30th Annual Invitational, Badminton tourney...

After a day spent practicing and relaxing yesterday in Castlegar, the Bulldogs (22-16-1-5, 3rd Island) put their four game winning streak on the line as they kick off a three-in-three trek by visiting the Trail Smoke Eaters (21-25-0-2, 5th Interior) for the second meeting between the team in two weeks.

The first of the four straight wins for the Dogs came against the Smokies to start the streak, 5-4 at the Dog Pound on January 26th, a game in which the Smokies gave the Dogs everything they could handle down to the very last second on the clock.

This is a tough trip - (they all are)  a team like the Smokies who are four points out of the playoff picture, who will no doubt be playing desperate, hungry hockey to try and save their season...the defending National Champs tomorrow night, the Mainland's 2nd ranked team in the Chilliwack Chiefs to finish the trip Sunday...here's hoping the Dogs bring their absolute best.

The Coaching Staff has tried their best to put the players in the best position to win, pulling a new move out of the hat and leaving late Wednesday night and driving overnight to Castlegar. The previous 10 years, this trip was always one that started by leaving very early Thursday AM from the Multiplex, travelling all day, and arriving late Thursday night. The problem with that is that the guys sleep all day on the bus, and then can't shut it down at night. I don't know about the players, but I was ready to shut it down early last night...and I didn't go out and have a practice like they did shortly after we arrived here yesterday morning. Here's hoping they were down early last night as well, as you need to take care of yourselves and you need to have a good night's sleep (or two or three) as a trip like this wears on.

Get all the action on Boston Pizza Bulldogs Hockey on 93.3 The Peak FM with the Pacific Chevrolet pregame show kicking off at 7:15 with the puck dropping shortly after 7:30.

Tonight's 2nd intermission guest is Penticton Vees play-by-play voice Fraser Rodgers

Don't forget you can also WATCH the Pay-per-view broadcast live through Fast Hockey

Here's a look from 2008 at the Memorial Arena in Trail

If you are missing live sports, I encourage you to get down to the Alberni Valley Multiplex to catch the 30th Annual Alberni Invitational! I almost always miss this, with the wrestling taking over the rink, the Dogs leave town!

The 30^th Annual Alberni Invitational Wrestling Tournament is scheduled for the Alberni Valley Multiplex February 7-9, 2013.  The Invitational will bring over 600 competitors from all over B.C. to the Valley for three days of intense wrestling action in five different age groups plus another 200 in categories such as the Open, Elementary and the Grappling division.  .

The Alberni Invitational is widely considered the most prestigious high school wrestling tournament in B.C. and has received recognition across Canada.  The tournament started in 1980 and has run every year except the four years the local wrestling group hosted the BC High School Championships. That means 34 straight years that this dedicated group of volunteers have run a major wrestling tournament in the Alberni Valley.

“We are extremely proud of the history and traditions our wrestling program has established over the past 35 years. No other wrestling program in BC can boast that they have run 34 major tournaments and many would be happy to have done it once. This is our 30^th Invitational to go along with 4 Provincials and it only happens because of the amazing volunteer spirit in our community”, commented Tournament Director Tom McEvay.

McEvay continued, “Since this is a milestone year for us we are calling on all alumni to come back and celebrate with us. Come and take in the action, support our current wrestlers, join us for some socializing and get a commemorative Alberni Wrestling Alumni shirt. JAL Designs have created an awesome design for our alumni shirts that I think everyone will want. Check it out on our Alberni Wrestling Facebook page.” 

Action at the 30^th Invitational begins on Thursday, February 7^th   with weigh-ins for boys and girls in the 3 middle and secondary aged divisions at 6 p.m. at the new ADSS. This will be the first chance that wrestlers and coaches from all over BC get to see the new facility everyone is raving about.  Registration opens at ADSS at 5 pm.

The Alberni Invitational tournament action will run all day on Friday, February 8^th from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Alberni Valley Multiplex.  The first session from 9 am –noon will feature Cadet (grade 9-10) and Juvenile (grade 11-12) wrestlers. There will be lunch (11:30 am-12:30 pm) and dinner (4:30-5:30 pm) breaks. An Elementary Division returns this year with over 100 local youngsters expected to participate. The Elementary division runs from 12-3 pm Friday along with the Middle School or Schoolage Division (gr 6-8).

Friday night at 7:00 p.m. will feature the ever-popular semi-finals. Friday night will also feature the Open division where alumni and college wrestlers can test their skills..  The conclusion of the rest of the preliminary matches in the age class divisions will begin Saturday morning at 9:00 a.m.  Medal matches will start at about 10:00 a.m. Saturday morning.  The finals in the Schoolboy/girl division (grade 6-8) and Cadet (gr 9-10) will start at noon on Saturday. The Juvenile (grade 11-12) finals start at 2:30 pm on Saturday and wrap up by 3:30 p.m.  There is not cost for spectators for the preliminaries and the finals are by donation.

Returning for the third year to this year’s Invitational will be the Grappling division that will run on Saturday. Grappling is another variation of wrestling that is now sanctioned by the Canadian Amateur Wrestling Association. It combines many of the techniques and actions of wrestling with various martial arts disciplines. Alberni Wrestling has partnered with Dragon Martial Arts to add this dimension to the Alberni Invitational again this year.

Registrations for grappling are open to all interested participants of all ages. Registration and weigh-in for grappling will take place Friday night at the Multiplex at 7 pm with grappling action starting soon at 9 am Saturday. There will be a grappling official’s clinic and an athlete’s rules clinic at 8 am Saturday morning. Make sure you come out to watch this exciting action as well.

Not only do local fans have an opportunity for some great competition at the Invitational, you also will once again see very competitive Alberni wrestlers.  The ADSS Boys team is currently ranked in the top 5 in the province and will likely battle it out with over 60 other schools for the team title in the Juvenile and Cadet divisions. These teams could include Guildford Park of Surrey, Carson Graham. Abby Traditional, Burnaby Central, WJ Mouat, Burnaby South and Island powers Cowichan, Esquimalt and Campbell River.  

In the Juvenile Girls division ADSS is ranked in the top 3 in BC with Carson Graham of North Vancouver, Yale and Terry Fox all top contenders.  In the Schoolboy/girl division Alberni will have strong teams from Neill and Dunn Middle Schools and both schools should be in the top 10. Ucluelet Secondary will also have wrestlers in most age divisions. The Alberni Valley Wrestling Club seems a good bet to repeat as the top overall program at this year’s event but they will be pushed by the strong Capilano and Upper Fraser Valley Clubs.

The AV Times will feature pictures and write ups next week on all the top local wrestlers to watch at the 30^th  Invitational. It will be an exciting few days of wrestling action in the place many observers call “The Wrestling Capital of BC – Port Alberni! “

 Last but not least, why not check out some Badminton at the Athletic Hall! Thanks Michelle for the heads up below!

Hello Evan,

 

I was just wanting you let you know this weekend, Saturday Feb9th, 9am-5pm, the Alberni Athletics Jr. Badminton Club will be hosting their annual Badminton Tournament at the Alberni Athletic Hall. We will have approximately 90 athletes competing, we will host athletes from all over the island and the mainland.

 

I am hopeful that you could announce this in with your sports in the next couple days, we are a smaller club and would like the community to have the opportunity to come and support the players and watch a fun skilled sport.

 

 That's it for now, off to breakfast, talk to you tonight from Trail!

Tironese POW Honorable Mention, Alberni Wrestling Update

Congrats to Bulldogs Forward Evan Tironese, who received an Honorable Mention in regards to the BCHL's Player of the Week!

Nanaimo Clippers forward Greg Fraser has been named the Gongshow BCHL Player of the Week for the week ending Feb. 3, the league announced Monday.

The Nanaimo native led the short-manned Clips to two comeback wins on the road and posted four points in the process.

With just 10 forwards dressed, Fraser assisted on both third-period goals as the Clippers downed the Prince George Spruce Kings 2-1 and followed up the next night with a goal and an assist in a 5-3 victory over the Merritt Centennials where he earned 1st Star.

Honourable mentions this week go to:

Alberni Valley Bulldogs F Evan Tironese (4G 1A, GWG, 1st Star, Fortis BC Energy Player of the Game)

Penticton Vees F Wade Murphy (2G 5A, 1st Star)

West Kelowna Warriors F David Pope (3G, 1st Star)

West Kelowna Warriors F Marcus Basara (4A, 2nd Star)

Salmon Arm SilverBacks G Adam Clark (2W, .967 sv%, 1.00 GAA, 3rd Star)

Armada Wrestling Team Wins Miri Piri Invitational

Members of the Alberni Armada Wrestling team travelled to the high caliber Miri Piri Invitational in Abbotsford over the weekend.  The tournament featured some of the top wrestlers from the Lower Mainland and throughout BC. The ADSS team did not disappoint and really looks to be coming into form as they make final preparations for an important month of competitions with the Alberni Invitational, the Island Championships and the BC High School Championships fast approaching.

The ADSS boys won the Juvenile Men’s Division followed by Rustom Wrestling Club and Burnaby South Secondary who finished second and third respectively.  The girls team finished fourth place behind Maple Ridge, Guildford Park, and John Oliver.  Both teams managed high placings despite the fact that a number of wrestlers did not travel due to injury, illness, and other commitments.

The boys were once again led by the gold medal performance of Grade 10 standout Nolan Badovinac.  Nolan won the men’s 74 kilogram division in dominating fashion.  “Nolan looked really good in all his matches.  As a Grade 10, he continues to impress opposing coaches and athletes.  The challenge right now is keeping him sharp. Sometimes you learn more from your losses than you do your wins.  There are some little things that we are focusing on that will help him continue to win as the level of competition rises in the later stages of the season,” commented Coach James Messenger.

Jordan Wagner (54 kg) and Dean Leyland (70 kg) also had great tournaments dropping just one match each to finish with silver medals.  Jonathan Spencer (74kg) and Eryk McKenzie (70kg) finished with bronze medals in their respective weight classes.  Jesse Wagner (5th at 54kg), Sheldon Haddad (5th at 60kg), Russell David (6th at 54kg), and Johannes Kulich (6th at 70kg) rounded out the top 6 placings for the Armada boys.

On the girls side Michel Kurucz (60 kg) and Remi Wells (57kg) both won bronze medals in their weight classes. Lauren Barker (57kg) wrestled tough to finish fifth in her weight class.  The future looks bright as all three of these athletes are just in Grade 10. The  girls team hopes to move up a few notches in the standings when they have their full team competing.

Lone EJ Dunn wrestler, Aaron Badovinac was invited to travel with the ADSS team and rose to the occasion finishing second in the 54 kilogram Junior Boys Division.

“All our athletes wrestled really well today,” assessed Coach Chris Bodnar.  “Under the leadership of our Grade 12 wrestlers Jonathan Spencer and Sheldon Haddad we have a core group of Grade 10 wrestlers who are going to be a force to reckon with.  As coaches I think we thought we were going to have to wait a year or two to cash in on their hard work and development.  However, I think the results today have shown that this team of athletes may just make a run at a few titles before the year is done.”

COMEBACK, Dogs down Caps 5-3 to win four in a row

What a comeback! Down 3-1 after two periods, the Dogs battled back to tie the game four minutes into the third, and then got the winner with just over two minutes to go. That's four straight wins now...

Full Recap on the Dogs website HERE

Great job boys!

Now to eat some post game supper!

Hopefully we'll see you at the Super Bowl Golf tourney tomorrow!

Hammer

Line up Dogs @ Caps

Dogs visit Caps to finish home and home, Super Bowl Golf tomorrow!

After last night's 4-1 Bulldog win the teams meet in the rematch in Duncan tonight at the Big Stick. The Bulldogs (21-16-1-5, 3rd Island) take a three-game winning streak into tonight while the Capitals (10-27-1-3, 5th Island) have lost two in a row.

It is never easy to play at the Big Stick, it's never easy to play on the road ANYWHERE, but the Dogs had best get used to it as this is the first of six straight on the road. If the Dogs have designs on home ice, they will have to win on the road.

Catch all the action with Bruce, Dan and myself on Boston Pizza Bulldogs Hockey on 93.3 The Peak FM with the Pacific Chevrolet pregame show getting underway at 6:45 and the puck dropping at 7:00.

Tonight's 2nd intermission guest is Chris Wahl, play-by-play voice of the Trail Smoke Eaters, as the Dogs start their Interior swing in Trail next Friday.

Don't forget to call the Pro Shop at the Alberni Golf Club ASAP today at 250-723-5422 to get a team in for the Super Bowl Classic tomorrow! Ever since I have moved here I have played almost every year in the Grey Cup and Super Bowl scrambles...a great time, a nice break away from the game and work and life to have some fun!

Super Bowl Scramble

On Sunday February 3^rd. is the annual Super Bowl Scramble and party.

Please register in the Pro. Shop, or you can phone 724-5422 with your 4,5, or 6 person teams or as a single.  The teams can consist of all Men all Ladies or a mixed team. There will be very few rules, just a fun day. Both golfers and non golfers are welcome to join in the activities. If you prefer not to golf come out for the lunch and watch the game on one of two big screen TV’s.

There will be 9 holes of golf with many on course obstacles to overcome. It all begins with a shotgun start at 12 noon and the kick off at 3PM.  After golf enjoy one of Alberni Golf Course’s world famous lunches, served by the greatest staff to be found anywhere.

There will be 3 meat draws, at ½ time courtesy of Rick Paul of Double R Meats. The price for this fun filled day is $30 for members and $40 for guests. This entry fee includes Golf, Lunch and lots of prizes.

See you on Sunday.
Hammer

Dogs stretch streak to three, top Caps 4-1, rematch tomorrow

Unable to post this on the Bulldogs website, as all websites through Esportsdesk appear to be unavailable at the moment, starting with the BCHL homepage and on down through the league's member clubs!

Below is the Recap how it would appear on the Dogs website! Good win for the Dogs, now do it again tomorrow on the road in a tough barn! Hard fought game by the Caps, should be a good one tomorrow.

The Bulldogs hosted the Capitals Friday night to kick off a Home and Home weekend series on 80’s Night at the Dog Pound. The Dogs got off to a great start, taking a 7-0 lead in the shots early in the game but Patrick Spano was good in the Capitals net. The Dogs would find the net just 17 seconds into their first power play chance of the game as Evan Tironese one-timed a feed from Matt Hansen from the top of the point top corner, glove side on Patrick Spano, off the back bar and right back out with the goal light not going on but Referee Jeff Eden signalling goal from behind the goal line. Matt Hansen and Chase Van Allen picked up the assists at 17:28 of the first for a 1-0 Dogs lead after one, and a 15-5 lead in shots.             

The second period again saw the Bulldogs carry the bulk of the play, but they weren’t rewarded with goals. Back-to-back long shifts in the Capitals zone saw plenty of opportunities, but Spano was great in the Capitals net. At the other end, Brad Rebagliati was tested eight times and had to make a couple of good saves. The Dogs would really push hard and up their effort late in the period and they were rewarded for it when Tryg Strand found his own rebound after a diving save by Spano and brought it behind the net and wrapped it around before Spano could recover and get to the other side of the net. Assists on the play went to Mitch Crisanti and Mitch Makin at 18:53 of the second for a 2-0 Dogs lead after two period with a 29-13 lead in shots.    

  

The third period finally saw some scoring before the final two minutes of the frame as Nick Kerr picked up a Ryan Buse rim up the right wing and sent Chase Paylor in alone with a great stretch pass up the middle where he walked in on the breakaway and went top corner, glove side on Spano. Assists on the play went to Dylan Haugen and Bo Pellah at 3:51 of the third. Half a minute later it was a 4-0 Dogs lead as on another odd-man rush saw Evan Tironese set up in tight with a gorgeous cross-ice pass by Ryan Lough that he snapped low past the blocker side of Spano for his second of the game. Hunter Stewart also picked up a helper on the play at 4:19 of the third, bringing about a Capital goaltending change as Connor LaCouvee entered the game.  The Dogs would push to pad the lead off the ensuing puck drop and got caught as the Caps raced up ice on an odd-man rush where Luke Gordon picked up a pass over the Dogs line down the left side in alone where he went top-corner, far side on Brad Rebagliati to make it a 4-1 game from Rylan Bechtel and Tyler Mueller at 4:55 of the third to complete the scoring.    

               

Final shots favoured the Bulldogs 43-26 with Brad Rebagliati picking up the win while Patrick Spano took the loss. The Dogs went 1 for 2 on the power play while the Capitals went 0 for2. The home-and-home finishes tomorrow night at the Big Stick in Duncan.

Dogs host Caps to open weekend home and home, 80's night with CTV, Super Bowl Golf, Rapid Fire, Dan the stats man...

The Bulldogs (20-16-1-5, 3rd Island) host the Capitals (10-26-1-3, 5th Island) to open up a Home-and-Home series that finishes at the Big Stick in Duncan tomorrow night.

It's the first meeting for the teams since the Caps picked up a 2-1 win at the Dog Pound on New Year's Eve. It's also the first game for the Caps since the news from earlier this week that Jim Ingram and the team are parting ways, with Aaron Plumb beginning his tenure as Caps Head Coach tonight.

Fans are encouraged to wear their 80's Hockey sweaters and 80's clothing to celebrate 80's night! You might even get on TV as CTV Vancouver Island will be at the rink broadcasting live!

Catch all the action as always on Boston Pizza Bulldogs Hockey on 93.3 The Peak FM 
with the Pacific Chevrolet pregame show getting underway at 6:45 with the play-by-play at 7:00 with myself and Bruce MacDonald.

Former Bulldog Harrison May is our 2nd intermission guest. Pretty good story of perseverance and battling through injuries to get back into the line up at the University of Ottawa. Harrison also spends time in Valley in the summer at the Junior Hockey Prep Camp.


HUGE CONGRATS to by good friend Dan "the stats man" Tisserand for being named Team Statistician for the Bulldogs last weekend...I missed the release on the blog but we talked about it at length on the air! Congrats Danno, great guy who has done lots for me, lots for the broadcasts, and now for the team!

Bulldogs Name Tisserand Official Team Statistician
PRESS RELEASE

January 29, 2013
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Port Alberni, BC – The Alberni Valley Bulldogs are please to announce that Dan Tisserand is being added to the hockey operations team in an official capacity as the team statistician.

Tisserand is very familiar to many in the Alberni Valley. He was born and raised in Port Alberni where he went through the minor hockey ranks and even coached at the bantam level for a season.
Tisserand, 37, is now married and moved to Nanaimo five years ago but still continues to attend almost all the Bulldogs games on the Island.

“We are very pleased to welcome Dan to the team,” said Bulldogs assistant coach and assistant director of hockey operations Adam Hayduk. “Dan’s attention to detail and ability to keep track of a high volume of data is very impressive and will be very helpful to the coaches,” added Hayduk.

Tisserandʼs role will be to provide the coaching staff with player and team statistics each game including season totals. This will also add to the amount of statistical information that we will be able to track each game. So far this season, team statistics have been kept players who are out of the line up. The team also heavily uses Steva, a video-based hockey analytical software program that is kept up to date each game by Adam Hayduk and Rick Schievink.

“I have been a fan of the Bulldogs since they moved to Port Alberni 11 years ago,” said Tisserand. “I am thrilled to be joining the Bulldogs and I look forward to being a part of the 2012/13 season,” added Tisserand.

This is Tisserandʼs seventh season providing in-game stats for Evan Hammond during his play-by-play broadcasts of Bulldogs games and his first in an official team capacity. For more information contact Alberni Valley Bulldogs assistant coach and assistant director of hockey operations Adam Hayduk

SUPER BOWL GOLF!

Don't miss what is sure to be a fun time at the Alberni Golf Club Sunday....Gerry Fagan has the details..

Super Bowl Scramble

On Sunday February 3^rd. is the annual Super Bowl Scramble and party.

Please register in the Pro. Shop, or you can phone 724-5422 with your 4,5, or 6 person teams or as a single.  The teams can consist of all Men all Ladies or a mixed team. There will be very few rules, just a fun day. Both golfers and non golfers are welcome to join in the activities. If you prefer not to golf come out for the lunch and watch the game on one of two big screen TV’s.

There will be 9 holes of golf with many on course obstacles to overcome. It all begins with a shotgun start at 12 noon and the kick off at 3PM.  After golf enjoy one of Alberni Golf Course’s world famous lunches, served by the greatest staff to be found anywhere.

There will be 3 meat draws, at ½ time courtesy of Rick Paul of Double R Meats.

The price for this fun filled day is $30 for members and $40 for guests. This entry fee includes Golf, Lunch and lots of prizes.

See you on Sunday.

Don't forget to check out RAPID FIRE WITH THE ALBERNI VALLEY BULLDOGS on Shaw! My episode is now up, and I'm happy to announce that  I dusted Jose in Paper, Rock, Scissors!

Check them out HERE

Dogs top Kings 2-1, win second straight

Two big big points for the Dogs, pulls them four up on the Kings, and within two of the Clippers for 2nd as Nanaimo lost 5-2 to Merritt this afternoon.

Recap on the Bulldogs website HERE

Hammer

Line up Kings @ Bulldogs

As always, subject to change

Bulldogs host Kings this afternoon

A rare afternoon tilt at the Dog Pound today, and a very big one in the form of a four point game with the Bulldogs (19-16-1-5, 3rd Island) and Kings (17-20-2-6, 4th Island) separated by just two points the Island Division standings.

The Dogs are coming off a 5-4 win last night over the Smoke Eaters to snap a mini two game slide while the Kings lost 6-2 last night in Victoria, their fourth loss in a row.

Home ice has been anything but in this series. The Bulldogs have won three straight head to head, 6-3, 6-1 and 4-3 in double OT, all in Powell River, dating back to November 9th. Just five days earlier was the last time the Dogs played an afternoon home game, a 4-2 Kings win, their second straight in the Dog Pound after a 2-0 win in October. It was close to the same situation in that game, the Kings playing their third game in three days, the Dogs having a lighter schedule, but the Kings still came in and out worked them and thoroughly controlled the game.  The Bulldogs have won the only game in the series on home ice 4-3 in double OT in September.

The Dogs will most likely be without Jared Wilson for today's game, as he was given a 5 minute major for a check to the head last night on Jesse Knowler in the third period.

I really feel bad for Wilson because everything stacks up against him here - he has been suspended for receiving three blow to the head penalties before, last night's hit WAS NOT captured on video - if you have tape of it PLEASE contact me - and the officiating crew obviously ruled it a penalty. Wilson could possibly sit out three or four games, while Jesse Knowler, the man who took the hit missed all of what, five minutes, and took a regular shift to end the game?

The amount of angry messages and comments in person/email/social media/text messages about the hit, and the call, have almost blown up my phone.

To me, to Bruce, to seemingly everyone else in the building - it was a text book CLEAN hit. Feet remained on the ice, hands were down, shoulders were down, principle point of contact was the CHEST, not the HEAD.

Yet he gets tossed anyway. I can't help but agree with the comment of "If they are going to penalize guys for clean hits like that, all the fans might as well go next door to the other rink and watch the Men's Old-Timer Non-Contact League.

It is almost to the point now where you don't want to be a big player anymore. The game over the last 4 or 5 decades has thousands upon thousands of players that didn't make it, quite simply because they weren't big enough to survive in a man's game, a CONTACT game, plain and simple. Don't get me wrong, I love the skill and speed with the game nowadays, but I'm like every other die-hard hockey fan, I like hits, I want them in the game, I don't want anyone hurt, but if you can't protect yourself, you maybe shouldn't be playing?

6'4 hitting 5'10, another fine example this season that you don't want to be a big guy anymore, as it doesn't matter how clean and perfectly timed your hit is - you are still gone.

All the action is as always on Boston Pizza Bulldogs Hockey on 93.3 The Peak FM with the Pacific Chevrolet pregame show getting underway with Bruce and myself at 1:45 ahead of the 2:00pm puck drop.

Today's 2nd intermission guest is Cowichan Valley Capitals play-by-play voice Alf Orton, as the Bulldogs have a Friday-Saturday home and home with the Caps next weekend starting at the Dog Pound and finishing at the Big Stick. 

Don't forget you can also watch the pay-per-view video broadast through FAST HOCKEY


Hope to see a good crowd at the Dog Pound...it's tough on a Sunday afternoon but just make it an all hockey day, Bulldogs in the afternoon, home for dinner and the Canucks at the Sharks at 5:00pm!


Hammer

Dogs top Smokies 5-4

Crazy game, big win, Dogs 5 Smokies 4, read the recap from the Bulldogs website HERE

Bulldogs and Smokies meet for first time this season...

For the second straight Saturday the Bulldogs (18-16-1-5, Tied 3rd Island) will see an Interior opponent for the first time this season when the Trail Smoke Eaters (19-24-0-2, 5th Interior) visit the Dog Pound.

HUGE points on the line here - the Bulldogs are six points back of Nanaimo for 2nd in the Island with a game in hand. They are tied with the Kings for 3rd/4th spot, with the Bulldogs having four games in hand. Remember, games in hand mean two things if you don't win them - diddly and squat!

The Smokies are hoping that's the case with the Salmon Arm Silverbacks a point up on them for 4th in the Interior, with the Smokies having played four more games than the Apes. HUGE points.

It will be a mini reunion of sorts with three former Bulldogs on the Smoke Eaters in Marley Keca, Tyler Berkholtz and Adam Todd. Eric Walker also faces his old team in the Smokies. 

If you can't make it to the rink tonight (or if you are, bring your radio or smartphone and listen while you watch) we have all the action covered for you with Boston Pizza Bulldogs Hockey on 93.3 The Peak FM with the Pacific Chevrolet pregame show getting underway at 6:45 with the puck drop and play-by-play and colour to follow at 7:00 with myself and Bruce MacDonald.

Former Bulldog Frank Riddle is our 2nd intermission guest, now playing at Wilfred Laurier

Gotta hustle down to the rink to get some work done!

Bring the noise tonight!

Hammer

Strand named Assistant Captain, PAJHS FUNdraising Dinner and Auction, Yakupov's celly

This was talked about on the broadcast Wednesday, but I missed putting it up on the blog in the hubbub that is GAME DAY, so please accept my apologies.

Congrats to Tryg. Great kid, good leader, and a player that plays the game "the right way" in my opinion in that he always plays hard - not dirty, and is never selfish. When he has his feet moving and when he's pushing the pace and using his size, teams have a tough time handling him!

Bulldogs Name Strand Alternate Captain
PRESS RELEASE
January 23, 2013

Port Alberni, BC – The Alberni Valley Bulldogs announce today that the team has named 1993-born forward Tryg Strand as the team’s third alternate captain. Strand, from Invermere, B.C., is in his second season with the Alberni Valley Bulldogs. Strand was identified by the club out of one of the 2011 spring identification camps.

“Tryg has shown leadership since he’s been in a Bulldogs uniform and I think that it has really shown this season with his maturity and work ethic,” said Alberni Valley Bulldogs general manager and head coach Kevin Willison. “He understands what it takes to win and that’s just one of the reasons Tryg is looked upon his peers in the locker room as a leader,” added Willison.

Strand consistantly works hard both on and off the ice, whether at the gym or with his college studies. Strand also has been very active in the community, most recently taking part in the recycling program that the Alberni Valley Bulldogs and the Alberni Clayoquot Regional District will be presenting in local schools.

“It’s an honour to be named assistant captain of the Alberni Valley Bulldogs,” said Bulldogs’ newest alternate captain Tryg Strand. “I am excited to help lead this team for the rest of the season and throughout the playoffs.”

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

That's the best image I can get at the moment, so if you can't read it here's the jist of it!

The PAJHS is holding a Diner and Auction FUNdraiser Banquet on February 28th at the Best Western Barclay Hotel!

They are hoping to sell it out, so be sure to contact the office for your tickets and prepare to come have a fun night with a great meal and some fantastic items up for auction.

If you are a Bulldog supporter, please consider getting a ticket or a table with your friends or co-workers because every fundraising event like this is incredibly important when it comes to the long term success of the team.

Lots of details to come in the weeks ahead on this! For now, get your tickets at the Bulldogs Office, RBC Royal Bank and the Barclay Hotel.


Moving on....I'm curious your thoughts on Nail Yakupov's celly last night. That's short for "celebration" for the kids these days.

It very much reminds me of Theo Fleury's celebration many years ago in Edmonton. The problem with that is that Theo's was in overtime of Game 7 of the Playoffs. Not Game 3 or 4 of the Regular Season.

On one hand I love the energy and excitement and showmanship. On the OTHER hand, I HATE HATE HATE when in a TEAM GAME guys celebrate as INDIVIDUALS.

Unless you go coast-to-coast and beat five guys and then the goalie all by yourself, single-handed, GO HIGH FIVE AND CELEBRATE WITH YOUR TEAMMATES THAT SET YOU UP.

I HATE IT in Junior A, I hate it in the NHL, I hate it in Minor Hockey. This is a team game. This isn't about you. Yes, you put the puck in the net, but what led to that happening? Don't jump on the glass, don't run away from everyone else.


That's just my thoughts, they don't have to be yours!

Hammer

Dogs fall to Clippers 3-1

Great effort, bad result. Full Recap from the Bulldogs website here

Hammer

Line up Dogs at Clips

Dogs visit Clippers, Frank Slubowski for Hobey Baker, Bulldogs

A big battle for 2nd place tonight at the Frank Crane Arena in Nanaimo as the Bulldogs (18-15-1-5, 3rd Island) visit the Clippers (22-15-0-2, 2nd Island) for the first meeting between the teams since mid November.

The Dogs trail the Clippers by four points for 2nd place, and are just one point up on the Kings for 3rd. While the Dogs have four games in hand, they don't mean anything unless you win them, and it will be a tough one tonight. The Clippers are playing good hockey as of late, 7-3 in their last 10. They had a four game winning streak snapped by Vernon on Friday night 6-4, but they bounced back the next night with a 7-1 drubbing of the Kings in Powell River.

Get all the action on Boston Pizza Bulldogs Hockey on 93.3 The Peak FM with the Pacific Chevrolet pregame show on the air at 6:45 with the play-by-play to follow at 7:00.

Don't forget you can also WATCH the game through Fast Hockey 

Tonight's 2nd intermission guest is Chris Wahl, play-by-play voice of the Trail Smoke Eaters, as the Dogs and Smokies meet for the first time this season at the Dog Pound Saturday night. Check out his blog HERE

Frank Slubowski is sitting in 3rd place in the first phase of voting for the Hobey Baker Award....click HERE TO VOTE FRANK
 

Vees 6 Dogs 3

Dogs fight back to get within one, only to give up two in the final minute.


Full Recap from the Bulldogs website HERE


Hammer

Line up Dogs vs Vees

Dogs host defending National Champ Vees, what NHL?

The Bulldogs (18-14-1-5, 3rd Island) conclude a four-game home stand tonight when they host the defending Fred Page/Doyle/RBC Cup Penticton Vees (26-11-0-3, 1st Interior)


The Bulldogs are coming off a 5-4 come-from-behind OT win over the Victoria Grizzlies on Wednesday while the Vees opened up a three game Island swing clutching victory from the jaws of defeat, scoring in the final minute of third to tie the game before finding the winner with less than 10 seconds on the clock in the first overtime. So Bulldog fans say THANKS VEES, but please do it in regulation next time!

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

Tonight's 2nd intermission guest is former Bulldog Max Fenkell, now at Bowdoin playing with the Polar Bears - great name!

Of course the shortened NHL season begins tonight...but there's no place I'd rather be than the Dog Pound watching this game! I have to admit I do miss watching the game played at the highest level...but it still doesn't beat the high level of play/emotion/community connection you get from the local team!  I'm sure most NHL fans will forget after a free beer and a cheap bag of peanuts tonight, but I'm not one of the lucky that can afford to have season tickets or afford to buy single-game seats to Canuck games more than once or twice a year. Mostly I'm just to busy watching/covering the Bulldogs and I watch the NHL on TV...thank goodness for PVR's

Hammer

Teal Burns wins it, VIDEO!

Dogs 5 Grizz 4, OT

Wow! That was fun, and the polar opposite of the ending on Friday night, although it was looking like a repeat again when the Grizzlies had gone up with four minutes and change left.

Interesting play on that goal as after the play Nick Kerr was given a 10 minute misconduct for checking to the head on a hit on Leo Fitzgerald, a call that Grizzlies fans probably thought was a good one, while Bulldog fans will say it's a penalty you can't call when 6'3 is hitting 5'7. It's a tough game out there, and a tough one to call. There wasn't a delayed penalty coming to the Bulldogs signaled by the referee, so one would assume it was called by the crew. A tough night for Kerr as he took a hard elbow to the head right in front of the penalty boxes late in the first period, after being penalized earlier in the frame for what most Bulldog fans would say was a good check.

Shortly afterwards the same process repeated itself during a Bulldog power play as Bo Pellah ended up taking a knee-on-knee hit that ended up in Pellah in a heap on the ice but no stoppage in play. After another conference the Officiating Crew called a 5 minute major. 

Full Recap on the Dogs website HERE

Hammer

Dogs host Grizzlies for rematch tonight, vote Frank!

The Bulldogs (17-14-1-5, Tied 3rd Island) try to snap a three-game losing streak tonight when they host the Grizzlies (26-9-0-3, 1st Island) for the second time in five days.

The Grizzlies scored with less than 30 seconds left to win 3-2 on Friday, digging out of a 2-0 hole after 40 minutes for the second time against the Dogs this season, and winning the first game between the teams this season in regulation time after the previous five had all gone to overtime.

As previously mentioned the Dogs have lost three in a row. They have lost by a total of three goals. The Bulldogs record in one-goal games going into New Year's Eve was by my count 8-1-0-5. Entering play tonight it's 8-4-0-5. Here's hoping the Dogs don't lose confidence and feel any self doubt, but instead they realize they have been just a tiny bit short on killer instinct or composure over the last three games to end up on the winning side of a one goal decision.

Catch all the action on Boston Pizza Bulldogs Hockey on 93.3 The Peak FM with things getting underway with the Pacific Chevrolet pregame show at 6:45 with the puck drop and play-by-play to follow at 7:00 with myself and Bruce MacDonald.


Tonight's 2nd intermission feature guest is Penticton Vees play-by-play Broadcaster Fraser Rodgers. 
The Dogs host the defending RBC/Doyle/Fred Page Cup Champion Vees on Saturday night.

Don't forget to vote for Bulldog alum Frank Slubowski for the Hobey Baker! Click HERE to VOTE!
Hammer