Canadian Women win Olympic Soccer Bronze, Thunder in the Valley 2012 this weekend!

Have that Bronze...GOLDED?

I commented on the above picture on Facebook: "Its about the LOGO on the FRONT of the jersey! FIRES ME UP!" to which a friend replied "I don't get it"

My rebuttal was from a Coach somewhere along my hockey life: "It's an old hockey term. You play for the logo on the front of the sweater, not the name on the back. You play for the team. Not for yourself. She scored the goal and grabbed the Maple Leaf on the front of her jersey, watch the video!"

Just plain awesome after what happened against the US in the Semi game. My joke on the air today was that someone else scored besides Christine Sinclair - the Wayne Gretzky of Women's Soccer!

WATCH IT HERE!

Thunder in the Valley homepage

Don't forget Thunder in the Valley goes this weekend!

UPDATED Fitzgerald triplets from PG to Victoria, Alberni Wrestling at the Olympics...

I'm not the one to usually get into the rumour mill stuff, but this has a local connection obviously, and I have it on good authority, here goes....

Port Alberni natives Leo, Myles and Gerry Fitzgerald (pictured above in Spring 2009) are no longer with the Prince George Spruce Kings. I have been told that Victoria is the most likely destination with Nanaimo and Cowichan also being possible destinations. As far as I can recall, it was the current Clippers Management Group that moved them to Prince George so maybe they aren't a possible destination but I could be wrong on that. We'll see what happens, but for now it appears that they are gone from the Spruce Kings roster.

UPDATE - Confirmed by the Grizzlies. Gone to Prince George are David London, Coltyn Hansen, and Cam Lawson. Read it HERE

Pretty cool screen grab of the Alberni Wrestling crew at the Olympics on CTV today! Here's the latest update from Bulldogs Educational Advisor Tom McEvay on the trip...

We arrived in London yesterday and had  City tour on a double decker bus and then tested the subway system before chcking into our hostel in the heart of London.

Today all of the group went to the Olympic Excel venue where they have 5 arenas for the sports of boxing, taekwondo, weightlifting, table tennis and wrestling. Most of us saw both the preliminary and medal sessions culminating in Canada's Carol Huynh winning a bronze at 48 kg.

I have attached a picture of some from our cheering section.  It was a fantastic day. Tomorrow we have people off to women's wrestling again to watch the 55 and 72 kg weight classes where Canada's Tanya Verbeek and Leah Callaghan compete respectively.  Both are medal threats for Canada.

One cool piece to this story is the fact the Leah wrestled in high school in McKenzie BC and when in grade 12 she was part of our Alberni Wrestling Europe Tour 2005. Who would have known that 7 years later we'd be back and be here to cheer her on at the Olympic Games.

Cheers.  Tom

Very cool stuff, thanks to Tom!

Hammer

5 Minute Major for Bruce, Thunder in the Valley, Alberni Wrestling needs help, Junior Prep Camp, Starlight!

A five minute major to Alberni Golf Club Head Pro Bruce MacDonald for Unsportsmanlike Conduct! 

I have been bugging Bruce to bug Cobra/Puma Golf to somehow score me one of the limited edition (only 400 in Canada) Orange Amp Rickie Fowler driver. I show up at the course yesterday and Bruce says "Hey Hammer, I got you the driver!" 

He then goes into his office and comes out with this...I am as excited as a kid at Christmas! 

 But the driver is THIS! 

 Like I said, 5 minutes for unsportsmanlike, poor form! Pretty funny though, even if it was at my expense!

Thunder in the Valley 2012 goes this weekend, so be sure to get out to the Airport to check out what is always an amazing show. Make sure you listen to 93.3 The Peak FM throughout the week as we are giving away weekend passes AND the Grand Prize of STARTING LINE SEATS!

Speaking of the Drags - Alberni Wrestling could really use your help if you could spare some time...please read below... 

The Alberni Wrestling Club needs your help!Thunder in the Valley is coming August 10 - 12. We do setup, takedown, 50/50, and security. It is our biggest fundraiser of the year. We couldn't do what we do without the funds we raise there. So wrestlers, coaches, parents, alumni and friends of our program I am really hoping you will sign up for a shift or two. Please contact me via email jmessenger@sd70.bc.ca or call 250-735-8854.

Don't forget the Tlu-piich games continue today - check them out on Facebook HERE

 Action really heats up this week at the Prep Camp at the Multiplex as well...thanks Doug for the update!

Good Morning Hammer   We are into the last week of Prep Camp   Week four

We have Pee Wee  Week   Group led by North Battle Ford Star Coach Kevin Hasselberg and Cowichan Valley Capitals Coach Dave Johnston and Clipper coach Mike Olson

We also have positional camp  for all goalies here this week-----just over 30  goalies

Camp for forwards---positional

Camp for Defense---positional

We also have our Junior and NCAA camp   This camp is led by Western Michigan Assistant Coach who is under Terry Murray a legend in NHL and Hockey Canada.  Other coaches are Milan Dragecivic---UBC   Ex Winnipeg Jet Coach Glen Williamson and now National coach in Europe  Grant Armstrong and Brady Robinson Victoria Royals WHL----all coaching in the Junior Group and also helping in the other camps.

We have thirty six Juniors----many already playing in the BCHL or AJHL or SJHL

Local products in camp

Fitzgeralds   Prince George   Gerry Leo and Miles

Robert Lindores    Northern Michigan

Eddie Dyson   goalie    Surrey Eagles

Jesse Ursic----Victoria Grizzlies

Brent Baltus   former Alberni Kid    Trail Smoke Eaters

Dylan Haugen    committed Alberni Bulldogs

Bulldog Commitments in camp this week are   Jared Wilson defense  from Calgary  Zack Funk  Notre Dame  possibly Joel Gaudet  from White Rock

Great Group   Games every evening Monday to Thursday at 6pm   Friday at 5:30 and Saturday Morning at 10 am. All are welcome to the multiplex to take in evening games to get hockey fix and also take in morning practices from 10 am to 1pm

Last but not least, big thanks to everyone that made Starlight Movie Night happen, it was a fun night!

 

 

 

 

Bulldogs news, Starlight Movie TONIGHT, Tlu-piich games

Good day...hope you had a fantastic long weekend! I spent it at Sproat Lake and the West Coast, had to beat the heat somehow...I had family visiting from Manitoba...they said that they are cancelling their subscription to Moneysense Magazine after seeing the Valley at it's finest firsthand!

 First off - he's the only guy more important than the Radio Guy and the Bus Driver - the Trainer! Welcome James!

Bulldogs Name New Trainer
PRESS RELEASE
August 5, 2012

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Port Alberni, BC – The Alberni Valley Bulldogs are very proud to announce today that James McDonald has been hired as the team’s new Head Trainer and Equipment Manager.

“I’m excited to be joining the Alberni Valley Bulldogs,” said Bulldogs’ new trainer James McDonald. “I look forward to a very healthy and successful year.”

McDonald brings a very diverse skill-set to the organization that ranges from taking care of athletes to managing several successful businesses. McDonald comes to the Bulldogs with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from the University of Toronto, a Bachelor of Arts degree in Kinesiology and athletic therapy certificate from York University.

McDonald has experience working with teams in many different sports. He was the head student therapist for the University of Toronto’s men’s soccer and ice hockey teams and York University’s women’s rugby team. As well, James has covered provincial and national championship events in Kickboxing, Taekwondo, Wrestling, MMA, and Track and Field.

In addition to his experience at the team level, McDonald also worked in many Toronto area sports medicine clinics as a therapist, built a successful fitness training and conditioning business in Toronto, traveled across Europe and managed bars and backpackers hostels in both London and Edinburgh, Scotland for over 5 years.

“We are pleased to have a well-traveled, experienced trainer such as James come on board to work with our athletes,” said Bulldogs head coach Kevin Willison. “ James is a good fit for the organization and really wants to be here to help with the success of the team,” added Willison.

McDonald’s girlfriend has family on Vancouver Island and will be joining James from
Toronto at Christmas.

We would like to welcome James to the organization and look forward to a very
successful season.

For more information please contact head coach Kevin Willison

Exhibition Game Tickets Are Now On Sale
PRESS RELEASE

August 5, 2012
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The Alberni Valley Bulldogs announced today that exhibition game tickets are now on sale through the Bulldogs’ office.

The Bulldogs will play three home exhibition games this season:

Saturday, August 25, 2012 7:00pm vs. Cowichan Capitals
Wednesday, August 29, 2012 7:00pm vs. Victoria Grizzlies
Friday, August 31, 2012 7:00pm vs. Nanaimo Clippers

Tickets for adults and seniors are $10.00 each or $25.00 for all three exhibition games. Student and child tickets are $7.00 each or $15.00 for all three exhibition games.

Exhibition game tickets can be purchased directly from the Bulldogs’ office. Summer office hours are:

Tuesdays 12:00pm to 3:00pm
Wednesdays 8:00am to 10:00am
12:30pm to 4:00pm
Thursdays 8:00am to 10:00am
Fridays 12:30pm to 4:00pm

For more information please contact Alberni Valley Bulldogs’ director of marketing Laurie Smillie at 250.723.4412 or lsmillie@albernivalleybulldogs.ca.

Also don't forget that the Dogs Hockey School starts Monday, and the Dogs Season-Kick off Golf Tourney goes August 1th! For details, visit the page www.albernivalleybulldogs.ca

 

Starlight Movie Night

·         Bob Daily Stadium

·         August 7

·         Free Community Event Sponsored by 93.3 The Peak, Port Alberni Toy Run, The Lions Club, AV Times, Tim Hortons, Coulson, and Jal Designs

·         Entertainment starts at 7pm and Concession Opens.

·         Concession by the Shriners and Parks and Rec.

·         Kids Games, Live Music by Kevin Falkenberg

·         Movie starts at dusk and is great for every member of the family

The Tlu-piich Games get going today...here's all the details, with thanks to Richard for keeping me informed!

The 2012 Tlu-piich Games start August 7, the first event is Canoe Races at Clutesi Haven Marina, starting time 3:00pm. Prior to the races, there will be a canoe clinic for aboriginal children and youth; the clinic is hosted by Canoe Kayak BC. The Clinic will start at 2:00pm.

The Opening Ceremonies for the Tlu-piich Games is at the Maht Mahs Gym, starting at 7:00pm.

The other events are as follows:

August 8 & 9 - Track and Field Events - Bob Dailey Stadium
Both Days start time is 10:00am

August 9 - 3 on 3 Basketball - Maht Mahs Gym - Start time to be determined
- Out door movie night at Bob Dailey Stadium, starting at Dusk

August 10 - Swim meet - Echo Pool - start at 1:30

August 11 & 12 - Slo-pitch and Fast-pitch Tournament - Echo Minor

August 11 - Mixed Volleyball - time and place to be determined

17 and under baseball drop-in at Echo Minor time to be determined

Any further questions, you can contact me at 250.720.1946

With respect,
Richard Samuel
Tlu-piich Games Coordinator

Homecoming set up, GOLD MEDAL for Rosie MacLennan, smokin' weather forecast!

Here is a shot I took last night at Bob Dailey stadium as everything was being finalized for Homecoming Weekend! Scroll DOWN to see the schedules for what's happening this weekend!

I took the picture at about 7:30 as we were coming back in from staying at the lake for a couple of days and it was still smokin' hot! The forecast for the weekend calls for more of the same, so please take care of yourselves and be mindful of the conditions and the power of the sun! Click the picture to enlarge for weather details from Environment Canada...

(Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

 Finally GOLD for Canada! Rosie MacLennan is the national hero of the day after winning gold...watch Rosie get her medal and listen to the national anthem by CLICKING HERE!

AWESOME! 

Have a happy/fun/safe long weekend!

Maybe we will see you around at some of the Homecoming festivities!

Hammer

EVERYTHING you need to know about Centennial Homecoming Long Weekend!

Register on the Alberni Valley Chamber of Commerce website by clicking HERE

A look at things happening can be found on the events calendar HERE

Further details on the Homecoming Weekend can be found by clicking HERE

Further "what's happening" schedules broken down by day.....click the images to ENLARGE them!

Have fun, be safe, be smart, celebrate and remember the "good ole' days"!


Hammer

Dogs release Kalashnikov's, Hayduk/Funk at Team Pacific camp, Black Sheep Rugby Women's Boot Camp...

If you missed it on Friday, the Bulldogs announced that they have released Arty and Yan Kalashnikov...Not a lot of information in the release, so I will work at getting further comments from the team. The transfer agreement is certainly a factor, other than that I will let the team comment. Best of luck to Yan and Arty, a couple of good kids and good players. It says something about the complexity and gamble with the transfer agreement - OR - the quality of the Bulldogs incoming players - that the team made the decision to release the brothers.

Bulldogs Release Kalashnikovs

PRESS RELEASE
July 27, 2012

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The Alberni Valley Bulldogs announced today that the club has opted not to renew the player transfer agreement with the Belarusian Ice Hockey Association for Arty and Yan Kalashnikov for the 2012-13 season.

The organization would like to thank Arty and Yan for the contributions they made to the organization this past season.

For more information please contact director of hockey operations Rick Schievink. Bulldogs’ head coach Kevin Willison will be available for comment, as of August 2nd when he returns to Port
Alberni, at 250.723.4412

That's Bulldogs Assistant Coach Adam Hayduk behind the bench at the recent Team Pacific Evaluation Camp for the 2012 U17 World Challenge, acting as a Camp Coach/Instructor.

Bulldog recruit Zack Funk was invited as one of the Top 30 players in B.C.

This camp marked the first time ever that a regional camp was held that combined the top players from both B.C. and Alberta

Women’s Rugby

Boot Camp

DROP IN CAMP

Open to All Ages 

                                                August-2-2012

         6:30pm to 7:15pm  45 minute training session with Time2train!

         7:15pm to 8:00pm  45 minute Women’s Rugby Boot Camp

Come out and learn about the game of Rugby. There is no tackling or contact.

Location:

Port Alberni Black Sheep Rugby Facilities 3420 Argyle Street

Equipment Required:

sportswear and runners – cleats optional (ball or soccer cleats acceptable)

Customer Appreciation Day at Tseshaht Market!

COOL PRIZE that you could win just by coming out to the Tseshaht Market Customer Appreciation Day TODAY!


The draw is just before 3pm...lots of PEAK stuff to be given away as well just for coming out!


Daisy the Island Farms cow is here, traditional West Coast Sockeye BBQ, (free, now that is how you appreciate your customers) a Zorb Ball, Bouncy Castle and Slide, First Nations Fashion Show at 1:30...and last but not least come check out the ongoing expansion of the Market with exciting things happening for the community in the fall!

Hammer

Tseshaht Market Customer Appreciation Days...

COOL PRIZE that you could win just by coming out to the Taeahaht Market Customer Appreciation Day TODAY!


The draw is just before 3pm...lots of PEAK stuff to be given away as well just for coming out!


Daisy the Island Farms cow is here, traditional West Coast Sockeye BBQ, (free, now that is how you appreciate your customers) a Zorb Ball, Bouncy Castle and Slide, First Nations Fashion Show at 1:30...and last but not least come check out the ongoing expansion of the Market with exciting things happening for the community in the fall!

Hammer

RBK/CCM giving gear to kids, Tseshaht Market tomorrow!

Cool story here for the Vancouver-area readers. Good on ya CCM/RBK, as any parent knows (my parents still haven't forgiven me for being a goalie) hockey gear can get pricey when you are outfitting a family!

THE FIRST ANNUAL CCM SKILLS CAMP INVADES SURREY, BRITISH COLUMBIA’S SURREY SPORT & LEISURE CENTRE TO SHOWCASE THE BEST OF NORTH AMERICA’S YOUTH HOCKEY TALENT

On Saturday, July 28^th, the first annual CCM Skills Camp will be making its fourth of eight stops at Surrey, British Columbia’s Surrey Sport & Leisure Centre to display the best of the best in youth pee-wee hockey. The CCM Skills Camp is set to make stops around the United States and Canada in cities including Calgary, Boston, New York and Montreal and has already completed its first three camp stops in Toronto, Minneapolis, and Detroit.

In each city, 125 of the regions best and brightest in pee-wee hockey who were hand selected will participate in this professional-caliber, on-ice and off-ice hockey experience, all compliments of Reebok CCM Hockey. Top trainers and coaches from the Nadaeu/Leblanc Hockey School will be helping the youngsters hone their on-ice and off-ice skills and Reebok CCM Hockey will provide each player with a full set of Reebok CCM’s best new gear.

Who:      125 elite youth hockey players from both Canada and the US and CCM’s best hockey coaches and trainers, including; Alain Nadeau former Youth Development Trainer from the Montreal Canadiens and Founder of the Nadeau/Leblanc Hockey School, Joey Deliva, Head On-Ice Instructor at the Nadeau/Leblanc Hockey School, Patrick Laurin, On-Ice Instructor at the Nadeau/Leblanc Hockey School, Scott Bailey, Head Strength and Condition Trainer at the Nadeau/Leblanc Hockey School , Marijn Den Dulk, current Assistant Captain of the Amsterdam Capitols and Lead Instructor at the Nadeau/Leblanc Hockey School, and Yves Éthier, Nutrition, psychology and lifestyle consultant who has worked as a trainer for the Canadian short track speed skating team, a consultant for the Toronto Maple Leafs, and a consultant with the Cataractes de Shawinigan junior team for the 2012 Memorial Cup

What:     CCM Skills Camp

Where:  Surrey Sport & Leisure Centre

                16555 Fraser Highway

Surrey, BC, V4N 0E9

(604) 760-5030

When:    Saturday, July 28^th – Sunday, July 29^th

Time: 8am – 3pm 

Don't forget I will be out with the 93.3 The Peak crew tomorrow at the Tseshaht Market's Customer Appreciation Day! We will be there from 11am to 3pm...some of the details, if you missed them yesterday...they will have the famous salmon BBQ, a fashion show, entertainment for the whole family, as well as an inflatable slide and the Zorb ball. Daisy the Island Farms Cow will also be on-site!



That's it for now!


Hammer

FOOTBALL?! Hockey news, Outdoor Movie tonight, THE PEAK at DQ today, Tseshaht Market Saturday

Another glorious day in the Valley today! Here we go....

The V.I. Raiders 5 day main camp comes to Port Alberni today. Get down to Bob Dailey Stadium to check out all the action as the players trying their best to make the squad.

Read more from the Nanaimo News Bulletin by clicking HERE

Congrats to AVMHA product Eddie Dyson, who recently signed with the Surrey Eagles. Dyson was with the NAHL's Dawson Creek Rage who ceased operations at the end of last season. I actually have a stick of Eddie's on my Manroom wall from when I threw the pads on a couple years back and needed to borrow a right handed stick. Yes, Eddie has always had a place in my heart since Bulldogs Main or Spring Camp a couple years back when he was on my team. Goalies are a rare enough breed, southpaw goalies are even more rare! Too bad Eddie couldn't get a chance to wear the Bulldog colours...I mentioned his name a time or two over the last 2 or 3 years. The Bulldogs have a busy crease at the moment with three goalies in Matt Larose, Jay Deo and Brad Rebagliati...three is definitely a crowd, four is nuts! Best of luck to Eddie, just not against the Dogs!

More from Scott McKenzie in the AV Times here -

Click the image to enlarge - this one sounds fun, and it sounds like an incredible night for it tonight!

Don't forget it's DQ Miracle Treat Day today! Purchase any sized Blizzard and DQ will donate $1.00 or more to the Children's Miracle Network! 93.3 The Peak FM Cruiser guy Brendan will be there, possibly giving away some FREE STUFF!

I will be LIVE ON LOCATION for 93.3 The Peak FM at the Tseshaht Market from 11am to 3pm for their "Customer Appreciation Day" so please try to make a trip out or make it a point to stop on your way to or from the lake or the coast to say hello! Some details...they will have the famous salmon BBQ, a fashion show, entertainment for the whole family, as well as an inflatable slide and the Zorb ball. Daisy the Island Farms Cow will also be on-site!


That's it for now! Maybe something later, maybe a pic or two from the Alberni Golf Club's Men's Night tonight - get signed up if you haven't already by calling 250-723-5422


Hammer