Bulldogs score five unanswered to top Smoke Eaters 5-2 in Campbell River

Here's the highlights....

Hammer

The Smoke Eaters had an early edge in the play, as the Bulldogs appeared a step behind throughout the opening minutes of the game. The Bulldogs would get into the game, and get pucks on net themselves but the Smoke Eaters found the net to open the scoring on a broken play that ended up at the line where a point shot was blocked before bouncing across the line where Diarmad DiMurro threw it at the net where it caromed off of a Bulldog defender and in through the legs of Jackson Glassford. Powell Connor drew the lone assist at 6:25 of the first. In the back half of the period an unfortunate collision at the Smoke Eater line that appeared to be incidental contact saw Austin Spiridakis and Chase Dafoe run into each other. Dafoe would get the worst of it, and Spiridakis would be given a five minute major for a blow to the head. The Smoke Eaters would make good on the major, going up 2-0 as Kent Johnston walked behind the net from left to right before dishing a pass back out the left post against the grain onto the tape of Tyler Ghiradosi who one-timed it home inside the post short-side at 15:07 of the first. The Bulldogs would kill off the remainder of the penalty to only give up a single goal. Shots were 14-10 Smoke Eaters after 20 minutes.

The Bulldogs started the second period with a noticable edge, and it paid off as they pushed hard in the offensive zone and drew a penalty. While they didn't score on it, they earned momentum and just thirty seconds after the power play elapsed they found the net to make it 2-1 as Jacob Bosse set up Moe Acee in the deep slot where he blew a slap shot post and in past the blocker of Logan Terness. Jimmy Rayhill drew an assist on it at 6:39 of the second. The Bulldogs were penalized in the back half of the period, and the Smoke Eaters threatened on several instances in front but Jackson Glassford was fantastic to keep it a one-goal game. Shots in the period were 14-10 Bulldogs, for a 24-24 total after 40 minutes.

The third period began with an inspired opening minute by the Deelstra-Tritt-Doolin trio, who pushed and earned several great chances in the opening minute. The momentum continued for the following minutes, and the Bulldogs capitalized on it to tie the game after two great defensive plays in the zone to defend a 2 on 1 by Jimmy Rayhill saw the puck knocked loose by Moe Acee. Mitchel Deelstra would collect it and take off out of the Bulldog zone and fight all the way to the Smoke Eaters net where he found a way to get it by Terness to make it 2-2 at 5:48 of the third, with Tim Gould and Grayson Valente drawing the assists. Despite the game being in Campbell River, it felt like the Dog Pound when Deelstra made it 3-2 just 17 seconds later as he walked in to the left circle after a great effort by Dawson Tritt to snap it by Terness at 6:05 of the third. The Bulldogs had several chances to build their lead, but Terness was fantastic to keep the Smoke Eaters in it. Late in the third period Dawson Tritt fought hard on the backcheck to throw a hit, and earned a shot in the back in retaliation to draw a penalty. A Grayson Valente net drive would draw another penalty, to lead to a 5 on 3 power play for 21 seconds. They would need just 8 seconds to make it 4-2, as a faceoff win was put on net from the left circle by Mitchel Deelstra. Terness made the save, but Stephen Castagna potted the rebound in the paint at 15:23 of the third, with Tim Gould also drawing an assist. Another Smoke Eater penalty saw the Bulldogs complete the scoring, as they defended in their zone on a Smoke Eater push as Josh Zary headmanned it to centre ice for Jackson Doucet, who gained the line and then found Isaac Pascoal on the left wing where he was allowed to walk in tight through the circle where he snapped it home short-side inside the post and past the blocker of Terness to make it 5-2 at 17:40 of the third, with Grayson Valente also picking up an assist.

Shots in the third were 19-8 Bulldogs,  for a 43-32 total in the Bulldogs favour. Jackson Glassford earned 2nd star honours with the win, while Logan Terness took the loss. The Bulldogs went 2 for 4 on the power play, while the Smoke Eaters went 1 for 4.

The Bulldogs are next in action Tuesday night, when they host the Prince George Spruce Kings at Oceanside Arena in Parksville.

Hammer

____________________________________________________________

There has never been a subscription fee for this blog - and there never will be, but if you enjoy stopping by here, why not consider donating to the cause? Just click HERE. . . and thank you very much. *

*As eloquently said by Gregg Drinnan of Taking Note - the best hockey/sports blog around

Bulldogs host Smoke Eaters today in Campbell River

It's an extremely rare neutral site regular season game today for the Bulldogs (11-9-0-2, 3rd Island) as  they host the Trail Smoke Eaters (17-7-2-1, T-2nd Interior) at the Rod Brind'Amour Arena  in Campbell  River for a 2:00pm start time.

While rare, today's contest is not  entirely unprecedented, as the Bulldogs have played at  the very least one neutral  site regular season game (not including the BCHL Showcase) previously - at the Minoru Arena in  Richmond as they fell 4-1 to the Surrey Eagles on December 29th  2010

Today's game is, as far as I'm aware the first time  in franchise history where  the Bulldogs have been  the "home"  team. This of course wasn't part of the plan...if you've had your head under a  rock or your body on  a sandy beach for the last  couple of weeks you're forgiven in not knowing that the Bulldogs have been, for the lack of a better word - "homeless" since early November when the ice plant  was shut down at the Alberni Valley Multiplex.

I've tried my best to be optimistic and patient throughout it all, as inconvenient as it has been. Safety first is of the utmost concern. At the same time, it's gone on long enough that patience is getting harder to find, at least for me personally. There's been several instances where it's looked like there has been a light at the end of the tunnel....only to end up as the light turning out to actually be an oncoming train!

The Bulldogs announced yesterday that they've now also been forced to move Tuesday night's home game against the Prince George Spruce Kings  to Oceanside Place in Parksville as they STILL won't have a rink to call home. It's all way above my paygrade and level of understanding...I know power play percentage...not "parts per million"

Enough of all that anyway...the show must go on...and it is - and the Bulldogs had best be ready for the Smoke Eaters.

The Bulldogs were last in  action Wednesday night in Nanaimo for their first game in twelve days, where they came back from a 4-1 hole after 40 minutes to tie it in the final minute on the way  to dropping a  5-4 shoot out decision to the Clippers.

The Smoke Eaters  are playing their third game in two and a half days, as they won 6-2 in Powell River  on Friday night to open their trip, before dropping a 4–1 decision last night in Nanaimo to the Clippers.

We've done our due dilligence throughout the week to make sure we're as prepared as we can be to bring you today's proceedings on Pacific Chevrolet Bulldogs Hockey on 93.3 The Peak FM. The broadcast is on the air at 1:45 for the pregame show, with the play-by-play to follow at 2:00 as Bruce MacDonald provides game analysis and colour commentary while I call the play-by-play.

Today's 2nd Intermission feature is the latest edition of the Island Division This Week.

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

____________________________________________________________

There has never been a subscription fee for this blog - and there never will be, but if you enjoy stopping by here, why not consider donating to the cause? Just click HERE. . . and thank you very much. *

*As eloquently said by Gregg Drinnan of Taking Note - the best hockey/sports blog around

Bulldogs earn point with three-goal third period comeback, Clippers win 5-4 in shootout

After a 15 plus minute delay to start the game due to the induction of Matt Irwin into the Clipper's Wall of Honour, the Bulldogs showed little signs of showing any rust as they pushed the pace early and appeared ready to play. A good defensive play early in the slot prevented a dangerous looking chance by Josh Bourne, with Luke Pearson making a solid stick save in tight a minute afterwards. The Bulldogs pushed and got pucks low and spent time in attacking the zone, but Jordan Naylor made a couple good saves in tight, most notably on an odd-man rush on a delayed  penalty 2 on 1 rush. The Clippers would open the scoring late in the period when the Bulldogs appeared to be defending  well, but an unlucky bounce ended up behind the defence. Luke Pearson would make the first save, and the second, but he couldn't get any help on the third attempt as Mackenzie Merriman lifted it home to make it 1-0 Clippers at 17:16 of the first. The Bulldogs would again get sloppy in their zone with the puck on the next shift, turning it over behind the net resulting in a set up to the slot that saw Pearson make a highlight reel save off the back post on Tim Washe to keep it 1-0. The Bulldogs would answer back in short order to tie it up, as Jimmy Rayhill put a cross-ice aerial pass from the right side of the Bulldogs zone to the left side of centre ice for Caige Sterzer. He would carry it up the left wing and dump it in, and chase it down himself on the right half-wall. Mitchel Deelstra would carry it off the wall to the slot past a couple of checks where he ripped a wrist shot high over the glove of Naylor to make it 1-1 at 19:33 of the first. Shots were 9-8 Bulldogs after 20 minutes.

The second period saw the Bulldogs earn a power play chance, but give up a shorthanded goal - for the first time this season as Tim Washe picked off a pass at the blue line off a faceoff win and raced in alone where he ripped a shot high blocker side on Pearson to make it 2-1 at 3:05 of the second. The Bulldogs responded and generated a great chance a few minutes later, but Naylor made a great right toe save off Ryan Doolin from in tight, and an open-net rebound failed to hit the target. Seconds later, it was 3-1 as the Bulldogs coverage in their zone collapsed as Tyler Williams was found wide open in front by Sean Donaldson where he went high blocker to make it 3-1, with Steven Agriogianis also drawing an assist at 8:33 of the period. The Bulldogs went to the penalty box at the middle of the period when Cam Newson was called for a five minute major for a blow to the head on a body check on Aiden Hansen-Bukata in the far corner of the Bulldog zone. The hit did look marginally high, and certainly aggressive. The Officials couldn't be blamed for calling a major penalty, as Hansen-Bukata layed motionless on the ice for several minutes in what was a concerning scene. He would make a miraculous recovery however, back on the ice for the end of the power play. The Bulldogs would kill it off, with Pearson making a couple of good saves but the Bulldog penalty killers not giving up much throughout the five minutes. The Bulldogs couldn't get back on the attack before they fell into  a deeper hole as they turned it over at their line and Sean Donaldson picked it off and skated in alone where he went backhand-five hole on Pearson to make it 4-1 at 16:49 of the second, with assists to Tyler Williams and Robby Drazner. Shots in the period were 19-10 Nanaimo, for a 27-19 advantage heading into period three.

The Bulldogs began the third period with a huge exclamation point, making it a 4-2 game just 38 seconds in after they threw a couple of hits in the attacking and neutral zone saw the puck end up at the deep slot where Grayson Valente put a quick release off a deflection and low through Naylor. Assists on the play went to Mitchel Deelstra and Ryan Doolin. The Bulldogs kept pushing the pace, and were rewarded for it when they made it a one-goal game just short  of eight minutes into  the period as a good second effort steal by Mitchel Deelstra kept the zone alive and walked to the slot where he set up Ryan Doolin who went upstairs from in tight over the blocker of Naylor to make it 4-3 at 7:57 of the third. The score stayed that way into the late stages of the third, thanks to Luke Pearson who made a breakaway save on Ethan Scardina, who somehow got away with tripping up the last-man-back in Tim Gould to race in alone. The Bulldogs earned a power play a minute and change later, but couldn't get the equalizer. They  refused to quit though, and off a neutral zone faceoff win got the extra attacker out again as Grayson Valente found Mitchel Deelstra up the middle at centre ice. He danced around a defender and gained the line before putting a pass onto the tape of Ryan Doolin who drove in on goal and went high short-side over the glove of Naylor to make it 4-4 at 19:21 of the third. The Bulldogs came incredibly close to winning it with 14 seconds left, as a shot from the slot hit something and then the post behind Naylor, before caroming off the back of his leg and sitting on the line, but failing to go over it as the game went to overtime. Shots in the third were 12-4 Bulldogs, for a 31-31 total after 60 minutes.

Neither team generated a Grade A chance throughout a disjointed overtime, with the Clippers outshooting the Bulldogs 3-1 as a shootout was needed. It would be an epic affair, with ten rounds needed to find a winner. Liam Ryan scored on the first attempt for the Clippers, before Pearson came up with a game-saver on the Clippers third shooter. Mitchel Deelstra would score on the Clippers third shot to keep the Bulldogs alive. The goalies took over after that, with Pearson giving the Bulldogs five straight chances to win it, but Naylor kept the Clippers alive. Mackenzie Merriman would give the Clippers the advantage, but Stephen Castagna forced a tenth round when he found the net. Kyler Kovich would get the eventual winner with a quick release five-hole, with Naylor coming up with a final save to win the game.

The Bulldogs went 0 for 3 on the power play, as did the Clippers - one a five minute major - while also scoring once while shorthanded.

The Bulldogs are next in action Sunday afternoon in Campbell River, when they host the Trail Smoke Eaters.

Hammer

____________________________________________________________

There has never been a subscription fee for this blog - and there never will be, but if you enjoy stopping by here, why not consider donating to the cause? Just click HERE. . . and thank you very much. *

*As eloquently said by Gregg Drinnan of Taking Note - the best hockey/sports blog around

Bulldogs FINALLY back in action, visit Clippers tonight

It's the first game in twelve days for the Bulldogs (11-9-0-1, 3rd Island) as they head over the hump to visit the Nanaimo Clippers (15-6-1-1, 1st Island) tonight at the Frank Crane Arena.

The Bulldogs last played Saturday, November 2nd at home, when they snapped a two-game losing streak with a 4-0 win over the Powell River Kings.

The Clippers last saw game action Saturday night in Victoria, where they won their fourth straight 4-0 over the Grizzlies.

These teams last met head-to-head on Friday, November 1st, a 3-1 Clipper win at the Frank Crane Arena.

Beyond tonight, the Bulldogs are continuing to deal with the most unfortunate scenario that exists at the Multiplex as they were forced to announce last night that their Friday and Sunday home games scheduled against the Merritt Centennials and Trail Smoke Eaters are being postponed and rescheduled. Here's the details from the team:

The Alberni Valley Bulldogs announced that this weekend’s games vs the Merritt Centennials on Friday November 15th has been postponed, and Sunday November 17th vs the Trail Smoke Eaters has been moved to the Rod Brind’Amour Arena in Campbell River. The start time will be 2:00 pm.

“The postponement of Friday’s game, and ultimately the decision to move Sunday’s contest to Campbell River is something that causes our organization great disappointment. With no ice in the Multiplex, we were forced to balance our wants of playing in front of our fans, and being good BCHL partners. The reality is, asking Trail to come back to Port Alberni later in the season wasn’t something that was fair to them, both from a time standpoint, but also financially”. said Bulldogs president David Michaud. ”We’re extremely disappointed to be in this position. We’ve had to cancel our parent weekend that was scheduled for this weekend as well. All in all, this a very difficult decision to try and balance what is right for all parties involved.

Fans holding tickets for the postponed game vs Merritt may use them for the rescheduled game when the date is announced, or exchange their paid tickets for any Bulldogs regular season game during the 2019-2020 season.

Season ticket holders and fans holding a game ticket for Sunday wishing to make the trip to Campbell River will have until 2:00 pm on Friday to pick up complimentary vouchers for the game. After Friday, the seats will be made available to the Campbell River public. All tickets for the game will be general admission. The Bulldogs office will be open Wednesday from 10:00am – 4:00 pm, Thursday 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm, and Friday from 9:00 am – 2:00 pm.

“We appreciate all the supportive messages we’ve received from our wonderful fans” said Bulldogs head coach and general manager. “Playing in front of our fans at the Dawg Pound this year has been incredible, we hope a few of them will make the trip and come support us”

Questions or concerns can be directed to club president David Michaud

The full broadcast crew will bring you tonight's proceedings on Van Isle Ford Bulldogs Hockey on 93.3 The Peak FM. I'll get things underway at 6:45 for the pregame show, with the play-by-play to follow at 7:00 as Bruce MacDonald provides game analysis and colour commentary while Dan Tisserand compiles player and team statistics. 

Tonight's 2nd Intermission guest is Ben Phillips, the play-by-play voice of the Trail Smoke Eaters, who the Bulldogs host next in a neutral site game Sunday afternoon in Campbell River. 

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

____________________________________________________________

There has never been a subscription fee for this blog - and there never will be, but if you enjoy stopping by here, why not consider donating to the cause? Just click HERE. . . and thank you very much. *

*As eloquently said by Gregg Drinnan of Taking Note - the best hockey/sports blog around

*UPDATED WITH HIGHLIGHTS* Bulldogs top Kings 4-0

The game was fun to watch early, with good pace and few whistles. The Bulldogs had an early edge in the play, running up a  lead in shots and testing Thomas Wardle in the Kings net. It would lead to a 1-0 lead, as a series of board battles were won in the Kings  zone in succession. Cam Newson would keep the puck in at the right point and put it in deep below the Kings goal line  where Ryan Doolin and Dawson Tritt fought it loose. Tritt  would walk out into the bottom of the right  circle and put a quick spinning shot low and on  net  from a sharp angle where it surprised Wardle and snuck through over the  line at 8:24 of the first. The Bulldogs were penalized not long afterwards, and the Kings got a  couple of pucks on net but Luke Pearson looked sharp in not allowing any second opportunities.  The Bulldogs earned a power play following it, but were penalized just 30 seconds into it. Shots in the first were 11-6 Bulldogs. 

The second period saw much of the same, as the Bulldogs continued to play at a high pace. They would double their lead just three minutes into the period in pretty fashion as Austin Spiridakis blocked a shot in the Bulldog end, and  immediately flew out of the zone up the left wing and into the Kings zone. He would dish off to Jacob Bosse in the left circle, and drive the net were Bosse put  it perfectly to the top of the crease where Spiridakis deflected it home five-hole to make it 2-0 at 3:09 of the period. Despite continuing to press, they couldn't pad their lead, or draw a call as Austin Spiridakis was tackled while walking in alone on net. Seconds later at the other end, the Bulldogs were penalized. That would be further magnified by a slashing call just 19 seconds later, putting the Kings to a 5 on 3 power play of 1:41 in duration. The Bulldogs would kill it off, with Pearson making a couple good saves, the most notable with his right toe on an end-board bounce of Ethan Schmunk. The Bulldogs would earn a power play just 30 seconds after the kill, and took just 11 seconds to make it count as Dawson Tritt won a draw back to the left point for Jackson  Munro. He would make a quick D-to-D pass to the right point for  Jimmy Rayhill, who put a quick release that was deflected off the post by Dawson Tritt. It would bounce back to the slot where Mitchel Deelstra kicked it across the slot for Ryan Doolin, who somehow found a way to slide it past Wardle from the seat of his pants on his backhand to make it 3-0 at 10:44 of the period. The Kings mounted a push in the following minutes, but the Bulldogs defended and pushed back to end the period  with a couple good opportunities. Shots in the frame were 18-12 Bulldogs, for a 29-18 edge in their favour  after 40 minutes. 

The Bulldogs efficiently killed off a Kings  power play  to start the third, and despite spending the following minutes in the attacking zone couldn't again draw a penalty, or pad their lead. The Kings would earn another power play five minutes into the period, with  some fireworks early in it  as  Austin Spiridakis took a blow to the head but couldn't draw a penalty, bringing about a response from Tim Gould who dropped the gloves with Davis Pennington. The Bulldogs would once again kill off the penalty and support Pearson well, in not giving up much. They would continue through the period to control the play and spend extended sequences in  the Kings zone,  but completed  the scoring  by going end to end  from their own zone  from a faceoff, as a 3 on 2 rush took just a handful of seconds as Jacob Bosse went forward off the draw for Austin Spiridakis, who again immediately took off on the attack.  He would set up Tommy Bannister walking to the net on the right side of the slot where he  walked in and went high, short-side off the glove of Wardle and  in at 13:16 for the 4-0 final. 

Third period shots were 15-8  Bulldogs,  for a game total of 44-26 with Luke Pearson earning 1st star honours with the win and his second shut out, while Tomas Wardle took the loss. 

The Bulldogs  are next in action  Friday night when  they host the  Coquitlam Express. 

Hammer

____________________________________________________________

There has never been a subscription fee for this blog - and there never will be, but if you enjoy stopping by here, why not consider donating to the cause? Just click HERE. . . and thank you very much. *

*As eloquently said by Gregg Drinnan of Taking Note - the best hockey/sports blog around

Bulldogs back home to host Kings tonight

It's the first meeting between the teams since the second night of the season, as the Bulldogs (10-9-0-1, 3rd Island) host the Powell River Kings (9-11-0-0, 4th Island) for the first time this season tonight at the Multiplex.


The Bulldogs were in Nanaimo last night, where they lost their second straight, 3-1 to the Clippers. 


The Kings were in Duncan last night, where they picked up a 4-3 win in the dying seconds over the Cowichan Valley Capitals.

If you can't make the game, tune in, and we'll make you feel like you're there. Pacific Chevrolet Bulldogs Hockey on 93.3 The Peak FM goes live at 6:45 with our pregame show, followed by all the game action after 7:00pm. I'll take care of the hosting responsibilities and play-by-play calling while Bruce MacDonald provides game analysis and colour commentary. Last but certainly not least, Dan Tisserand compiles individual and team statistics period-by-period.

Tonight's 2nd Intermission feature is the latest edition of the Island Division This Week. It's a recurring feature that's contributed to by the Island Division broadcasters with a mis of recaps, previews and highlights from all teams.

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

____________________________________________________________

There has never been a subscription fee for this blog - and there never will be, but if you enjoy stopping by here, why not consider donating to the cause? Just click HERE. . . and thank you very much. *

*As eloquently said by Gregg Drinnan of Taking Note - the best hockey/sports blog around

Bulldogs drop second straight, 3-1 to Clippers

The Clippers drew first blood  before the game was two minutes old, as the Bulldogs failed to clear their zone, and then were too soft on a bouncing puck across the slot that was found by Tim Washe who put a spinning  one-timer off the post and in, short-side past the blocker of Jackson Glassford to make it 1-0 1:45 in, with assists going to Travis Walton and Aiden Hansen-Bukata. The Clippers had a great chance to build their  lead seconds later on a set up to the back post for Sean Donaldson, but  Jackson  Glassford went post-to-post to get his shoulder up on it to keep it out. The Bulldogs got going as the period wore on, generating a couple Grade A chances later in the period,  especially on the power play as a Mitchel Deelstra chance in front hit the crossbar and stayed out. Prior to that, Jordan Naylor made a great  save with his right toe on a  Jacob Bosse cross-ice one-timer attempt set up by Caige Sterzer. Shots in  the first were 8-7 Bulldogs.


The Bulldogs came out to start the second,  and looked like a team possessed  as they spent extended periods of time in the Clippers zone,  and had  ample opportunities before finally finding the equalizer as Jackson Doucet put puck from the left half wall behind the net, and drove the slot where Dawson  Tritt set him up in deep where he ripped a shot off Naylor, off the end glass and back  to the net front where it caromed off Naylor and in to make it 1-1  at  5:16 of the second with Carson Hemenway also  drawing an assist. The Bulldogs kept the pressure up for a further five minutes, but couldn't beat Naylor to take the lead. Later in the period the momentum fell off, and the Clippers started to push back. Despite zone time, they weren't able to generate any Grade A chances as the Bulldogs defended  well. Shots in the period were 12-8  Bulldogs, for a 40 minute advantage of 20-15 Bulldogs.


The third period was somewhat evenly played through the opening minutes, but the Clippers upped their game as  the period wore on, and  played at a higher pace than  the Bulldogs. They generated a couple fantastic chances back-to-back, but Jackson Glassford came up huge on breakaway chances for both Mackenzie Merriman and Ethan Scardina to keep it tied. The Bulldogs didn't respond however, and the Clippers kept  pushing and went up 2-1 on a pass from the left half wall by Tim Washe to the point for Trevor LeDonne, who one-timed it low and  hard on net. Jackson Glassford made the first save, and a desperation save on the rebound, but Walton's second bit was batted home from in the paint to make it 2-1 at 7:04 of the third. Washe didn't get an assist, as they went to Josh Bourne and LeDonne. Less than a minute later, an unfortunate giveaway cross-ice up the middle of the defensive zone ended up right on the tape of Tim Washe who wasted no time in ripping a one-timer that was perfectly placed top  corner, long-side over the glove of Glassford at 8:01 of the third to make it 3-1 Clippers. The Bulldogs would call time out to try and rally and settle, but the Clippers continue to have the better of the play throughout the remainder of period into the late minutes. The Bulldogs would show flashes of desperation in an attempt to make it a one-goal game, but couldn't beat Naylor as the Clippers made the lead stand.

Shots in the third were 13-9 Clippers, for a game total of 29-28 Bulldogs. Jackson Glassford took the loss while Jordan Naylor earned the win. The Bulldogs went 0 for 3 on the power play while the Clippers went 0 for 1.

The Bulldogs are next in action tomorrow night when they host the Powell River Kings.

Hammer 

____________________________________________________________

There has never been a subscription fee for this blog - and there never will be, but if you enjoy stopping by here, why not consider donating to the cause? Just click HERE. . . and thank you very much. *

*As eloquently said by Gregg Drinnan of Taking Note - the best hockey/sports blog around

Bulldogs visit Clippers tonight

(image: Jamie Penner V3 Media)

It's the fourth  meeting of  the season between these two Island Division rivals, but the first since mid September, as the Bulldogs (10-8-0-1, 3rd Island) head over the hump tonight to visit the Clippers (11-6-1-1, T-1st Island) at the Frank Crane Arena.


The Bulldogs  were  last in action Saturday  night at home, where they had a seven game winning streak snapped with a 4-3 shoot out loss to the Vernon Vipers.

The Clippers last played Wednesday night at home, where they fell 5-2 to the Coquitlam Express

These teams last met September 21st at the Dog Pound, a 2-1 Bulldog win. The previous meeting was a 3-2 Bulldog shoot out win on September 14th.  The Clippers won the first head-to-head meeting by a 2-1 score at the Frank Crane Arena on September 13th.

93.3 The Peak FM will be on the air for Van Isle Ford Bulldogs Hockey starting at 6:45 for our pregame show, will all the game action to follow just after 7:00pm. The Full broadcast crew will be on hand - Dan Tisserand compiles team and player statistics, Bruce MacDonald provides game analysis and adds colour commentary and I handle the play-by-play.

Tonight's 2nd Intermission guest is Dante De Caria, the play-by-play voice of the Powell River Kings, who the Bulldogs host tomorrow night for the first time this season. It's certainly an interesting scheduling quirk that the Bulldogs haven't hosted the Kings yet - and it also seems a little odd that the teams will meet for just the third time this season tomorrow after they played twice to open the season way back on September 6th and 7th.

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

____________________________________________________________

There has never been a subscription fee for this blog - and there never will be, but if you enjoy stopping by here, why not consider donating to the cause? Just click HERE. . . and thank you very much. *

*As eloquently said by Gregg Drinnan of Taking Note - the best hockey/sports blog around

Bulldogs streak snapped at seven with 4-3 shoot out loss to Vipers

The Vipers had an immediate jump to their step to start the game, and put some early pressure on due  to it. It was the Bulldogs who struck first to lead 1-0 however, as Caige Sterzer carried the puck up the right wing and  behind  the net before playing it  back to the left point for  Moe Acee. He went  D-to-D across the line for Carson Hemenway, who took the pass off his skate and banked it down the right wing behind the net. Isaac Pascoal would retreive it, and put a pass against the grain out front past the near post where it was one-timed home five-hole through Cole Steinke by Austin Spiridakis to make it 1-0 at 2:10 of the first. As the period wore on, the Vipers  continued to carry the play, getting a handful of opportunities but being unable to beat Luke Pearson who was rock solid with the Vipers running up an 11-2 edge in shots. The Vipers earned the game's first power play in the back half of the first, but the Bulldogs killed it  off and didn't give up much. They earned their first power play two minutes later, but couldn't get much going before they were penalized themselves bringing about  a short four-aside scenario. The Vipers would make good on the short power play that followed as they converted on  the rush with a cross-ice pass being thrown on net by Connor Marritt  from the left circle. Pearson would make the first save, but Dawson Holt made no  mistake on the rebound in  the paint to make it 1-1 at  18:12 of the first, with Brett Fudger also drawing an assist. Shots in the period were 19-6 Vipers.

The Bulldogs couldn't make a short power play that carried over work to start the second, before the Vipers took the lead back seconds later in controversial fashion - at least from the Bulldog perspective as Cameron MacDonald put a head-high spinning wrist shot on net from outside the top of the right circle. It appeared to be over the net, with Luke Pearson putting his arms above his head in an attempt to make the save. He couldn't get anything on it, as Connor Marritt deflected it home. It certainly looked to be a high-stick, and Pearson  agreed but none of the four Officials thought so as the goal would stand after a long discussion at  centre ice. The Bulldogs would earn an almost immediate power play, and made good on it quickly as a passionate battle was won by Olivier Fizet and Caige Sterzer to hold the line. Josh Zary would find it  on the left half-wall, before walking to  the net where he fired a quick one short-side off Steinke and in to make it 2-2 at 3:12 of the second. There would be  no  scoring the  remainder of the period,  with the chances few and far between. The most notable being an in-alone chance by Olivier Fizet who split the defence and fought in alone where Steinke made a big save to  keep it 2-2. The Bulldogs earned a power play late in the period that carried over to start the third. Shots in the period were 12-5 Vipers, for a  31-11 Vernon advantage into the third.


Once again the Bulldog power play failed to threaten to start the third. The Vipers would get a great chance just short of five minutes into the period, but Luke Pearson came up with a glove save on a partial breakaway down the left wing for Dawson Holt. The Vipers had a flurry of chances in the following minutes, but Pearson was fantastic to preserve the tie. The Vipers drew a power play a minute later, but the Bulldogs didn't give up much in killing it off. As the third period wore on, the Bulldogs suddenly  found their legs and looked like the better team. They won successive draws in the Vipers end, and earned momentum with time spent in the attacking zone. The score remained tied into the late stages of the third, when the Bulldogs finally took the lead back with three minutes to play as Isaac Pascoal poked the puck ahead up the right wing for Tommy Bannister. He would walk wide over the Vipers line before putting a beautiful saucer pass to the far post for Austin Spiridakis who made no mistake in one-timing it home high, short-side past the blocker of Steinke to make it 3-2 at 16:57 of the third. The Vipers wouldn't go away though, as they got the goalie out for the extra attacker and found the equalizer on a centering pass that Cameron MacDonald one-timed home after regaining his footing seconds after going down in an attempt to draw a penalty, short-side past the glove of Pearson at 18:47 of the third with assists to Christian Felton and Matt Kowalski. Shots in the third were 14-10 Vipers, for a 45-21 advantage after 60 minutes.


The overtime period was a bit of a snoozer as the Vipers controlled the  opening draw and while the Bulldogs made several good defensive plays, they didn't succeed often in getting possession. When they did, they had their chances, as Mitchel Deelstra drove in alone on net down the left wing but couldn't fight off a stick across his body and arms to get a shot away. The Bulldog fans were up in arms later in the period, as Caige Sterzer appeared to have a step around a defender only to have his stick slashed out of his hands but he was unable to draw a penalty. Shots in overtime were 1-0 Vipers, for a  46-21 advantage after 65 minutes  as the game went to a shoot out.

The Bulldogs had  the early advantage on a Dawson Tritt goal and Luke Pearson save. Ryan Doolin gave the Bulldogs an advantage, but the Vipers answered. Mitchel Deelstra again scored, but the Vipers stayed alive with a response. The Bulldogs would fail to score, and the Vipers would win it when Nicholas Kent beat Pearson with a quick release glove side for the game winner.

Final shots were 46-21 Vernon, with Luke Pearson taking the loss while Cole Steinke earned the win. The Bulldogs went 1 for 5 on the power play while the Vipers went 1 for 4.

The Bulldogs are next in action Friday night when they visit the Clippers in Nanaimo.

Hammer

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There has never been a subscription fee for this blog - and there never will be, but if you enjoy stopping by here, why not consider donating to the cause? Just click HERE. . . and thank you very much. *

*As eloquently said by Gregg Drinnan of Taking Note - the best hockey/sports blog around

Bulldogs host Vipers tonight to conclude weekend

It's the fifth game this season against an Interior Conference opponent, and the ninth out-of-conference game for the Bulldogs (10-8-0-0, 3rd Island) as they host the Vernon Vipers (9-6-0-0, 5th Interior) for the first of two meetings between the teams this season.

The Bulldogs were in action last night at home, where they stretched their winning streak to  seven straight, while extending their season-long unbeaten streak on home ice to eight games with a 4-3 win over the Cowichan Valley Capitals. 

The Vipers were in Powell  River, where they won their  sixth in a row, 5-3 over the Kings.


It's an interesting story when one looks into the Vipers schedule this season. The Vipers entered play last night on a five game winning streak - it was preceeded by a four game losing streak. They were in Powell River last night, where they began an ELEVEN game road trip - holy cow. They've already played nine road games - but they've only been out of the Interior Conference once, to Chilliwack. When they return home after their eleven straight on the road run is complete, they'll play 22 of their final 33 games at home.

A must read to catch up on all things Vipers, is the Vipers Die Hard Fan blog

The full crew will be back in the broadcast booth tonight - I'll handle the hosting and play-by-play, Bruce MacDonald takes care of game analysis and colour commentary and Dan Tisserand compiles player and team statistics. Pacific Chevrolet Bulldogs Hockey on 93.3 The Peak FM is on the air at 6:45 for the pregame show, with all the game action to follow after the puck drop at 7:00pm.

This Week's episode of the Island Division This Week is our 2nd Intermission feature - if you haven't heard it yet, the premise is simple. It's a compilation of previews, recaps and highlights from all the Island Division broadcasters, courtesy of Dan Marshall, Nanaimo Clippers play-by-play voice on our sister station, 106.9 The Wolf FM in Nanaimo. 

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

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Hammer

There has never been a subscription fee for this blog - and there never will be, but if you enjoy stopping by here, why not consider donating to the cause? Just click HERE. . . and thank you very much. *

*As eloquently said by Gregg Drinnan of Taking Note - the best hockey/sports blog around

*UPDATED with HIGHLIGHTS* Bulldogs win seventh straight, eighth straight on home ice 4-3 over Capitals

I'm hittin' the hay... but got the highlights done! 

Enjoy! 

Hammer

The Bulldogs got the puck in deep off the opening draw, and had a promising chance from in tight that appeared to hit something and not end up on Zach Borgiel's net. The Capitals had an opportunity of their own a minute later, with a Clark Webster point shot hitting the post behind Jackson Glassford but staying out. There wasn't much in the way of offense either way through the first ten minutes, but the Capitals struck in transition to open the scoring  just short of six minutes in as Will Arquiett took a Primo Self head-man pass up the right wing before putting a pretty feed onto  the stick of Tanner Sidaway in alone behind the Bulldog defence where he put a high backhand over the glove of Glassford to make it 1-0 at 5:39 of the  first. A minute later, the first fight off the season for the Bulldogs saw  Caige Sterzer and Cole Broadhurst  drop the gloves. The Bulldogs would tie the game just past the midway point of the period,  with a delayed penalty on the way as Tyler Kostelecky set up Dawson Tritt  in the slot. His  backdoor pass went wide, but rimmed to the left half-wall where Moe Acee one-timed it on goal with  Borgiel not yet recovered, making it 1-1 at 10:58 of the  first. The score  stayed that way into the late stages, with the Bulldogs unable to generate a shot on a power  play. The Capitals  would take the lead back with 39 seconds to play in  the period on a power play of their own, as the Bulldogs killed it down to the final five seconds but couldn't clear the zone before a  Tyrell Boucher shot from the deep slot was stopped by Glassford, but Cruze Cote found it on  the goal line off the post and jammed it home to make it 2-1 after one, with Brady Lynn also drawing an assist at 19:21 of the first. Shots in the period were 11-6 Capitals.


The second period saw the Capitals continue to have a  slight edge in the play through the early stages of the period, but the Bulldogs responded to tie the game  after a couple solid shifts as Jackson Doucet threw a shot on net from the  right circle that was stopped by Borgiel, but Dawson Tritt found the  rebound and slit it home inside the near post past his right toe to make it 2-2, with Tyler Kostelecky also drawing an assist at 5:53 of the first. Less than two minutes later the Bulldogs took the lead after a long sequence in the Capitals zone and a series of near-misses as Moe Acee kept the puck in at the left point and threw it on net where Dawson Tritt found the rebound and took the extra split second to read the play and put his stick between his legs while spinning off the right post to lift it over Borgiel for a  highlight reel goal to make  it 3-2 at 7:06 of the second. Two  minutes later, Brady Lynn would go after Tritt, taking him down initially away from the puck, then grabbing him by the jersey and dropping his gloves and throwing a sucker punch. He would appear to get off easy, earning two minutes for roughing and two minutes for unsportsmanlike conduct. The Bulldogs would threaten and have several glorious looks around the net, but weren't able to pad their lead.  Late in the period, another after the whistle skirmish saw the Capitals penalized, with the Bulldogs again having a couple good looks  around the net but being able to find it before the period expired. Shots in the second were  15-7 Bulldogs,  for a 21-18 Bulldog advantage  into period three.


The Bulldogs couldn't cash  in on the carry-over power play to start the third, but the Capitals were again penalized  on the follow up faceoff on a high stick. The Bulldogs finally made them pay,  as Ryan Doolin made a nice cross-ice pass  through the seam from the right circle to Mitchel  Deelstra. He walked in and set up Austin Spiridakis on the doorstep, who put his first attempt off the post  before making  no mistake on the second chance to make it 4-2 at 1:04 of the third.   The Capitals would earn an opportunity short of the midway point of the period with a four minute power play. That would be cancelled out just 1:05 into it, when Dan McIntyre picked up a five minute major and a match penalty for abuse of official. The Bulldogs looked for the better part of the following 4-on-4 hockey to be in penalty kill mode, as the Caps pressed but couldn't trim the deficit. Jackson Munro was called for tripping later in the period, and  the Capitals pressed to make it a 4-3 game during four-aside hockey as Matt Crasa fought  through the defence to get in alone on Jackson Glassford, who made a right toe save to keep it out, only to have it  bounce off a defenceman and in  at 14:57 of the third, with Nolan Barrett and  Primo Self drawing the assists. A minute later Tanner Sidaway was penalized for four minutes with three and a half to play. The Bulldogs  couldn't generate on the advantage, before being penalized themselves with 14 seconds left, allowing the Capitals to pull their goalie to make it a 5 on 4 scenario. The Bulldogs lost a draw, but won the race to it to clear it, but were called for icing. They won the following draw, but the Capitals fought the puck off the end wall to the front of the net, but couldn't get a chance  before time expired, as one last skirmish at the buzzer delayed the Bulldog celebration.


Third period shots were 9-5 Capitals, for a game total of 27-26 Capitals with Jackson Glassford earning the win while Zach Borgiel took the loss. The Bulldogs unofficially went 1 for 8 while the Capitals went 1 for 6.


The Bulldogs are next in action tomorrow night when they host the Vernon Vipers.


Hammer

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There has never been a subscription fee for this blog - and there never will be, but if you enjoy stopping by here, why not consider donating to the cause? Just click HERE. . . and thank you very much. *

*As eloquently said by Gregg Drinnan of Taking Note - the best hockey/sports blog around

Bulldogs host Capitals tonight

It's the third meeting already this season between the teams, as the Bulldogs (9-8-0-0, 3rd Island) return home tonight to host the Cowichan Valley Capitals (10-6-1-1, 1st Island) at the Multiplex.


The Bulldogs last played Saturday night in Victoria, where they won their sixth straight, 6-2 over the Grizzlies.

The Capitals also last played Saturday night, as they dropped their third straight 7-3 on home ice to the Wenatchee Wild.


This is the third meeting of the season between the teams, with each side winning one on home ice. The Bulldogs won the most recent match up, 3-1 at the Multiplex on October 5th. The Capitals emerged victorious in the previous affair, 3-2 in Duncan on September 20th. The fact that the Capitals have lost three straight - and back to back games in regulation for the first time this season - means that the Bulldogs will have to be at their best, as they'll be facing a team that's no doubt equal parts desperate, motivated and angry.

Don't miss a moment of the action on Pacific Chevrolet Bulldogs Hockey on 93.3 The Peak FM, starting with our pregame show at 6:45 followed by the puck drop shortly after 7:00pm. Dan Tisserand is in the booth to provide period-by-period team and individual statistics, Bruce MacDonald adds colour commentary and analysis and I call the play-by-play.

Tonight's 2nd Intermission guest is Graham Turnbull, play-by-play voice of the Vernon Vipers, 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.hockeytv.com

Hammer

____________________________________________________________

There has never been a subscription fee for this blog - and there never will be, but if you enjoy stopping by here, why not consider donating to the cause? Just click HERE. . . and thank you very much. *

*As eloquently said by Gregg Drinnan of Taking Note - the best hockey/sports blog around