PAJHS holds AGM tonight, Amsterdam comes to town, more pictures of Jeneece Place!

Don't forget the PAJHS Annual General Meeting TONIGHT!

The above picture is from the Inlet webcam. A big welcome to the Amsterdam, as up to 1500 people will disembark the ship and visit the Valley today....be sure to give them a nice welcome!

I was having trouble uploading pictures yesterday....here's some extra shots of the amazing Jeneece Place in Victoria, and Beacon Hill Park!

Bandits take RBC Cup, Chris Frank takes out linesman, great weekend at Jeneece Place

Big congrats to the Brooks Bandits, and former Bulldog Tanner Hicks on winning the RBC Cup on Sunday, 3-1 over the host Summerside Western Capitals.

It would have been nice to see the Surrey Eagles win it all and have the BCHL repeat as National Champions, but if it wasn't the Eagles, I'm happy it's staying in the West and that "Hicksie" got to win it.

Tanner had plenty of adversity to deal with early in his career...on his first or second shift of his Junior A career he was hit from behind in Powell River and lacerated his spleen, resulting in about 6 months on the shelf. Fans may remember his first or second game back at home against the Vernon Vipers when he blocked three shots on the same penalty kill, and while leaving the ice hobbled a Viper player carried the puck directly in his path thinking he was out of the play...and he thought wrong as Hicks leveled him with an open ice hit for the ages. Never seen that before, and not sure I will again. If his rookie season wasn't tough enough, he was then traded twice the next season, first early in the year by the previous management with the Bulldogs to Trail as part of the Matt Larose trade. He was then subsequently dealt to the Bandits where he went on to win two AJHL titles and an RBC. Good things come to those to keep at it kids! It was awesome to see him on the ice as time ticked down on Sunday.

I didn't get a chance to watch the Semi Final game, but it sounded like the Eagles lost out in controversial fashion on Saturday to Summerside with a hit from behind going un-called, and the player who threw the check ending up scoring the winning goal in overtime. Ouch.

I got to know some of the Bandits crew at the Western Canada Cup in Nanaimo and I lived vicariously through them as their team won it all...now just to live it first hand next season with the Bulldogs!

Speaking of the WCC - seems like a great endorsement for the new format of sending two representatives from Western Canada to the RBC when both of them make the Semis, doesn't it? With no disrespect intended to Manitoba and Saskatchewan, the Bandits and the Eagles should have been there, and they proved it. The second ranked team in the WCC ended up winning the RBC - they wouldn't have went under the old AJ vs BC, SJ vs MJ Doyle/Anavet Cup system.

_____________________________________

How about this bit of crazy from the ice in Australia. Yes, AUSTRALIA. Former Cowichan Valley Capital Chris Frank ends up concussing a Linseman while also lacerating his finger. Look out for the stripes boys, wow! For those of you that are impatient, fast forward to the :50 mark to see the hits in question. This one comes from Yahoo's Puck Daddy Blog.

Yikes!

Speaking of Officiating - I listened to the Hawks vs Wings game on my drive back from Victoria (get the Tune In app if you don't have it for your smart phone, it's fantastic) and it was pretty interesting to listen to the Blackhawks Broadcast when the events of the third period unfolded. The best description of the Officiating of the playoffs can be found on Deadspin.com

"Of the phantom interference call, Corey Crawford merely said, "I think that's the first time that I've seen 'in the crease' called since about 2000." Other Blackhawks spoke up, but respectfully. And that's the point we're at. Playoff officiating has been so inconsistent, and teams have whined so much already (Chicago is certainly guilty of this), that no one can work up the energy to complain about legitimate beefs—and it'd get lost in the noise anyway."

______________________________________

I hope you had a fun, safe long weekend. 

Mine was spent down in Victoria at Jeneece Place with my better half Theresa and my little guy Griffin. We have another little one on the way soon and Momma is high-risk, so she's been sent to Victoria on Doctor's orders for the next Month. Thankfully a place like Jeneece Place exists, because our family quite simply couldn't afford a month in a hotel. I don't know many people that aren't well-off that could, now that I think of it. What an amazing place!

It was a fun weekend in Victoria with a trip to Beacon Hill Farm - what an incredible place that is...a trip to visit a submarine, a great show that was the Victoria Day Parade in Victoria and more!

Ticket Deadline TODAY, Dad's Night Out at the Alberni Golf Club tonight, Men's Club tomorrow night, GO EAGLES!

TODAY is the deadline to renew your Bulldogs Season Tickets for 2013-14 to ensure your seat will be available.

Here's hoping the magical run in the playoffs will have the stands even more full throughout next season! The Dogs office is open today from 1pm to 5pm - you can renew over the phone if you can't get in there at 250-723-4412.

Anyone who renews or purchases seats by the end of the day is entered in a draw to win lunch for 4 with the Bulldogs following the Canada Day parade.

The Surrey Eagles continue to roll along at the RBC Cup. Fresh off their Western Canada Cup title, the Eagles are 2-0 at the RBC, hoping to go 3-0 today. Follow the RBC Cup HERE, and watch live for FREE on Fast Hockey - AWESOME!

Follow the Eagles journey through Brendan Batchelor's great blog found HERE

That's my little guy Griffin practicing last night on the Putting Green at the Alberni Golf Club. He can't make it tonight, but I'm hoping any Dads out there will get to "Dad's Night Out" tonight.

It's from 6pm to 7pm at the Alberni Golf Club, as kids will get instruction and some reps hitting balls on the range and on the chipping and putting green. Dad's Night Out is a great program put on by Port Alberni Parks and Rec to encourage Dads to get out with their kids and have some fun. It was fishing last week, and a trip of the Firehall the week before (Griff and I both loved that one) and it's at the Alberni Golf Club tonight so get out there Dads and Kids!

TOMORROW night it's not for the kids, as it's Men's Night!

Call the Pro Shop at 250-723-5422 to register!

Hammer

Bulldogs secure Coaching Staff

The Alberni Valley Bulldogs are proud to announce they have secured coaching duo Kevin Willison and Adam Hayduk. Society member Russell Dyson says “we are proud to haveboth Kevin and Adam returning which brings added stability to our hockey operations. These coaches also bring with them a commitment to the community, ensuring a winning attitude both on and off the ice.” Head Coach Kevin Willison has signed on with the Bulldogs for the next three years, and Assistant Coach Adam Hayduk has signed on for two years with the option for a third. Kevin Willison joined the Bulldogs as Head Coach in December 2011. The successful 2012/2013 season was Willison’s first full season with the team, and resulted in the Bulldogs knocking out both the Nanaimo Clippers and Victoria Grizzlies to become Island Champions. “I’m extremely honored that the Bulldogs organization has the confidence in Adam and I to be able to lead this team for seasons to come,” says Willison. “I am looking forward to working hard and making the people of Port Alberni very proud of their hockey team on and off the ice.”

Adam Hayduk has already worked with the team for two full seasons and is excited about continuing to work with the Bulldogs. Adams says: "I am thrilled that the Port Alberni Junior Hockey Society and the Alberni Valley Bulldogs organization continue to show faith in both Kevin and myself, enough to bring us both back for multi-year terms. This community deserves a team they can be proud of on and off the ice and I am very happy that I can be a part of a great organization that is working hard to make that happen."

Make sure you don’t miss any of the Bulldogs action. Get your season tickets before May 15th to ensure your seat is available. All purchases and renewals before May 15th will also be entered to win lunch for 4 at the Bulldogs Canada Day Parade After Party.

UPDATED - VIDEO - Bulldogs acquire Justin Georgeson from Express, good luck Eagles!

Updated to add a video of what Georgeson is capable of - a nice goal here, which was his first of two on the game. He would also add two assists in a 1st star effort.

Very exciting addition - I have always been a fan of Georgeson. An exciting player to watch, fast with good hands....welcome to the Dog Pound Justin!

Bulldogs Announce Another Deadline Deal: Acquire Coquitlam’s Leading Scorer

PRESS RELEASE
May 8, 2013
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Port Alberni, BC – The Alberni Valley Bulldogs announced today the future considerations part of the trade that saw the Bulldogs send Lars Hepso and the rights to Adam Rossignol to the Coquitlam Express at the trade deadline.

Heading to the Alberni Valley Bulldogs is the Coquitlam Express’ leading scorer from the 2012/13 season Justin Georgeson. Georgeson is a 1993-born forward from Maple Ridge, BC. He has 164 regular season games and nine playoff games over three full seasons in the BCHL under his belt. He was the most durable player for the Express this past season as he was the only player on the team to dress in all 56 regular season games.

Prior to committing to Coquitlam, Georgeson put up some some very impressive numbers playing for the Vancouver North East Chiefs of the BC Major Midget League as a 16 year old. He registered 21 goals and 29 assists for 50 points in 40 games.

Georgeson is a competitor that will bring leadership, speed, and an ability to put up good numbers.

“The Bulldogs are thrilled to add such an exciting player to our roster for the 2013-2014 season,” said Alberni Valley Bulldogs head coach and general manager Kevin Willison. “Justin will play on one of our top lines next season and will also add great leadership off the ice.”

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

Make sure you don’t miss any of the Bulldogs action. Get your season tickets before May 15th to ensure your seat is available. All purchases and renewals before May 15th will also be entered to win lunch for 4 at the Bulldogs’ Canada Day Parade after party. Stop by the Bulldog's Office on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1-5pm or call us anytime at 250-723-4412 to get your tickets.

Big congrats to the Surrey Eagles, Champions of the Inaugural Western Canada Cup.

The Eagles have done the BCHL proud - now please do it one more time and go and win the RBC Cup!

I had a great time at the tournament working with the Fast Hockey crew broadcasting a selection of the games, and we heard great feedback from the fans in the rest of Western Canada - and the World, who were watching from a distance. It's too bad more people didn't show up to watch the games but I think that was to be expected with how the crowds were in Nanaimo throughout the season. Here's hoping Dauphin, Manitoba does just a good a job of hosting the event as the people in Nanaimo did with it this year.

Hammer

WCC through two days...GOLF!

Just some random thoughts from the Western Canada Cup...

The hockey is, as predicted - great. The teams (save the hosts) all advanced to the tourney because they are Champions. Beyond the expected nerves/rust throughout the early minutes of the early games on Saturday, it was end to end action and high quality hockey.

The crowds are somewhat disappointing, but that also probably isn't a big surprise with how the  Clippers drew throughout the season. Here's hoping Nanaimo picking up a win last night will get some more fans into the building. That won't do anything to improve attendance at the games that don't involve the Clippers though. Here's hoping enough people spread the word in regards to how good the hockey is and more people show up. Too bad for such a high calibre tournament.

The Host Committee has done a masterful job. From attending high-level and large scale tournaments in the past on a handful of occasions, I have come to expect some fairly large scale problems in the opening days. Not so in Nanaimo, as everyone seemed to know their job and know their stuff. Great job by the WCC hosts and the army of volunteers! 

Tournament hockey is certainly fun to watch, isn't it? Brooks bests Surrey when Surrey might have felt they were the better team and had the better chances. Nanaimo recovers from two Yorkton leads (1-0, 2-1) to lead 3-2 after 40 minutes, only to give up two quick ones to lose to the Terriers 4-3.

I didn't get down to the tournament yesterday, but I watched on FAST HOCKEY...

Nanaimo takes advantage of a five minute major to blow open the game and Brooks can't recover as the Clippers top the Bandits 7-2, while Yorkton runs their record to 2-0 topping Steinbach 3-2 after the Pistons had come back from a 2-0 hole.

It's been a pleasure working with the Fast Hockey crew so far, and lots of fun broadcasting with Fraser Rodgers and Ian Holmes (reuniting the DREAM TEAM for the first time since the 2009 U17 Gold Medal game) over the two opening games of the tournament.

The Fast Hockey technology is something else...it was nice to hear great feedback from across the country and across the world from people tuning in!

I'll be watching from the comforts of home tonight on the laptop as Surrey and Steinbach battle for their first win of the tourney. 

I didn't get down to the tournament yesterday, I instead got out for a round of Golf at the beautiful Alberni Golf Club.

A career best 78 for me. I felt bad talking about my golfing plans on the broadcasts on Saturday. Sorry everyone else in the rest of the country. You should get out here!

I have read some reports that it's the coldest Spring on the Prairies in over a decade...it's not too late to jump a plane or jump in your car and get out here for some great hockey action!

P.S. - bring your clubs!


Hammer

WCC set to start, Dogs Spring Camp tour in 100 Mile House, Crisanti to Caps, Gold in the Net Golf!

The Inaugural Western Canada Cup gets going tonight in Nanaimo, with action on the ice kicking off tomorrow. For all the details, visit the official tourney website HERE

You can watch all the action on Fast Hockey HERE

If you check out the action on Fast Hockey - you might hear me, as I'm lucky enough to get to provide the play-by-play and analysis of a selection of games throughout the tournament.

The Bulldogs hold their second of three Spring Evaluation camps this weekend in 100 Mile House. Next weekend they will hold a camp in Osoyoos.

The Bulldogs announced the completion of the Teal Burns trade yesterday, announcing that Mitch Crisanti is headed to the Capitals. 

More details from the Bulldogs website HERE

And best of luck Mitch with the Caps!

I'm lucky again this year to have the opportunity to play in and host the Gold in the Net Golf Tournament!

They still have some spots open, so if you are in for a good time for a good cause, give them a call and get registered!

Visit them online HERE

Hammer

Dogs Spring Camp continues today at Multiplex, Brooks wins AJHL, books ticket to WCC

It's the second day of Spring Camp in the Alberni Valley today. Here's the schedule for today and tomorrow:

Saturday, April 20th: 

9:00-11:00am 

11:15-1:15pm 

4:00-6:00pm

6:15-8:15pm
 

Sunday, April 21st: 

7:15-9:15am

10:30-12:30pm 

Hopefully we will see you there! 

 The Brooks Bandits booked their ticket with a 6-5 OT win in Game 5 last night over Spruce Grove...more details HERE

The Bandits join the host Nanaimo Clippers, the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League Champion Yorkton Terriers and the Manitoba Junior Hockey League Champion Steinbach Pistons in the Western Canada Cup field. 

The only berth yet to be decided is the BCHL one. It will be either the Vees or the Eagles, and we could find out as soon as tomorrow. The teams had last night off and tonight off, with Game 6 going tomorrow night at 5pm in Penticton with the Eagles leading the series 3 games to 2.

Full details on the WCC can be found on the tournament website HERE. 

It will be some outstanding hockey as the teams fight for two RBC Cup berths. 

Hammer

   

Blogger back, THANKS, goin' Golfing!

What an amazing picture! Game over. Handshake over. Season over. Rink - still FULL. Just like a lot of the things witnessed through the Playoff run all you can say is "only in Alberni"

It's been almost two weeks since my last post following the Year End Awards Banquet. Longest holiday I've had in a couple of years!

Unfortunately I was still working at 93.3 The Peak and I haven't had a REAL holiday, but stepping back from the blog, the broadcasts, and all things Bulldogs has been a nice break and very refreshing. Don't get me wrong, I would trade it all to still be calling hockey games with the Bulldogs magical run continuing!

At the same time it has been very nice to get back to somewhat of a regular sleep schedule, and it has been very nice to spend lots of time with my family and my little guy, "catching up" on everything I miss throughout the hockey season. What I have been up to over the last couple of weeks - a couple rounds of golf, a trip to Victoria, house work, and a trip up Mount Washington last weekend. I was really lucky with that one, winning a chance to head up the Mountain through work!

Accept my apologies for not posting something on the blog sooner, but it's just simply hard to do. Who wants to talk about the end of the season? Throw in the fact that my laptop died last week and I have been without a computer, and it makes writing this even more difficult.

Just SOME of my favorite memories - the incredible crowds in Nanaimo and Victoria, the crazy celebration behind the Frank Crane Arena, the sign in the Bear Mountain Arena parking lot, the fun we had with the bus, my little guy coming to see part of the banquet, and my Dad surprising me all the way from Manitoba to catch some Playoff action after catching the Bulldog fever from 4 Provinces away! Pretty cool that he won the 50/50 during Game 4, as it helped pay for all his and my golf while he was out here!

So many people to thank...I'm sure I'll miss some but here goes nothing!

This is for everyone that either wasn't at the banquet or missed the final "Sign off" on the Postgame show from the final game. I always try my best on the final broadcast to thank everyone top to bottom. I heard some great feedback that Bruce and I did a great job with it - thanks, that means alot!

Thanks to:

My family, and everyone that supports them. It's not easy with how the schedule is to be gone for extended periods, to be on the road, to have almost every single weekend booked from September through March - or in this case, into April. Thanks to Theresa and Griff for their support, and to everyone that supports them in my absence.

My work family - everyone at The Peak that makes the broadcasts happen from a sales and operations standpoint, and covers for me when the team is on the road - David, Wanda, Diane, Brian, Jolie, our production staff, and our Broadcast Operators and Producers Nick, Brendan and Paul. I get to have all the fun, they do a ton of work behind the scenes.

The sponsors - the broadcasts don't happen without people investing in them. Without you, there is nothing. THANKS.

Bruce MacDonald - His first full year doing colour and analysis. He brings an unbelievable amount of passion to the job, and I think he grew in leaps and bounds throughout the year with how he called the game. The committment he made to calling the games home and away was something else. Keep in mind it's a side job for him, and he took a lot of time away from running a business and being with his family to make the broadcasts what they were. He's a great guy to hang out with in the booth and on the road on the bus and in the hotel. I think we are due to a hang out on the golf course though, where no one is listening to us and we don't have to always measure what we say, haha!

Dan Tisserand - I don't even know how many years it has been now for Dan being the Official "stats man" on the broadcasts. We were both talking about that at one point this season and Dan said "thanks for giving me the chance to do this" and my response was something along the lines of he shouldn't be thanking me for ANYTHING! Talk about dedication and committment - he lives in Nanaimo, every game is a road game for him except those at the Frank Crane, and he doesn't miss many. He's travelling on his own most of the time, he's home late, he's working the next day. The stats bring a lot to the broadcasts that I know everyone appreciates from the fans to the players to the parents to the Coaching Staff. Thanks again Danno! I would love to have a mic on Dan and Bruce sometimes when they go back and forth on things during breaks!

The Bulldogs Organization - TOP TO BOTTOM - Coaches and Staff, Players, Office Staff. They all are great guys and gals. It's not always easy not working for the team, but working in such close association with the team. It's also not easy when you have to constantly walk the fine line between being truthful and unbiased, and also supportive and positive. The Coaches were amazing to deal with, and are a couple of great guys. Same can be said for the Players and the support staff - Jamie and James, Will "the thrill" and the Office Staff and volunteers. Miss all of you already!

Billets/Volunteers - Hockey at this level doesn't exist without Billet families to take these guys into their homes, and without volunteers at so many levels to make the team and the games run, in the Office, around the rink on game day - public address and music, scorekeeping and score clock operating , penalty box attendants, goal judges, security personnel, the volunteers at the front of the rink, the members of the Booster Club. Thanks for playing such a huge part in this being such an amazing place, not just in hockey but in day to day life! Quite simply, there are lots of incredible people in this city.  

The Port Alberni Junior Hockey Society - What a year to make the Dogs community owned! I don't think anyone could have anticipated the incredible run the team would go on when this endeavour was undertaken last spring. THANKS to everyone involved for stepping up, and showing no fear and refusing to say NO! Just like the people that first brought this team here, you showed the same Port Alberni mentality. Thanks for dreaming big, thanks for all your time and efforts away from your families, your jobs, your priorities. Incredible story written this season from the community side of things.

Blog Readers and Supporters - Thanks for giving me the incentive to keep this blog up and going throughout the season. It takes way more work than most people realize. Thanks for the positive feedback, and thanks for the donations through the link on the right ------> (DON'T BE SHY TO CLICK IT!!) that keep me going and give me a kick in the butt when I'd rather take some down time or time with the family. The donations go a long way in not only making me feel like the time I put in is appreciated, but they also go a long way in making the blog what it is - new computer, new phone/camera, online hosting fees for audio, etc!

Ok, so who am I missing now? Oh right, the FANS! None of this happens, and this team isn't here without your generosity and support. Second to none not only in the league, and in the country. Your support of the broadcasts, and of the team, is incredible. You packed OUR rink, you invaded THEIR rinks, you pushed the team into the second and third round of the Playoffs. You made the Dog Pound how it used to be - over seating capacity. It's your hard earned $$$, and I thank and respect you for your mind blowing support!

Thanks as well to the BCHL, for giving us great hockey to watch at a great price. Thanks to the opposition, you can't have games without them. Thanks as well to the Officials - often maligned, never appreciated or commended enough. Through the earlier parts of the Playoffs the Officiating was more often than not sub-standard. It was nice to see over the Coastal Final that things tightened up and the Officiating wasn't a factor. Maybe that's a credit to the Eagles and the Bulldogs and how they played, maybe it's the Referees in question, maybe it's a bit of both. I know Bruce and I both said at the conclusion of Game 4 against Surrey how good the officiating was. I was happy also to hear that Manny Gialedakis went into the Officials Dressing Room after the game to offer his thanks for their efforts and all that they put up with in a thankless job.

I think that just about does it for the THANKS! If I forgot you, accept my humble apologies - the list is just wayyyy too long. Like every alum says when I interview him and ask him if there is anyone he wants to say Hello to, or anyone he wants to thank - you can't thank everyone, you will most likely miss someone, and that right there is what makes this place to amazing...the support you get at all levels is out of this world!

What an incredible picture from Monday afternoon!

The Alberni Golf Club is where you will find me more often than not until next season....or at least as much as family life and my wallet will allow me! The course is in great shape, and the weather is pretty darn good...sorry to those in other parts of the Province or the rest of Canada and the US under snow and in the cold still. Just another great thing about living here!

The first Men's Night of the Season at the Alberni Golf Club goes tonight.

It's a 6pm start, with great food, great prizes, and most importantly a great time!

Call the Pro Shop to get registered at 250-723-5422

That's it for now, more on the Western Canada Cup and the Fred Page Cup Finals series to come in the next couple of days.



Hammer

Bulldogs Year End Awards

Most Sportsmanlike Award

Ryan Lough
Dylan Haugen

Rookie of the Year

Jared Wilson

Best Defenceman

Chase Van Allen

Top Scorer

Evan Tironese

Coaches Award

Tryg Strand
Jay Deo

Fan Choice Award

Evan Tironese

Most Valuable Player

Jay Deo




Sent from my iPhone

Bulldogs Year End Awards

Community Hero Award

Ryan Lough
Tryg Strand
Manny Gialedakis

Humanitarian Award

Chase Van Allen

Academic Award

College

Ryan Lough

High School

Brad Rebagliati

Most Improved Player

Kurt Gosselin

Unsung Hero Award

Nick Kerr
Manny Gialedakis

Sent from my iPhone

Bulldogs Year End Awards Banquet

Awards to come, stay tuned

Eagles top Dogs 5-2 to win series...

Epic battle to the end, but the Dogs bow out losing 5-2 tonight, more thoughts to come later, sinking in now.

Full Recap from the Bulldogs website HERE

Line up Dogs vs Eagles

Dogs host Eagles in must-win Game 4 tonight

 If it was a best-of-five series, the Dogs would be done. It's not, and they're not.

It goes without saying that you never want to find yourself in a must-win situation in the Playoffs. It also probably goes without saying that if you DO find yourself in a must-win situation, having a 5-0 record in that scenario is a pretty good way to go into it.

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

Tonight's 1st intermission guest is Bulldogs Forward Mitch Makin. Tonight's 2nd intermission guest is former Bulldog Matt Hatch, now playing at Union. 

You can also watch the game tonight through the pay-per-view broadcast provided by Fast Hockey

Don't forget to WEAR WHITE and to BRING THE NOISE - the guys will need you now more than ever!

Hammer

Dogs drop second straight 3-2 in OT, MUST WIN tomorrow night

Same ole same ole for the Dogs, as they are once again in a must win situation to keep their season alive after three heart breakers in a row,  two straight by a 3-2 OT score, to trail 3-0 in the Coastal Conference Final series.

Incredible game, incredible atmosphere.

Great job by the Dogs to get it to overtime, considering that they were down 2-0 with less than 10 minutes to play in the third period.

Nice to see the Officials made the correct call on the game tying goal by Teal Burns. I actually thought it was drama that wasn't even necessary as it never looked anywhere close to a high stick to me by Mitch Makin. The puck went in and the Eagles and their Coaching Staff claimed a high stick - you sure can't blame them for trying especially how the calls at the time were going against them - which brought about a conference with the four Officials that eventually ended with a goal being awarded. Watching the replay afterwards it looks like Mitch Makin's stick is never higher than his waist.

Back to the atmosphere. Wow, as from the second the 'Dogs entered the playing surface, it was just plain humming in there. Both goalies were great, and like I said on the broadcast no one in the building feels worse than Jay Deo. And that's life as a goalie, speaking as a former one. As Mr. Plante once said about the profession - it's the only one in the world where if you make a mistake, a big red light goes on above your head, and thousands of people boo or cheer. One minute you are stopping a penalty shot and getting a standing O, and the next you are wearing the horns. I can't imagine how Jay and the rest of the team feels finding themselves in a hole, but if it's anything less than the positive approach of that they are lucky that they get to play another day, then their season might end.

It's nothing more than a repeat of a repeat of a repeat now, but I have always said that Playoffs is always about nothing more but what is next and what you need to do. The Dogs have shown an amazing ability to do just that, and are still playing as a result of it.

No matter what, they have just kept fighting and clawing and biting and scratching, being resilient, as Bruce says. The amount of times that this run could have ended earlier is crazy. Basically any of the games against Nanaimo after the Dogs came home down 0-2. On the road in Game 5 down a goal late in the second and down one man for 4 minutes and down two men for 2 minutes. Down 2 games to 1 to the Grizzlies and down 2-1 with 2 minutes left in the game, only to tie it, and then fight off all the sudden death before Sabo's winner. My worry at that point was that the team might have had enough, and thought they had done enough, staving off elimination again with their team decimated by injuries, giving the home crowd that amazing win. Yet they went down to Victoria and found away again to win, to give them a chance to fight and play another day.

The Dogs are 5 and 0 when facing elimination in these Playoffs. So it should be no problem for these guys to win four in a row to get another chance to start anew and fight another day and open the LEAGUE FINALS on home ice.

It starts with just forgetting this one and focusing on what they need to do tomorrow to make it a 3-1 series and then looking at the next one and heading back to Surrey. The only previous experience for the Dogs in the Conference Final was in 2009-10. For those that didn't follow the team then, here's a quick refresher -  the Dogs hearts were broken when they lost Game 7 at home to Powell River. The Kings won the series after trailing 3-1 after the Bulldogs dropped the opening game of the series at home before winning the next three in row. The Kings responded by picking up three straight wins including at the Dog Pound in Games 5 and 7, before going all to the BCHL Finals where they lost in Game 7.

The Dogs should have nothing to hang their heads about, they should be proud of how they battled. I'm looking forward to another great game at the Dog Pound tomorrow, just another ho hum must win!

How good was Jared Wilson tonight? Led in shots, hits, blocks, points...we were joking that he should have maybe taken a couple of draws just to lead the team in another category. And how dynamic was Matt Hansen? What a shame the Dogs went without him on that big Surrey ice for Games 1 and 2. He has an ability to create a lot of stuff by himself, and anything like that just brings a building to the edge of their seat and is pretty fun to watch! Maybe the two game break was a nice rest for him. I would love to see him shoot more still.

A fantastic hockey game to watch with two great hockey teams and I can't wait to see lots more!

Full Recap on the Dogs website here

Hammer

      

Line ups Eagles @ Dogs

Island Champs return home to WHITE NOISE to host Eagles for Game 3

(photo: Scott McKenzie, Alberni Valley Times)

It feels like 100 years ago already as the Dogs return home for the first time since THIS...

It hasn't been loud enough in the rink already, as you can see from the video above, so why not try to make it louder? Ear plugs will be provided at the door.

The Bulldogs will need to ride the crowd, they will need to start strong to keep them energized. And they'll need someone other than Evan Tironese scoring, as he has account for all the offense in the series. Not bad for a 17 year old, leading the BCHL Playoffs in scoring...but he can't do it all by himself.

The Dogs were RIGHT there in Surrey, losing two games by a total of two goals, 1-0 and 3-2 in OT. The Eagles did their job on Home Ice, and now the Dogs must do the same.

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 the puck drop and play-by-play to follow at 7:00 with myself and Bruce MacDonald.

Tonight's 1st intermission guest is Bulldogs Forward Matt Hansen, back in the line up after a two game suspension handed out after the conclusion of Game 5 from the Victoria series. Tonight's 2nd intermission guest is Fraser Rodgers, play-by-play voice of the Penticton Vees.

As always, you can watch the game through the pay-per-view video provided by Fast Hockey


Hammer