Holidays OVER, Dogs move a goalie, aquire a goalie, and 2006-2007 camp is UNDERWAY!

Hello and thanks for stopping by the blog. Got back Sunday from 17 days of holidays to my hometown Flin Flon, then off to Brandon and Sandy Hook, Manitoba. Was a great time. 2 weddings, 1 funeral, some golf, fishing, swimming, and beach relaxing. Was great to get back to the rink Monday though. Over my holidays the Bulldogs made a trade, moving Jim Patterson to the AJHL, aquiring 1987 forward Brad Harding and future consideratons in the process. Just want to take a moment to wish Jim all the best with the Eagles. Petey is a great team guy and a true character. Monday night the Bulldogs announced they had aquired a goalie, 1986 born Ryan Lafferty who played last year with the Wellington Dukes and Pembroke Lumber Kings. Welcome to the team Brad and Ryan, and best of luck. Read the releases from the Dogs website by clicking the links below.

Jim Patterson/Brad Harding release

Ryan Lafferty release

The big "Black and White" 93.3 The Peak vs Alberni Valley Times intersquad media challenge game goes tomorrow night at 7:00 (Wed August 23rd) I'm looking to improve my coaching record to 3 and 1. After losing the inagural media game in 2003-2004 the radio station has won the last two contests to retain the trophy. Here's hoping it's at the station for another year. Should be a good game. It's also for a good cause- entry is a non perishable food item to the bread of life. I encourage you to get out to the game to show the new dogs what they can expect out of a crowd. Don't forget to cheer for team 93.3 The Peak FM. I'm on the hunt for a ringer assistant coach as I've lost the Ace. Rick Methot of the Alberni Valley Times has recruited Bruce MacDonald as his assistant.

I've had people tell me I write to much on here. OK, I'm DONE. Just two more quick things. The Dogs open their exhibition schedule Saturday night as they host the Nanaimo Clippers at 7pm. Next Wednesday the 30th the Dogs host the Cowichan Valley Capitals, before heading on the road.

And last but not least- A reposting of my 2005-2006 Bulldogs Highlight Reel video. Reposting it for any new Bulldogs fans that may find the blog, for any new players, and for any old fans, who forget how nuts the Dawg Pound gets and how good the hockey is in the BCHL.

Thanks for stopping by the blog!
Hammer

2003-2004 and 2005-2006 "never heard before" highlights, Bulldogs announce trainer, signings, and a trade.

Hope summer is going well for all of you. Busy and boring at the same time for me. We are heading back to Manitoba for some holidays this week, so updates will be scarce for a while. First time home in a couple years for Sarah and myself, so it's certainly deserved.

Speaking of Manitoba, it's where the Dogs have found there new trainer. Avi Walker joins the team coming from the University of Manitoba Bisons. Read the release from the Bulldogs website here.

The Bulldogs also announced the signings of Scott McNicol and Cody Lockwood.

Welcome to the team Avi, Scott, and Cody.

Also, the Bulldogs announced that they have traded Brad Reaney to the Fort McMurray Oil Barons of the Alberta Junior Hockey League for future considerations. Read the release HERE. Personally, I'd like to wish Brad all the best in Fort Mac. Brad was a great guy and great teammate. Never short of character.

Alright, now off to the highlights. Time for the last highlights I think I have of 2003-2004. Still remember the game like it was yesterday. I had no voice left, and of course it's those games that end up going to double overtime.

Game 1, 2003-2004 playoffs Bulldogs vs Capitals. I already podcasted part 1, but in case you missed it here it is

PART 1

And, the exiting conclusion in double overtime PART 2

Now, onto some "forgotten" highlights podcasted from this past season. It's from game two of the Bulldogs vs Salsa Island Final series. The Bulldogs would end up winning the game 13-2.

It would be the last game they would win. At the time, no one would've ever believed that would be the case. I'm not going to get into any second guesses as to how or why the season ended. I've done that enough and I'm sure fans and players have done that too. I'd rather enjoy thinking back to the great moments. And was this game ever full of them. When it comes down to the Multiplex and how crazy it is, it seems to be even crazier when the Dogs score in bunches. Last season off the top of my head I can remember several instances of two goals in a matter of moments, and three goals in 5 minutes. Williams Lake, for those that don't remember it. Look back to past blog posts to hear the podcast of that crazy game. This game though, was even more crazy. 4 goals. One after another, after another, after another, after another. And the crowd got crazier and crazier and crazier, and so did I. Included is Tyler Ruels first ever hattrick goal, in his 200th career game. Take a listen, and remember the good times in the Dog Pound. Hope you enjoy.

CLICK TO LISTEN Dogpound=BONKERS!

I will have another poll up soon, and anything else I can think of. Keep posting and emailing and reading and checking the blog!

PS- Don't forget to CLICK The ads at the top!

Hammer

New Coach, Poll results, More 2003-2004 Highlights Podcasted

Hello, thanks for stopping by the blog. Anyone else sick of the heatwave? wowzers. Spent the entire weekend by the pool trying to beat the heat. Thanks Judy and Gary! Hows that for a picture? Historic, for the Bulldogs at least. It may be the only picture of this moment that exists. The on ice celebration of the last win of the winning streak, an incredible 2o in a row. A third of the season. The streak ended the next night in Merritt. Seems like long ago, but I still remember it. 3-2 was the final score if I remember correctly. Jordan Kremyr snuck past the Viper centreman off an offensive zone face off in double overtime, and beat the Viper keeper unassisted for the game winner. I grabbed the camera while doing the play-by-play and just had to take a picture.

Thursday was a big day for the Dogs as they announced their new coach, Dave Whistle. Great name for a coach. The Dogs also announced that Rick Schvienk will return for a third year as assistant coach. In my opinion, Rick will be vital this year in passing along what he's learned over the last two seasons with Jim along to Dave. Not only that, I'm sure Rick will play a big part in helping Dave get accustomed to the Dogs organization, their roster, and the BCHL.

Click HERE to read the Dave Whistle press release from the Dogs website.

Now to the poll. I asked this question-Which 05-06 Bulldogs player are you going to miss watching most? You can click HERE to read the results.

Now onto the more "blasts from the past" I dug up. Below is a link of game highlights from game 1 of the 2003-2004 playoffs. I remember the game like it was yesterday. It was my first Bulldogs playoff game broadcast. Game 1 was in Duncan against the Caps. The Capitals finished first on the Island after being out the Clippers on the last game of the regular season. If you remember the last 2003-2004 highlights I podcasted, the Bulldogs beat out the Victoria Salsa for 4th on the Island on the last game of the regular season with a victory at Bear Mountain Arena. The Bulldogs vs Capitals matchup didn't look like a good one for the Dogs. The Capitals handily won the season series, and the Bulldogs hadn't won a single game in Duncan all year. I remember doing the broadcast with barely any voice left. I had a wicked cold and cough and sure didn't sound good. But I pulled through, haha. Enough of the typing, lets get to the action.

Dogs vs Caps PART 1 click HERE


Thats it for now. Thanks for stopping by the blog, good luck in trying to beat the heat. Hope you enjoyed the highlights. I'll work on a new poll regarding the best comeback of the year that I will put up soon. Any suggestions, post a reply or send an email.

Cheers,
Hammer.

Repost: Comeback of the year, nominee #1. UPDATED WITH BULLDOGS ROSTER FOR PICTURE

Hello and thanks for stopping by the blog. I'm going to take down the current poll soon. If you haven't voted, do it in a hurry!

The next poll will be asking "What was the best comeback this season?"

I'm asking you to think back and suggest your own. I'll see which highlights I can find. This one is still one of my favorites. The Dogs were down 4-0 in the first period, and called timeout to right the ship. If there was ever a time for the crowd to sour on the Dogs or quit on them, this might've been it. Instead, they rose to their feet and gave a standing ovation. Most of you remember what happened next. Take a listen if you don't. FANS. What a huge advantage, and in my opinion, they played a big part in this comeback.

Dogs vs Wolves- Part 1 click to listen

And part 2, click to listen the comeback completed.

Email me with your comebacks, or post a reply with a suggestion. Thanks for stopping by the blog!
Hammer

Well, an update on this posting. I've had numerous people emailing me asking about the Dogs and Clippers roster that night. My thanks to Dan and Brandon for getting in touch with a program insert from the first home game in Dogs history. Here's the roster Brandon emailed. Now I just need numbers. I'll see what I can do on that front. Thanks again Brandon and Dan.

Andrew Braithwaite
Nick Simon
Steve Jordan
Cory Graboski
Brandon James
Ram Sidhu
Pat Ray
Chris Chandler
Dustin Hughes
Jordan Coutepatte
Jay Birnie
Chris Ray
Devin Timberlake
Colin Guiguet
Dave Morabito
Aaron Brocklehurst
Jason Kowalski
Nick Coauette
Jerome Marceau
Brent Gardipy
Les Reany

Coaches: Rick Hillier, Kelly Brossoit
Athletic trainer: Shauna Mclean
trainer: Rick Smith
Asst equip manager: Jamie Amos

Back to Hockey! 2003-2004 Highlights-part II, New Bulldogs website, Ace moves on.

Hello and thanks for stopping by the blog!

First off today- the second installment of the 2003-2004 Bulldogs "blasts from the past". The podcast today is the part 2 of the game highlights I originally posted. I'll post both parts again, incase anyone missed the first one. As I said before, as a broadcaster a couple of hundred games later, I can hear the progress made. The work has been worth it!

Part 1

Part 2

I have ONE more collection of 2003-2004 highlights that I will podcast in the near future. Playoff memories!

The Bulldogs new website went live this week. I must say- what a good job! Looks great, nice pictures, nice layout. It's still under development for now but it's miles ahead of before. See it for yourself by clicking this link

www.albernivalleybulldogs.ca

If you haven't heard yet, Ace has made the decision to not return to Bulldogs broadcasts next year. At the end of the season last year people were posting on the blog asking me "what is up with Ace next year?" I said I wasn't sure at the time, and I honestly wasn't. Sitting on Ace's dock at Sproat Lake enjoying the sun and a swim recently, Ace told me that he'll be taking over as Head Coach of the Alberni Valley Midget Rep Team next season. It's too bad that I won't be able to work with him again, but Ace has made this choice and if it's what he wants to do I'm all for it! It was a pleasure to work with him for 200 or so games, and I know the listeners enjoyed it as I did. He is a walking hockey encyclopedia and has great eyes for the game and great vision for what's happening out there. He did more work than anyone will know in regards to statistical information for the broadcasts, hours and hours of compiling. The trivia questions too. We didn't always agree, but we weren't paid to agree all the time. Most of the time we did though. "great minds think alike" I would say. Or "fools seldom disagree" haha. I don't think the listeners would've enjoyed us agreeing with each other 100% of the time anyway. We were both always honest and genuine. I'll miss him up in the booth but you never know maybe I'll need an intermission guest a time or two. Want to finish todays post by thanking Ace for all his help and contributions to the broadcasts, making them as good as they were. I know he will be proud of the quality of broadcast we provided. Also thanks to Ace for the friendship and the good times on the road. He knows he won't be getting rid of me that easy, not until he puts up a fence around his dock at least!

Take care and thanks for stopping by the blog!

Hammer

Martin Mars Waterbomber Videos.

This blog now contains 99.9% HOCKEY content. Going to shake it up a bit today to post some videos of these giant birds. I've searched high and low on the internet and have seen every picture and video. Check out the Flying Tankers Inc. official website for info on the company, the planes, and of course- pictures and videos.

Flying Tankers

Besides the videos they have on their site, I was surprised to find that an internet search yeilded only ONE other video of the Mars Waterbombers. And it wasn't a video of them IN THE AIR. So I decided to take some of my own mostly for my own enjoyment, but also for the purpose of sharing the beauty of these great birds with anyone else that loves them. It's funny when they fly over Port Alberni how up and down the street one can see people of all walks of life and all ages bounding out of the house to see them fly over. They never get old, and the thrill of seeing them airborne doesn't either. At least to me, I can't speak for the rest of you. There's few sounds as beautiful as that unmistakeable drone of the four big engines as the Mars lumber home to base or head out for a firefight. For me, maybe only the sound of the Mulitplex Horn sounds as sweet. Without further delay, here's 3 videos I took off my front deck of the big birds doing some training, I believe. Just hit the > PLAY button and they should start automatically. Thanks for stopping by and ENJOY. Tomorrow, it's back to HOCKEY talk as I'll be posting the second podcast in my series of 2003-2004 Bulldog Highlights! Questions, comments, complaints, yaddah, yaddah- EMAIL me or post a comment.

Hammer.

Flyby # 1



Flyby # 2



Overhead, my personal fave. From my back deck to the front, on the full run.

Many new things- POLLS, ADS, 2003-2004 Highlights PART 1.

Hello and thanks for stopping by. I really have to get a new first line don't I? Oh well, one thing at a time. Did alot to the blog today. Added a poll, to start. Under the LINKS, click on CLICK HERE

Or click on that link I just left ya. In the future, click on CLICK HERE though. I hope I didn't forget anyone in the first poll. I was spending more of my energy getting it on the blog period. That was quite the struggle. I also added a "google search" bar as well. Do me a favour- If you use google to search, or even if you don't, you should think about it. If you do indeed use google to search, try going to the blog first and using that one. I customized it, so you get a Bulldogs logo every time you search, as a little present. Also, do me a BIG favour. I have added google ads to the blog. If you see an ad that might interest you, please click on it. Even if something doesn't interest you, click on it, if you have a free moment. I might make myself a couple of bucks for a pop or two, and the thought that I would GET SOMETHING for doing this (besides your time, and I thank you for it!) would be great!

If you have an idea for a poll, email me

Don't hesitate to email as well with any other ideas, suggestions, complaints, PICTURES, or anything else. Love to hear from you.

Now, a DISCLAIMER- What you are about to hear isn't the best of broadcasting. I hope to you it doesn't sound too bad. To me, it sounds awful. There's no better way for a broadcaster to tell if he's going in the right direction than to pull out some material from several years ago and compare it with current stuff. The audio you are about to hear is from a couple seasons ago. When I compare it to the 2005-2006 Bullogs Highlight Video, I'm proud of the improvements I've made. A long way to go for sure though.

I give you PART 1, from the AV1240AM "The Source" Bulldogs broadcast, myself and "The Ace" Alf Thompson calling game 60 of the 2003-2004 Alberni Valley Bulldogs season.

Click HERE to listen, to a blast podcast from the past.

Be sure to check back tomorrow or the next couple days, I'll get PART 2 of this game, and another 2003-2004 THRILLER podcasted here for your enjoyment.

Thanks for stopping by!
Hammer

Anyone still reading this?

Greetings everyone, or is it anyone? As of last night the NHL season is done, and the hockey season is officially over. Here's my question- Is anyone still checking out the blog, and if so, would anyone be interested in me podcasting some Bulldogs Broadcast moments from the 2003-2004 season? I may have found some. It will take some effort to get them on here, but if there's a demand or a request, I'll do it! Let me know!

Hammer

VIDEO redux, Hockeyville done.

Thanks for stopping by the blog. The Alberni Valley Hockeyville bid was stopped Friday after making the top 10. Smithers BC was chosen over the Alberni Valley bid to make it into the top 5. Congrats to the community, committee, and anyone and everyone in between for the efforts and accomplishments. Too bad we couldn't win it, but top 10 in Canada is nothing to be upset about.

I've linked the highlight reel video differently. Now it's right on the blog, and doesn't have to be opened in a new window! Cool! If you haven't seen it yet, it's a MUST for Dogs fans.

Jim Hiller Interview, Tom McEvay Hockeyville Interview, from Hamilton

Hello and thanks for stopping by the blog. First off for todays posting/podcasting is an interview from my morning show yesterday on 93.3 The Peak FM with former Alberni Valley Bulldogs coach Jim Hiller, now the bench boss for the expansion Chilliwack Bruins of the Western Hockey League. It's a long interview, so it's in 2 parts. Click the below links to listen.

Jim Hiller interview, part 1
Jim Hiller interview, part 2

Port Alberni mayor Ken McRae presents Prime Minister Harper with a "Alberni Valley Hockeyville" jersey

Also on the morning show yesterday, (Wed, June 7th) I got a call from Tom McEvay of the Hockeyville Committee, in Hamilton. I threw Tom on the air for an update on the happenings from the "front lines" as I called it, for everyone here at the "homefront" Also had an interesting chat with Wade Parker, who did a little campaigning on behalf of the Salmon River, Nova Scotia hockeyville quest. At the end of the interview, I demonstrate to listeners how easy it is to vote. FRIDAY is the next big day so get ready to watch and VOTE VOTE VOTE.

Hockeyville interview, part1
Hockeyville interview, part2

Thanks for stopping by the blog and I hope you enjoyed the listen. Don't miss out on all the "repodcasts" I've posted below!

Hammer

More AUDIO re-podcasted, Jim Hiller interview on the way.

A quick hello tonight, and a quick post. Continuing what I started yesterday, reposting the audio from the season gone by for you to listen to again to remember.

Here we go.

Dogs Vs Cents. End of a streak of a different kind. BEAUTY from Timberlake.

Another highlight reel- WilliamsLake/Nanaimo

Dogs vs Caps

Interview with "The Canpar Guy" Bruce Sly. Great hockeyfan and hockeyman, even though he's from NANAIMO, haha. He's a Clipper fan and an off ice BCHL official running the clock at the Frank Crane. We love Bruce, and he's a well liked guy in the Valley. Recently wrote a letter of support to the Alberni Valley Hockeyville committee. Class act and a great guy, this night he filled in when my intermission interview didn't make it to the booth.

Dogs Caps Game 1

Dogs Caps Game 2 AKA the Aaron Schepers SHOW

Dogs Caps Game 3

Game 4

Round 1 Highlight Reel







That's all I have on my computer. Round 2 came and the time available went away, then the season ended. I hope to get the Jim Hiller interview from Wednesday on here soon.

Thanks for dropping bye, spread the word that the blog is updated!
Hammer

How to vote for Hockeyville, Jim Hiller on 93.3 The Peak tomorrow, Bulldogs signings, Herman to College, GREATEST BLOG POSTCAST HITS.

WHEW, what a title!

First off, here's how to vote for hockeyville. You have until 8:59pm PACIFIC Wednesday, June 7th to get your votes in. Here's the updated info.

Voting for Hockeyville commences at 5:00 pm (PST) Tuesday June 6.Here is how to Vote
Alberni Valley as Hockeyville
You can vote using all three of the following methods:

By Touch Tone phone: by dialing 1-888-459-2006

By Cell phone: by dialing1-888-459-2006

Alberni Valley is in the Pacific Region.Confirm your vote before you disconnect.You may use each method five times to vote for the Alberni Valley.You will need to connect separately for each vote.PLEASE maximize your Vote.Voting commences at 5:00 pm (PST) Tuesday June 6, 2006 and will remain open until Wednesday June 7, 2006 at 8:59 pm (PST).Please ensure that you vote, your family votes and that your friends vote for the Alberni Valley too.




Former Bulldog coach Jim Hiller, new coach of the expansion Chilliwack Bruins of the Western Hockey League, will be joining me on my morning show at 8:10am tomorrow (WED JUNE 7th) to talk Bulldogs, Bruins no doubt, the Alberni Valley, and I'm sure hockey in general. It could be the last interview we get so I suggest you tune in. For those not in the Valley, or for those that miss it, maybe I'll podcast it if you ask nice.

Bulldogs signings, Brad Herman to the NCAA.

Well, it's a fact of life of hockey at this level. Players move on, but players move in. Just like coaches, trainers, staff, etc.

Click this link to read the Brad Herman story from the Alberni Valley Bulldogs website.

Click HERE

Click this link to read the Bulldogs announcement regarding the signing of Dustyn Clegg and Torry Lindsay. Good to know that we'll be increasing our listenership in Manitoba next season to more than my friends and family.

Click HERE

GREATEST HITS!

After getting some feedback from the highlight reel video by talking to players and fans, I just started to miss the games more already. I also realized how many great moments didn't get into the video. Whether it was time contraints, video unavailability or quality, I talked to 3 players and 5 fans and they all told me how much they loved the video, but "why wasn't that one on there, and this one" etc etc. I really wish I could do more. Like I previously said, I don't have the resources to keep making them. HOWEVER, I still have ALL of the podcasts I put on this blog from the day I started it.


So, if you are missing Bulldogs hockey, or the broadcasts, make sure you have a free hour and a computer with sound and sit back and enjoy (I hope) much of the audio I've previously posted from what was a great and memorable season for the Bulldogs. Try to figure out what game these are from, and please leave your comments as to what are your favorites.

the COUNT, for the first time?

early highlight reel

the THUMP. Listen close for the puck on the back bar.

Bert Watkins, AKA "WATTY" by request

Watty INTERVIEW by request

vs The 2006 Royal Bank Cup champion Burnaby Express

In "the puddle" and double OT.

Comeback of the season? This game might have my vote. This was talked about just a couple of days ago with me and a couple Bulldogs players. It was nuts on the back to back goals off the face off, and when Joe Scali scored the second goal, it seemed the rink RUMBLED more than usual. You can even hear it on the highlights, you could feel it in there, becuase I mentionted it. At that point of Joes goal, it was almost like every fan in the rink KNEW that the team was going to come back.

PART 1

PART 2

The streak continues.

Sudden victory.

Sudden victory again, the streak continues. In my eyes, the most emotional game of the streak. Credit to the opponents as much as the Dogs for that. Can't say anything that anyone doesn't know about the Clippers/Dogs rivalry. HERE to LISTEN

Over the Silverbacks, the team that stopped the first streak at 8, if I'm not mistaken. A tear in my eye, for THE LAST COUNT of the streak.

Finally, the last win of the streak. 20 in a row. A third of the season. NOT a pretty win, an ugly, all heart road comeback. But a win is a win they say. About the comebacks- this team NEVER quit. I know we all hear that alot in sports, and I'm sure it's true alot in sports. But if there's anything that really stood out about this team, it's that they never quit, never got their heads down, no matter what the deficit. Just put the work boots on and start over and stop digging that hole. It was a pleasure to watch.

Speaking of great things to watch, this OT was a heartstopper. Maybe the craziest of the season. The final win, 20 in a row. No count as it was on the road. Although I talked to alot of people back home who were tuned in who said they counted at home.

END TO END.

I have more highlights to go, and I will post them in the days to come. I'm sure thats enough reading and listening for now. Again please SPREAD THE WORD about Hockeyville, and about this blog. Post your comments, and email me your submissions/complaints, etc.

Thanks for stopping by,
Hammer.

Oiler fans- Best fans in the league, loudest barn in the league!

Amazing performance I missed by the Edmonton fans Tuesday night. Thank goodness for the internet!

Also, the Oilers intro to ice level earlier in the playoffs. Click PLAY on the videos to watch.

Hammer

Sitting at LAX

Man, technology is something else isn't it? Sitting at a Kiosk at Los Angeles International writing this. 3 mins to go, better hurry. Just found out that there is no 1045 boat back to Duke Point. OUCH. Will be home 2 or 3 am, will be a fun morning show, what a way to start working again after a vacation. How about them OIL, WOW.

Just a quick note to let you know that Disney Land didn't kill me, it was fun, and THE MOUSE left me enough money to get home. dan the stats man you may be right, OIL should make me their good luck charm.

Take care all, kiosk time up,
Hammer

Hello from Arrowhead Pond!

NO KIDDING!

The stars sure aligned for this one. My dear Sarah won a trip to Disney Land, back in around September. We had to choose when to go, and the only sure date we could come up with that was suitable for them was right after the Royal Bank Cup, when it was known FOR SURE that I wouldn't be tied up doing play by play. Now the Royal Bank Cup sure didn't happen for the Bulldogs, we all know that. Don't want to think about what might have been again......

Anyway, as I said the stars aligned for this one. The Oilers beat out the Wings. The Ducks beat out the Flames. I did some math, and thought, WOW, the West Final might be happening in Anaheim if we are really lucky.

I applied for media accreditation on a whim, not thinking there was a chance I could get in.

Well, here we are, 6:25 on the clock ticking down to game one, and here I am.

Off to watch the game. If I'm allowed, I'll take some in rink pics and post them.

GO OIL

Even though I can't say that up in the pressbox.

Hammer

Ladies and Gents, Boys, Girls, and Dog fans of all shapes and sizes......

The BIG STUFF is here.

I give YOU

The 05/06 Alberni Valley Bulldogs Highlight Reel.

Did I mention it's a VIDEO reel?

I believe it to be the first of it's kind when it comes to the Alberni Valley Bulldogs.

Let me state some things about the video first, before I post a link.

I did not make this video for profit of any kind.

I made video for the purposes that are stated at it's start.

The video was made to showcase my skills as a broadcaster, and to document some of the Dogs moments of the past season.

It was alot of work to get this done. It was alot of tough moments picking which highlights to use. Radio, and video wise. Some great highlights from other moments throughout the season and playoffs weren't available whether it was video wise or I didn't think the play by play was the best I could select.

Of course I finally get this done and ready to go onto the net today, and I tell a Bulldog player about it. Now he wants some of his highlights made into a reel. Not sure I could do that, but you never know.

I don't expect fans and players of any other BCHL teams to enjoy this video much. When it's one teams "best moments" and you are an opponent of that one team, you aren't going to like the memories.

I am a passionate broadcaster no doubt, but I'm sure that fans and players and the like from other teams would enjoy a video of their teams moments as much as Dogs fans will enjoy this.

PLEASE spread the word. Send it to your inlaws, outlaws, friends and family. I worked hard on it for the reasons stated and I'd love for as many people as possible to see it, for the fans, for the players, for the team, and for Port Alberni.

Tah Dah!

Hammer's 2005-2006 Alberni Valley Bulldogs Highlight Reel

Congrats to the Burnaby Express, and BIG STUFF on the way!

Congrats go out to the Burnaby Express and former Bulldog Jeff Orban for winning the Royal Bank Cup Sunday in impressive fashion, 8-2 over the Yorkton Terriers.

A special congrats to Express Play-by-Play voice Eddie Gregory. Eddie is a young hard working guy, who always had time for any interviews requested of him by me this season. Being through a RBC, I know the ups, downs, and everything else that yes, even a broadcaster, goes through. Congrats to Eddie.

I have to run for now, but if you are a Bulldog fan you MUST check the blog in the next couple of days. I've been working hard over the last little while on something, and it's finally done!

Stay tuned, and thanks for stopping by.
Hammer

Dogs prospect camp on the ice+ the "Quest for Hockeyville" heats up

Hello and thanks for stopping by the blog. Haven't been posting much because it's hammers "Bulldog" blog and there wasn't much Dogs news for a while. There is now though. Went down to the rink a bit today to check out some of the prospects camp. Head down to the Multiplex this weekend to see some action. More information can be found on the Bulldogs website, link on the right.

Great to see some hockey and to see some of those people that I only seem to see at the rink. Easy that way to see what that facility does to the city, and how hockey is all involved.

Out of 400 plus entries from across the country, the AV Hockeyville bid is still in the running with the number down to 25 bids still vying country wide in all varying types of communities large and small.

Hockeyville Happenenings- Take a look at this "handout" I received via email. Thanks Tom. Other than that, thanks for stopping by and hope to see you all around.

Hammer.
GO OIL GO.

The 2006 Alberni Valley Hockeyville Quest

Get Involved and Show Your Community Spirit!

Check out our Website at http://www.hockeyville.org/ or call 720-2803

Sunday May 7^th:

• The Alberni Valley Hockeyville Committee will have a tent set up in front of the Multiplex with information, jersey’s and tshirts sales, and the Kiwanis food bus from noon to 8 pm. We will be preparing for a 6 pm visit from a CBC film crew. Home Depot will be sending us $2500 worth of materials for us to build the “Spirit of Hockeyville” trophy case that day. We have volunteers from the North Island College Cabinetry class and others helping us build this on site. The trophy case will honour the qualities of fairness and sportsmanship which we all should strive to achieve on and off of the ice. The 2006 recipient will be honoured Sunday evening at 8 pm at the Multiplex. The Harbour City Big Band will be providing musical entertainment.

Tuesday May 9^th:

• We are hosting the Alberni Valley’s Hockeyville Celebration in the ADSS Auditorium at 7 pm. Celebrate our quest to become Hockeyville Canada. Wear a jersey, paint your face, make a banner and bring your family, relatives, neighbours or your whole team. Get all the details of our application, watch the recent video that was submitted to help us reach the Top 25 and hear some of the inspiring stories. Participate in our Hockeyville Idol. Come on stage and tell us “Why Port Alberni is Hockeyville Canada.” Tell us individually, in a group, by song or verse or in your own unique way. One or more people will be selected to be filmed to be a part of our next 1 minute video to be aired on national TV on June 6^th.

Friday May 12^th:

• The first of Hockeyville Friday’s in the Alberni Valley. We challenge everyone to wear something connected to hockey every Friday up until Hockeyville Canada concludes on June 11. Alberni Valley Hockeyville Jerseys and Tshirts can be ordered from JAL Designs. We encourage businesses, schools and other organizations to get involved. Decorate your homes, offices, stores and classrooms. Submit stories and pictures to Russell_Dyson@city-port-alberni.bc.ca for inclusion on our website.

Throughout May:

• Throughout the month of May we encourage schools and other organizations to hold Hockeyville events. These could be on Hockeyville Fridays or on other more convenient days. Submit your plan to Tom McEvay at tmcevay@sd70.bc.ca by May 12^th and the Alberni Valley Hockeyville Committee will select one or two to be filmed by local TV. You may be able towin prizes for your school. Also submit your letters from students and anyone answering “Why is the Alberni Valley Hockeyville?” or “You know you live in Hockeyville when…..” to Rick Methot at the AV Times rmethot@avtimes.net for inclusion in a daily Hockeyville column.

Friday May 26^th:

• We submit our 1 minute Testimonial video to CBC and Kraft Hockeyville as part of the next requirement in the competition. Remember you could be a part of this video if you are selected from our Hockeyville Idol auditions on May 9^th.

Monday June 5^th:

• Ron Paulson and Tom McEvay will be flown to Hamilton Ontario by CBC to be the official Alberni Valley representatives for the next steps in the Hockeyville Canada competition. Other members of the Alberni Valley Hockeyville committee are planning to make the trip as well and we invite anyone else who wants to join us to come along and be part of a strong Alberni Valley presence. Cash in those airmiles and be part of a great road trip.

Tuesday June 6^th:

• The fifth episode of Hockeyville Canada will be aired live on CBC channel 3 at 7 pm. McEvay and Paulson will present our 1 minute video along with the other top 25 communities. The judges will select 1 community from each of the 5 regions to move on to the top 10. The viewing public have until 11:59 pm on June 7^th to select 1 community from each region as well. In the last round the Alberni Valley was selected by the judges and was not on the list for viewers to vote on. We need to be prepared to get out the vote if needed this round. Make sure everyone you know is ready to phone or email their vote in before the deadline.

Friday June 9^th:

The sixth episode of Hockeyville Canada will be aired at 7 pm on CBC. This episode will announce the remaining 10 communities. This episode will then feature representatives from each of these 10 communities in a Hot Stove discussion where the judges grill the contestants on why their communities should be Hockeyville Canada 2006. If we make it to the final 10 McEvay and Paulson will be our representatives for this session that will then see the judges reduce the group to the final 5 communities. Each of the top 5 communities will receive $10,000 worth of hockey equipment for disadvantaged youth from CCM/Reebok.

Sunday June 11^th:

• The seventh and final episode of Hockeyville Canada will be aired live at 7 pm on CBC. At the end of this episode they will announce the Grand Prize winner of the $50,000 gift certificate from Home Depot for their arena upgrades and the right to host an NHL exhibition game next fall.

Hockey is a team sport and we need the entire community to be part of our Hockeyville team !! We can’t do this without you so get on board.

No, I'm not hiding, no, I'm not avoiding this!

I'm just BUSY! Really. The loss Saturday and the end of the season was as tough for me as the fans/players/staff et all. Maybe it was tougher. It's over, it was over Saturday, and the sun came up Sunday morning. Really too bad. Any Dog fan or follower would say that. Anyone else would say "too bad?, too bad it didn't happen sooner" maybe. Who knows.

No blame on any one person. Win as a team, lose as a team. Blame the forwards, blame the defense, blame goaltending, coaching, special teams, reffing, what have you. I say blame no one. The name of the game is that someone wins and someone loses. If any blame needs to be placed, blame the Victoria Salsa! They played great and got hot at the right time, playoff time. I remember saying going into the series "they beat Nanaimo in 5, and won 2 games in the Frank Crane, they will not be easy and they are obviously doing something right"

I won't be predicting the future for the BCHL playoffs. I've always said that predicting is for Nostradamus and I'm sticking to that. Who would've predicted Nanaimo gone in 5? Who would've predicted the Dogs round 1 series against Cowichan in a sweep? 10-7 in game 1? Triple overtime in game 2 and double overtime in game 3 and a come from behind-4 unanswered goals comeback in game 4? 2-1 Dogs over Salsa in game 1, 13-2 in game 2, then four straight losses/wins however you look at it. All the self proclaimed experts will all say they know exactly why one team lost and another team won, they'll say they predicted it all. An open invitation to you then- come on here and post your name and your reasons for winning and losing and further predictions. Nameless won't be allowed. As you can see from the BCHL message board anyone without a name is the smartest person in the hockey world with all the answers. Make them stand behind those answers and words and they disappear.

Thanks Thanks Thanks for reading the blog, for stopping by the blog, for emailing submissions and posting comments and requests/complaints. I started this not too long ago and had alot of fun with it. Alot of fun, but alot of work for sure. I'll be posting more in the future hopefully, so please come back. Not sure how much more I will post, but I'm not saying this will be the end.

The thing I regret the most about the loss- my dad won't be able to see any Bulldogs hockey this year. He arrived in Port Alberni Monday. A couple days too late. Hey, even I don't predict as I said already. He was asking me when to come out early this year. March, April, Feb? I told him, "you KNOW Cal, you can't count on anything other than the regular season" The way the Dogs played through the regular season and around December or so when he made his decision on when to come out here, some would've thought that coming the last week of March would be a good time, to see some hockey. Turns out it's a good time to golf. Really too bad. As I said, it's the biggest regret on the season as I look back. He loved the Pound, he loved the oppositions rinks, he loves the action of the BCHL and the quality of hockey it offers. Too bad he can't see it this year. Too long of a drive on a work day to Vic and back. It IS good weather for golf, so that's where we're off to again today. My game may be horrible, but it's the first time I've seen him in a year so it's getting out there together that's fun.

Good luck to all BCHL teams still on the road to the RBC and Fred Page and Doyle Cups. I'll post more on the Dogs and the players and fans and everything in the next little while. Thanks again for the support and stopping by.

FORE.

It's not GO DOGS GO, I'm afraid.

Do or Die, Bulldogs Playoffs Gameday, Island Finals Game #6

I'm going to skip talking about yesterday, not because yesterday is yesterday but because I could start talking about that game and I'd still be going but I'd need to be on the bus down to Victoria. Great game, bad finish if you are an Alberni fan. One can only imagine the joy on the other side of the puck. Can't complain much about the game when the teams treat the fans to almost 90 minutes of hockey. Chance after chance one way didn't find the back of the net, chance after chance the other way didn't find the back of the net, until THE goal went in. And that's where we stand.

Simple, simple. Do or die for the Dogs. A win tonight in the Bear Mountain and game 7 goes Monday at the Pound. A Salsa win and they face Burnaby in the Coast final to go to the league championship series and the Dogs season is over. The Dogs hadn't lost at home in the playoffs until last night, just their third home ice loss all year. The Salsa haven't lost at home in the playoffs yet.

When adversity slaps you in the face, you need to jersey it, and give it about 10 uppercuts. I again was thinking about my times in OCN after last night.

Let me tell a story. Coming into the 2001-2002 season, we were three-peat champs. Three straight league titles. But everytime we went on to play Saskatchewan for the right to go to the Royal Bank Cup, we lost. All all of the three championship seasons we were never in a long series to win the MJ. At the most, maybe ONE six game series in any series from start to finish of the playoffs over those three years. Fast forward to the end of the 2001-2002 season. Second round of the playoffs, for the division title, we got caught in a battle, not unlike the Dogs vs Salsa battle now. Long story short we battled back and went to the first ever game 7 in team history, and the first game 7 in our rinks history. We came out and were tougher worked harder and were more desperate and wanted it more, and we won. After that we didn't end up in a long series. A couple of sweeps, including the league finals, winning at home for the first ever time, the 4th straight league championship. One can say that even a sweep isn't easy. You have to play great to beat any team 4 straight. But this isn't about that. After winning the league finals, we went on to face Saskatchewan, the foe never beaten. We split games 1 and 2 there, and returned home for three straight, and won em all to go to the Royal Bank Cup for the first ever time. No one thought the team could ever beat the Sask. Champs, especially in 5 games. Game three was a close double-ot affair, game 4 was a 6-3 win, and game 5 we bombed them 6-0. My point here is that when it came down to it in the end, the difference was that we were FINALLY tested with enough adversity to make the team realize what was needed for victory. No one was thinking about that second round battle and the 7 game series when it came down to the Royal Bank Cup so much later in May. But it was a factor. The team, the fans, cannot worry about thinking of the end. If you are thinking of the END, you aren't thinking of the NOW. IF the Dogs find a way to jersey adversity tonight and live to fight another day, you just never know what could happen. They could lose game 7. They could play for two more months. Today a hockey game has to be played and the winners will live to fight tomorrow, they will not have to think about the END.

Tonights pregame show is on the air on 93.3 The Peak FM at 6:45 with Ace and myself. The puckdrop is at 7:00.

Send an email to the PRESSBOX

Catch the internet broadcast through the BCHL Fanzone

Thanks for stopping by the blog,
GO DOGS GO
Hammer