Dogs host Grizzlies tonight, $5.00 tickets, Fivehole for Food night tonight

It's back to Home Ice tonight for the Bulldogs (9-20-2-3, 5th Island) as they host the Victoria Grizzlies (21-8-3-2, 2nd Island) for just the second time this season, and just the third meeting between the Island Rivals overall. The first meeting was a 2-2 tie way back on September 27th in Victoria, and the second meeting was a 5-1 Victoria win at the Dog Pound on October 12th.

The Grizzlies of course made major news this week on several fronts. First came a Monday announcement of an Ownership change. More here.  Then came a Tuesday afternoon announcement that Bill Bestwick was no longer the Head Coach and GM of the club. More here

The Grizzlies will be playing their third game of the week, after a 4-2 win at Home Wednesday night over the Clippers, and a 5-1 win over the Powell River Kings at home last night to pull within a single point of the Kings for the Divisional lead, although the Kings have played three less games.

Don't forget tickets are just $5.00 tonight, in an effort to PACK THE SHACK with all the Holiday events/parties happening around town.

Also don't forget to bring your food items for the Five Hole for Food Challenge!

All the action as always can be heard on Van Isle Ford Bulldogs Hockey on 93.3 The Peak FM with Bruce MacDonald providing Colour and Analysis, Dan Tisserand the game stats, and myself the Play-by-Play. Game time is 7:00, so the pregame show takes to the airwaves at 6:45.

Tonight's 2nd Intermission guest is former Bulldog Harrison "Mayday" May , now with the Ottawa GeeGee's of the CIS

If you aren't in listening range of 93.3 The Peak FM you can listen/watch the game by:


Listening Live on your computer: www.933thepeak.com
Listening Live on your SmartPhone : www.tunein.com/mobile/
Watching Live on your computer/SmartPhone www.fasthockey.com


Hammer

Caps top Dogs 2-1

The game started well for the Dogs as they found the scoreboard just under three minutes into the game when Zach Funk won a draw in the Caps zone onto the tape of Dylan Haugen, who quickly fired one on net off his back foot that beat a stunned Robin Gusse low, short-side at 2:41 of the first. The only assist given on the play went to Josh Adkins, who did not take the face off. The second straight penalty to open the game went to the Bulldogs - a questionable call as two players went into the corner hugging each other, and Rob Click was given the only penalty. It would end up in the back of the Dogs net on a pretty give-and-go between Mason Malkowich and Jesse Neher as Neher walked into the left circle and went top corner far side, high glove on LaCouvee. Matt Berry also drew an assist on the play at 10:33 of the first. The Capitals would carry the bulk of the play after that, drawing another penalty. The Dogs would have it almost killed off before the Capitals took a penalty when Justin Georgeson was hit in the numbers, head-first into the boards. The Referee would call a check to the head penalty. The second such call the Dogs have seen this season where a hit from behind with the only contact to the head coming from it being driven the boards has been called in such a fashion. The Dogs were unable to connect on the man advantage, not generating much in the way of chances. The Dogs drew a penalty with just 2.4 seconds left in the period, but would have the pending power play taken away with another questionable call as with 10 players standing around jawing, Kurt Gosselin was somehow picked out of the pile for an Unsportsmanlike conduct penalty. The period would end in a 1-1 tie with the Caps out-shooting the Dogs "officially" 15-3, however it was noticeable that several Dogs shots didn't go up on the board. Dan "the stats man" Tisserand had the Dogs actually putting 7 shots on net.

The Dogs would play a much better period in the second, drawing three penalties, and generating plenty of scoring chances. They weren't able to beat Robin Gusse though, as he stood tall and make a handful of great saves, most notably on Darian Henry with a couple of glove saves, and on Scott Clark and Hunter Stewart in tight. The Caps would take a major penalty in the late stages of the second when Sam Curleigh hit Mitch Makin from behind on a nasty hit that saw Makin fly from the goal line head first into the end boards. Makin's helmet would fly off on the impact, as the teams came very close to a line brawl with everyone grabbing a partner. Makin would jump up off the ice, and join the pile, and somehow got a 2 minute minor and a 10 minute misconduct. After two minutes of four-aside hockey, the Dogs were unable to connect on the three minutes of power play time to end the period with the game tied at 1-1 after 40, with the Dogs out-shooting the Caps16-7 over the period.

The third period was entertaining to watch, with each team having their fair share of chances but both Robin Gusse and Connor LaCouvee coming up with big saves at both ends to keep it tied up. The Capitals would go to the power play just short of the midway mark, on yet another soft after the whistle call against the Bulldogs - they all went the other way tonight - while the Bulldogs would kill it off, the Capitals scored the game winner just 20 seconds later when Colton Kehler stole the puck from a Bulldogs defenceman behind the net and managed to score on mutliple rebound attempts with the puck tied up in LaCouvee. Assists on the play went to Dane Gibson and Myles Powell at 12:11 of the third to make it 2-1. The Caps had a chance to put the game away with just under five minutes to go on a partial breakaway for Jordan Topping but LaCouvee came up with a glove save to keep the Dogs in it. The Dogs had a handful of outstanding chances in the final minutes to tie it up but Robin Gusse came up with point blank saves on Mitch Makin with just under four minutes to play, and Scott Clark from the slot just a minute later. With two minutes to play Kurt Gosselin made a nifty move at centre ice to make Kyle Horsman miss, only to have his feet taken out by the stick of Horsman. The Dogs couldn't buy a call from the Official as there would be no penalty on the play, with the Caps racing in and almost sealing the deal.




The Dogs had one final scramble as the buzzer sounded, with the puck somehow staying out as the Caps held on.

Final shots favoured the Capitals 33-29, although Dan had the Dogs putting 40 shots on net. Robin Gusse picked up the win while Connor LaCouvee took the loss, with the Dogs going 0 for 4 on the power play with the Capitals going 1 for 4.

A tough loss for the Dogs, who fall again to four points back of the Capitals. If their effort in the first half of the game was anywhere near how they played in the second half it might have been a different story.

A big tilt at Home for the Dogs tomorrow, when they host the Grizzlies in their final Home game before Christmas.

Line ups Dogs @ Caps

HUGE tilt tonight as Dogs visit Caps, FOOD DRIVE and $5.00 tickets tomorrow!

It's about as big as a game in December can get, as the Bulldogs (9-19-2-3, 5th Island) once again visit the Capitals (12-21-0-1, 4th Island) in a huge four point game. The Bulldogs sit just two points back of the Capitals for the final Playoff spot in the Island, with the Bulldogs holding a game in hand.

The Dogs were last in action Sunday afternoon at home where they topped Chilliwack 7-2 for their second consecutive win after a 5-2 triumph over the Caps at the Dog Pound on Friday. The Capitals last played Saturday night at home where they lost their second in a row, 3-2 to the Vernon Vipers. The Capitals have lost 11 of their last 12, however their only win in that stretch was the crazy six-goal third period that saw them beat the Dogs at home 6-0 two Fridays ago.

Interesting stat - the only rink in the Division that the Dogs haven't taken at least a point in this year is the Island Savings Centre. That's in spite of the fact that it's the rink they have visited the most, and the Caps are the team closest to them in the standings. The Dogs took a point in an OT loss in Powell River, played to a tie with the Grizzlies at Bear Mountain Arena and have beaten the Clippers in Nanaimo. Here's hoping that the Dogs can bring a complete effort to get over that hump tonight, as the timing couldn't be better/worse or more critical.

 Get all the action on Pacific Chevrolet Bulldogs Hockey on 93.3 The Peak FM tonight with the pregame show commencing at 6:45 with the puck drop and play-by-play following at 7:00pm. I will provide the Play-by-Play, and Dan "the stats man" Tisserand will compile Game and Player statistics. Bruce MacDonald won't be making the trip to provide Colour and Analysis as he has a Staff Christmas party to attend. Just like when Dan attended his party, it's a great time to highlight the commitment Bruce makes and the passion he shows volunteering his time to travel to the road games on the Island and all he contributes to the broadcasts. We'll miss ya BMac! 

Tonight's 1st Intermission guest is Bulldogs Defenceman Ryan Buse, while my 2nd Intermission guest is new Grizzlies Head Coach Craig Didmon.

If you aren't in listening range of 93.3 The Peak FM you can listen/watch the game by:


Listening Live on your computer: www.933thepeak.com
Listening Live on your SmartPhone : www.tunein.com/mobile/
Watching Live on your computer/SmartPhone www.fasthockey.com

 

Don't forget to bring your non-perishable food items to the game tomorrow, and that tickets tomorrow night are just $5.00!

Hammer

Winter Wonderland!

Winter Wonderland EVERYONE WELCOME tonight!

The everyone welcome skate with the 'Dogs goes at 6:30 tonight at Winter Wonderland! All welcome all free!

Bestwick done with Grizzlies

First an ownership change, now a change at the top and behind the bench as it sounds like Bill Bestwick is done as Head Coach and GM of the Grizzlies.

A shocker given what he did to turn the Grizzlies around last year, and where he has them this year.

Makes the Grizzlies game tonight a bit interesting!

I don't know the details, but consider this done. 

Hammer

Georgeson/Makin POW mentions, , Dogs awesome in the community, $5 tickets/Food Drive Saturday

Well, that was a fun weekend, wasn't it? Two big wins, 12 goals scored, 4 goals allowed, and most importantly, four big points. Congrats to Justin Georgeson and Mitch Makin, who picked up Honorable Mentions for the BCHL's Player of the Week award - more details HERE

The players, staff, Coaching Staff, and everyone involved in the Bulldog family have done a pretty incredible job in this very tough first half of the season. Staying positive, and continuing to believe in one another and the process, are the biggest factors in my opinion that has seen this group go from 10 points and upwards out of a Playoff spot to all of a sudden just 2 points back.

Much has been accomplished but at the same time, nothing has been accomplished yet besides narrowing the gap. So keep at it everyone and know that the incredible effort to get to this point only has to be even better going forward! It's been fun to watch and be a part of over the last while.

I was very happy to receive this picture this morning...the first of many stops around the community for the Bulldogs to deliver all the Teddy Bears thrown on the ice Friday against Cowichan. The Dogs will visit Hospitals, Care Homes, those less fortunate, etc etc.

I'm very glad this is just a picture, and not a video, as I'm not sure how in-tune the guys are as they were singing Christmas Carols when it was taken. Kidding, of course!

The Dogs were also involved in the "Battle of the Badges" game on Saturday. I sadly couldn't make it, as I had a wedding to attend...I heard great things from all parties involved about the Bulldog involvement, and I then received this awesome email yesterday from the Port Alberni Association for Community Living Executive Director Craig Summers...

Hi Evan,

I’m hoping that you would be able to do me a huge favor, if at all possible,  the next time you broadcast the Bulldogs game? Could you please announce, or make reference to, the remarkable support the Bulldogs provided to the Battle of the Badges charity hockey game that took place on December 7^th?

The event was a huge success in large part by the participation of the Bulldogs and it would be great to hear them thanked publicly at a home game for their contribution to the community and community events…their support was truly amazing and appreciated!

Thanks so much on behalf of the Port Alberni ACL foundation and the Bulldogs biggest fan club.

Craig

Ps…Jolie was also a great support at the game as well and promo’s provided by 93.3 The Peak were also very appreciated!

(Craig also offered the below note back when I replied to him if I could put his note on the blog)

Hi Evan,

Yes, please feel free to use this in your blog. As I eluded to in my email, I was truly impressed with the players and coaches and how genuinely supportive, interactive and approachable they were in assisting us in this event. 

Our participants (Adults with developmental disabilities) hold the Bulldogs in the highest regard and they sure were not disappointed. My staff and volunteers also commented to me several times how impressed they were with the Bulldogs organization.

Thanks a lot!

Craig

Now THAT is what being involved in your community is all about! 

This has been going on around the league for a while now, and it's finally the Alberni Valley's turn to show what we are all about, the Fivehole for Food Challenge! Bring your non-perishables to the game this Saturday and compete against other cities around the BCHL to see who can bring in the most food! Show 'em what you are made of Bulldog fans!

FIVE HOLE FOR FOOD CHALLENGE

This season, the BCHL is teaming up with Five Hole for Food to assist on a goal for local food banks around B.C. Every club in the league will be hosting a night for the team and its fans, sponsors and boosters to raise as much food and gather as many donations as possible. The idea is for each team to outdo the others so, as a league, we can raise the maximum amount of food for food banks and the families that rely on them year round.

FIVE HOLE FOR FOOD CHALLENGE WEBSITE HERE

 It's tough to fill the rink this time of year with all the Christmas parties and events around town, combined with everyone spending a bunch of cash to get all the items on everyone's Wish Lists...no better time of year to bring back the "Pack the Plex" pricing! 

That's right, this Saturday, all tickets for the Dogs vs Grizzlies game are just $5.00, that's right FIVE BUCKS!!

Pack the shack, tell your friends, your enemies, your inlaws/outlaws etc and lets get the barn full!

Hammer

Dogs top Chiefs 7-2

The Chiefs would have the best start of the game inside the first minute, as the Dogs were caught deep and the Chiefs raced up ice on a 3 on 1 rush. Connor LaCouvee would come up with a huge save moving from his left to right to get a blocker on it to keep it out. The Bulldogs found the net shortly afterwards after several great chances around the crease when the puck came back to the right point for Kurt Gosselin, who walked to the middle and fired a wrist shot on goal that went through Josh Halpenny. Mitch Makin picked up the only assist at 5:45 of the first. The Dogs would go to the power play just over a minute later looking to build the lead, but the best chance early went to the Chiefs as Mathieu Tibbet was sent in alone on a shorthanded breakaway where LaCouvee made a huge glove save to keep it out. The Dogs would push back and had several great chances around the net stay out, before it looked like they took a 2-0 lead when a shot from the line found it's way home with Justin Georgeson screening in front, appearing to be outside of the crease, and making minimal contact with Halpenny. The Referee appeared initially to signal goal, however the Officials met in the circle and eventually called no goal due to incidental contact on the goaltender. The Chiefs would make the most of the break, coming up ice and scoring just seconds afterwards when Austin Plevy sent Mathieu Tibbet in alone on the breakaway where he scored with a backhand deke, five-hole on LaCouvee. Carter Cochrane also drew an assist on the play at 12:14 of the second. The game would change and be much more even and less one-side in favour of the Bulldogs as the teams headed to the room tied 1-1 after one, with the Dogs out-shooting the Chiefs 16-10.

The second period was great to watch, with end-to-end, fast paced hockey. The Bulldogs would take their second lead of the game just over seven minutes into the period when Harlan Orr banked it up the right wing to set up a 2 on 1 rush where Scott Clark made a perfect pass onto the tape of Zak Bowles driving the net where he made several moves in tight before going top corner, far side on Halpenny. Garrett Halls picked up the second assist at 7:02 of the second to make it 2-1. The Chiefs would have a great chance just seconds later to tie it up when Austin Plevy raced in on a breakaway, but again LaCouvee came up huge with his glove to keep it out. The Dogs would build the lead in the final minute of the period when Justin Georgeson walked out from behind the net and showed good patience with the puck before throwing one on net from a sharp angle that somehow found it's way off Halpenny and into the back of the net. Quinton Wunder picked up the only assist on the play at 19:17 of the second for a 3-1 Dogs lead after two, with the Dogs up 31-23 in the shots.

The Dogs began the third period on the power play after a dust up to end the second, and they would connect on it early to lead 4-1 as Mak Barden took a pass at the top of the point from Kurt Gosselin that he one-timed on goal. Halpenny would make the first save, but he couldn't find the rebound before Mitch Makin jammed it home from the top of the crease, 42 seconds into the third. The Chiefs would go to the power play shortly afterwards, but they took themselves off of it taking a penalty in front of the Dogs net. With the teams playing four aside, the Chiefs would take another penalty for running over Connor LaCouvee who was out playing the puck behind the Dogs net. The Dogs would go to a 5 on 3 power play that they made quick work on as Kurt Gosselin took a pass from Justin Georgeson and walked into the deep slot where he blew a slap shot top corner, short-side on Halpenny at 5:11 of the third for a 5-1 Dogs lead. The Chiefs would get that one back just three minutes later on a pretty power play set up as Austin Plevy took a pass at the bottom of the right circle and one-touched it to Jake Hand who scored on a one-timer from the faceoff dot, high short-side on LaCouvee, with Cody Bardock also assisting at 8:44 of the third to make it 5-2. The Dogs increased the cushion back to four goals four minutes later on a crazy sequence in the Chiefs zone as several shots off the stick of Darian Henry were blocked, before Halpenny made a save at the side of the net. The puck ended up back on the tape of Henry, who wasted no time in one-timing a slap shot home low, far-side on Halpenny. Assists on the play went to Mak Barden and Tryg Strand at 12:54 of the third for a 6-2 Dogs lead. They would add one more four minutes later to rub some salt in the wound as Justin Georgeson lifted the puck to centre and joined the play where he took a pass over the Chiefs line from Craig Martin and walked around a couple of defenders through the slot before tucking a backhand past Halpenny for a 7-2 score and the eventual Final.

Shots favoured the Dogs 49-28, with Connor LaCouvee picking up the win while Josh Halpenny took the loss. The Dogs went 2 for 7 on the power play while the Chiefs went 1 for 3.

With the win, the Dogs are just two points back of the Capitals for the final Island Division Playoff spot, with a game in hand. The Dogs are in Duncan Friday, and home against the Grizzlies on Saturday. 

Line ups Chiefs @ Dogs

Dogs host Chiefs this afternoon

After a night off from Game action last night (although they were still at the rink for the Battle of the Badges Game) , it's back to business today for the Bulldogs ( 8-19-2-3, 5th Island) as they host the Chilliwack Chiefs (7-21-1-2, 5th Mainland) for the second and final Regular Season meeting between the teams this season after an 8-5 Bulldogs win in Chilliwack on Sunday, November 3rd. 

The Bulldogs picked up a 5-2 win in a huge four-point game against the Capitals at Home on Friday night to pull within four points of them for 4th place. With the Capitals loss at home to Vernon last night, the Bulldogs now have two games in hand on them, one of which is this afternoon. The Chiefs opened their three game road trip Friday night in Powell River where they fell 5-1 to the Kings, before facing the Clippers last night in Nanaimo where they lost their 6th in a row, 2-0.

It's a 2pm start today, so the pregame show will commence at 1:45 with all the action to follow the 2pm puck drop. The full crew will be present, Evan Hammond (that's me) provides the Play-by-Play, Bruce MacDonald provides Colour and Analysis, and Dan Tisserand will provide us with Team and Player statistics. It's all on Van Isle Ford Bulldogs Hockey on 93.3 The Peak FM!

Today's 1st Intermission guest is Bulldogs Forward Mitch Makin.

  

Todays's 2nd Intermission guest is former BCHL Official, now NHL Referee Trent Knorr, pictured at right in the photo above, prior to his first NHL game.

It's a pretty cool story how fast Trent has risen up the ladder from the BCHL to THE SHOW...it feels like just yesterday that I was on the air saying he made the wrong call, now I have to gently suggest that sentiment to the TV!

A nice story on his ascension from the Times Colonist Newspaper can be found HERE

If you aren't in listening range of 93.3 The Peak FM you can listen/watch the game by:


Listening Live on your computer: www.933thepeak.com
Listening Live on your SmartPhone : www.tunein.com/mobile/
Watching Live on your computer/SmartPhone www.fasthockey.com

"Battle of the Badges" Guns N' Hoses game tonight!

The Port Alberni Association for Community Living Battle of the Badges game goes tonight, featuring the PA Fire Department (Hoses) taking on Port Alberni RCMP (Guns) with the Bulldogs involved as Coaches, Referees, and also taking part in various other facets of the game.

Admission is by donation! I sadly can't make it, as I have a wedding to attend. After missing the last 6 or 7 weddings in a row of family and friends due to Bulldogs Hockey, I'm pretty excited that I can make it for once tonight, although I'm sad I'm going to miss this game as it's always a great time!

Hopefully you can make it to the rink to check it out and support a great cause!

Hammer

Dogs top Caps 5-2, close gap for final Playoff spot

Before most of the late arriving fans got in their seats, it was 1-0 Capitals as the Dogs coughed the puck up in their own zone up the middle where it was picked off. An odd-man rush to the net ended up in it on a cross-crease pass onto the tape of Myles Powell who one-timed it under the crossbar from the top of the crease. Assists on the play went to Colton Kehler and Dane Gibson at the :15 second mark. After the horrendous start, I thought the Dogs responded well to get into the game, but they couldn't send the bears flying through 20 minutes as the Caps carried the 1-0 lead to the room with the Dogs up 11-10 in the shots.

The Bulldogs came out inspired to start the second period, and quickly found the net to send the bears flying on a delayed penalty to the Capitals as Zach Funk found a centering pass from Josh Adkins that he fired low, past the glove of Robin Gusse. Dylan Haugen also picked up an assist on the play at 1:33 of the second.

The Dogs continued to carry the play, taking their first lead of the game five minutes later when Mitch Makin found his own rebound after a great first save by Gusse and used his size and reach to tuck a wrap-around home. Justin Georgeson and Harlan Orr picked up the assists at 6:47 of the second. The Dogs would continue to carry the play, building their lead to 3-1 at the tail end of a power play when Hunter Stewart found Darian Henry in the deep slot where he faked a slap shot before sliding right and then firing a wrist shot long side, past the blocker of Gusse. Zach Funk also drew an assist at 13:59 of the second. It wasn't a two goal game for long however, as less than a minute later the Dogs got caught stepping up in neutral ice resulting in a 3 on 1 rush that the Caps....capitalized on, when Myles Powell dished to Dane Gibson in the slot, who in turn fed it cross-ice onto the tape of Colton Kehler who fired it into the open side before LaCouvee could get over to make it 3-2 at 14:53 of the second. As quickly as they relinquished the two goal lead, the Dogs got it back in short order when they found the net less than two minutes later when Mitch Makin found a loose puck near the goal line that he spun and fired on net from a sharp angle that eluded Gusse. Justin Georgeson and Harlan Orr picked up the helpers at 16:13 of the second, for a 4-2 Dogs lead after 40 minutes, with the Dogs out-shooting the Capitals 21-4 over the period.

The Bulldogs came out and controlled the play early in the third period, however they took a penalty after what seemed like over 90 seconds of hemming the Capitals in their zone. The penalty kill came up big to protect the lead. While the Capitals would have several good chances, they couldn't trim the gap, despite another opportunity on the power play with just over three minutes to play but again LaCouvee and the Dogs penalty killers came up huge to protect the lead. The Dogs would seal the deal into an empty net when Mitch Makin lifted the puck to centre ice to Hunter Stewart, who fed Tryg Strand at the Capitals line where he fought the puck through his check into the open cage for the 5-2 Final.

Shots favoured the Bulldogs 39-28 with Connor LaCouvee picking up the win while Robin Gusse took the loss. The Dogs went 1 for 3 on the power play while the Capitals went 0 for 4.

While the Dogs have tomorrow night off from game action, they will still be at the rink as they will be taking part in the "Battle of the Badges" Guns N' Hoses game featuring the Port Alberni Fire Department taking on the Port Alberni RCMP, all for some fun and for a good cause, supporting the Port Alberni Association for Community Living. Game time is 7:00, admission is by donation.

The Dogs take on the Chilliwack Chiefs at the Dog Pound at 2pm Sunday.

Line ups Caps @ Dogs

Caps Line up tonight...

It's not an official word, but a safe assumption to make, that Ambrose Firkus and Clint Filbrandt haven't reported to Cowichan after the trades made last weekend. Neither are in the line up, and neither are listed as scratches.

Hammer

Dogs host Caps tonight on "Teddy Bear Toss" night!

It's sure to be a fun night on Teddy Bear Toss night as the Bulldogs (7-19-2-23, 5th Island) host the Cowichan Valley Capitals (12-19-0-1, 4th Island) in another gigantic four point game in the battle for the final Playoff spot in the Island Division.

If you look at the BCHL standings - this one sure threw me for a loop this AM - the Dogs show a record of 7-20-2-2. For some reason, they weren't credited with an OT loss Saturday against Coquitlam, but instead a Regulation loss. The Dogs can ill afford having points taken away from them and/or not being given the points they earn. Not sure if it's a clerical or electronic error, or what's up! 

These teams met a week ago tonight, in a wild and crazy game...or a wild and crazy third period? I don't think anyone on the planet would have predicted a 6-0 Final score after a 0-0 scoreline after 40 minutes, but that's why I always say to expect the unexpected. It's another lesson you hope would sink in on consistency and playing a full 60.

The Dogs were last in action on Saturday night when they fell 5-4 to Coquitlam in OT, pulling them back within six points of the Capitals.

The Caps haven't played since last Friday, but they have still been busy as they made several changes to their line up, moving Steen Cooper (F), Taki Pantziris (D), and Mitch (F) and Rylan Ball (D) to Penticton, West Kelowna and Trail respectively. In return the Caps received Matt Berry-Lamontagna (D), Clint Filbrandt (D), Ambrose Firkus (F), Valik Chichkin (D) and Future Considerations.

Holy moly that's some moves!

Get all the action on Van Isle Ford Bulldogs Hockey from the Dog Pound on 93.3 The Peak FM with myself and Bruce MacDonald bringing you the Play-by-Play and Analysis with Dan "the stats man" Tisserand compiling team and individual stats. The pregame show takes to the airwaves at 6:45 with the puck drop and play-by-play to follow at 7:00pm.

Tonight's 2nd Intemission guest is Mark Fitzgerald, Play-by-Play voice of the Chilliwack Chiefs, who are in town to visit the Dogs on Sunday afternoon. 

If you aren't in listening range of 93.3 The Peak FM you can listen/watch the game by:


Listening Live on your computer: www.933thepeak.com
Listening Live on your SmartPhone : www.tunein.com/mobile/
Watching Live on your computer/SmartPhone www.fasthockey.com

'Dogs visit Pathways

Nice of the Bulldogs to make a surprise visit to Pathways tonight to see some of their biggest fans!

Hammer

Blog soup - Wrestling, Golf, Santa Train, Teddy Bears and.....soup?!

Alberni Wrestlers Compete at Island Novice in Esquimalt

Wrestling teams from ADSS, EJ Dunn, and Neill Middle School travelled to Esquimalt on Saturday to compete at the Island Novice Wrestling Championships. The tournament marks the official start of the school wrestling season.

The Novice tournament is intended for athletes who are relatively new to the sport and there are restrictions as to who can compete.  As a result a number of the Alberni wrestlers either did not travel to Victoria or travelled down to referee rather than wrestle in the tournament.  Despite having only a portion of their wrestlers compete the local teams did very well.

Boys and Girls results were combined to determine the overall Middle School Team Standings.  EJ Dunn Middle School and Neill Middle School finished the tournament tied with 65 points each.  When the tie breaking criteria, most gold medals was applied, EJ Dunn was awarded third and Neill fourth.  Phoenix Middle School from Campbell River finished first and a combined team from multiple schools in Cowichan finished second.  

EJ Dunn was led by the gold medal performances of Ally Flaro (43kg Girls), Bobby McKenzie (29kg Boys), and William Merry (Hwt. Boys).  Seth Price from Neill Middle School went undefeated to claim the gold medal in the Junior Boys 35kg category.

“I was really impressed by the performance of all our middle school wrestlers,” commented EJ Dunn Coach Russ Bodnar.  “Seth Price from Neill and Ally Flaro from EJ Dunn were particularly dominant.  Their performances at this tournament indicate that both Seth and Ally are ready to compete at the next level.  Hopefully they both stick with this sport because I predict very bright futures.”

Anna Frost (Dunn 34kg Girls), Miranda Barker (Dunn 54kg Girls), Kylea Anderson (Dunn 64kg Girls), Ravi Manhas (Dunn 35kg Boys), Ripley Janzen (Neill 41kg Boys), Jayden Iverson (Dunn 57kg Boys), Daniel Spencer (Neill 60kg Boys), and Jayce Clayton (Dunn 78kg Boys) all claimed the silver medals in their weight classes.  EJ Dunn rookie coach Emma Vanderlee made the following assessment, “Alberni had nine silver medalists today.  In many cases they were one or two points away from going undefeated.  With a couple more practices and some hard work I think they are going to be even more impressive.”

Olivia Zanette (Dunn 34kg Girls), Mackenzie Boudreau (Dunn 43kg Girls), Teela Johnson (Neill 51kg Girls), Shane Leeper (Neill 51kg Boys) and Leonard Nookemis (Neill 60kg Boys) finished with bronze medals in their respective weight classes

.

Dakota McKenzie (Neill 4^th 57kg Girls), Jenna Sportak (Dunn 4^th 64kg Girls), Kenji Boyko (Neill 4^th 35kg Boys), Hunter Cootes (Dunn 4^th 45 kg Boys), Jarrod Gagnon (Dunn 4^th 66kg Boys), Harley Barkhouse (Dunn 5^th 66kg Boys), and Kodi Van den Broek (Neill 6^th 60kg Boys) rounded out the top six placers in the Middle School Division.

“I am really excited about how closely the two middle schools finished today,” commented Neill Head Coach Erin Anker.  “I think we are going to have some exciting dual meets between the two schools and I think we can make a run at EJ Dunn this year.  They have been holding onto that dual meet trophy for too long.”

ADSS had five wrestlers compete in the Novice tournament and all five of them placed.  David Wilson led the way with a gold medal in the Men’s 62kg division.  Trevor Barker (Men’s 41kg) and newcomer Cam McFarlane (Men’s Hwt.) finished with silver medals in their respective weight classes. Tanner Cook (4^th at 71kg Men) and Austin Patten (5^th at 64kg Men) rounded out the finishers for ADSS.

“We have a great development program in Alberni,” commented Coach Jeanette Badovinac.  “As a result a lot of people think you have to start wrestling before high school.  David Wilson and Cam McFarlane’s performance at the tournament proves that wrong.  David started wrestling last year in Grade 11 and Cam who is in Grade 12 started wrestling just a few weeks ago.  It isn’t an easy sport but if you work hard and are willing to learn you will have fun and probably even experience some success.  Our season is under way but new or returning wrestlers are always welcome.”

In addition to those competing ADSS sent down a contingent of elite wrestlers to participate in an Island Practice and rules clinic on Friday.  In a successful effort to be reinstated in the Olympics wrestling has made some pretty drastic rule changes.  ADSS experienced wrestlers had the opportunity to learn the rules and get some extra practice in.  On Saturday they gave back by acting as officials and volunteers at the tournament.

Wrestlers from all three teams will be right back on the mats training this week in preparation for upcoming tournaments.  ADSS will compete in Abbotsford on December 7, December 11 will be the first dual meet between Dunn and Neill, and December 14 will be the Cougar Invitational in Duncan.  Parents, wrestlers and program supporters interested in finding out more about upcoming wrestling events are encouraged to visit the club’s website www.alberniwrestling.ca.

Here's a great story on the fantastic Junior Golf program at the Alberni Golf Club!

A very big thanks to everyone that makes the Santa Train possible, from the conductor to the elves to the big guy himself, it's a memory of a lifetime for the kids, and the big kids! Part of a very busy Sunday, and a big tradition around here this time of year!

Don't forget to bring your bears and other stuffies to the game this Friday, TEDDY BEAR TOSS night! Always a lot of fun!

The ADSS Armada Athletic Department will be doing a Food Drive tomorrow night (Wednesday) - check out the details below.

The ADSS Athletic Dept. is doing a community wide Food Drive Wednesday Dec 4 from 5:30-7:30

Please give generously, as all proceeds will go directly to our community food banks. It is our way to give back as the community helps our Athletes in so many ways

For more information call Mike Roberts at 250 731-7782 or items can be dropped off at the school

And here's another one for you to support! Read below 

This year is the inaugural ADSS girls rugby and project based learning Christmas Tree sale. 

This Saturday and Sunday (Dec 7th and 8th) at ADSS from 10am - 1pm team members will be on hand to personally help you pick an amazing Christmas tree. Not only will you get an amazing tree but all profits will directly help students at ADSS. Come out and help support local students and athletes by buying a tree.

Finally, I promised SOUP, so here it is... I made an attempt at one of those "saw it on the internet" recipies - Dill Pickle soup, and wow was it a HIT. 
 

I'm not Gordon Ramsey or anything, I was just spending some fun times with the little guys at home, it's winter so soup feels appropiate. And who doesn't love pickles! 

People on my facebook are commenting on how it doesn't look to appetizing...how is soup supposed to look?! Turns out it looks just like it's supposed to...here's the recipe if you are interested. I promise, no more food posts on the blog...it was cold out, I was feelin' soupy, OK? At the very least, they will be few and far between!

Noble Pig - Dill Pickle Soup 

I must say a big thanks to friend of the Blog, Buy Low Foods (the bright spot on Johnson Road!) for carrying a tough to find ingredient...the soup recipe called for "Old Bay Seasoning" which I had never heard from before. I googled it, and the information I got back indicated it was mostly available only in the Eastern United States. After I asked about it on Facebook, several people commented that it could be found at Buy Low! I don't know how I missed it as I'm a habitual shopper there. When I went in to ask about it, the story goes that someone from Port Alberni went in to ask about it for making Fish Chowder, and Buy Low went out and found a distributor for it! Now is that service, or what?! Thanks Randy and the guys and gals at Buy Low! 

I'm sure they have this down to a science and almost like paint-by-numbers now, but I am always impressed with the displays that the Coke and Pepsi guys set up!

 Yum?

 

Hammer