Dogs fall 3-1 to Clippers in Nanaimo

Tonight's Game Report is brought to you courtesy of the Best Western Plus Barclay Hotel 

The BEST WESTERN PLUS Barclay Hotel, the largest full facility hotel in Port Alberni, BC. When staying with us there is no need to give up conveniences you are used to. You can discover treasures to take home at the Alberni Harbour Quay, and then browse our onsite Cold Beer, Wine Store and liquor store or retreat to our Stamps Cafe or Pastimes Sports Bar and Grill to enjoy a snack or to watch the game on our big screen TV. Then, relax in our sauna or pool before settling in our luxurious accommodations to enjoy the vintage wine picked up earlier. That's when you will truly understand why the tranquil setting of our hotel has been called the perfect place to call home. If traveling on business, our Port Alberni Hotel boasts over 4500 square feet of meeting space in four rooms that are perfect for small conventions, banquets, parties, meetings and weddings. AV equipment and catering are also available.



A frantic start to the game, with both teams having nervous moments around their net with shots on goal resulting in rebounds that stayed out on scrambles. The Bulldogs would get a great opportunity at the side of the net off a Jordan Sandhu shot that snuck through DeBrouwer, but Tristan Bukovec couldn't get his stick free and just slid it wide of the post. The pace would stay high through the midway point of the period, with the Dogs having a 5-4 edge in shots, and an edge in zone time as well but being unable to get pucks on net on several instances when they had the Clippers hemmed in. The Bulldogs would earn the first power play of the game in the latter stages of the period, and had great attack through the first minute and change on it, including what looked like a sure goal on a scramble in the crease off a Jake Witkowski shot that resulted in a rebound in the feet of DeBrouwer that appeared to be headed to the back of the net before he appeared to snare it in midair off traffic to keep it scoreless. That would prove huge, as the Clippers would open the scoring seconds later as a turnover at the attacking line resulted in a partial breakaway that was chased down by David Silye. Just as a Bulldog defender met him at the puck in the hashmarks, he jammed a shot low, long-side inside the post and past the glove of Claeys. The goal was unassisted, at 16:02 of the first. The Bulldogs would show no signs of sagging, but appeared instead further inspired on the following faceoff as they again hemmed the Clippers in for a long stretch but couldn't get a Grade A chance to tie the game. Shots in the period favoured Nanaimo 12-8, although Statistician Dan Tisserand had the Bulldogs down for 11.

The Bulldogs tied it up less than a minute into the second, as Keith Anderson fought the puck out of the Bulldogs zone, where Jordan Sandhu supported it to skate it through centre. He would dish off to Tristan Bukovec over the Nanaimo line up the right wing, where he put a perfect pass onto the tape of Keith Anderson in the slot. He would make no mistake on the opportunity, picking the top corner, long-side over the blocker of DeBrouwer to make it a 1-1 game at 51 seconds of period two. The Dogs had a glorious chance to take the lead a minute later on a 2 on 1 rush created when Cayden Kraus picked off a pass at centre, seconds after a Connor Welsh back check broke up a Nanaimo 3 on 1. Kraus would gain the line and put a perfect cross-ice pass onto the tape of Nicholas Rasovic, but DeBrouwer came up with a big blocker save to keep it tied. The Clippers would take the lead back just short of five minutes in, as they caught the Bulldogs on a bad change when they never got the puck past centre ice, as Sean Buchanan made a pretty cross-ice pass onto the tape of Matt Creamer, who walked in alone to the right faceoff dot where he snapped a perfect shot long-side past the blocker of Claeys, post and in to make it 2-1. Matt Solin also drew an assist on the play at 4:58 of the second. The Bulldogs would earn a power play at the midway point of the period on a nasty hit on Trevor Cosgrove, and threatened repeatedly but couldn't beat DeBrouwer who made a couple solid saves. The Bulldogs had numerous chances throughout the period to tie it, with what felt like no less than five opportunities on an extended scramble in the Clipper crease, but couldn't buy a bounce to find the equalizer. The Clippers thought that they had some insurance in the late stages of period, but the goal was called back on a highstick. It looked like the correct call initially, and that appeared to be verified on the replay as it looked no less than two feet over the crossbar. The Bulldogs would push to the final buzzer after killing off a Clipper power play with a couple good saves by Claeys, and a near miss on a shorthanded in-alone net drive by Nicholas Rasovic, but Tristan Bukovec's shot just sailed past the post off a Jake Witkowski faceoff win with two seconds to play in the period. Shots were 14-12 Nanaimo, for a 26-22 advantage after 40 minutes.

The third period again began with a breakneck pace, with the Bulldogs continuing to push hard but being unable to get a break around the net, or a break from the Officiating on a handful of instances on attacking shifts in the Nanaimo zone. The Bulldogs would be penalized with 10 minutes to play in the third, but came up with a big kill to keep it a one-goal game, and got away with what looked like a clear penalty that would have made it a 5 on 3 opportunity as a Clipper defender beat a Bulldog with a stickhandling move before being taken down by a stick. A further series of whistle swallowings followed, with the Dogs unable to get a break. It looked like Keaton Mastrodonato was in alone on a breakaway on a stretch pass by Cole Slaney, but a Linesman who was trailing the play blew it down as offside. The Bulldogs would create a 2 on 1 with six minutes to play in the third, but DeBrouwer came up with a solid initial save on Jake Witkowski, and a rebound stop as well on Trevor Cosgrove. The Bulldogs would earn a power play with just under three minutes to play on a hit away from the play. They would generate a glorious chance to tie it up on a backdoor one-timer for Ryan Steele on a Jake Witkowski pass, but DeBrouwer again made a fantastic save going post to post to get his right toe on it to preserve the one goal lead. The Bulldogs would pull their goalie for the extra attacker while in the zone, and parlayed it into a Grade A chance at the top of the crease for Mackenzie Wight, but as was the theme of the night the puck went off the top of his blade and onto a Clipper stick. Josh Blanchard would race up ice on a 2 on 1 rush, with the last man back not challenging him as he wasn't aware that the goalie was out for an easy empty netter and a 3-1 lead with 1:04 to play and Sean Buchanan drawing the only assist.

Shots in the third favoured the Clippers 12-7, for a game total in their favour of 38-29. Brody Claeys earned 2nd star honours with the loss, while Evan DeBrouwer picked up 1st star honours with the win. The Dogs went 0 for 3 on the power play, while the Clippers went 0 for 2 while also scoring twice shorthanded.

The Dogs are next in action tomorow night at home when they host the Salmon Arm Silverbacks.

Hammer

Dogs visit Clippers tonight in huge head to head match up

It's the final regular season meeting between the teams, as the Bulldogs (16-25-7-2, 5th Island) head over the hump to visit the Clippers (20-26-5-1, 4th Island) in what's as close as you can get to must win game for the Bulldogs if they hope to play into the post season.

The Bulldogs were last in action Tuesday night in Powell River, where they ended up on the wrong end of a 9-0 score at the hands of the Kings. 

The Clippers were also last in action on Tuesday night, when they won their second in a row 5-4 over the Capitals in Duncan

The Clippers have won the last three games in the season series, with the the last two being decided in overtime. The Bulldogs record head to head is 3-2-0-2 good for 8 points while the Clippers are 4-1-2-0 for 10 points. The Clippers have out scored the Bulldogs 17-15 and out shot them 262 to 202. The Bulldogs are 3 for 31 on the power play with the Clippers going 2 for 35, while also scoring twice while shorthanded and once into an empty net. All of that matters absolutely zero when the puck drops tonight of course - just some numbers for you to chew on.

Don't miss any of the action on Pacific Chevrolet Bulldogs Hockey on 93.3 The Peak FM, starting with the pregame show on the air for 6:45 followed by the game action at 7:00. Bruce MacDonald (L) is a game day decision due to illness to provide colour commentary and game analysis while Dan Tisserand (C) compiles and provides team and game statistics while play-by-play duties are handled by me (R) 

Tonight's 2nd Intermission guest is Ian Douglas, the play-by-play voice of the Salmon Arm Silverbacks, who visit the Dog Pound 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.hockeytv.com


Hammer

Dogs throttled 9-0 by Kings

Tonight's Game Report is brought to you courtesy of the Best Western Plus Barclay Hotel 

The BEST WESTERN PLUS Barclay Hotel, the largest full facility hotel in Port Alberni, BC. When staying with us there is no need to give up conveniences you are used to. You can discover treasures to take home at the Alberni Harbour Quay, and then browse our onsite Cold Beer, Wine Store and liquor store or retreat to our Stamps Cafe or Pastimes Sports Bar and Grill to enjoy a snack or to watch the game on our big screen TV. Then, relax in our sauna or pool before settling in our luxurious accommodations to enjoy the vintage wine picked up earlier. That's when you will truly understand why the tranquil setting of our hotel has been called the perfect place to call home. If traveling on business, our Port Alberni Hotel boasts over 4500 square feet of meeting space in four rooms that are perfect for small conventions, banquets, parties, meetings and weddings. AV equipment and catering are also available.


The first five minutes were rather uneventful, with each side getting a puck or two on net but not much in the way of Grade A scoring chances were given up or created. The Kings would take a 1-0 lead just short of six minutes in, as they went from behind their net to in the Bulldogs net just a handful of seconds later on a rush up ice that saw Josh Coblenz drive wide up the right side to the bottom of the circle before throwing a puck to the top of the crease that went off traffic and ended up on the tape of Josh Bruce, who one-timed it home. Jake Kohlhauser drew the only assist on it at 5:56 of the first. The Bulldogs responded well to the goal against, pushing right back on the follow up shift with a good chance on Brian Wilson in the Kings net. The Dogs kept pushing the pace, and had a glorious chances to tie it as Henry Marshall was set up in alone on the doorstep, and Cayden Kraus also stole the puck to split the D and skate in alone, but neither Wilson kept them out. The Kings would score another goal somewhat similar to the first one later in the period as the Dogs had done a good job in the Kings end, only to see them come up ice and immediately build the lead as Jack Long walked over the Bulldog line up the right side and threw a wrister at the net that was deflected in short-side past the glove of Claeys at 15:08 to make it 2-0. The Kings would push hard to build their lead, with Claeys coming up with a couple big saves, most notably on Carter Turnbull walking down the slot off a Bulldog turnover that saw Claeys make a good glove save. Shots in the first were 10-8 Kings.

The Bulldogs got off to a blazing start to the second, as Jordan Sandhu picked off a pass to create a 2 on 1 rush where he put a perfect pass onto the tape of Alex MacDonald, where he appeared to have it headed upstairs only to have Brian Wilson make a highlight reel desperation save just 11 seconds into the period. The Bulldogs continued to create opportunities, but again couldn't cash in on them and in almost a replay of the first two goals the Kings drove up ice on the rush and made it 3-0 as Hunter Findlater walked down the right wing and put a long-side snapper off the post and in past the blocker of Claeys. Ian Ross and Matt Cairns drew the assists on it at 4:46 of the second. The game theme continued, with the Bulldogs again creating glorious chances, and again failing to capitalize on them, and the Kings seeming to score on the rush immediately afterwards. Jake Witkowski skated in alone on a breakaway on a good play by Nicholas Rasovic to fight the puck out of the zone, only to have Wilson come up with a pad save to keep it 3-0. The Kings would take a 4-0 lead again on the rush, this time on a pretty set up as Tristan Mullin put a backdoor pass onto the tape of Kyle Betts, who tapped it in past a sprawling Carson Schamerhorn at 9:20 of the period. As deflating as it must have been, the Dogs showed no sign of throwing in the towel, as they kept in the game with a penalty kill. They again generated a fantastic chance in the final minute of the period while the teams skated four-aside, as Tristan Bukovec chased down a lost faceoff to set up Jordan Sandhu wide open in front, only to have Wilson stand tall with a big save. The Kings would instantly be gone up ice and the Dogs were caught, and they again converted on the rush on a 2 on 1 and another pretty cross-ice pass that saw Cam Donaldson put a perfect feed onto the tape of Jonny Evans for his second of the game that he one-timed into the near side before Schamerhorn could get over. Jake Kohlhauser also drew an assist on it at 19:02 of the second to make it 5-0. Shots in the period favoured the Bulldogs 15-14 for a total of 24-23 Kings after two.

The Dogs began the third with a power play, and much like the start to the second they created a great chance seconds in on a backdoor pass on the rush tipped on goal by Ryan Steele, only to have Wilson get his left toe on it. Once again, the Kings answered immediately as a shot was stopped from the slot by Schamerhorn, but went up in the air off his stick and landed on the line behind him where it was poked home by Tristan Mullin to make it 6-0 at 1:28 of the period, with Carter Turnbull picking up the lone assist. It was 7-0 before you could blink, as off the centre ice faceoff Jonny Evans walked up the left side into the bottom of the circle where he picked the top corner, short-side high on Schamerhorn at 1:36. The Dogs didn't show many signs of fighting back at this point, as the Kings built their lead to 8-0 when Cam Donaldson was initially stopped by Schamerhorn, only to see him skate in alone again as the seas parted for him. Assists on the play went to Ben Berard and Jonny Evans at 5:34 of the third. The only scoring the rest of the way came at the start of a Kings power play after a big dust up in the Dogs zone, as a Jack Long shot from the top of the point was blocked, but ended up on the tape of Liam Lawson who fired it into the open side before Schamerhorn could locate it to make it 9-0 at 12:58 of the third to complete the second.

Shots in the third were 13-11 Kings for a game total of 37-34 Kings with Brody Claeys taking the loss giving up three goals before being replaced by Carson Schamerhorn. Brian Wilson picked up 1st star honours with the win and the shut out. The Dogs went 0 for 4 on the power play while the Kings went 1 for 4.

The Dogs are next in action Friday night in Nanaimo when they visit the Clippers, in what feels like a must-win game now.

Hammer

Bulldogs visit Kings tonight in Powell River

It's the final visit of the Regular Season to Powell River, as the Bulldogs (16-24-7-2, 5th Island) take on the Kings (33-18-1-0, 2nd Island) tonight at the Hap Parker Arena.

The Bulldogs were last in action Saturday night at home, where they dropped a 4-3 heartbreaker in overtime to the Nanaimo Clippers. The Kings also last played Saturday at home, where they had a three game winning streak halted with a 5-3 loss to the Cowichan Valley Capitals.

These teams last met January 10th in Powell River, a 5-3 Kings win, in a wild game that saw the Dogs trail 3-1 after 40 minutes before fighting back to tie the score at 3-3 with 10 minutes to go, only to have the Kings score twice in quick succession to seal the deal.

I'll bring the game to you, on Pacific Chevrolet Bulldogs Hockey on 93.3 The Peak FM - the pregame show is on the air at 6:45 with the game action to follow at 7:00.

Tonight's 2nd Intermission guest is former Bulldog Matt Hansen, currently playing his Senior season with the NCAA's Colorado College Tigers. 

It feels like it was just yesterday that Matt was here wearing a Bulldog jersey, winning one of the biggest faceoffs in Bulldog history. Down 2 games to 1 to the Grizzlies in the Best of Five Island Division Championship series and tied in Game Four in sudden death overtime....the rest, as they say, is history...

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.hockeytv.com

Hammer

Dogs drop 4-3 OT heart breaker to Clippers

Tonight's Game Report is brought to you courtesy of the Best Western Plus Barclay Hotel 

The BEST WESTERN PLUS Barclay Hotel, the largest full facility hotel in Port Alberni, BC. When staying with us there is no need to give up conveniences you are used to. You can discover treasures to take home at the Alberni Harbour Quay, and then browse our onsite Cold Beer, Wine Store and liquor store or retreat to our Stamps Cafe or Pastimes Sports Bar and Grill to enjoy a snack or to watch the game on our big screen TV. Then, relax in our sauna or pool before settling in our luxurious accommodations to enjoy the vintage wine picked up earlier. That's when you will truly understand why the tranquil setting of our hotel has been called the perfect place to call home. If traveling on business, our Port Alberni Hotel boasts over 4500 square feet of meeting space in four rooms that are perfect for small conventions, banquets, parties, meetings and weddings. AV equipment and catering are also available.

A thunderous start to this game, as Mackenzie Wight wasted no time in returning from a 10 game absence due to injury, chasing down Taylor Karel with a big hit just 5 seconds into the game. The Dogs opened the scoring just short of three minutes in when Paul Savage pinched down the right wing to keep the puck in the zone. Kyle Kaufmann would throw a hit behind the goal to dislodge the puck for Cayden Kraus, who walked out the far side and put a perfect pass to the slot that Paul Savage ripped home, high short-side past the blocker of Evan DeBrouwer to make it 1-0 at 2:54 of the first. The Dogs continued over the next several minutes to have an edge in the play and generated a couple great chances as a result of it, but they couldn't bury them to build their lead. The Clippers would get their feet going and generated two glorious chances of their own, with Brody Claeys coming up with huge pad saves on cross-crease set ups for both Jamie Collins and Myles Cunningham. The Clippers would get the equalizer just after the midway point of the period, when a dump in from centre ice was found in the left corner by Lucas Finner. He would put a beautiful cross ice feed to the back post to a wide open Matt Creamer who beat a diving Claeys with a good high finish at 11:16 of the first, with Ben Solin also drawing an assist. The Clippers would have a great chance to take a lead just four minutes later, but Claeys stopped Lucas Finner on a breakaway to keep it tied. The Clippers would draw a power play a minute and change later, and cashed in on it to take a 2-1 lead as Lucas Finner walked out of the right corner to the bottom of the circle where he beat Claeys with a perfectly placed short-side high wrister. The only assist on the play went to Matt Creamer at 16:34 of the first. Shots in the period favoured the Bulldogs 16-12.

 The second period started at a breakneck pace, with the Clippers generating a couple good chances in tight with Brody Claeys standing tall to keep it 2-1. He would then make a huge save to keep the Dogs in it a minute later, going post to post on the rush to rob Josh Blanchard on a backdoor set up. The Dogs would respond almost immediately to tie the game, as Paul Savage dumped  it in from centre ice into the left corner of the Nanaimo zone. Alex MacDonald would skate onto it, and put a pefect pass to the slot for Henry Marshall, who beat DeBrouwer with a backhand low inside the far post to make it 2-2 at 3:17 of the second. The pace remained high through the remainder of the period, with each team getting their chances but neither side being able to capitalize on them. The best Bulldog chances might have been while shorthanded in the late stages of the period, as both Ryan Steele and Henry Marshall were stopped in tight by DeBrouwer. Shots in the period favoured the Bulldogs 9-8 Bulldogs for a 40 minute total of 25-20.

The Dogs had a power play for under 30 seconds to start the third that they couldn't cash in on it. They would generate a great chance on a steal behind the net that saw Alex MacDonald and Ryan Steele work the puck loose to the front of the net where Henry Marshall was stopped on a one-timer by DeBrouwer. The Clippers would go up ice and take the lead almost immediately afterwards, with Jamie Collins getting a step on the Bulldog defence to chace down a clearing attempt and walk up the left wing in deep where he put a far-side wrist shot off the glove of Claeys and in to make it 3-2 at 5:06 of the third, with Vincent Millette drawing the only assist. The Dogs were then penalized soon aferwards on what seemed like a ridiculous call if I saw it right, as a Bulldog shot missed the net and ended up on the back of the Clipper goal. Mackenzie Wight would try to wack the puck free, only to be penalized for slashing. While the Bulldogs would kill the penalty, the Clippers parlayed it into momentum that they carried forward for several minutes, before drawing another penalty. The Bulldogs would again kill that to keep it a one-goal game and then looked to draw a sure penalty with Ryan Steele walking in alone from the hash marks wearing Nanaimo sticks but being unable to somehow draw a call. The Dogs would tie it a minute later, on what might have been a blown call in their favour as Jake Witkowski put a puck on net from the right corner at a sharp angle that hit DeBrouwer and might have then hit a Bulldog glove as it went skyward before ending up in the slot on the tape of Trevor Cosgrove, who one-timed it home far side to make it 3-3 at 14:27 of the third. The goal broke the Bulldog franchise record for Defenceman goals in a season with 15. The Bulldogs were again penalized with 50 seconds left in the third period, but killed it off to preserve the point to get it to overtime. Third period shots favoured the Clippers 12-10 for a 60 minute advantage of 35-32 Bulldogs.

The Dogs killed the penalty to start overtime, with Brody Claeys coming up with a couple good saves and Henry Marshall coming up with a huge shot block. Ryan Steele would have a great chance to win it on a breakaway down the right wing but couldn't get a shot on net while fighting off a defender. Nick Rasovic would then drive the net down the left wing to skate in alone, but also couldn't get a shot on goal or draw a call as he went airborne through the paint. The Clippers would win the game on a rush up ice as Jake Harris walked across the slot from the right wing into the left circle where he beat Brody Claeys high far-side for the 4-3 final at 3:11 of overtime with Ben Solin drawing the only assist.

Shots in OT favoured the Clippers 3-2, and the Bulldogs 37-35 on the game with Brody Claeys taking the loss and Evan DeBrouwer picking up the win. The Dogs went 0 for 3 on the power play while the Clippers went 1 for 5.

The Bulldogs are next in action Tuesday night in Powell River.

Hammer

Bulldogs host Clippers tonight for critical contest

It's the seventh of eight Regular season meetings between these storied rivals, and the last on Dog Pound ice as the Bulldogs (16-24-6-2, 5th Island) host the Nanaimo Clippers (18-26-5-1, 4th Island) tonight in a game that once again has huge implications in the Island Division standings.

The Bulldogs were last in action Wednesday night in Duncan, where they picked up a huge 6-2 win over the Capitals.

The Clippers were in action last night at home, where they lost their third in a row, 2-1 to the Penticton Vees.

These teams last met January 21st at the Dog Pound, a 3-2 overtime win for the Clippers, as they took 3 out of 4 points against the Bulldogs in a home-and-home set. It was a missed opportunity for the Bulldogs to change their position in the standings - but they need to treat that as ancient history and look only at the task at hand tonight and the opportunity that they've earned by fighting back since that disheartening weekend with a couple big wins. If there were any regrets or lost hours of sleep from the Bulldogs from that opportunity missed - here's another chance.

As always, we'll bring the game to you if you can't make it to the Multiplex on Van Isle Ford Bulldogs Hockey on 93.3 The Peak FM. Our pregame show goes live at 6:45, with the puck drop to follow at 7:00. I'll handle the play-by-play duties, while Bruce MacDonald will provide the analysis and colour commentary.

Tonight's 2nd Intermission guest is former Bulldog Billy Christopoulos, the 2014-2015 Most Valuable Player, currently playing his Sophomore season with the NCAA's Air Force Falcons.

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.hockeytv.com

Hammer

Dogs top Capitals 6-2 in Duncan

Tonight's Game Report is brought to you courtesy of the Best Western Plus Barclay Hotel 

The BEST WESTERN PLUS Barclay Hotel, the largest full facility hotel in Port Alberni, BC. When staying with us there is no need to give up conveniences you are used to. You can discover treasures to take home at the Alberni Harbour Quay, and then browse our onsite Cold Beer, Wine Store and liquor store or retreat to our Stamps Cafe or Pastimes Sports Bar and Grill to enjoy a snack or to watch the game on our big screen TV. Then, relax in our sauna or pool before settling in our luxurious accommodations to enjoy the vintage wine picked up earlier. That's when you will truly understand why the tranquil setting of our hotel has been called the perfect place to call home. If traveling on business, our Port Alberni Hotel boasts over 4500 square feet of meeting space in four rooms that are perfect for small conventions, banquets, parties, meetings and weddings. AV equipment and catering are also available.


After a 10 plus minute delay to the start of the game due to a malfunctioning score clock at the Island Savings Centre, the Bulldogs came out of the gate chomping at the bit, forcing back to back turn overs in the first minute of the game in the Caps end and getting two good scoring chances. They kept the pace up, and drew a penalty just four minutes into the game. They made no mistake on the power play, with an inspired effort seeing the Capitals unable to clear the zone for 53 seconds as the Dogs worked it around and retrieved several pucks. Jake Witkowski would walk up the right wing wall before feeding Connor Welsh at the right point. He would put a hard one-touch pass down low to Tristan Bukovec at the right side of the net, where after an initial failed bank in attempt he rotated out and up the right wing to the top of the right circle where he put a quick waist-high shot on net. Trevor Cosgrove would deflect it just enough to sneak it high, short-side past the glove of Lane Michasiw to make it 1-0 at 5:32 of the first, with the goal officially announced as unassisted. The Dogs had several chances to build their lead, mostly on odd-man rushes, but failed to hook up on them. Late in the period, after a good Capital push and too long spent in the defending zone, the Dogs were penalized. They started the kill with an immediate clear, followed by a great backcheck by Tristan Bukovec to intercept another pass at the Dogs line and send the Caps back. Cayden Kraus would just miss picking off a pass at the Caps line to set up a chance, and seconds later at the Capitals line again he would succeed and intercept a pass. As he walked over the Capitals line, he got into a puck battle with Michael Montambault. Kraus would win it, and throw Montambault to the ice, as Jake Witkowski followed the play and skated in on a breakaway that he converted with a five-hole deke to make it 2-0 at 17:43 of the first. The goal was again announced as un assisted, but Kraus certainly deserved one with a fantastic effort to set it up. Shots in the period favoured the Capitals 15-10.

The Bulldogs started the second the same way they stared the game, as they repeatedly attacked in the Caps zone, at times for extended periods. They would build their lead off a defensive zone faceoff, as Ryan Steele walked the puck out of the left corner, and flipped it to the line. Henry Marshall would poke it out, and the Caps defence got caught as Alex MacDonald raced in on a breakaway where he went top corner, far-side over the glove of Michasiw with a gorgeous finish to make it 3-0 at 4:30 of the second. The Dogs had the better of the play for a few minutes following the goal, but couldn't build their lead. The Caps would then be given three straight opportunities on the power play - for the most part on some fairly soft calls, but they couldn't get back into the game with the Bulldog penalty killers again being relentless on the forecheck to cause problems and create chances. The Caps would get on the board to make it a 3-1 game in the back half of the frame on an odd-man rush created by a couple of Bulldogs colliding away from the puck at the Caps line. Brody Claeys would make the initial save on a stop from the slot, and perhaps a second on the scramble that ensued, but it was finally poked over the line inside the far post by Ayden MacDonald to make it a 3-1 game at 13:52 of the second with the goal again being credited as un assisted. The Dogs were once again penalized on the following shift, and did a good job to kill it off against the momentum, with Claeys forced to make one good save with his right toe on a stuff in attempt by Ayden MacDonald off a rebound. Shots in the period favoured the Capitals 15-13 for a 40 minute total of 30-23.

The Capitals came out with a good push on the opening shift of the third, with Brody Claeys coming up with a couple of good saves. The Dogs pushed back, and finally drew a penalty that they would threaten on but fail to score. The Capitals drew a power play almost immediately afterwards, but it was the Bulldogs who built their lead while shorthanded, just 9 seconds into the penalty on an incredibly fast end-to-end rush out of their zone as Ryan Steele won the draw forward for Henry Marshall. He would fly out of the zone on the attack, with Steele catching the Caps watching and flying the zone to join in on the rush, Marshall would carry it over the line up the right wing and put a perfect pass to the net for Steele, who just got enough of it to slide it through Michasiw and over the line for the second Bulldog shorthanded goal of the game, and a 4-1 lead at 5:57 of the third. Credit needs to be given as well to the Referee, who somehow was able to keep up with the play that went end to end in less than 9 seconds, as he was perfectly positioned behind the net to see that it just went over the line. That goal would prove huge, as the Capitals would answer back in the dying seconds of the advantage as a centering pass was blocked but still ended up on the tape of Max Newton, who managed to slide one through the legs of Claeys to make it 4-2 at 7:39 of the third, with Mitch Skapski and Ayden MacDonald assisting. The Dogs would answer back quickly, as Tristan Bukovec used great speed to chase down a Trevor Cosgrove dump in and fight it behind the Caps net and out to the far side before centering to Jake Witkowski, who just managed to get it over the line off the glove of Michasiw to make it 5-2 at 10:22 of the third. Just three minutes later the Dogs completed the scoring when a Caps rim was tipped back to the right point by Keith Anderson onto the stick of Paul Savage. He would throw a wrister at the net that somehow found it's way past the glove of Michasiw at 13:26 for the 6-2 final. On the next shift, Savage would step up and drop the mitts with Haydn Hopkins, who was getting into it with Jake Witkowski to an impassioned response from the Bulldog bench and the travelling fans in the building.

Third period shots favoured the Capitals 8-7, for a game total of 38-30 with Brody Claeys earning 2nd star honours with the win while Lane Michasiw took the loss. The Dogs went 1 for 3 on the power play and scored twice while shorthanded, with the Capitals going 1 for 7.

With the win, the Dogs are now two back of the Nanaimo Clippers with a game in hand and they are five back of the Capitals for 3rd place, also with a game in hand on them.

The Bulldogs next see action Saturday when they host the Nanaimo Clippers.

Hammer

Dogs visit Caps tonight at the Big Stick

It's another huge four point game tonight, as the Bulldogs (15-24-6-2, 5th Island) head down to the Island Savings Centre in Duncan to face the Capitals (20-23-3-2, 3rd Island) for the second meeting between the teams in just five days.


The Bulldogs are coming off a 6-2 loss at home on Saturday to the Victoria Grizzlies. The Caps were also last in action Saturday night at home, where they lost their 7th in a row, 5-0 to the Wenatchee Wild. 

These teams of course last met Friday night at the Dog Pound, a 5-2 Bulldog win in an emotional and at times testy affair. The stakes are high, emotions are no doubt going to be high - as much as the Dogs need to bring a solid 60 minute effort, they might also need to show some maturity and discipline - play hard, fast and physical and between the whistles realize that nothing positive can come from getting mixed up in extra curricular shenanigans. I'm not at all saying that this is the Capitals game, just to be clear. It's just the second meeting between the teams in less than a week, and these teams have had some passionate games.

Pacific Chevrolet Bulldogs Hockey is live from the Island Savings Centre on 93.3 The Peak FM starting with the pregame show at 6:45, with the game action to follow the 7:00pm puck drop. I'll handle the hosting duties while Dan Tisserand compiles team and player stats.

Tonight's 2nd Intermission guest is Dan Marshall, the play-by-play voice of the Nanaimo Clippers, who the Dogs host for a HUGE game Saturday 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.hockeytv.com

Hammer

Dogs drop 6-2 decision to Grizzlies

Tonight's Game Report is brought to you courtesy of the Best Western Plus Barclay Hotel 

The BEST WESTERN PLUS Barclay Hotel, the largest full facility hotel in Port Alberni, BC. When staying with us there is no need to give up conveniences you are used to. You can discover treasures to take home at the Alberni Harbour Quay, and then browse our onsite Cold Beer, Wine Store and liquor store or retreat to our Stamps Cafe or Pastimes Sports Bar and Grill to enjoy a snack or to watch the game on our big screen TV. Then, relax in our sauna or pool before settling in our luxurious accommodations to enjoy the vintage wine picked up earlier. That's when you will truly understand why the tranquil setting of our hotel has been called the perfect place to call home. If traveling on business, our Port Alberni Hotel boasts over 4500 square feet of meeting space in four rooms that are perfect for small conventions, banquets, parties, meetings and weddings. AV equipment and catering are also available.

A high pace from the outset in this one, with not much in the way of whistles and the Dogs having an early advantage in pucks on net but neither side conceding any glaring scoring chances. The Grizzlies would take a 1-0 lead just short of the midway point of the period against the flow of play as a Bulldog defender gloved the puck down at the attacking line but got double teamed by Jamie Rome and Lucas Clark to create a 2 on 1 rush. The back-check would arrive half a second too late, as Lucas Clark one-touch backhanded the Rome centering pass from the right side in off a Bulldog defender and the far-post past the glove of Schamerhorn at 9:15 of the first. The Dogs would push back and have a fantastic chance on a three-way passing play on the rush a minute later, but Tony Rehm kept an in tight chance out from the seat of his pants. Pace remained high until the late moments of the period, with the Dogs pressing hard to tie the game. After a series of misses in the slot by both Spencer Hunter and Kyle Kaufmann, Stratton Pickett dug it loose back of the net. Spencer Hunter would find it, and put a perfect pass onto the tape of Kyle Kaufmann in the hashmarks. He would make no mistake on the opportunity, picking the top corner, far-side over the glove of Rehm to make it 1-1 at 17:59 of the first. Shots in the period favoured the Bulldogs 11-9.

The second period resembled the first with a breakneck pace through the early stages of it. An injured defenseman and a tired forward group resulted in a bad change and a stretch pass resulted in a breakaway for Cameron Thompson that he rang off the crossbar as it stayed tied. The game was played evenly through the midway point of regulation, with each team having their chances around the net and the shots tied at 16 aside. It stayed 1-1 until the late stages of the period, with the Grizzlies taking their second lead of the game when Nathan Looysen stole the puck off a Bulldog defender just three feet in front of the Bulldogs net where he scored on a slick backhand deke past Schamerhorn inside the near post to make it 2-1, unassisted at 17:44 of the second. The Bulldogs were penalized immediately afterwards, on somewhat of a frustrating call as they couldn't buy a power play opportunity throughout the period, an in fact didn't earn a man advantage through the first 40 minutes. Shots in the period favoured the Grizzlies 15-10 for a two period total of 24-21.

 The third period started with the Dogs having two great chances around the Grizzlies net that failed to find it. The Grizzlies would then take a two-goal lead as the Dogs walked into trouble in their own end when they had control of the puck and coughed it up. It ended up in their net soon afterwards as Cody Van Lierop pulled it around a Bulldog forward at the left point and threw a low shot on net that was stopped by Schamerhorn. The rebound would be found by Shawn O'Malley, who lifted it home glove side to make it 3-1 at 3:32 of the third with Tyler Welsh also drawing an assist. The Dogs would answer almost immediately, as they earned their first power play of the game when Jordan Sandhu had his stick slashed out of his hands. It took seconds for them to capitalize on it, as Alex MacDonald sent a cross-ice pass to the left side for Jordan Sandhu. He put a perfect pass at the top of the point on a tee for Trevor Cosgrove, who blew a one-time low, glove side and off the post and in on Tony Rehm. I never saw the puck cross the line, but the Referee at the side of the net immediately signaled goal. A conference between all the Officials would ensue, as it would appear those further from the net would be asked their opinion on it. The initial call would stand, as it was a 3-2 game at 3:54 of the third. The Dogs went to another power play less than a minute later, and had a couple glorious chances but couldn't cash in to tie the game. Minutes later, the Dogs would be penalized when Tyler Welsh appeared to take a dive on Keith Anderson at centre ice. The Dogs would have a great chance to tie the game on a shorthanded breakaway for Jake Witkowski, but Tony Rehm came up with a big stop to preserve the lead. A soft even up call soon afterwards would go against the Grizzlies, and the Dogs again had a couple great looks but failed to get the puck on net before conceding a shorthanded goal as Lucas Clark made it look way too easy fighting past the last Bulldog back to skate in on a shorthanded breakaway that he just chipped off Schamerhorn's glove and in, short-side to make it 4-2 at 12:03 of the third. No assist was given on the play, but there was certainly one that was missed. A dust-up with just over five minutes left in the third saw Nicholas Rasovic drop the mitts with Tyler Welsh - who appeared to drop a glove or two as well - with Rasovic getting the only fighting major somehow. That would take away any chance at a Bulldog comeback, with the Grizzlies padding their lead twice on the major to complete the scoring. First it was a double cross-crease pass that initially failed to connect before Dayne Finnson found it with Schamerhorn taking contact and being down and out to make 5-2 at 16:31, with Brett Sterling drawing the only assist. Just over half a minute later it was a 6-2 game as Keyvan Mokhtari took a Nico Somerville pass and flew up the right wing where he beat Schamerhorn top corner, short-side high with a beautiful shot to complete the scoring at 17:05 of the third.

Shots in the third were even at 12-12, for a game total of 36-33 Grizzlies with Tony Rehm picking up the win while Carson Schamerhorn took the loss. The Dogs went 1 for 3 on the power play while the Grizzlies went 2 for 4, scoring twice on the late major.

The Dogs are next in action Wednesday when they visit the Capitals in Duncan.

Hammer

Bulldogs wrap up four game home stand, host Grizzlies tonight

It's the conclusion of a four game home stand for the Bulldogs (15-23-6-2, 5th Island) and the final Regular season meeting between the teams, as the Victoria Grizzlies (31-10-3-4, 1st Island) make their second trip this week to the Multiplex.


The Bulldogs were in action last night at home, picking up a 5-2 win over the Cowichan Valley Capitals to snap a three game losing streak.


The Grizzlies were also in action last night at home, winning their fourth in a row 7-2 over the West Kelowna Warriors.


These teams met on Wednesday night, a 5-3 Grizzlies win.

We'll be live on 93.3 The Peak FM from the Multiplex for Van Isle Ford Bulldogs Hockey starting with the pregame show at 6:45, with the game action to follow at 7:00. It's all hands on deck in the broadcast booth - Dan Tisserand compiles team and player stats, Bruce MacDonald provides analysis and colour commentary and I'll call the play-by-play.


Tonight's 2nd Intermission feature is a segment from the BCHL This Week radio program that aired earlier today on TSN 1040 and TSN 1410 in Vancouver, with host Jeff Patterson speaking with Cowichan Valley Capitals Assistant Rob DeClark, the driving force behind Talk Today.

The BCHL is proud to have partnered with the Canadian Mental Health Association’s (CMHA) BC Division and the BC Hockey League (BCHL) for the launch of an initiative called Talk Today.

Talk Today is a mental health education program designed for BCHL players and their supporters to learn about mental health and increase their skills in order to help support players who may be struggling or at risk of suicide.

“We are excited to partner with the BC Hockey League, to help their athletes connect with the mental health supports and resources they need to thrive,” says Bev Gutray, CEO of CMHA BC.

The Talk Today program is one of the most comprehensive mental health programs for amateur sports in Canada. It consists of several components including mental health and suicide awareness workshops, 1-1 mental health coaches, and Talk Today community awareness events at BCHL games.

“The BC Hockey league strives to be the best Junior A hockey league in North America,” says John Grisdale, BCHL Commissioner. “For us, that means supporting the physical and mental health of our athletes, as well as reaching out to our communities and helping support causes we care about through initiatives like Talk Today.”

The announcement comes as welcome news to athletes like 16-year-old rising hockey star Myles Mattila.

Based in Kelowna, Mattila has been a mental health advocate for several years as a result of the impact of two events: when he didn’t know how to help one of his hockey teammates who was experiencing mental health issues, and the passing of former Vancouver Canucks’ player, Rick Rypien.

“Mental health affects everyone no matter what age we are, and youth and young athletes are no exception,” says Myles Mattila. “It’s encouraging to see programs like Talk Today being implemented to help make a difference and show everyone that it’s OK to talk about mental health and mental illness.”

At the heart of Talk Today is the relationship between BCHL teams and CMHA branches. For each of the 17 BCHL teams, a local CMHA Mental Health Navigator will serve as a liaison and will help provide referrals to community mental health and addictions support. The Navigator will also work closely with their local BCHL team to help promote mental health awareness within their local community.

“Each year, our network of 14 CMHA branches in BC help over 120,000 people including children and youth, families and older adults, says Gutray. “Talk Today will help strengthen those community connections and reach new audiences with the message that mental health is possible for all.”

Talk Today builds on the success of an initiative of the same name launched in Ontario in 2014 as a partnership between CMHA Ontario and the Ontario Hockey League.

To learn more about Talk Today, visit www.cmha.bc.ca or join the conversation on social media using #talktoday.

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.hockeytv.com

Hammer