Dogs visit Caps tonight in 4th place showdown, Trade Deadline...Totem 59 kicks off

Stop me if you have heard this one before...the Bulldogs (11-22-2-4, 5th Island) head down to Duncan tonight to face the Capitals (14-25-1-1, 4th Island) in an absolutely HUGE game with major implications in the standings.

 It's the final meeting of the season between the teams in Duncan, and the final Head-to-Head game of the season. It's hard to believe these teams have played each other 8 times already this campaign, while the Bulldogs have yet to even see Salmon Arm, West Kelowna, Merritt and until last Saturday, Prince George. That's just the way the schedule works out sometimes.

The Dogs have won two of the eight against the Caps, but both of those came on Home Ice. The Island Savings Centre hasn't been kind to the Dogs this year, but there's no better time than now to get some good memories in this rink. As I said last time, it's the only Divisional rink that the Dogs haven't taken a point in, winning in Nanaimo, tying in Victoria and losing in OT in Powell River.

The last meeting between the teams was just as big as this one back on Friday, December 13th, where the Caps picked up a 2-1 win. The Dogs came out flying and opened the scoring just two minutes into the game but that might have been the worst that could have happened as they just didn't seem to have the desperation needed after that. All of that is in the past anyway, and all that matters is the game at hand.

 The Bulldogs are coming off a 5-2 win at the Dog Pound on Saturday night against the Spruce Kings. The Capitals were on the Lower Mainland last weekend where they went winless in three games...however, they did pick up a 4-4 tie in Coquitlam. The Capitals are winless in four games, losing three of those four.

Last but not least - it's the Trade Deadline tonight at 6pm for trades outside of the BCHL, and 8pm for trades within the league. Never an easy time for Coaches/GM's, Players, families, etc. I don't know if the Dogs are planning any further moves, but when I find out I will surely update the blog so be sure to check back.

 Catch all the action from the Big Stick tonight on Pacific Chevrolet Bulldogs Hockey on 93.3 The Peak FM starting with the 6:45 pregame show, with the puck drop to follow at 7:00pm. I will call the Play-by-Play, with Bruce MacDonald providing the Analysis and Colour and Dan Tisserand the Team and Player statistics.

Tonight's 2nd Intermission guest is Scott Campbell from the Salmon Arm Silverbacks, who the Bulldogs host tomorrow night.

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

The 59th Annual Totem Tournament kicks off today at ADSS and the Athletic Hall. It's the longest running High School Basketball tourney in BC! I always attend whenever I can, which is usually not often due to the schedule conflicts with hockey. I made it out to several games last year and I was blown away by the quality of play, and by the atmosphere in the ADSS Gym. The kids are going all out, the fans are jacked right up. It's a fun time and I encourage you to go!

The ADSS Girls kick things off today at 11:00am vs Woodlands while the ADSS Boys get going at 12:45, also against Woodlands...

Here's the full schedule

Friday, January 10, 2014 (Games at ADSS and Alberni Athletic Hall)

Girls:  11:00am     ADSS vs Woodlands

Girls:  12:00pm      Kwalikum vs Vanier         @ Athletic Hall 

Boys:  12:45pm      ADSS vs Woodlands

Boys:  1:45pm        Edward Milne vs Stellys    @ Athletic Hall 
Girls:  4:00pm        Vanier vs Parklands             @ Athletic Hall 
Boys:  5:45pm        Reynolds vs Edward Milne   @ Athletic Hall 
Girls:  5:15pm        St. Andrews vs ADSS 
Boys:  7:00pm        Parkland vs ADSS

Saturday, January 11, 2014 (Games at ADSS and Alberni Athletic Hall)

  Girls: 9:00am         Parklands vs Kwalikum   

Boys: 9:00am         Stellys vs Reynolds                @ Athletic Hall

Girls: 10:45am       Woodlands vs St. Andrews    @ Athletic Hall

            Boys: 10:45am       Woodlands vs Parkland

***On Saturday night, The ADSS Senior Boys and Girls teams will play in the Feature Games (last 2 games of the Tournament) no matter what position they finish after Pool Play***

 Cross-over Games:

 Girls: 12:30pm    *** 3^rd Pool A  vs 3^rd Pool B   5^th/6^th place   @ Athletic Hall 

 Boys: 12:30pm    ***3^rd Pool A  vs 3^rd Pool B    5^th/6^th place 

 Boys: 2:15pm      *** 2^nd Pool A  vs 2^nd Pool B     3^rd/4^th place

 Girls: 4:00pm    *** 2^nd Pool A  vs 2^nd Pool B    3^rd/4^th place

Boys: 5:45pm    *** 1^st Pool A  vs 1^st Pool B      1^st/2^nd Place

Girls: 7:30pm    *** 1^st Pool A  vs 1^st Pool B      1^st/2^nd place

Some pictures I took last year...

Check out the Totem website here for more information!

Hammer

Dogs add Mitch Owsley

Welcome to the club Mitch! He will wear #21...

Some stats here

PRESS RELEASE
January 7, 2014
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Port Alberni, BC – The Alberni Valley Bulldogs announce a trade with the Whitecourt Wolverines (AJHL) and acquire 1993-born forward Mitch Owsley for future considerations.

This acquisition brings the Alberni Valley Bulldogs one step closer to adding the personnel needed for another successful playoff run. Owsley brings to the Bulldogs 147 regular season games of experience and 83 points in his Junior A career. More importantly, Owsley has also played in 23 playoff games over 5 rounds in the last two seasons.

“Obviously we’re pleased to acquire Mitch from the Whitecourt Wolverines,” said Bulldogs head coach and general manager Kevin Willison. “He will bring some added scoring and leadership along with depth and experience,” added Willison.

Owsley will be in the line-up for the Alberni Valley Bulldogs this weekend on the road versus the Cowichan Valley Capitals on Friday and at home on Saturday when the Bulldogs host the Salmon Arm Silverbacks at 7pm at the Weyerhaeuser Arena.

For more information, contact head coach and general manager Kevin Willison

Dogs top Spruce Kings 5-2 in solid effort

The Bulldogs looked ready to play and inspired to be back on Home Ice as they had a noticeable jump to their step from the opening puck drop. They would battle hard to take a 1-0 lead just over three minutes into the game as a mad scramble was finished off by Jakson Elynuik from the deep slot. Harlan Orr picked up the only assist on the play at 3:29 of the first. The Spruce Kings would kill off a Bulldog power play, and score almost immediately afterwards as Jeremiah Luedtke went to the net and fired a cross-ice pass home to make it 1-1 at 6:15 from Chad Staley and Christian Weidauer. The Spruce Kings had an outstanding chance to go up 2-1 on an odd-man rush but Connor LaCouvee stuck his right toe out to keep an in-tight chance out. The Bulldogs would push back and answer back in the dying seconds of a power play chance as Craig Martin walked down the left wing and ripped a Justin Georgeson pass top corner, short-side on a quick release. Kurt Gosselin also picked up an assist on the play at 15:19 of the first. The Dogs went to the power play again a minute and a half later, and they connected again on a pretty set up as Hunter Stewart found Darian Henry at the point, who put a perfect pass on the tape of Justin Georgeson at the side of the net where he one-touched it top corner from a sharp angle at 18:57 of the period to make it 3-1 Dogs after one, with the shots even at 8-8.

The Bulldogs kept up the intensity to start the second, finishing off another hard working shift in the zone with a goal as Tryg Strand initially kept the puck in the zone with a great second and third effort. He would later in the shift hit the post or crossbar. The puck would end up in the left corner, where Scottie Clark made a fantastic pass from his stomach to get the puck out front onto the tape of Mitch Makin who beat Jenks with a backhand far-side to make it 4-1 at 3:50 of the period. There would be no scoring the rest of the frame, with the Dogs out-shooting the Spruce Kings 13-10 for a 40 minute total of 21-18.

The 2nd Intermission featured the Port Alberni Junior Hockey Society's $50,000 Lottery draw - big congrats to Ron Caldwell, a former member of the Bulldog Ownership group, on being the big winner! 952 tickets were sold, just 48 short of a sell out. Incredible support by Port Alberni, and also by all the Bulldogs Alumni and their families for purchasing tickets!

The Spruce Kings would trim the gap to 4-2 early in the third period when the Dogs had control of the puck but failed to connect on a D to D pass, resulting in a odd-man rush for the Kings from the blue line in that was finished off by Justin Rai who fired a Jeremiah Luedtke feed past the blocker of LaCouvee from the slot at 3:45 of the third. The only goal the rest of the way came from Jakson Elynuik as he roofed a loose puck at the side of the net on another hard working goal with Harlan Orr and Mitch Makin picking up the assists at 14:26 of the third for the 5-2 Final.

Shots favoured the Dogs 30-26 with Connor LaCouvee picking up the win while Jesse Jenks took the loss. The Dogs went 2 for 5 on the power play while the Spruce Kings went 0 for 4. 

Hammer

Dogs host Spruce Kings tonight, give away $50,000!, Team Pacific goes for GOLD, 1pm TODAY on TSN, Bantam tourney..

It's the first game on Home Ice of 2014 for the Bulldogs ( 10-22-2-4, 5th Island) tonight, and the first meeting of the season between the two teams as the Prince George Spruce Kings (21-12-2-2, 2nd Mainland) pay a visit to the Dog Pound.

The Bulldogs dropped their second in a row last night 4-1 in Victoria, while the Spruce Kings kicked off an Island swing with a 2-1 loss to the Kings in Powell River in the "Battle of the Kings". Quite a good example of how success is possible with community owned teams in that one. Both Dave Dupas Mike Hawes and company and Kent Lewis and Chad Van Diemen and crew and the communities of Powell River and Prince George have done great jobs. Powell River gave away $50,000 last night, and the Spruce Kings are currently running their Home lottery

It's a big night from the off-ice side of things with the Bulldogs organization tonight as well, as the Port Alberni Junior Hockey Society will see the end of their first raffle since purchasing the team prior to the 2012-2013 season with SOMEONE winning the $50,000 cash grand prize tonight. That someone could be YOU, but only if you have a ticket! I hope that the winner is a local - or if not, it's one of the many Bulldog alums and their families that have supported the team by purchasing tickets.

I will provide the Play-by-Play, with Bruce MacDonald the Colour and Analysis and Dan Tisserand the statistics on Van Isle Ford Bulldogs Hockey on 93.3 The Peak FM tonight with the pregame show on getting underway at 6:45 with the puck drop set for 7:00pm.

Tonight's 1st Intermission guest is Bulldogs Forward Justin Georgeson.

Tonight's 2nd Intermission guest is former Bulldog Doug Krantz - currently enjoying a year off from the game after playing NCAA and Professional Hockey over the last decade in North America and Europe. Doug is also a one-time Prince George Spruce King

 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

Team Pacific goes for the Gold Medal at the World U17 Championships at 1pm today....best of luck to Team Canada and Bulldogs Assistant Coach Adam Hayduk! You can watch the game on TSN!

Don't forget to get to the rink to cheer on the young Men and Women competing in the New Year's Classic Bantam A and B tournament!

The Bantam B Bulldogs play for Bronze today at 1:45 against Juan De Fuca, while the Bantam A Bulldogs take on Nanaimo at 4:00 today in the Coulson Rink after a 3-1 win this morning over North Van.


Hammer

Poor start kills Dogs chances, 4-1 Grizzlies win

The Bulldogs appeared a step behind from the outset, with the Grizzlies carrying the play and looking sharper than the Dogs building up a 7-0 lead in shots. They would take a 1-0 lead on a funny one as a wrist shot from the left point that didn't appear to have a lot on it went off the tip of Connor LaCouvee's glove and went in. Mark McLellan picked up the only assist at the 4:36 mark. I thought the Bulldogs did a good job to get their feet going and generate several chances but the Grizzlies stopped their momentum when they found the net to go up 2-0 at the 13:43 mark as Gerry Fitzgerald one-timed a Jesse Schwartz pass just through LaCouvee and over the goal line. Mitch Meek also picked up an assist on the play. Just over a minute later it was 3-0 as the Grizzlies connected on the rush as Dante Hahn showed great patience to push the Dogs defence back into LaCouvee before roofing a backhand short-side. Garrett Forster picked up the only assist at 14:52 of the first, for a 3-0 Victoria lead after one, with the Grizzlies leading 11-7 in shots after 20 minutes.

The play picked up in the second period with an increase in pace and an increase in chances both ways, however neither team was able to find the net with Connor LaCouvee making a series of big saves, most notably on Gerry Fitzgerald on a 2 on 1 rush and also a desperation diving blocker save on an odd-man rush were he looked dead to rights before throwing his blocker out to keep it 3-0. The pace would really pick up following a spirited scrap between Ryan Buse and Rory McGuire deep in the Dogs zone. The first penalty call of the game didn't come until the back half of it, and the Dogs made quick work of it as they won the draw and worked it around to the top of the point for Harlan Orr who threw a quick shot on net that was deflected home by Tryg Strand in the high slot past the glove of Dillon. Craig Martin also picked an assist on the play at 13:31 of the second to make it 3-1. The Dogs would have another power play shortly afterwards, but they were unable to connect as they trailed 3-1 after one, with the shots 9-9 in the period and 20-16 Grizzlies after 40.

The Dogs were unable to trim the deficit in the third period, despite having several good chances. They would earn a 3:12 power play chance on a double minor for high sticking that drew blood on Kurt Gosselin. The Grizzlies would have the best early chance on a shorthanded breakaway by Jesse Schwartz, but LaCouvee came up with a big save to keep his team in it. The Dogs would threaten in the late stages of the power play but ultimately couldn't connect to make a game of it. The Grizzlies would add one more 11 seconds into a power play when Gerry Fitzgerald one-timed a pass from Myles from the left circle high, short-side past LaCouvee. Jaden Schmeisser also picked an assist on the play at 16:10 of the third for the 4-1 Final.

Shots favoured the Grizzlies 31-27 with Alec Dillon picking up the win while Connor LaCouvee took the loss. The Dogs went 1 for 4 on the power play while the Grizzlies also went 1 for 4.

The Dogs are next in action tomorrow night at the Dog Pound when the host the Prince George Spruce Kings on $50,000 giveaway night!

Hammer

Line ups Dogs @ Grizz

Dogs kick off 2014 at Grizzlies tonight, Release Howat/Barden, add Warren, home vs PG tomorrow, Bantam tourney underway..

It's back to action in 2014 tonight for the Bulldogs (10-21-2-4, 5th Island) and the Grizzlies (24-9-3-2, 1st Island, 1st Overall) at the Bear Mountain Arena as the two teams play their first game after the Christmas break after they last saw action against each other, a 5-1 Victoria win at Bear Mountain Arena on December 21st.

The game before the break wasn't a pretty one, with both sides appearing to head on the break early and check out, and I don't anticipate tonight's to be that pretty either as the teams try to hit the ground running and sweat out the turkey and holiday sweets. It's not about pretty or ugly though, it's just about results. I don't expect a lack of motivation for either side - the Bulldogs are in the same position that they were in headed into the break, three points back of the Capitals for the final Island Playoff spot, with a game in hand. The Grizzlies on the other hand lead the Division (by 2 points over Powell River) and the League (by a point over Penticton) however the Vees and the Kings have played less games.

 Get all the action from start to finish on Pacific Chevrolet Bulldogs Hockey on 93.3 The Peak FM with the pregame show kicking off at 7:00 with the puck drop and play-by-play to follow at 7:15.

Our 2nd Intermission guest is Ron Gallo, Play-by-Play voice of the Prince George Spruce Kings who the Dogs will host tomorrow night at the Dog Pound.

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

The Dogs made a series of moves heading into play tonight....best of luck to Mak and Tyger, and welcome to the city and club Warren!

Bulldogs Roster Changes Heading Into New Year
PRESS RELEASE

January 3, 2014
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Port Alberni, BC - The Alberni Valley Bulldogs announce a few roster changes
heading into the New Year.

The Alberni Valley Bulldogs have signed 1995-born goalie Nathan Warren from the 100 Mile House Wranglers out of the KIJHL. Warren is familiar to the Bulldogs as the organization has been following his progress for the last two seasons. Warren appeared in 21 games for the expansion franchise in the first half of the 2013/14 season, posting a 9-9 record, a 2.82 GAA and a .917 save percentage. Warren joined the team immediately following the Christmas break.

To make space on the roster, the Bulldogs have released 1995-born American goalie Tyger Howat. Howat joined the Bulldogs with a lot of promise but couldn't put his game together. In 13 appearances, Howat posted a 1-8-2 record with a 3.88 GAA and a .886 save percentage.

Also being released by the Bulldogs is 20-year-old forward Mak Barden. Following the final game prior to the Christmas break in Victoria, Barden committed to Arizona State University for the 2014/15 season and then informed the team that he wished a release so that he could play more minutes with his former Junior B team the Delta Ice Hawks.

The team is very excited to welcome Nathan Warren to the Alberni Valley Bulldogs family and will be looking to once again add experience and skill leading up to this year's January 10th deadline.

For more information, contact head coach and general manager Kevin Willison

Don't forget tomorrow night SOMEONE will be $50,000 richer when the PAJHS makes the draw on the ice for their "Lottery of Cash" It's your LAST chance to get a ticket, so bring some extra bucks to the rink to get in the draw - or to get in their one last time, before the big draw!

I have many many ideas on how I'm going to spend my $50,000!

The Bantam A and B Bulldogs are hosting 10 teams from around the Island and Lower Mainland at the Multiplex for their New Year's Classic tourney...get down to the rink and check out some action! Check out the tournament website by CLICKING HERE

The Bulldogs will be without Assistant Coach and Assistant GM Adam Hayduk this weekend, as he's currently in Cape Breton on the Coaching Staff for Team Pacific at the World U17 Challenge.

A big congrats to Adam and Team Pacific, as they advanced to the Semi Finals today at 3pm Pacific time vs Russia with a 3-1 win yesterday over Sweden. You can watch the game on Fast Hockey free of charge

Well that didn't take long...Bill Bestwick is back in the BCHL, in an Advisor role with the Nanaimo Clippers. I didn't see this one coming, as from what I remember, his departure from the Clippers wasn't the most friendly. Yesterday was a busy day for Bill, as he was also named the Head Coach of the Oceanside Generals of the VIJHL.

That's it for now.

Hammer

Happy New Year! Bulldogs/BCHL Christmas, Bantam Tourney underway, $50,000 draw Saturday!

Hello and Happy 2014!

I hope the holidays were as good to you and yours as they were to me and mine. I got some much deserved time off, and a mini-getaway with the family for a couple of days, and most importantly some time away from the Rink and the Radio station to recharge. I hope the Bulldog Players and Staff are returning as recharged as I am!

I had several requests for this audio on the blog over the break...sorry I didn't put this up sooner...but hey, I was on break, OK?!

Click the below links to listen to my BCHL and Bulldog Christmas specials! Thanks again to everyone that made it happen, and to everyone for their interest in hearing it!

A Very Merry BCHL Christmas - PART 1

A Very Merry BCHL Christmas - PART 2

A Very Merry Bulldog Christmas - HERE

If you are starved for some hockey action, get down to the Multiplex today to check out the Bantam A and B Bulldogs in their New Year's Classic tourney, action is already underway - check out the tournament website HERE

Don't forget the big $50,000 CASH draw is Saturday night! Get your tickets and support the team and the PAJHS!

What would YOU do with $50,000?!

Hammer

Grizz top Dogs 5-1, see you in 2014!

It definately looked like a pre-Christmas game early, especially for the Bulldogs as they didn't look sharp, misfiring on passes in their own zone and through centre, allowing the Grizzlies to carry the better of the play and earn the first power play while building up a 7-2 advantage in shots. The Bulldogs would do a good job of killing it off, and shortly afterwards earned a power play of their own. They would connect on the power play with several good efforts initially to keep the puck in. Hunter Stewart would find Mak Barden at the right point where he threw a slap shot on net that was tipped home by Mitch Makin just over the goal line at 10:26 of the first on the power play to make it 1-0 Bulldogs. The Dogs had several chances to build the lead, but they couldn't connect. The Grizzlies would tie the game with less than four minutes to play the period when the Dogs got caught standing around watching in their own end as Tyger Howat made a good first save but kicked out a rebound that Shawn McBride roofed into the open side. Assists on the play went to Jesse Schwartz and Myles Fitzgerald at 15:35 of the first. Just seconds later, the Bulldogs would be sent to the penalty box. They would successfully kill it off, before a blown call turned the game in the Grizzlies favour when Hunter Stewart got taken down by Jacob Kearley, who appeared to first put a stick over the arms of Stewart, and then a stick into the feet of Stewart to take him down. The Referee would look on stunned, as Kearley picked the puck up and threw a cross-ice pass onto the tape of Jesse Schwartz who beat Howat with a wrist shot far-side to make it 2-1 at 17:54. If you would like to see it yourself, watch the below video

 It was 3-1 just 13 seconds later when Mark MacLellan was sent in alone on a breakaway with a nice stretch pass and the Dogs defence caught snoozing where he went top corner, glove side on Howat. Assists went to Storm Wahlrab and Rory McGuire at 18:07 of the first with Connor LaCouvee entering the Bulldog net off the bench, with the Grizzlies taking the lead into the room after one with a 14-5 lead in shots.

The second period was for the first half uneventful, like the first period, with neither team finding the net. The Grizzlies would get a power play at the midway point but they were unable to find the net with Connor LaCouvee making several good saves in tight. Action would pick up in the latter stages of the frame, with the Grizzlies being awarded a penalty shot when Cole Pickup was hooked by Kurt Gosselin on a breakaway. He would make good on the penalty shot chance with a quick release, low blocker on LaCouvee at 13:19 to make it 4-1. For the second time in the game, the Grizzlies would score twice in less than a minute as the Bulldogs failed on several instances to get the puck out of their zone, allowing mutliple chances that eventually ended up in the back of their net as Myles Fitzgerald scored on a banker from a sharp angle at the bottom of the left circle that appeared to go off LaCouvee, the post, and in. Assists on the goal went to Jesse Schwartz and Jay Mackie at 14:13 of the second with the Grizzlies leading 5-1 after one with a 27-14 lead in shots.

The third period was for the most part uneventful as both teams appeared to head out on the Christmas break early as the teams combined for 9 shots through 15:00 minutes, including two power plays aside. The game would turn heated late, but in large part no major skirmishes broke out. Neither team would find the net as the Grizzlies skated to the 5-1 win.

Final shots favoured Victoria 34-22 with Tyger Howat getting tagged with the loss giving up the first three goals before giving way to Connor LaCouvee, while Alec Dillon picked up 3rd star honours with the win in the Victoria net. The Dogs went 1 for 6 on the power play while the Grizzlies went 0 for 7.

A MUCH needed Christmas break for all, a disappointing way to head into it with the result in this one, but I'll end it on a positive note with the big win last night trimming the gap to just three points with the Dogs still holding a game in hand. It's been a trying first part of the season, and here's hoping the break will do everyone good.

Safe travels to all, and safe times at home. Enjoy the time with your families, and families enjoy your time with your boys who have been gone so long. Don't feed them too much turkey and Christmas treats!

Thanks to everyone that made the Bulldog and BCHL Christmas greetings happen, and thanks as well to everyone that have given me gifts over the last couple of games. Thanks as well to those parents and fans that made blog donations as Christmas presents - certainly unexpected, but I very much appreciate your generosity!

Hammer

Line ups Dogs @ Grizz

Dogs visit Grizzlies tonight before heading on Christmas break

With visions of sugar plums and hugs from friends and families dancing in their heads, the Bulldogs (10-20-2-4, 5th Island) will attempt to push it all aside for 60 more minutes (or more?) as they visit the Bear Mountain Arena and the Grizzlies (23-9-3-2, 1st Island) for the final game before the Christmas break for both teams.

The Dogs should have some good memories at the 'Bear. It's of course the site of the dramatic Island Championship OT win in the deciding game of the series last year. For the guys on this year's team that weren't a part of that, there should still be some positive thoughts as this season it was the site of the Dogs first point earned, a 2-2 tie way back on September 27th, the Grizzlies Home Opener.

The Dogs are coming off a dominating 2-0 win over the Clippers last night in Nanaimo, while the Grizzlies scored three times in the final 10 minutes at home last night to erase a 3-2 deficit to beat the Trail Smoke Eaters 5-3.

We'll be broadcasting live from "the aquarium" as I affectionately call it in Victoria, with Pacific Chevrolet Bulldogs Hockey on 93.3 The Peak FM starting with the pregame show at 6:45, followed by the puck drop and all the action at 7:00pm.  Bruce MacDonald with Colour and Analyis and Dan Tisserand with Team and Player Stats are game time decisions, while I will most certainly be there to provide the Play-by-Play in the...tank?

It's the last game before the Christmas break, so it's the night I conclude my giving of Christmas presents to you - in the 1st Intermission catch Part 2 of "A Very Merry BCHL Christmas" and in the 2nd Intermission don't miss "A Very Merry Bulldogs Christmas" as I compiled the wish lists of the Bulldogs as well as Coaches and Broadcasters from around the league. It's always a lot of fun, I hope you enjoy listening to it as much as I enjoyed tracking everyone down and putting it together! The guys with for everything from goals and Playoff spots to sound systems for the cars and new phones. One player even wishes another's girlfriend a Merry Christmas, as he noticed the player didn't do it himself...fun stuff! 

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 top Clippers 2-0 with solid road effort

A great start to the game for the Bulldogs, as an early shift by the Strand-Georgeson-Clark line set the tone with a long containment shift in the Clippers end. The Dogs would carry the bulk of the play for the first half of the period, building up a 9-1 advantage in shots with Tanner Kovacs standing tall in the Clipper net. The Clippers would win the second half of the period, winning a series of draws in the Dogs zone and generating shots on net from the point and generating scrambles in the Dogs crease that LaCouvee kept out as it was a 0-0 game after one with the Dogs leading the shots 9-7.

The second period saw the Bulldogs again come out and assert themselves early and have an edge in the play. The Clippers would be awarded two straight penalties - one in incredible fashion after the whistle- but the Dogs did a great job to kill them off to keep it 0-0. The Dogs would have a 2 on 1 taken away when Craig Martin chipped the puck past Colton Dahlen, only to have Dahlen jump him, obviously in retribution for the hit he put on him earlier in the season. There would be no extra two to Dahlen, but the Dogs no doubt gained momentum with the one-sided scrap going in my opinion to Martin. One would have thought that Martin answered the call when he was also called on to fight the last game in Nanaimo, but Dahlen I guess didn't think that was the case. I wondered at the time if it was the best of decisions with his past concussion history - a bad one last year, and one on the hit from Martin this year. Dahlen wouldn't play another shift to the best of my knowledge. The Dogs continued to push and finally broke the scoreless tie on a great shift in the offensive zone as Kurt Gosselin pinched in to keep the puck behind the net for Zach Funk. He would find Josh Adkins at the top of the crease with a quick pass that he one-timed through the legs of Kovacs to make it 1-0 Dogs 12:12 into the second. The Dogs had several solid chances to build the lead, but Kovacs held the fort. In the late stages of the period tempers flared when Zak Bowles threw a huge hit on Sheldon Rempal. Bowles would be jumped by two Clippers simultaneously, with Quintin Wunder also dropping the mitts with Austin Dick. The Clippers would get the extra two minutes as the Dogs finally got their first power play of the game with 2:30 to go in the period, but they were unable to connect on it as they lead 1-0 after 40 minutes while holding a 19-13 edge in shots.

The Bulldogs came out flying to start the third period, drawing an early power play chance. While they couldn't find the net, they generated several good chances. When it was back to five on five, the Bulldogs continued to carry the bulk of the play, winning the races and the battles both in the offensive and defensive zones. They would get some much needed insurance with 4:10 left in the game when Nanaimo native Zach Funk found his own faceoff win in the Nanaimo end and walked un touched into the right circle where he snapped one home short-side on Kovacs. Assists on the play went to Ryan Buse and Dylan Haugen at 15:50 of the third period. The Dogs would play a solid final four minutes to seal the deal for the 2-0 Final.

Connor LaCouvee picked up 3rd star honours with the win while Tanner Kovacs took 2nd star honours with the loss. The Dogs went 0 for 3 on the power play while the Clippers went 0 for 2. The Dogs outshot the Clippers 30-16, including 11-3 in the third period.

Quite possibly the most solid, 60 minute effort this season for the Bulldogs, and they couldn't have made better use of one of their two games in hand on Cowichan. One more to go before the Christmas break tomorrow night in Victoria.

Line up Dogs at Clips

Dogs visit Clippers tonight, Grizzlies tomorrow, before Christmas break

Just two more games to go before the Christmas break, as the Bulldogs (9-20-2-4, 5th Island) head over the hump tonight to visit the Clippers (18-17-0-1, 3rd Island) at the Frank Crane Arena.

If past experience is any indicator, it should be some interesting hockey to watch this weekend. With both teams full of kids (young men) who for the most part have been away from home for a long time and away from their families and friends, it is a very tough time of the season to focus at the task at hand and be ready to play. The team that does it the best, has a good chance of winning so here's hoping the Dogs "bring it", as there is nothing better than heading home for a long break on a positive note.

The Dogs have lost their last two, including Saturday's 3-2 OT loss to the Grizzlies. The Clippers won two of three on the road last weekend, including most recently 3-2 in double OT over the Rivermen in Langley on Sunday afternoon. The Dogs have lost two in a row on the road, with their last win coming...at the Frank Crane Arena, 6-4 over the Clippers on November 22nd.

The Bulldogs are now five points back of the Capitals after the Caps picked up a 7-2 win last night over the Trail Smoke Eaters. The Bulldogs have two games in hand.

Sam Curleigh apparently won't be suspended for his extremely dangerous hit from behind in Mitch Makin last Friday night, as he played the next night, as well as last night, where he picked up a couple assists in the Capitals win.

FANTASTIC JOB done by the BCHL! 

Follow all the action tonight from Nanaimo on Pacific Chevrolet Bulldogs Hockey on 93.3 The Peak FM with myself providing the Play-by-Play, Bruce MacDonald the Colour and Analysis, and Dan Tisserand the Team and Player statistics. The pregame show begins at 6:45 with the puck drop and play-by-play just after 7:00pm.

Tonight's 2nd Intermission show will feature Part 1 of my Christmas present to you, "A Very Merry BCHL Christmas" I'm not sure how many years I have been putting this together now... 5, 6, 7? They have flown by. It's always a ton of fun, and it wouldn't be possible without the help of everyone around the league, and everyone involved with the Bulldogs. It's a simple concept - I track down as many Coaches and Broadcasters around the league and get them to give me the items on the Christmas Wish List, and I also offer them the opportunity to send out Christmas Greetings to whomever they wish to send them to. Some guys have some fun with it, some guys are serious and by the book. It's my Christmas present to you, and I hope you enjoy it! Part 2, as well as "A Very Merry Bulldogs Christmas" goes tomorrow night! 

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

Thanks for checking the blog!

Hammer

Suspension for Makin hit? Underdogs premiere tonight, ADSS Rugby Christmas tree sale

As of yet, the BCHL hasn't announced any judgement on the dangerous hit from behind Mitch Makin received from Sam Curleigh Friday in Duncan. It would be presumptuous to ask how many games, instead of does he get any games...but after the giant 8 game suspension to Craig Martin for a very similar hit, that was even upheld through an appeal process, one assumes this has to be SOMETHING. You be the judge.

From my opinion, the hits are similar, and Curleigh had more intent, and more time to make a different decision than Martin did at high speed on an end-to-end rush.

The premiere showing of the BULLDOGS UNDERDOGS documentary is tonight at the ADSS Auditorum. This has been an process over a year in the making, and the finish product will be nothing short of incredible! If you are looking for something to do tonight, I encourage you to go check it out. Admission is by donation - the doors open at 5:30 the show goes at 6:00.

If you are still in need of a tree, here's a great cause to support while also getting a tree at a great deal!

Hey guys,
  
Wondering if you could help out one last time with this xmas tree sale.

We have a few Christmas trees left and need to get rid of them so they don't go to waste..... so we are holding final sales this Thursday from 3:30 to 6:30 and Friday 3:30 to 6:30 at ADSS. For those people who are last minute tree shoppers we have a deal for them - any tree any size $20, first come first serve. Whether its grand, noble or douglas fir people are looking for we do have a few left, and only $20!

Thanks Ryan

Get your $50,000 ticket, Very Merry Bulldogs/BCHL Christmas, Novice Jamboree

This is absolutely huge when it comes to the long and short term success of the Bulldogs in Port Alberni...if you are looking for a Christmas idea for someone special, not-so-special, or even yourself, consider getting one of these tickets. I grabbed a couple last weekend, and I'm looking forward to buying lots of stuff when I win the BIG prize of $50,000

Attention community supporters!!!

The Port Alberni Junior Hockey Society, your Community owners of the Alberni Valley Bulldogs, are selling 999 tickets for a cash lottery with a $50,000 grand prize.  We are over two thirds sold and need to sell the last 200+ tickets for the raffle to be a success. The $50,000 grand prize will be drawn January 4.  Tickets are $100.  Just think of the great chances!!  They make great stocking stuffers or family presents. Many people are sharing tickets among family, friends and teams. Get your family, office co-workers, business or industry together and help us over the top.

The best place to get your tickets is at the Bulldogs office Tuesday and Thursday 1 -5 or better still at the Alberni Valley Chamber of Commerce by phone at 250 724-6535 or in person at 2533 Port Alberni Highway. Their hours are 9 - 5 Monday - Friday and 10 - 2 on the weekends.  They will close December 23 for the holidays. The Port Alberni Junior Hockey Society directors; Ron Paulson, Russell Dyson, Darren Deluca, Stefanie Weber, Barb Witte, Diana Moore, Gareth Flostrand, Jolie McMullan, Bill Collette and Bob Cole all have tickets for sale. Contact anyone of them for ticket sales or delivery. Visa or Mastercard accepted.

All proceeds go to help pay for the ice for the team - which is a community owned non-profit!

BC Gaming Event Licence #57547

Know your limit and play within it.  Must be 19 years of age or older

Chances are 1 in 999 (total tickets for sale). Problem gaming helpline 1-888-795-6111

www.bcresponsiblegambling.ca

The Bulldogs are on the road this weekend, but there is still hockey action at the rink as the AVMHA's Novice Jamboree takes over the Multiplex...I just have so much fun watching the little guys and gals out there. Mostly because I know they are having so much fun! Click the above image to enlarge it!

I am currently putting in some serious extra time trying to put together my Christmas gift to you...coming up on the broadcasts this weekend, is "A Very Merry Bulldog Christmas" AND "A Very Merry BCHL Christmas" It's quite the effort as I track down as many Coaches and Broadcasters as I can throughout the BCHL, in the hopes that they will share their Christmas wish with me.

I do the same thing with as many people as I can involved with the Bulldogs family - players, staff, etc. As much work as it is, it's also lots of fun, just plain having a little "fun" with it, as opposed to talking to everyone with a microphone, doing interviews, taking serious stuff and being all business all the time!

If you miss it on the broadcasts, yes, I will also put it up here on the blog!

Hammer

 

Dogs dig out of 2-0 hole after two, fall 3-2 in OT to Grizz

The Grizzlies were the better team early, and took an early 1-0 lead helped by back-to-back penalty calls against the Dogs in the first four minutes of the game as they connected on the second man advantage chance on the rush when Myles Fitzgerald took a cross-ice pass and walked in tight on LaCouvee before firing a low shot home short-side. Jesse Schwartz and Gerry Fitzgerald picked up the assists at 5:13 of the first. It was the Dogs turn to go to the power play shortly afterwards, and they came THAT close to tying the game as Kurt Gosselin fired a wrist shot from the line that hit the post and stayed out. Seconds after the penalty elapsed, the Grizzles went up 2-0, again on the rush as Kurt Gosselin did a good job to force Myles Fitzgerald behind the goal line but no one picked up Gerry Fitzgerald who one-timed a pass from Myles from the top of the crease past LaCouvee. Jesse Schwartz again also picked up an assist on the play at 10:25 of the first. The Bulldogs did a good job to push back inspite of the score, and drew two additional penalties. While they didn't score, they had several good chances with Alec Dillon coming up big on deflections and a goal mouth scramble to keep it 2-0 Grizzlies after one, with the Grizz leading in the shots 14-10.

The Bulldogs came out with a noticeable jump in their step to start the second period, and carried the bulk of the play from the outset and through the better part of the period. They had countless good looks turned away at the net by both Alec Dillon and the Grizzlies defence as the Dogs were unable to break the goose-egg to trail 2-0 after two periods, with the Dogs outshooting the Grizzlies 10-9 on the period for a 23-20 Grizzlies advantage after 40 minutes.

The Bulldogs would finally find the net just over a minute and a half into the third period as Kurt Gosselin poked the puck to centre ice for Justin Georgeson up the right wing. He would delay as he gained the Grizzlies zone before throwing a cross-ice pass that went off the stick of Scott Clark and onto the tape of Tryg Strand who walked right down the middle and fired a snap shot, low blocker side on Dillon at 1:37 of the third. The Dogs would tie it up five minutes later with one of the goals of the season -while shorthanded as Kurt Gosselin made a fantastic play and as opposed to just clearing the puck down the ice he took an extra second to put a perfect stretch pass onto the tape of Mitch Makin at centre ice. Makin would out race the Grizzlies defender to skate in on breakaway, where h was tripped up. While sliding on his knees, he was able to control the puck and fire a wrist shot past the blocker of Dillon. Incredibly, the goal was scored as unassisted, at 6:30 of the third to tie the game at 2-2 as the Dog Pound erupted. The Grizzlies would push back and control the better of the play until late in regulation when the Dogs also had a couple of good chances, most notably Justin Georgeson at the side of the net where Dillon made two saves as Georgeson attemped to go high, short-side.

Here's the Makin goal...

 

The OT period went both ways, with the Dogs having the best chance early as Justin Georgeson set up Scott Clark driving the net with a cross-ice pass, but Dillon stuck out his pad to keep it out. The Grizzlies would win it seconds later on a bad turnover right up the middle that was picked off by Garrett Foster who blew a slap shot top corner, blocker side on LaCouvee to win the game 3-2 at 2:59 of overtime, unassisted.

Final shots favoured the Grizzlies 37-29, with Alec Dillon picking up the win while Connor LaCouvee took the loss while earning 2nd star honours. The Dogs went 0 for 3 on the power play, while also scoring once shorthanded, their second of the year, while the Grizzlies went 1 for 4.

The Dogs are next in action Friday in Nanaimo, before facing the Grizzlies Saturday at Bear Mountain Arena. 

Line ups Grizz at Dogs