Dogs host Eagles tonight, at Pacific Chevrolet today!

The Bulldogs (0-5-0-0, 5th Island) are back in action chasing their first win of the season tonight when they host the Surrey Eagles (2-2-0-0, 3rd Mainland) at the Dog Pound.

It's a rematch of last year's Coastal Conference Final series, but the teams are vastly different. If you think the Dogs have lost a lot from last year, look no further than the Eagles, as by a quick count they have 3 returning players from last year's Fred Page/Western Canada Cup Championship team.

 Catch all the action on Van Isle Ford Bulldogs Hockey on 93.3 The Peak FM with the pregame show kicking off at 6:45 with the play-by-play to follow with Bruce and myself at 7:00

Tonight's 2nd Intermission Feature Guest is Alex Rawnsley, Play-by-Play voice of the Powell River Kings...the Dogs are in Powell River for a 3pm start tomorrow.

Listen live on your trusty radio, or through your computer and our listen live link at www.933thepeak.com

If you are only carrying your phone, check out the Tunein app by clicking HERE !

You can also WATCH the game through the Pay-Per-View offered by Fast Hockey

I'm Live on Location today now until 2pm at Pacific Chevrolet! Come on up and say HI, check out the new trucks, and enjoy burgers and hot dogs with proceeds going towards the Kidney Foundation!

Hammer

Jared Wilson committs to RPI , Darian Henry joins Bulldogs, KEEP THE FAITH.

Huge congrats to Bulldogs Defenceman Jared Wilson, as he has committed to RPI, becoming the first member of the 2013-2014 Bulldogs to secure an NCAA Scholarship.

Former Bulldog Head Coach (2009-2010) Nolan Graham is an Assistant Coach at RPI, and apparently he liked what he saw in person in Wilson at the BCHL Showcase.

Wilson has the full package, size, skill, vision, shot, physical play. The sky is the limit with him. It's about maturity, consistency and motivation now. I've said it before for every single guy that secures a Scholarship, and with "Willy" it's no different - now it's about getting to the next level as the BEST player you can be. Keep that development going.

I have seen it many times throughout the years - the driving force, the wood that stokes the fire in the belly, so to speak, for so many kids is the motivation they find in playing to secure their future, to get to that "next level" and it's sometimes natural to have a "let down" once you have accomplished that. Jared never lacks passion, so here's hoping that's not the case for him, as the Dogs certainly need him at his best. At his best, he can be a dominant force and a game changer.

Release from the Bulldogs....

Jared Wilson Commits to RPI, NCAA Div I

PRESS RELEASE
September 20, 2013

Port Alberni – The Alberni Valley Bulldogs are very proud to announce that Jared Wilson has committed to the NCAA Division I program at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute for 2014/15. The RPI Engineers are members of the Eastern College Athletic Conference and play out of the Houston Field House in Troy, New York.

RPI is coming off another successful season under head coach Seth Appert. In 2012/13, the Engineers finished with an overall record of 18-14-5 and a conference record of 12-7-3.

Wilson is the third Alberni Valley Bulldogs recruit in recent years by RPI, following in the footsteps of former Bulldogs Johnny Rogic and Evan Tironese. Wilson will also be joining former ‘Dogs head coach Nolan Graham who is currently an assistant coach with RPI.

In 50 regular season games in 2012/13, Wilson led all rookie defencemen in the BCHL in scoring with 10 goals and added 22 assists for 32 points, had a shooting percentage of 14.08%, and defensively had a plus/minus rating of +6. 14 of Wilson’s 32 points came on the power play (6A, 8A).

“Wilson came in to camp having worked very hard in the off-season, and it shows,” said head
coach and general manager Kevin Willison. In the first 5 games of the 2013/14 season, Wilson leads the team with 6 points (2 goals and 4 assists). Both Wilson’s goals have been on the power play.

“We are extremely happy for Jared and it’s great to see his hard work is paying off,” added Willison. “We are very proud of what he has accomplished to put himself in a position to be a highly touted recruit to a top NCAA Division 1 program.”

Wilson’s outstanding play during the 2012/13 season and into the BCHL Conference Finals garnered a lot of NHL interest. However, it was Wilson’s dominant play at the Bauer BCHL Showcase that has carried that NHL interest into this season. The coaching staff has been receiving several calls from NHL clubs already this season.

The Alberni Valley Bulldogs family is very proud of Jared for his commitment to RPI and look forward to many great things from him and from the team this season. For up to date news and information on the Alberni Valley Bulldogs, visit the team’s website at www.albernivalleybulldogs.ca. To learn more about season ticket packages for the 2013/14
season, call 250.723.4412.

For additional comments about this story, please contact Head Coach and General Manager
Kevin Willison

Another Defenceman is set to join the Bulldogs, as Darian Henry is set to arrive in Port Alberni today. Henry was recently released by the WHL's Regina Pats. It was less about how he was playing, and more about his age, according to the Leader Post....read HERE

One has to think that the Coaching Staff are thrilled to get a player of his size and experience to help the D-core, even if it creates a further log jam back there. At last count the Dogs had 9 bodies on the back end - but that could be looked at as a blessing with both Riley Ostoforoff and Luca Doctor recently being banged up.
 One might say the Dogs need Forwards to put the puck in the net...and I would be inclined to obviously agree with that...but they also need to do a better job of keeping the puck OUT of their net as well.

Henry's rights were acquired last summer in the Justin Morello trade - details on that from the Bulldogs website HERE

Don't Stop Believing - Journey. Keep the Faith - Bon Jovi. Faith - George Michael. Believe - Cher. OK, maybe not the CHER one, but I hope the rest of them are on the Bulldog Player's Ipods.

It certainly hasn't been a fun start, or a good start, the start you work so hard over the summer for, etc.

But, it is what it is. It's not the end of the world, the sky isn't falling, the season didn't end yesterday, and won't end tomorrow. It's FIVE games into a 58 game schedule.  What can go wrong quite simply HAS, so far. A week ago tonight they were in a 2-2 tie in the third period of their Home Opener, and their opposition scored the game winner in very controversial fashion. The next night, the back-luck goals against, and a failure to find the net enough did them in against the Capitals. But their effort was solid, especially after a good first period but bad luck had them down 3-1. I was very impressed with how they came out and battled in the second and carried the play, they just couldn't score. Same thing of the game Wednesday against the Capitals. They absolutely dominated the game. They finally were guilty of trying TOO HARD - and got burned with two goals against.

They have played well in parts, they have taken the play to the opposition in parts. The scores have not been reflective of the game. If they were losing 5-1 and 5-0 and showing no heart, no determination, no drive, then I would believe the sky WAS falling. It's not. It's no doubt weighing down on their backs like a 5 tonne gorilla, however. The pressure has to be intense, and it can't be fun for the Players/Coaches/Staff at the moment.

The ONLY thing harder than winning, is winning when you are losing. If that makes sense. Your confidence erodes, you try to do too much, you squeeze the stick, you have bad thoughts and a bad attitude.

Attitude determines Altitude.

The only thing that's getting the Dogs out of this is continuing to work hard, to try and stay positive. Do your job, do what the Coaches ask of you. Just do the fundamentals better, and everything will start to turn, I firmly believe that. Win draws, take the body, shoot the puck, go to the net, PUSH THE PACE. If you are doing things faster, and harder then your opposition, the luck will even out, the breaks WILL go your way, and next thing you know you will have won five in a row. The opposite - get down on yourself, get down on your teammates, try to do it yourself, etc etc etc...and five losses in a row could very easily become 10.

 There is no magic formula, no mystery elixir. Hard work, good attitude, do the simple things very good, and next thing you know the pucks that are hitting the bar and going out, the pucks that are bouncing over sticks, will all of a sudden hit the bar and go in, and will end up flat on the tape an in the back of the net.

One final note to lighten the mood...I saw the picture on Puck Daddy  regarding Ryan Nugent-Hopkins new deal with the Oilers and I thought "who does he look like?" and then it hit me like a run away glacier. It's Sid from Ice Age! No offense to the Nuge intended. Apologies in advance for my limited photo shop skills!

 

Hammer

Dogs start strong, end flat, fall 5-0 to Capitals

The best start for the Bulldogs to a game this season, as they came out with good energy and drew a penalty in the opening moments. While they weren't able to connect on the power play they did run up a 7-0 advantage in shots eight minutes into the game. A penalty would stop their momentum and turn the tide for a spell, but the Dogs finished the period strong drawing another penalty just before the buzzer on a nifty football-esque arial pass that ended up on the tape of Shane O'Brien, just on-side but he couldn't get a clean shot away.

The Dogs again played a solid period in the middle frame, carrying the bulk of the play and getting the better of the chances - three good ones stand out - Brett Stewart hit the crossbar, and both Mitch Makin and Tryg Strand were denied in tight. After the dust settled, they somehow found themselves down 2-0 with two quick Capital goals late in the period. The first came from an odd-man rush as the Capitals connected on a 3 on 1 rush as Cam Curleigh went to the net and fired home a Daniel Wanner pass. Armand Uomoleale also drew an assist on the play at 16:24 of the second. Off the ensuing draw the Capitals would race into the zone and get a great chance in the slot, but Brad Rebagliati came up with a big glove save to keep it just 1-0. The Dogs would then go up ice and draw a penalty. They weren't able to connect on the power play, and with a defencemen in deep no one covered the man leaving the box, resulting in a breakaway for Mason Malkowich that he converted on with a glove-side wrist shot. Assists went to Myles Powell and Devin Henes at 19:10 of the second, as the Dogs outshot the Capitals through 40 minutes 32-13 yet trailed 2-0.

As much as the Dogs owned the second, the Capitals owned the third, not a good recipe for success when you are down by a couple of goals. The Caps connected to take a 3-0 lead just 3:26 in as Kyle Horsman scored on a beautiful one-timer from the deep slot, top corner glove side on Brad Rebagliati. Assists on the play went to Jesse Neher and Rylan Bechtel. The Dogs understandably sagged after that one, and never got much going the rest of the way. The Caps made it 4-0 on the power play at 11:30 as Colton Kehler scored a greasy one as he had about 3 or 4 wacks at a puck that seemed to be under Rebagliati, but there was no whistle and the Dogs defense didn't clear Kehler out. Credit to him for continuing to battle until the whistle and refuse to be denied. Perhaps the Dogs could take a page out of that playbook. Assists on the play went to Brayden Gelsinger and Steen Cooper. One more final marker rubbed some salt in the wound as the Dogs got caught up ice - and from some guys, the backcheck was non-existant, resulting in an open net tap in for Dane Gibson on a cross ice pass by Myles Powell. Mitch Ball also assisted on the play at 17:52 of the third.

Final score 5-0 Capitals, as they improve to 3-1-0-0 and the Dogs fall to 0-5-0-0. I had the Dogs at 0 for 6 on the power play, while the Capitals went 1 for 4.

Next up for the Dogs, a visit from the Surrey Eagles on Saturday night.

Line Ups Caps @ Dogs

Dogs host Capitals tonight

The Bulldogs (0-4-0-0, 5th Island) look for their first win of the season tonight when they host the Cowichan Valley Capitals (2-1-0-0, 3rd Island) at the Dog Pound for the back half of this home-and-home series, with the Caps winning the opener 5-1 at the Big Stick on Saturday.

Get all the action on Van Isle Ford Bulldogs Hockey on 93.3 The Peak FM with myself and Bruce MacDonald. The pregame show gets underway at 6:45.

Tonight's 2nd Intermission guest is Peter Schaefer, the new Head Coach of the Surrey Eagles.

Don't forget you can listen live on our website, or through your phone through Tune in Radio and you can also WATCH the game through the Fast Hockey Pay-per-view

Hammer

Alex Evin named Goalie Coach, Teal Burns committs to Guelph

Bulldogs Add Fred Page Cup Champion & Colgate Alum
To Coaching Staff

PRESS RELEASE
September 15, 2013

Port Alberni – The Alberni Valley Bulldogs announce today that the organization has made a decision not to renew the contract of goalie consultant Matt Korchmar for the 2013/14 season. The Alberni Valley Bulldogs also take this opportunity to announce that Alex Evin has been hired as the team’s goalie coach moving forward.

Evin is no stranger to long-time BCHL fans, having played in 198 regular season games with Powell River, Williams Lake, and Penticton Vees over his 5-year career. In Evin’s rookie season in 2003/04, he was named to the BCHL All Rookie Team and was also named the Powell River Kings’ Top Academic player. In Evin’s 20-year-old season in 2007/08, he was acquired by the Penticon Vees and went on to win the Fred Page Cup, was named the BCHL Top Goaltender, and led the league in two categories: best goals against average (2.20) and best save percentage (.921) while posting a record of 31-10-1 and adding 4 shutouts.

Evin followed up his successful stint in the BCHL with a NCAA Division I scholarship to Colgate University. Following a successful four years at Colgate and graduating with a degree in English in 2012, Evin attended the AHL’s Abbotsford Heat camp before moved back to his home town of Castlegar, BC. Seeing a need for specialized goalie instruction in his area, Evin founded NLGoaltending and has worked with minor hockey goalies, the Trail Smoke Eaters, the Beaver Valley Nitehawks in the KIJHL, and the BCIHL league champion Selkirk College Saints. Evin will also stay on with Selkirk College as their assistant coach and goalie coach for the 2013/14 season.

"I am very excited to be a part of the Alberni Valley Bulldogs coaching staff. I know nothing but positives about the organization and its community support,” said Evin. “As a goalie in the BCHL for 5 seasons, Alberni was always one of the best places to come in and play because of the electrifying atmosphere in the building. Last season the team and goaltenders had great success and I hope I can assist in that process again."

Evin is a rising star with a proven playing history and a passion for hockey. He communicates extremely well and is a great addition to the Alberni Valley Bulldogs.“We are honoured to have Alex on board with us,” said head coach and general manager Kevin Willison. “His past speaks for itself and he has great insight from first-hand experiences that he can share with our goalies.”

The Alberni Valley Bulldogs would like to thank Matt Korchmar for the contributions he made to the organization during the 2012/13 season and wish him all the best in his future endeavours.

For up to date news and information on the Alberni Valley Bulldogs, visit the team’s website at www.albernivalleybulldogs.ca. To learn more about season ticket packages for the 2013/14 season, call 250.723.4412.



Teal Burns Commits to University of Guelph, CIS

PRESS RELEASE
September 15, 2013


Port Alberni – The Alberni Valley Bulldogs are very proud to announce that Teal Burns has committed to play of the University of Guelph in the CIS commencing the 2013/14 season. Burns didn’t spend a long time with the Bulldogs, but it definitely was a good time. Acquired at the January 10th deadline last season, Burns made an immediate impact to the line-up, putting up 19 points in 18 regular season games with the ‘Dogs, including 3 power play goals, 1 short handed goal, and two game-winning goals. Burns was a acquired by general manager and head coach Kevin Willison for his leadership and playoff experience. In 14 hard-fought playoff games, Burns added three goals and four assists, including two goals on the power play.

“We are extremely proud and happy for Teal that he will continue getting a top university education while playing CIS hockey,” said Kevin Willison. “Teal worked very closely with educational advisor Tom McEvay during his short time with us just to qualify to play at the university level.”

Burns now becomes the 10th player from the 2012/13 season to commit to play college or university hockey.

“I'm excited about attending the University of Guelph,” said Teal Burns. “I'd just like to thank all the fans in Alberni for all the support last season – easily the best fans in the league. I'd like to thank my billet family Leslie and Darcy Kailer-Dore for giving me a family away from home and the guys and coaches for pushing me everyday whether it was at practice or in games. But most of all, I’d like to thank Tom McEvay for identifying what had to be done so that I could qualify to be accepted into university. Thank you Alberni Valley Bulldogs!”

The Alberni Valley Bulldogs family wishes Teal all the very best this season and with all this future endeavours.

For up to date news and information on the Alberni Valley Bulldogs, visit the team’s website at www.albernivalleybulldogs.ca. To learn more about season ticket packages for the 2013/14 season, call 250.723.4412.

Capitals top Bulldogs 5-1

A game that had it's bright spots, but not enough consistency, as the Dogs dropped a 5-1 decision to the Capitals to fall to 0 and 4 on the season.

Both teams seemed ready to go from the opening puck drop, with great pace and exciting end to end hockey. The Capitals would find the net first on a centering pass out of the corner that was onto the tape of Mitch Powell in the slot where he put a one-timer home past the blocker of Blake Pearson. Assists on the play went to Dane Gibson and Mitch Ball at 4:13 of the first.

The Dogs didn't deflate, instead they answered right back as Justin Georgeson set up Hunter Stewart off a faceoff in the Capitals end as Stewart snapped one off the far post and in past Robin Gusse at 4:32.

The Capitals would retake the lead at the tail end of a power play, after what looked like a really good kill by the Dogs with the Capitals not able to get anything going offensively. With 10 seconds left on the power play it was 2-0 as Steen Cooper roofed a loose puck from the doorstep on what might have been an intentionally-wide shot by Rylan Ball. Brayden Gelsinger also drew an assist on the play at 9:02 of the first.

The Dogs would have several good shifts in the offensive zone looking for the equalizer, but they were unable to bury. The line of Keenan Scott, Zak Bowles and Dean Allison might have had the best of the shifts. The Capitals would build their lead late in the period on another tough luck goal as Steen Cooper attempted a slap shot at the net, only to have his stick break in two, resulting instead in a perfect pass onto the tape of Sam Curleigh where he went high, glove side on Pearson from the slot to make it 3-1 Capitals at 18:22 of the first, with Patrick Arnold also drawing an assist on the play.

The Bulldogs might have played their best 10 minutes of the season to open the second period, again with the Scott-Bowles-Allison line leading the way. Unfortunatley, the Dogs weren't able to find the net, and they then appeared deflated when the Capitals went up 4-1 as they out-battled the Dogs in the crease after Blake Pearson made the first save on a deflected point shot. Sam Curleigh would poke it over the line for his second of the game from Rylan Bechtel and Taki Pantziris at 12:14 of the second. Three minutes later it was a 5-1 lead as the Capitals made it look easy as Dane Gibson retrieved a puck on a dump in and threw a cross-crease pass onto the tape of Mason Malkowich who tapped it into the open side at 15:07 for a 5-1 Capitals lead after two periods. 

There would be no scoring throughout the third period.

I had the Dogs going 0 for 6 on the power play, while the Capitals went 1 for 2. Robin Gusse picked up the win in net while Blake Pearson took the loss in his first BCHL start.

The two teams next play Wednesday night in the rematch at the Dog Pound.

Hammer

Line up Dogs @ Caps

29th Annual Port Alberni Toy Run TODAY, Dogs at Capitals TONIGHT

The 29th Annual Port Alberni Toy Run goes today, with the Bikes leaving Little Qualicum Falls at NOON SHARP.

Do - line the sides of the road through Port Alberni to see all the bikes come in...could be up to 1500 or more due to the great weather we have had this week.

Do - get to the Glenwood Centre for all the fun stuff for the adults and kids...click the above image to enlarge for details!

DO NOT - try to get anywhere through Port Alberni between about 12:30 to 1:30. Sorry in advance if you have somewhere to be on behalf of the Toy Run. Here's hoping 93.3 The Peak broadcasting live starting at 10:30 this morning will give you enough time to plan ahead and get done what you need to get done!

It's just my opinion, but one hour seems like a small price for the community to pay, considering that Toy Run supports events all throughout the year, free of charge, for kids and families to take part in...not to mention all the toys they gather for less fortunate kids and teens come Christmas!

The Bulldogs will hit the road this afternoon to get down to Duncan to face the Capitals in their Home Opener. Here's hoping the Dogs will bring their "A" game to try and spoil the Caps home opener like the Clippers spoiled theirs last night.

Get all the action with the pregame show at 6:55ish (barring their pregame festivities) and the puck dropping some time after 7:10 on 93.3 The Peak FM

Our 1st Intermission guest is Bulldogs Forward Hunter Stewart, while BCHL Commissioner John Grisdale is our 2nd Intermission guest. 

Don't forget you can also watch the game through the Pay-Per-View broadcast provided by Fast Hockey

You can also listen live through your phone through Tune in Radio

Hammer

Clippers top Dogs 4-2

The Bulldogs finally got back on Home Ice Friday night as they hosted the Clippers for their 2013-2014 Home Opener. After the introduction and the dimming of the lights the Dogs looked somewhat tight, with the Clippers coming out strong and carrying the better part of the play while running up a large advantage in shots and chances. Brad Rebagliati was rock solid to keep the Clippers off the board and the Dogs in it.

The Dogs got their feet under them and had several good chances, before going to the power play when Justin Georgeson drew a penalty by slipping a check in the Bulldogs zone. While on the power play the Clippers would pick up another penalty, setting up a 5 on 3 power play for just over :50 seconds in duration. The Dogs would connect at the end of the two-man advantage with good puck movement and pace as Jared Wilson put a quick shot on net that beat Liam McLeod top corner, short-side from the right circle. Assists on the play went to Kurt Gosselin and Tryg Strand at 17:47 of the first for a 1-0 Dogs lead after 20 minutes.

The Dogs would draw first blood early in the second to build their lead to 2-0 as Justin Georgeson blocked a shot and fought the puck into the zone where it was found by Mak Barden, who went to the net and poked his own rebound home just :55 into the period, with Wilson also drawing an assist on the play. The Dogs wouldn't have very long to enjoy the lead as the Clippers fought right back to get on the board as Devin Brosseau had his first shot blocked but stuck with it to find it again and fire it past the blocker of Rebagliati from the slot just 40 seconds later to make it 2-1, with Brendan Taylor picking up the only assist on the play. The score would stay that way until the late stages of the period when the Clippers scored a greasy one - hey, they all count - as a faceoff was thrown at the net where it bounced off several bodies before ending up in the crase where it was chopped home by Brendan Taylor. Assists on the play went to Devin Brosseau and Sheldon Rempal at 18:54 of the second for a 2-2 tie after two periods.

The Clippers would take their first lead of the game on one that made the previous marker look pretty as they picked up the eventual game winner in controversial fashion on the power play when Brad Rebagliati was taken out of the play and didn't even get an opportunity to attempt to make a save.

How it looked to me - a Clipper player was tied up and pushed towards the net where he took a path straight towards the goal, knocking Brad Rebagliati down and not allowing him to even make an attempt to make a save. That's just how it looked to me - the player wasn't ran or hit hard into the goalie, but instead bumped a couple of times. A battle for position if you will, a play where 30 times a game or more a player who wanted to end up on the goalie, could if he went in. You have to almost it's simplicity - go hard to the net and establish that presence to battle hard, and then go soft when the defence tries to protect their net. Call it incidental contact, call it goalie interference, call it something- in the end it was nothing, and a 3-2 Clippers lead with Korey Morgan scoring from Dylan Denomme and Devin Brosseau at 4:37 of the third. It's certainly hard to make a judgement call like in the heat of the moment. That's just how it all looked to me.   

Shortly afterwards the Clippers would ice it while shorthanded as the Dogs went to the power play following a nastly skirmish and fight after a huge open ice hit by Garrett Halls. Kurt Gosselin would tumble while attempting to hold the puck in at the line resulting in a 2 on 1 shorthanded where Ryan Forbes kept the puck and scored with a perfect wrist shot, far side just past the glove of Rebagliati to make it 4-2 with 8:11 gone in the third. The Dogs wouldn't be able to chip into the deficit as the Clippers made the lead stand.

Final shots 41-34 Bulldogs. I had the Dogs at 1 for 6 on the power play while the Clippers went 1 for 4, while also scoring once shorthanded.

Next up for the Dogs, a trip down Island tomorrow night as they visit the Cowichan Valley Capitals for their Home Opener at the Big Stick. The Dogs certainly don't have any time to waste any energy hanging their heads about this one, or hitting the panic button. They played their best game of the season by far, and generated enough offensive chances around the net to win any game. Having said that - they need to raise their battle level and understand how hard you have to play, and how good you have to play as a team in this league to win. At times the needed push and urgency wasn't there in this game. Quite simply, and if your opponent brings it harder and for more of the game, you more often than not are now going to win!


Hammer

Dogs host Clippers for Home Opener, Toy Run Saturday, Terry Fox Run Sunday!

Hockey is finally back tonight at the Dog Pound as the Bulldogs host the Clippers for their Home Opener at the Dog Pound. Friday the 13th...for some reason it feels like a fitting night for these two teams to hook up...here's some of my favorite pictures and videos of the barn!

 

  This one is for former 'Dogs trainer Matt Auerbach!

Just a little reminder for everyone - here's how the last win for the Dogs at home went down...I know I'll never forget it!

Catch all the action with myself and Bruce MacDonald on Van Isle Ford Bulldogs Hockey on 93.3 The Peak FM with the pregame show getting underway at 6:45 with the puck dropping at 7:00.

Tonight's 1st Intermission guest is Bulldogs Defenceman Jared Wilson, while Cowichan Valley Capitals Play-by-Play voice Dustin Forbes joins me in the 2nd Intermission. 

Listen on your radio at home at the game in your car or at work, and listen on line through your phone through the tune in radio app or via computer by heading to www.933thepeak.com

  WATCH the game through the Pay-Per-View provided by Fast Hockey 

Don't forget about the Alberni Autoworks Tail gate party before the game, getting underway at 5pm. There will be a BBQ, and "Mascot Madness", sounds fun! Jolie will be broadcasting live from the rink starting at 5pm so be sure to tune in and get down to the rink early!

The Bulldogs will head down to Duncan Saturday to face the Cowichan Valley Capitals for their Home Opener at the Big Stick...I'll be broadcasting again for THE PEAK Saturday morning/afternoon for the 29th Annual Port Alberni Toy Run which is always a very very fun time.

With the nice forecast this week, it's very possible there could be 1500 bikes or more coming in around 12:30 Saturday! After the bikes do a lap of town they all meet at Glenwood Centre so be sure to come check it out and be out to see the bikes roll into down...and DO NOT plan to try and be heading anywhere in town between about 12:30 and 1:30!

The Toy Run has their Poker Run Sunday morning, while the Terry Fox Run also goes Sunday morning with the registration going at 9am and the run starting at 10.

See you at the Dog Pound tonight, bring the noise, bring your friends, family, inlaws  and outlaws!

Hammer

Raise a Reader Road Hockey!

Raise a Reader Road Hockey game TONIGHT, Dogs Home Opener Friday, Toy Run Saturday, Terry Fox Run Sunday!

The Raise a Reader Road Hockey Challenge goes TONIGHT in the Multiplex Parking Lot! Pregame festivities begin at 5pm, with the "ball" dropping at 6pm. Kind of sounds like New Year's!

The Bulldogs will be split up, playing with and against local celebs to raise funds for Literacy Alberni.

I'll be attempting to provide some live Play-by-Play over the PA in the parking lot.

Don't forget the Bulldogs Home Opener is this Friday as they host the Clippers. The Alberni Autoworks Tailgate party gets underway at 5pm with a BBQ to again raise funds for Raise-a-Reader. Jolie will be broadcasting Live on THE PEAK starting at 5pm.

The 29th Annual Port Alberni Toy Run goes this weekend, with the Bikes leaving Little Qualicum Falls at 12 noon SHARP on Saturday...all the fun festivities follow at the Glenwood Centre - I'll be broadcasting live for some of it before I hop on the bus to head down to Duncan....always a great time, and very beneficial for the community with all the funds and toys raised staying here!

Don't forget the Terry Fox Run goes Sunday morning! Meet at the Legion for registration and a pancake breakkie at 9am with the Walk/Run/Roll to start at 10am





Hammer

Dogs fall to Express 9-4

What an absolutely NUTS hockey game. The two teams couldn't spell defence if you gave them every letter but E. Unfortunately the Dogs weren't able to capitalize on their chances the way the Express did, and for the second year in a row they will head home from the BCHL Showcase with no wins in two games - although last year they at least had a point to show for it.

The Dogs had a great start over the first 3-4 minutes, having several glorious opportunities around the Express net, but Gordy Defiel held the fort. The Express would then answer quickly as the Dogs broke down in their own end and a pretty three-way passing play was finished off by Ryan Rosenthal, with assists to Adam Rockwood and Corey Mackin at 5:41

The Bulldogs pushed back to get on the board through simple fundamentals, winning battles, shooting the puck and going to the net. Hunter Stewart threw a quick shot on goal that deflected wide, where it was found by Jared Wilson who quickly one-timed it on goal where it was deflected home by Mak Barden at 8:53.

On the ensuing shift Barden was set up again and had two good chances but he couldn't bury. The Express would then steam up ice and go ahead as Corey Mackin was allowed to walk into the deep slot where he snapped one through a screen and past the blocker of Rebagliati, with assists to Jackson Cressey and and Shay Laurent at 12:35.

 Less than a minute later it was a 3-1 lead as Joey Santucci walked in on the breakaway where he snapped it home at 13:18. That would really open the floodgates as Bo Pieper found the net 1:40 later on the rush, with a backhand toe pull around a defender before snapping it home to make it 4-1 at 14:58. That would do it for Brad Rebagliati as Blake Pearson entered the game in relief.

Pearson would receive a rude welcome as the first shot he faced was a breakaway as a Dog defender got caught stepping up at the blue line as Joey Santucci steamed up the left wing before snapping a perfect shot top corner, glove side on Pearson to make it 5-1 at 15:28 with Cam Marks drawing the only assist.

The Bulldogs would call time out to try and right the ship and the move appeared to work immediately as just 36 seconds later it was a 5-2 game as Hunter Stewart found Justin Georgeson up ice on a 2 on 1 where he made a great move to set up Mak Barden where he finished into the open net at 16:04 to make it a 5-2 game. Before the period was out the Dogs trimmed the gap to 5-3 as Mitch Makin skated from his own end into the Express zone before firing one through the defender's legs top shelf on Defie at the 19:00 mark of the period. Tryg Strand got the only assist, but it looked like Jared Wilson and Blake Pearson were the last two to touch it.

The second period began with a thud for the Dogs, as just over half a minute in the Express struck again as a shot went off the outside of the net where it was found and thrown out front where Joey Santucci one-timed it home through the legs of Pearson to make it 6-2. Assists on the hat trick goal went to R.T. Rice and Cory Boyd.  The Express built the lead to 7-2 just over seven minutes into the period on the power play as Cam Marks threw the puck at the net from the top of the point where it hit a Bulldog defender and deflected in past Blake Pearson. Assists went to Cory Boyd and Corey Mackin at 7:25 of the second. The Dogs would get one more before the period was out to get it close to a game again when Dylan Haugen dumped the puck in and chased it down before crashing hard into the end boards - efforts like that were few and far between, with more of them it might have been a different story. The puck would end up at the point for Brett Stewart who walked in and found Zack Funk with a cross-ice pass that he deflected home to make it 7-4 at 13:23 of of the second.

The Dogs had several good chances to make it a two-goal game throughout the remainder of the period, most notably a Tryg Strand breakaway but Defiel kept it out.

The third period didn't see push the Dogs needed to get back into the game, instead the game for the most part was taken to them. It was 8-4 Coquitlam 7:58 in as Nic Rasovic beat his check to the net to deflect home a Joey Santucci pass. Late in the game the final salt in the wound came when Daniell Lange scored on a 4th or 5th rebound to make it a 9-4 final score at 19:16 from Cannon Pieper. It would have been double digits if not for a breakaway save by Pearson in the final moments of the game.

Final shots favoured the Express 47-30 with Brad Rebagliati giving up 4 goals on 10 shots - without a lot of help, while Blake Pearson allowed 4 on 37 shots while Gordie DeFiel picked up the win.

I had the Dogs at 0 for 3 on the power play while the Express went 1 for 3.

I'm a fan of emphasizing the positives...but they are few and far to come by in this one. The effort wasn't there, the intensity wasn't there. The commitment to defence wasn't there. Hey, there was at least a good amount of physical play and some big checks...but without the others, the wins won't be there either.

It's way too early to hit the panic button. Here's hoping the guys learned some lessons, and hate this feeling, and they will put a great week of practice together in preparation for Friday and Saturday.

Hammer

Broadcast View/Line ups

Hockey for Breakfast, Dogs face Express to finish Showcase

The Bulldogs (0-1) conclude their Bauer BCHL Showcase this morning when they face-off against the Coquitlam Express (0-1) at 11:00am at the Prospera Centre in Chilliwack.

Catch all the action on Pacific Chevrolet Bulldogs Hockey on 93.3 The Peak FM with the pregame show kicking off at 10:45 and the Play-by-Play to follow at 11:00.

Today's 2nd Intermission guest is Dan Marshall, Play-by-Play voice of the Nanaimo Clippers, who the Dogs host next Friday for their Home Opener.

Hammer

Dogs fall 3-2 to Vees in season opener at Showcase

A close finish, but a finish on the wrong end of the scoreboard for the Bulldogs in their Season Opener to the Vees at the Showcase.

The Dogs had good energy off the opening shift of the game, but the Vees pushed back and drew a power play chance almost immediately. The Dogs would get a short power play after the Vees took a too-many-men penalty, but they were unable to connect. The best chance early in the game was certainly the wide-open look that Shane O'Brien had at the side of the net...Hunter Miska would make a highlight reel save however, throwing his arm out to somehow keep it out and keep it scoreless.

The Vees would find the net shortly afterwards when Ryan Gropp pounced on a rebound at the side of the net created by a faceoff win and a point shot. Assists on the play went to Ben Dalpe and Brad McClure at 8:41 of the first.

The Vees had a great chance to take a 2-0 lead on a 2 on 0 rush early in the second, but Rebagliati would come up with a huge glove save off of Travis Blanleil. After a further handful of solid saves to keep his team in it by Rebagliati, they would respond as Jared Wilson sent Justin Georgeson out of his own end where he carried the puck into the Vees zone and made several nice moves to drive wide and throw the puck out front to Mak Barden who roofed it at 8:04 of the second to tie it at 1-1. The tie was short-lived as the Vees connected on a scramble on the power play with Garrett Halls off for a high hit. Travis Blanleil got the goal, from Ryan Gropp and Ben Dalpe at 10:52 of the second.

Shortly afterwards, a somewhat looking high-hit would knock Shane O'Brien from the game. He would not return. There was no penalty on the play. I certainly don't want hitting taken out of the game, but I also don't want players being taken out of the game either. It's a very fine line. O'Brien tried to make a move at the blue line, and didn't see the D-man stepping up.

The Vees would build on their lead inside of four minutes into the third when Max Coatta was sent in alone on the breakaway where he scored with a low, blocker-side snapper at the 3:40 mark with assists to Josh Blanchard and Anthony Conti.

Just like what saw the Dogs push through to the Coastal Finals last year, they showed no quit. They hung around until the late stages of the game when they were awarded a power play on an after-the-whistle penalty created by the Vees crashing the crease - something they did all game, and something the Dogs need to do more of for sure. Just half a minute later, the Dogs went to a 5 on 3 when Chris Rygus was sent off for high-sticking. Two fantastic efforts by Jared Wilson and Tryg Strand would keep the puck in the zone off the ensuing draw, and just seconds later it was a one-goal game as Hunter Stewart and Tryg Strand found Jared Wilson in the right side of the slot where he one-time snapped one top corner, short-side on Miska to make it 3-2 with 3:48 to play. The Dogs weren't able to connect on the remaining power play, or the rest of the way, but they were certainly close, with the best chance probably being when Josh Adkins found a loose puck at the side of the net and just couldn't get it to go.

Final shots favoured the Vees 42-18, with Brad Rebagliati taking the loss while earning 2nd star honours - he was the star of the game in my humble opinion, while Hunter Miska picked up the win. The Dogs went 1 for 4 on the power play while the Vees went 1 for 5.

Next up - the Coquitlam Express tomorrow morning.

Hammer

 

Dogs vs Vees

Bulldogs face Vees to kick off 2013-2014 Season at Bauer BCHL Showcase, Incredible David Dziurzynski story...

FINALLY, the puck will be dropped today and the Bulldogs will begin their new season - note the start time of 3:30pm, as they face the Penticton Vees at the Bauer BCHL Showcase.

I say "finally" but in reality, it hasn't been that long. Compared to other recent years, this has been one of the shorter off-seasons in recent memory with the team playing into April last year. It has still been way too long though, and I'm quite excited to get the season going!

Catch all the action on Pacific Chevrolet Bulldogs Hockey on 93.3 The Peak FM with the pregame show kicking off at 3:15 with the play-by-play to follow at 3:30.

I'll be joined by Bulldogs Educational Advisor Tom McEvay and Director of Scouting Rick Schievink during the Broadcast, who will come up to provide colour commentary and analysis. 

If you are out of Radio range, You can listen online on our website...click the link above....you can also watch the game on a Pay-Per-View basis through FastHockey 

The technology just blows my mind in this day and age. Back when I started doing this, you were lucky to get a VHS tape from the Home team when the game had concluded to be able to watch the game on the bus afterwards on the way home.

Yesterday I watched both the Vees and Express games (the Dogs face the Express tomorrow at 11:00am) while we were on the bus travelling to Chilliwack. Amazing stuff!

For those keeping track at home, the Vees topped the Grizzlies 2-1 while the Express lost 5-2 to Merritt. Details on the league website HERE on Eddie Gregory's Coquitlam Expressions blog HERE and on Fraser Rodger's Three V's Blog HERE


Today's 2nd Intermission guest is Coquitlam Express Play-by-Play voice Eddie Gregory, to speak about the changes in Express land over the off-season.

I have been texted/emailed/facebooked and tweeted about this countless times already...the David Dziurzynski story by John Allemang in today's Globe and Mail. A perfect story on the day of another new BCHL season on how to never give up, no matter the scenario. You never know, you might end up in THE SHOW!

What an incredible story, and what a great job by John Allemang telling it. I thought at first "cool, Dizzy is getting more press" , but when I started reading it, and I saw the length of it, I was blown away. Allemang captures EXACTLY the emotions I was feeling when Dizzy got knocked out last season. I must have had a dozen messages right after the knock-out punch, and none of them seemed to be worried about David and his career, and that's all I was thinking at the time.

Brian Murray and the Senators sure seem to be running a professional show - the way they kept Dizzy around afterwards, is exactly what I was hoping they would do...and Luke Richardson seems like a heck of a Coach!

Click here to read "The NHL's line of duty and the story of David Dziurzynski" by John Allemang

That's it for now!

Hammer

Bulldogs finalize roster, add Luca Doctor

Following A Successful Main Camp, Bulldogs Finalize
Roster Heading into Showcase Weekend

PRESS RELEASE
September 5, 2013

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Port Alberni – Following a very successful 4-day main camp, the Alberni Valley Bulldogs completed a slate of five telling preseason games against the Cowichan Valley Capitals, the Nanaimo Clippers, and the Victoria Grizzlies.

What began as a group of more than 80 camp participants had been narrowed to 30 players who continued to battle for roster spots over the exhibition campaign.

Bulldogs General Manager and Head Coach Kevin Willison was particularly pleased with the strong showing of a number of Alberni Valley Minor Hockey Association players, including Ethan Sundstrom, Josh Harvey, Jakob Bottaro, and Keagun Selva, as well as AVMHA graduates Dylan Haugen, Logan Savard, Ryan Buse, Chase Gaudreault, Marino Somerville and Bryce DiRocco.

“Our goal is always to provide opportunities for talented local players to showcase their skills and experience what it takes to compete at the Junior A level,” says Willison. “The local 1997- born players all showed great promise for the future.”

Willison and Assistant Coach/Assistant GM Adam Hayduk, as well as Scouting Director Rick Schievink, were thrilled with the overall level of talent on display since main camp opened on Monday, August 19th.

“For now and the future, the ability and depth of this year’s group was the best I’ve seen since I joined the Bulldogs organization in 2011,” says Hayduk. “We have high expectations as the defending Island Division champions, but it was also great to see a number of future Bulldogs perform at a high level.”

Following the five exhibition games, the Alberni Valley Bulldogs announce the following roster heading into the BCHL Showcase weekend:

#10 Josh Adkins Forward Victoria, BC
#28 Jordan Andrews Defense Delta, BC
#21 Mak Barden Forward Surrey, BC
#17 Zak Bowles Forward Calgary, BC
#23 Ryan Buse Defense Port Alberni, BC
#26 Rob Click Defense Stillwater, MN
#12 Luca Doctor Defense Toronto, ON
#16 Zach Funk Forward Nanaimo, BC
#9 Justin Georgeson Forward Maple Ridge, BC
#4 Kurt Gosselin Defense Brighton, MI
#2 Garrett Halls Defense Courtenay, BC
#7 Dylan Haugen Forward Port Alberni, BC
#11 Mitch Makin Forward Crowsnest Pass, AB
#14 Shane O’Brien Forward Thamesford, ON
#6 Riley Ostoforoff Defense Castlegar, BC
#30 Blake Pearson Goalie Sechelt, BC
#1 Brad Rebagliati Goalie Cranbrook, BC
#22 Kienan Scott Forward Penticton, BC
#24 Brett Stewart Defense Penticton, BC
#81 Hunter Stewart Forward Calgary, AB
#20 Tryg Strand Forward Invermere, BC
#27 Jared Wilson Defense Calgary, AB

A roster spot initially became available earlier in the week when Bulldogs affiliate from the 2012/13 season Stephen Ryan informed the team that his heart wasn’t in junior A hockey anymore and he wished to go back home and play junior B for the Aldergrove Kodiaks.

Ryan’s spot has been filled via a trade with the Toronto Junior A Canadiens in the Ontario Junior Hockey League. On Thursday, the Alberni Valley Bulldogs completed a deal to acquire the playing rights of 1994-born defenseman Luca Doctor in exchange for future considerations.

Doctor brings some size, leadership, and experience to the Bulldogs. In 2011/12, Doctor was the captain of the Toronto Red Wings Major Midget team and in 2012/13 played 46 regular season and 5 playoff games with the Toronto Junior A Canadiens. Doctor is a 6’2, 200lbs, puck moving defenseman that also likes to join the rush.

“Again, it’s that time of season when we try to fit all the pieces together and we feel he is one of the pieces that will make us a stronger team,” said Kevin Willison. “We hope to have all the paper work done in time for Doctor in the line-up for the BCHL Showcase.”

With the addition of Doctor, that leaves the Bulldogs with a 22-man roster of 11 forwards, 9 defense, and two goalies.

For up to date news and information on the Alberni Valley Bulldogs, visit the team’s website at www.albernivalleybulldogs.ca. To learn more about season ticket packages for the 2013/14
season, call 250.723.4412.


I found this on Youtube - here's an idea of what Doctor is capable of....