MORE BIG NEWS....93.3 The Peak FM to provide Radio play-by-play for 2009 World U17 Challenge

Sorry to keep you waiting on more big news!

I have received the go ahead to announce this exciting news from Island Radio General Manager and General Sales Manager Rob Bye, and 2009 World U17 Media Director Stefanie Weber.

image: HockeyCanada.ca

The BIG NEWS is that 93.3 The Peak FM will be broadcasting 6 games from the 2009 World U17 Challenge.

I am excited to be able to work with my friend and colleague and the best in the business, Mr. Dan Marshall. Dan of course is the play-by-play voice of the Nanaimo Clippers on our sister station 106.9 The Wolf FM in Nanaimo.

I call Dan the best in the business, and he calls me the best in the business. I guess that's why we get along so great Danno.

Here's the Broadcast Schedule:

Monday Dec 29, 7pm - Pacific vs. Russia
Tuesday Dec 30, 7pm - Pacific vs. Germany
Thursday Jan 1, 7pm - Pacific vs. Atlantic
Friday Jan 2, 7pm - Pacific vs. Ontario

Sunday Jan 4, TBD - Bronze Medal Game
Sunday Jan 4, TBD - Gold Medal Game

Those astutely looking at the schedule might wonder why there are no games to be found from Semi-Finals Saturday. The reason would be that the Alberni Valley Bulldogs are on the road in Victoria, and the Nanaimo Clippers are on the road in Burnaby.

While Dan and I might pump each others tires, we can't be in two places at once!

I am excited to call some of these great games!

Of course for all your 2009 World U17 information, head to their official website at www.ourgameourfuture.com

Hammer

BIG NEWS...

Sorry to keep you waiting. I have several items I consider big news today.

First off- The Alberni Valley Bulldogs season kicks off ONE MONTH from today!

Friday, September 12th the Dogs will open the season for the FIRST TIME on HOME ICE in FRANCHISE HISTORY when the 2009 RBC Cup Host Victoria Grizzlies come to town.

Is it time to get fired up for hockey yet? Were you never NOT fired up might be a better question!

Hammer

Audio- Phone Call from Tom McEvay and Tom Weegar in Beijing....

I wonder if any other community, any radio station, and any BLOG has something like this going in this country??

Audio courtesy and copyright 93.3 The Peak FM, and The Jim Pattison Broadcast Group.

CLICK HERE TO LISTEN

I promised "big news" but that will have to wait until later. Crazy busy today at work, and now I'm off to do some Charity/Community work!

Hammer

Travis Cross Emails from Beijing, Tom McEvay and Tom Weegar phone from China- 8:10 this morning on the PEAK!

What a small world we live in today! I woke up this morning to see an email from Travis Cross in the inbox.

Things got even better shortly after 6am local time as while in the control room at 93.3 THE PEAK FM I was thrilled to answer our hot line to hear the familiar voice of Tom McEvay all the way from China!

Tom McEvay, Alberni Wrestling Director and VAST Adult Education Centre Principal (a.k.a Tom#1) and Tom Weegar, North Island College Port Alberni Campus Principal (a.k.a Tom #2) are part of the 60 plus strong contingent touring China to see the sights and engage in some international friendly wrestling matches in advance of Travis Cross wrestling. Tom#1 and Tom#2 have agreed to phone me at THE PEAK to give me some updates for everyone here locally as to what the crew is up to over there.

Catch that first update just after the 8:00am NEWS SPORTS AND WEATHER today on THE PEAK.

Don't worry, if you miss it I will update this blog posting after 8 o'clock so you can listen to it here online so be sure to check back!

image: TravisCross.ca

Here's the email update from Travis:

Nine days to competition. I feel very happy with how I feel. I have been lucky in that the jet leg didnt affect me that much.

The opening ceremonies were phenomenal. The best moment was walking into the stadium as our whole team sang O Canada and everyone cheered when they announced Canada. It was a proud moment. When they lit the torch it really sunk in that I was living my dream.

We moved to the Canadian International School in Beijing. It is about 15mins from the Athletes Village. It is a great setup and it is just Canada's wrestling team staying there. It has been a good place to focus on our training without any distraction. I am back in the village right now for a few hours with a few of our training partners Nick 74kg, Lama (coach), and my man Ivan. They were able to come in for the day with a guest pass and check it out.

The group of 64 from Port Alberni arrived in Shanghai a few days ago. I spoke to them and they had a good trip and are all very excited.

I am keeping it low key so I haven't checked out any other events but I have the opportunity to see some if I want.

Thank you for all the messages, I wish everyone all the best.
Travis

That's it for this morning. More BIG NEWS LATER!

Thanks for checking the blog! Please spread the word about it!

Hammer

Community Rallies Around Cross....

"He has a chance because the village that raised a child decided it didn't need to stop caring when the boy became a man with an Olympic dream"

Wow. Does that ever give me goosebumps. I also got the shivers big time on Friday when I was watching the Olympics on CBC and I all of a sudden had a vision of watching Travis Wrestle on CBC, and him winning, and then CBC showing the 60 plus strong contingent from Port Alberni in the crowd going ABSOLUTELY NUTS.

Lets hope that I saw the future!

Now back to the "Community Rallies Around Cross" title of today's post.

It's also the title of a great story from The Alberni Valley Times.
My thanks to Dan "the stats man" Tisserand for sending me the story via email.

If you would like to read the story yourself, CLICK HERE

I KNOW the story of Travis just like the rest of you probably do. I don't know about the rest of you, but it just never gets old reading it and hearing about it.

Port Alberni is incredible. End of story.

Hammer

Port Alberni ready for THUNDER IN THE VALLEY 2008

image: Alberni Valley Drag Race Association

I know Port Alberni is ready because I went up to Chances RimRock Gaming Centre tonight for the Show & Shine and if I had to guess I would say there was at least 1000 people. We were lucky to find a parking space in the Alberni Mall!

Hot Cars as far as the eye can see! This is just a low quality cell-phone video. But it might give you a little idea of the crowd and the cars!



Of course the real action out at the Port Alberni Regional Airport kicks off tomorrow with the gates opening at 8am and the racing beginning at 9. If you are heading out there, I might see you as I'm on-location for THE PEAK from 10am to 2pm.

Some quick do's and don'ts I picked up from Alberni Valley Drag Racing President Bill Surry when he was in for an interview on Thursday morning-

- DO NOT bring your pets. They aren't allowed on the grounds. If you leave them in your vehicles, they will just simply call the SPCA on you. And good on them for that!

- NO alcohol or smoking permitted on the grounds!

- Bring some shade or a hat and sunscreen - Earplugs will be provided. It WILL be LOUD! It's called THUNDER IN THE VALLEY for a reason.

I am excited for tomorrow! There will be plenty of food and souvenir vendors out on the grounds for your pleasure, so bring a couple of bucks for eats and treats and a t-shirt or hat.

For ALL your questions, I suggest checking out the great website the folks at the Alberni Drag Racing Association have put together, BY CLICKING HERE

Some final pics before I end this- My favorite of the Show & Shine might have been the '32 Ford Deuce Coup that was signed by Jay Leno and John Travolta. Cool!
And the only ride I might be qualified to race...
Thanks for checking the blog!
Hammer

2008 Beijing Olympics Opening Ceremonies at 4am! Friday, Carly Haggard on THE PEAK Friday, Vacation Vids

image: www.TravisCross.ca

Isn't it incredible it's here already?

I will be getting up earlier than usual, yes 4am tomorrow as the 2008 Beijing Olympics Opening Ceremonies will be on CBC.

The Olympics are always an exciting and special time. Throw in the fact that a group of 63 supporters and fans from the Alberni Wrestling Group will be on hand to cheer on Port Alberni Wrestler Travis Cross...and it's even MORE exciting. So I'll be up early to hopefully see Travis wave to everyone back here in the Valley.

It's pretty cool to have a guy like Travis there, a guy I feel I know and I guy that I feel proud of supporting from the very beginning.

It's also really cool to get an email like this one that showed up in the inbox today from Travis as he's over there preparing for the chance of a lifetime:

Hi everyone. My trip to Beijing went smooth. It feels real good to be here. It is very well organized.

The food is phenomenal. We have opening ceremonies tonight and I am looking forward to that. I am enjoying every minute.

We have a really good training setup at the Canadian International School. We have a mat, sauna, pool, gym, nice dorms which we will move to tomorrow and stay there for about 8 days.

The athletes village is where we are right now and it is great. It is cool to see all these different athletes from every country and recognizing some from TV.
I hope you get a chance to watch the opening ceremonies. I will be giving you a wave.
Bye from Beijing.
Travis

Thanks for the update Travis. And BRING HOME THE BLING FROM BEIJING BUDDY!!

I am happy to report that THE PEAK is doing all we can to make it possible to get some updates from Tom McEvay and Tom Weegar as they are part of the 63 strong contingent over in China.

Look for further news on that here on the blog, and of course listen to 93.3 THE PEAK for more.

_______________________

A special congrats to local Wrestlers Isiah Taylor and Brianne Charles who took gold at the North American Indigenous Games down in Duncan recently. I received an excited phone call from Coach Preston Charles who was very excited about their accomplishments, as well as those of several other Wrestlers he coached that won gold. Way to go guys and gals!

_______________________

image: PASS homepage

Be sure to catch Port Alberni Native Carly Haggard, as she'll be on the PEAK morning show tomorrow just after 8:10am to speak about the PASS Female Hockey School going in both Victoria and Port Alberni coming up in the next couple of weeks!

This next video is dedicated to EVERY single person that calls me a PRAIRIE guy. I AM NOT from the Prairies. No offense to those that are....but I am from the CANADIAN SHIELD. There is a HUGE difference. Just look at the below video and you will understand.

This video is taken about half a kilometer from my parents house where I grew up. Where the video starts and ends is looking right at their house. The video is taken from the "Scenic Tower" in the Baker's Narrows Provincial Park just outside of Flin Flon, Manitoba.

Show me some prairie as you watch!



And one last one- the famous Whitney Forum in Flin Flon. A classic barn for the ages, with the likes of Bobby Clark and Reggie Leach and many more once calling it home. Still a great rink 50 or so years later.




That's it for now....BED TIME!
Hammer

Back in action!!

After a couple weeks off it's good to be back. I'm busy as can be trying to get caught up.....but I know I can't let the blog sit without an update anymore!

Everything was awesome back in Manitoba for the wedding. Thanks to Sarah for doing such a great job planning everything and for our families as well for all their efforts.

The trip up to Northern Manitoba to do some fishing was great. There's a sizeable chunk of my heart that remains in Flin Flon. I know any Port Albernians have the same feeling about their "hometown" and I hope anyone from anywhere else has the same fond memories of where they grew up.

The return trip through Saskatchewan and Alberta and into BC was great. Manitoba Saskatchewan and Alberta all have their own beauty and great people and places, but in my humble opinion, there's nothing like BC and HOME. Yes, this is HOME for me now! My whole heart lies here:) I knew already that this was home, but it was reaffirmed because it was special to drive across the west and make it back to BC for BC DAY!

It's incredible how different the province looks when it isn't WINTER. I just haven't seen much of BC besides my travels between September and March. And that is always on a bus on a hockey trip. Business, not pleasure.

The Okanagan in the summer was everything I had heard about, and NOTHING like what I have seen in the Winters! There might be more bikinis in Kelowna Penticton and Osoyoos per capita than anywhere on the planet!

Long story short, it's great to be back at it....I have a couple videos and pictures from our journey that I will post...but not too much to bore you!

Of course the blog will be back ASAP reporting on the Bulldogs, the local sports scene, the world of sports, and just about anything and everything of interest in Port Alberni and the Island!

Hammer

Blogger on Vacation

This will be the last blog posting for a while barring any earth-shattering news.

I'll be back in action here some time in August as I'm off to get married.

Thanks so much to everyone for their friendship, hospitality, and generosity and guidance leading up to this.

Some of you I met the day I arrived, and some I met in just the last 2 weeks. You all have a special place in my heart!

I could start naming people but I would never finish! That is what makes me a lucky man and this is what makes Port Alberni so great!

Hammer

Don't forget- McLean Mill Documentary!

One more reminder about my debut in pictures (with my voice) in the just released documentary titled: McLean Mill- A Family Heritage. A Community Treasure.

Here's some more information about who worked on this project:

Jenny Fortin-Produced/Wrote/Edited/Interviewed/Operated Camera
Gerald Labute-Produced/Wrote/Operated Camera

People that were interviewed for the documentary:
Kirsten Smith-AV Museum Assistant Curator
Jean McIntosh-AV Museum Director
Ike Patterson-Local Historian
Ken McRae-Mayor of PA
Neil Malbon-McLean Mill General Manager
Keith Young-McLean Mill Head Sawyer
Vic Laughlin-Industrial Heritage Society
Shawna Berry-McLean Mill Historical Interpreteur.

To get more information, visit the website of the people that made it happen HERE

To get a copy of this DVD yourself, stop by the McLean Mill or Alberni Valley Museum Gift Shops.

Let me know what you think of it!

Hammer

World U17 Exhibition Action FRIDAY at the Multiplex + please send Angel a GET WELL message

Friday brings the first of many public events to town surrounding the 2009 World Under 17 Challenge, as the Hockey BC and Hockey Canada Team Pacific Selection Camp shifts to the Alberni Valley Multiplex.

The schedule for Friday - all events at the Alberni Valley Multiplex:

2pm Coaches Hot Stove

3:30pm Intersquad Game *Free Admission, Festival Seating*

6:00pm Dennis Jonsson GM Tailgate Party *Purchase Dinner from the Shriners*

For all the details and the official release, visit the Official Website for the 2009 World U17 Challenge HERE

___________________________

-

-

My good friend Angel Magnussen is in hospital after some needed surgeries. If you can find a couple of spare minutes, please take a minute to read the email below from her mom so you can leave her a little "Get Well" message on her guestbook. Get well Angel!!

Hi to all,

As Angel’s website ( www.members.shaw.ca/awesomeangel ) is hard to update from a remote computer I have created a CaringBridge site to keep you up to date on her this week as she has her leg surgeries.

You can visit Angel's CaringBridge site at http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/awesomeangel. If you have time please post her a note on the journal page. She’d love to hear from you. Please send up lots of prayers.

-

Cheryl

-

That's it for now!

Hammer

Travis Cross Olympic Send off.

A great crowd attended the Travis Cross and teammates Olympic Send Off at ADSS.

Alberni Wrestling Director Tom McEvay adresses the crowd.

Travis Cross get introduced by National Wrestling Coach Dan McKay- Video!

Travis wins.

Kinda funny, after seeing the new Travis video for the first time in the youtube banner I saw the other cell phone video I took of Travis as he was coming back from booking his Beijing ticket....It was a great crowd for sure.



But I think after hearing the POP at ADSS tonight- go back and watch the first one- Am I alone in hearing the crowds get LOUDER?

Good luck not hearing the Port Alberni Faithful in Beijing!

Travis Cross and teammates SEND OFF TONIGHT

TONIGHT PEOPLE TOOO-NIGHT! 7:30pm ADSS GYM. I hope to see you there!


For immediate release......

A Local Olympic Send Off For Travis Cross and His Teammates TONIGHT!

Everyone in Port Alberni has one last chance to come out and meet our very own Olympian Travis Cross and wish him and his team Canada teammates all the best at the 2008 Olympic Games in China. Local organizers have just announced that they have confirmation from Canada's Olympic wrestling team coaches that Cross and two of his Olympic teammates Matt Gentry and Haislan Garcia will be in the valley next week to train for 2 days. During their short visit to Port Alberni local supporters have organized a special Olympic tribute night and send off for these amazing athletes.

COME OUT TO THE ADSS GYM TUESDAY NIGHT JULY 22 AT 7:30 PM AND SHOW THAT YOU ARE WITH TRAVIS AND HIS TEAMMATES AS THEY HEAD TO THE BIGGEST SHOW ON EARTH. SHOW YOUR NATIONAL PRIDE AND YOUR APPRECIATION FOR TRUE CANADIAN HEROS.

Tuesday night will be the last official public appearance for Cross as he prepares for the the Olympic Games. Cross and the Canadian team are in Vancouver training for 10 days at the National Wrestling Centre at Burnaby Mountain but local organizers convinced their coaches that two days in Port Alberni would be a good change of venue. They also stressed that there isn't another community in Canada where these athletes would get the same level of appreciation that Port Alberni would give them.

Alberni Wrestling Director Tom McEvay emphasized that they hope to fill the ADSS gym to capacity on Tuesday night. "What a great boost of confidence and National pride it will be when several hundred people come out to show they care on Tuesday night. So many people have been part of Travis's journey that we really wanted to give the community this opportunity to come out and celebrate his amazing accomplishments and to let him know they will be with him all the way. We also wanted to give the other two BC members of the Canadian team Matt and Heislan that same feeling. We really hope people will come out in force Tuesday night."

The Tuesday evening event will feature a short training session, some matches for Island high school wrestlers trying out for the Island BC Games team and then full out matches between the Olympians and some of their top training partners. It will include the singing of our National anthem and an autograph session with the athletes at the end of the night. The entire evening will be free of charge and is open to anyone and everyone who can make it. McEvay stressed that, "we really hope to see lots of kids out since Travis is such an outstanding role model for the youth or our community."

Travis and the Canadian team leave for Beijing on August 5th to be there in time for the Opening Ceremonies on August 8th and then to have 2 weeks of training and acclimatization before their big days. Travis's big day is Thursday August 21st when he competes in the 84 kg weight class. CBC have confirmed they will be following Travis's story in Beijing but live coverage at the Olympics is never certain. If it is aired live, the preliminary rounds of the 84 kg division start at 9:30 am that morning which is 4:30 pm Wednesday August 20th back home here on the west coast. The placing and medal matches are scheduled for 4 pm August 21st which would mean a late night for people watching here in Port Alberni on the 20th.

"We have had several people suggest they they are thinking of organizing a big screen at a central site in the Valley. Councillor Ike Patterson has suggested Echo as a site and Dean Montgomery of Boston Pizza is very interested in doing something at their restaurant. I know that Travis's colleagues at the Port Alberni Fire Department are planning something for their members. I will be away in China myself from August 8th so I really hope some of these events will happen so everyone at home can feel a part of the final stage in Travis's Olympic journey."

Knowing Port Alberni like I do this will be standing room only and quite the special experience!

Thanks for reading
Hammer

What a weekend, I am now "in pictures" , TRAVIS CROSS send off tomorrow, plus- My sister ROCKS!

Hello and happy Monday. Quite the weekend for me. Frankly, I'm happy I survived it.

I had the pleasure to go up a couple of Mountains to get some incredible views of the Alberni Valley- Thanks Crystal and Darryl for being my tour guides. Yes it took WAY to long to get up to the Lookout or to Copper Mountain, but better late than never right?

Saturday night I had the pleasure of having a dinner of epic proportions at Rick and Helma's.

Then the night took a turn for the worse as the boys took me out for a little fun in honour of me having a week left before I am a married man. It was great to survive, but even better to see some old friends that I haven't seen in a couple of years, or haven't spent much time with over the last couple of years like Brian Stewart, Tyler Boice, Jim Patterson, and Josh Bonar. While I of course see Tyler Ruel and Devin Timberlake a little more, it's been a long time if ever, that we've been out in that setting. So thanks to all of the above plus Sven, Mark, Tom, and Rick for keeping me in check but giving me a fun night and not being too hard on me!

I also had the pleasure to get out for a couple of rounds of golf with Gary and Dean over the weekend. While my game still has big time hiccups at least a couple of times each round, I still managed back-to-back rounds with at least 3 pars over 9 holes. For the amount of times I actually get out there and get to work on my game, I will certainly take that!

_____________________________

Yes, I am now IN PICTURES! Ok, my VOICE is at least. I am very excited to announce the release of a great new local documentary titled:

McLean Mill- A Family Heritage. A Community Treasure.

image: jgvalleyvideo.tk

I apologize for not knowing all the names of everyone involved in this project, and what their titles are. All I know is that I worked with Jenny Fortin in my area of the film- The narrative voice-over.

Here's a note from Jenny talking about what the DVD is all about.

Here's a brief overview of what is on the dvd:

This documentary explores the beginning of the mill starting with the McLean family. Early operations in the mill and logging areas are discussed as well as the hardships and good times endured by those who lived on the mill site.With the McLean mill officially closing their doors in 1965, the site was eventually rediscovered and transformed into a National Historic Site.With all the hard work done by the local museum and community to help preserve it, look at what it has become and where it's going in the future.This DVD includes: The full length McLean Mill documentary along with an on-site tour visiting each of the historical buildings and main areas of the mill.

For more information about this DVD or the makers of it please visit: www.jgvalleyvideo.tk or email: jgvideo@shaw.ca

Thanks again to Jenny and Co. for asking me to be a part of this endeavour. It was a new thing for me doing film voice-over work and it was a neat experience. I have seen bits and pieces of the DVD, and it is incredibly well done!

DVD's are available for purchase in the McLean Mill and Alberni Valley Museum Gift Shops. I encourage every local historian and supporter of local talent to get out and purchase a copy!

_______________________________

Of course the big Travis Cross and teammates send off is tomorrow at 7:30 in the ADSS Gym. All of the details are below.

I was thinking about this interview over the weekend, when I came into the station on a Saturday afternoon in March because I received a beyond excited phone call from Travis and Tom McEvay because Travis had booked his ticket to the Olympics. It seems like yesterday, but now here we are, a day away from the SEND OFF Ceremony.

Here's a little look back- or a listen back- to the day that made TOMORROW possible.

The emotions coming out of Travis in the interview are something else, and I hope that possibly remembering that day will help him find an extra gear if he needs it in Beijing!

Travis Cross Olympic Trials Interview

Listening back to the interview, it makes me proud of what we have been able to do at the station to support and promote Travis from since BEFORE day 1. Of course I/WE take no credit for what Travis has accomplished, and what he will accomplish in the future, but I sure take pride in how we've been there pushing and promoting and helping however we can since the dream was hatched!

Hopefully we'll see you tomorrow at ADSS at 7:30

__________________________

Ok, so what does my sister Erin have to do with the Bulldogs or Port Alberni? NOTHING! But she's my big sister and I am so proud of her recent accomplishments that I just need to tell as many people as possible, whether they know her or not!

My sister is an Arts Educator, Actor, and Playwright. How my parents survived two performers like us I will never know! Of course maybe it's their fault how we turned out as they raised us!

Anyway- Erin has been working since last year on a play for this year's Winnipeg Fringe Festival, to follow up their award-winning play from last year titled "The Interview"

The play this year for Erin and her colleagues was "Ordinary May's Extraordinary Ways" and the news I am happy to report is that it was recently given 5 STARS! in a review by CBC! Here's the note Erin sent to me yesterday.

The results are in…

Ordinary May’s Extraordinary Ways got 5 Stars from the CBC!

Here’s the review:

Ordinary May is a true Fringe treat,

The tale of a girl who is helpful and sweet

And all her adventures with critters that talk

Who help her discover what makes her rock.

The actors are lively and know how to move

To disco and rap they get down and groove.

The friendly narrator speaks only in rhyme.

If you like Seuss and Munsch then you’ll have a good time.

It’s delightful and funny, and the script is quite smart.

In short, May is perfect for all kids at heart.

he message to kids: Be proud of who you are.

For that it deserves a solid five stars.

Reviewed by: Iris Yudai

Way to go Erin you KICK BUTT!!

That's all I can think of for today, thanks as always for reading!

Hammer

Shark attack at Birkdale! Greg Norman leads British Open....Thanks from Alberni Wrestling Club for Travis Cross sendoff to Beijing TUESDAY NIGHT

How about Greg Norman leading the British Open after 54 holes? At 53 years of age! I used to be a huge fan of the shark back in the mid 90's when I first got into watching golf.

image: The Canadian Press

Here's the story- From the TSN website at TSN.CA

_____________________________
image: AlberniWrestling.ca

Also don't forget that the Travis Cross and teammates Beijing Olympic Send-Off party goes THIS TUESDAY NIGHT JULY 22nd!

Here's some thanks sent out from the Alberni Wrestling Club. I'll follow that with the press release sent out with all the details about what's happening Tuesday night in the ADSS Gym!

Special thanks go out to the Alberni Valley Wrestling Club who are sponsoring the Olympic team’s visit to Port Alberni this coming week, Pacific Sport who arranged the autograph picture cards for the athletes, the Best Western Barclay Hotel who are covering the accommodation for the team when they are in the valley, to Boston Pizza who are sponsoring dinner for the group on Tuesday at 4:30 pm before the session at ADSS and to the Port Alberni Fire Department who are hosting them for breakfast Wednesday morning.

For immediate release.....

A Local Olympic Send Off For Travis Cross and His Teammates Tuesday Night!


Everyone in Port Alberni has one last chance to come out and meet our very own Olympian Travis Cross and wish him and his team Canada teammates all the best at the 2008 Olympic Games in China. Local organizers have just announced that they have confirmation from Canada's Olympic wrestling team coaches that Cross and two of his Olympic teammates Matt Gentry and Haislan Garcia will be in the valley next week to train for 2 days. During their short visit to Port Alberni local supporters have organized a special Olympic tribute night and send off for these amazing athletes.

COME OUT TO THE ADSS GYM TUESDAY NIGHT JULY 22 AT 7:30 PM AND SHOW THAT YOU ARE WITH TRAVIS AND HIS TEAMMATES AS THEY HEAD TO THE BIGGEST SHOW ON EARTH. SHOW YOUR NATIONAL PRIDE AND YOUR APPRECIATION FOR TRUE CANADIAN HEROS.

Tuesday night will be the last official public appearance for Cross as he prepares for the the Olympic Games. Cross and the Canadian team are in Vancouver training for 10 days at the National Wrestling Centre at Burnaby Mountain but local organizers convinced their coaches that two days in Port Alberni would be a good change of venue. They also stressed that there isn't another community in Canada where these athletes would get the same level of appreciation that Port Alberni would give them.

Alberni Wrestling Director Tom McEvay emphasized that they hope to fill the ADSS gym to capacity on Tuesday night. "What a great boost of confidence and National pride it will be when several hundred people come out to show they care on Tuesday night. So many people have been part of Travis's journey that we really wanted to give the community this opportunity to come out and celebrate his amazing accomplishments and to let him know they will be with him all the way. We also wanted to give the other two BC members of the Canadian team Matt and Heislan that same feeling. We really hope people will come out in force Tuesday night."

The Tuesday evening event will feature a short training session, some matches for Island high school wrestlers trying out for the Island BC Games team and then full out matches between the Olympians and some of their top training partners. It will include the singing of our National anthem and an autograph session with the athletes at the end of the night. The entire evening will be free of charge and is open to anyone and everyone who can make it. McEvay stressed that, "we really hope to see lots of kids out since Travis is such an outstanding role model for the youth or our community."

Travis and the Canadian team leave for Beijing on August 5th to be there in time for the Opening Ceremonies on August 8th and then to have 2 weeks of training and acclimatization before their big days. Travis's big day is Thursday August 21st when he competes in the 84 kg weight class. CBC have confirmed they will be following Travis's story in Beijing but live coverage at the Olympics is never certain. If it is aired live, the preliminary rounds of the 84 kg division start at 9:30 am that morning which is 4:30 pm Wednesday August 20th back home here on the west coast. The placing and medal matches are scheduled for 4 pm August 21st which would mean a late night for people watching here in Port Alberni on the 20th.

"We have had several people suggest they they are thinking of organizing a big screen at a central site in the Valley. Councillor Ike Patterson has suggested Echo as a site and Dean Montgomery of Boston Pizza is very interested in doing something at their restaurant. I know that Travis's colleagues at the Port Alberni Fire Department are planning something for their members. I will be away in China myself from August 8th so I really hope some of these events will happen so everyone at home can feel a part of the final stage in Travis's Olympic journey."

That's it for today....Off for a round of golf!
Thanks as always for reading!

Hammer

Port Alberni Festival of Sails Video- A Six Gill Adventure

It's a very simple effort....but I hope you enjoy it anyway. A low-quality video shot with just my hand-held digital camera. It's the location and perspective that matters more, right? Enjoy!





If you lay with sleeping dogs, you'll get fleas. That's how that one goes right? How about if you are a Dog swimming with Dogs? Be ready to for fight for sticks I guess, as it seems the three Dogs are more than ready. Need to get the boys fighting for pucks in the corner like this!

This hilarious picture of Warren Muir was sent to me by Judy as Warren and his family and his girlfriend (along with us) visited the Bailey's at Sproat Lake for some sunshine and steaks on the BBQ last weekend.

An interesting off-season training program maybe? The Bull-doggy Paddle? Funny stuff, thanks for sending Judy!

Muir, along with Bulldog net-keeper Harrison May have been back on Multiplex Ice over the last little while working for the JUNIOR HOCKEY PREP CAMP

Speaking of Multiplex Ice- I just happened to stumble onto a new "Bulldogs" group yesterday on FaceBook where I saw some pictures of the painting of the ice logos for the upcoming hockey season. It was with joy in my heart that I felt that smack in the face that said


"Hockey isn't THAT far away Hammer, the ice is back at least!"


The ice and the snarling centre ice Bulldog look great!


As far as I can tell from the facebook, local artist Walt Collins was the man hired to do this big job. As far as I understand, there isn't much room for error once the ice is down and the logos have to be painted on!
And speaking of NOT FAR AWAY, how about the 2009 World U17 Hockey Challenge? Seeing the picture of this logo on the ice was way cool!

All images: FACEBOOK

And last but not least for today...Speaking of the woo9 World U17 Hockey Challenge- today is ONE WEEK away from the first ON ICE action fans can see in the Valley regarding this event, and the first off-ice events that go with all of it.

For all the details of the event coming here next Friday, visit the Official '09 U17 Challenge website here

I am excited for this event already, and it doesn't come here until AFTER CHRISTMAS!

Hammer

OLYMPIC SEND OFF FOR TRAVIS CROSS! (and other BC Wrestlers)

You may remember me telling you last Wedneday that Tom McEvay and Alberni Wrestling were working on a local send off for Travis Cross. I said at the time that while details were still spotty, it would be a send off of "McEvay-i-an" proportions.

And that's why I love Tom....he pulls through and makes things like THIS happen.

For immediate release.....

A Local Olympic Send Off For Travis Cross and His Teammates Tuesday Night!


Everyone in Port Alberni has one last chance to come out and meet our very own Olympian Travis Cross and wish him and his team Canada teammates all the best at the 2008 Olympic Games in China. Local organizers have just announced that they have confirmation from Canada's Olympic wrestling team coaches that Cross and two of his Olympic teammates Matt Gentry and Haislan Garcia will be in the valley next week to train for 2 days. During their short visit to Port Alberni local supporters have organized a special Olympic tribute night and send off for these amazing athletes.

COME OUT TO THE ADSS GYM TUESDAY NIGHT JULY 22 AT 7:30 PM AND SHOW THAT YOU ARE WITH TRAVIS AND HIS TEAMMATES AS THEY HEAD TO THE BIGGEST SHOW ON EARTH. SHOW YOUR NATIONAL PRIDE AND YOUR APPRECIATION FOR TRUE CANADIAN HEROS.

Tuesday night will be the last official public appearance for Cross as he prepares for the the Olympic Games. Cross and the Canadian team are in Vancouver training for 10 days at the National Wrestling Centre at Burnaby Mountain but local organizers convinced their coaches that two days in Port Alberni would be a good change of venue. They also stressed that there isn't another community in Canada where these athletes would get the same level of appreciation that Port Alberni would give them.

Alberni Wrestling Director Tom McEvay emphasized that they hope to fill the ADSS gym to capacity on Tuesday night. "What a great boost of confidence and National pride it will be when several hundred people come out to show they care on Tuesday night. So many people have been part of Travis's journey that we really wanted to give the community this opportunity to come out and celebrate his amazing accomplishments and to let him know they will be with him all the way. We also wanted to give the other two BC members of the Canadian team Matt and Heislan that same feeling. We really hope people will come out in force Tuesday night."

The Tuesday evening event will feature a short training session, some matches for Island high school wrestlers trying out for the Island BC Games team and then full out matches between the Olympians and some of their top training partners. It will include the singing of our National anthem and an autograph session with the athletes at the end of the night. The entire evening will be free of charge and is open to anyone and everyone who can make it. McEvay stressed that, "we really hope to see lots of kids out since Travis is such an outstanding role model for the youth or our community."

Travis and the Canadian team leave for Beijing on August 5th to be there in time for the Opening Ceremonies on August 8th and then to have 2 weeks of training and acclimatization before their big days. Travis's big day is Thursday August 21st when he competes in the 84 kg weight class. CBC have confirmed they will be following Travis's story in Beijing but live coverage at the Olympics is never certain. If it is aired live, the preliminary rounds of the 84 kg division start at 9:30 am that morning which is 4:30 pm Wednesday August 20th back home here on the west coast. The placing and medal matches are scheduled for 4 pm August 21st which would mean a late night for people watching here in Port Alberni on the 20th.

"We have had several people suggest they they are thinking of organizing a big screen at a central site in the Valley. Councillor Ike Patterson has suggested Echo as a site and Dean Montgomery of Boston Pizza is very interested in doing something at their restaurant. I know that Travis's colleagues at the Port Alberni Fire Department are planning something for their members. I will be away in China myself from August 8th so I really hope some of these events will happen so everyone at home can feel a part of the final stage in Travis's Olympic journey."

I just know that Tuesday night will be something special....A true ONLY IN PORT ALBERNI experience. I love this town!

Way to go Tom and kudos to the Olympic coaches for agreeing to do this. They will be blown away I'm sure!

See you there Tuesday!

Hammer

The Evan Pighin plot thickens....Angel and family visit the Hout family and Disneyland!

My thanks to Dan "the stats man" Tisserand for sending me the below story from the Times Colonist regarding the developing situation surrounding Evan Pighin leaving the Chilliwack Bruins to hope to play for the Victoria Grizzlies next season.

I just don't have the time right now, but I would find it interesting to see what the Grizzlies said when they lost several players to the WHL last season in Jamie Benn and Gary Nunn.

While I understand no two situations are the same, I would still find their reactions at that time interesting.

Here is the aforementioned story about the most recent events, OUT OF THE TIMES COLONIST NEWSPAPER, by Sharie Epp.

_________________________

What a great story this is....It's the spin-off stuff like this that makes the game great, and makes having a team in your community that cares about your community great!

It all started back on the Angel Magnussen Jelly-Bean Variety Show on SuperBowl Sunday. I was the MC of the proceedings. The Bulldogs were present to give their time and sign some autographs. As far as I know, it was at this show that my good friend Angel met Bulldog defender Adam Hout. To say that they took an immediate shine to each other would be an understatement!

I still remember Adam staying long through the afternoon after the rest of his teammates left, no doubt to go get fired up to watch the SuperBowl. It was then that I remarked here on the blog how "Houter" was a special guy for helping such a special girl on a big day like this one.

Well, one thing led to another and Adam and Angel became friends. And then the Hout family and the Magnussen family became friends.

It all culminated over the last couple of weeks as Angel and family went and spent time with Adam and family while visiting Disney Land.

Angel's mom Cheryl sent me this cool update:

-

The Hout's were absolutely incredible in all they did for Angel and for Arnie and I. They were determined to give Angel a trip to remember and to make sure she had a lot of fun before her upcoming surgeries. They made her the guest of honor at their party on the 4th of July and both Sam and Kathy's extended families welcomed us into their family as soon as they met us. Angel made a grand entrance and was embraced by all. They sang Happy 12 and a half birthday to her, twice in fact, and had a cake with the American flag on it and placed a candle in it so that she could make a wonderful wish. The whole time we were there they shared their home and their hearts with us. It was truly amazing. They are the kindest and most caring people one could ever meet. We clearly see where Adam gets his kindness, caring and compassion from, he comes from a long line of relatives that show it to all they meet. We are hoping to be able to drive Angel to California next spring, once she has recovered from her surgeries, so that she, and we, can once again visit with our new extended American family, The Hout's. Yes, you absolutely have our permission to share this story on your site.

Cheryl

To view pictures of the journey to Disney Land, click THIS LINK THAT WILL TAKE YOU TO ANGEL'S JOURNAL

Awesome stuff. It warms my heart to hear this and it makes me proud to think I had even a tiny part in making something this awesome happen! The Houts are incredible people, and just another reason that I love my job so much! I get to meet and get to know some incredible people!

That's two feel good stories in two days (Kevin Ross, now Adam Hout) about the quality of individuals that you people cheer on every night! And don't think for one second it ends with just these two guys either!

And a note to the people that raise these boys- I know the families a little and I can say that the apples sure don't fall too far from the tree, if you get my drift!!

I certainly hope you all appreciate the efforts of the team to get guys like this, and the efforts of the players themselves when they go above and beyond to make a difference.

Remember the impromptu street hockey game last year with the kids? Just awesome stuff!!!!!

Hammer

Kevin Ross story, Tim Kehler U17 Challenge Interview, George W Bush to visit Mars Water Bombers?

Hello and happy Tuesday. No posting yesterday so I'd better get down to work right?

First off is an incredible press release from the Bulldogs highlighting the year the was and the incredible individual that is Kevin Ross. Anyone that has heard me talk about Kevin knows I think he is one special individual. This release highlights the kind of guy he is.

Kudos to the team to release this. People need to know about Kevin, and the other special individuals that they are trying to make a part of their organization.

Bulldog Kevin Ross Excels On and Off the Ice

Defenseman Kevin Ross of the Alberni Valley Bulldogs is an outstanding example of the type of well rounded, exceptional young man that the Bulldogs are proud have as part of their organization. Ross came to the Bulldogs in September of 2007 from Cranbrook BC and completed a strong rookie season with the team while at the same time achieving top academic marks at both Alberni District Secondary and Mount Baker Secondary back home in Cranbrook. On and off the ice Ross is well respected by coaches, teammates, teachers and classmates for his leadership, determination and character. This combination of academics, athletics and character has not gone unnoticed by universities and coaches on both sides of the border.

In his rookie season with the Alberni Valley Bulldogs, Ross was named the team’s Top Defenseman. Academically, Ross achieved even greater success. In his Grade 12 year at Alberni District Secondary School, he was the first Bulldog player to successfully tackle three academic courses in one semester: English 12, Physics 12 and Principals of Mathematics 12. His average for these courses was over 95% making him the school's top grade 12 academic student that semester. After the hockey season, he returned home to Cranbrook, British Columbia where he graduated from Mount Baker Secondary School with an overall grade 12 average of 96%.

In recognition of these marks and his leadership in the school and community, Ross was awarded the school's most prestigious award, The City of Cranbrook Memorial Scholarship ($3,500) which is given annually to the school's top all around student. He was also awarded the Tembec Engineering Scholarship ($4,000) and the Cranbrook Ministerial Association Scholarship ($1,000).

In another example of his tremendous character Ross was voted valedictorian by his graduating class and delivered an inspirational speech that drew a standing ovation from the audience. He has been accepted into the faculty of Applied Science at the University of British Columbia where he was awarded the Harold Anderson White entrance scholarship ($30,000) and a President's Entrance scholarship ($4,000). UBC has granted a deferral of his admission and awards. This will allow Ross to play a second season with the Alberni Valley Bulldogs in 2008-2009. While UBC is one option for Ross he is also very interested in attending an Ivy League university in the US and several are interested. This would give him the opportunity to pursue his dream of playing NCAA hockey while studying engineering.

Bulldogs Educational Advisor Tom McEvay commented, “Kevin is an exceptional young man and it has been a pleasure to work with him this past year. He is an outstanding role model for other young people and our players to emulate. There is no doubt Kevin will go on to play hockey at the university level and he already has several teams very interested. It would not surprise me to see him commit to a prestigious US school in the near future. I know coach Bryant Perrier and I are looking forward to this next year with Kevin back here in Alberni.”

Where ever Kevin Ross plays and goes to school it is clear this young man is going to make a difference in this world and the Alberni Valley Bulldogs are proud to be a part of his development. Ross is already signed up to take courses at North Island College in Port Alberni this fall when he returns to be a part of what is shaping up to be a strong Bulldogs team for 2008-2009.

For further information contact Bulldogs Educational Advisor Tom McEvay

image: HOCKEY CANADA

I had the pleasure yesterday of catching up with TEAM PACIFIC Head Coach Tim Kehler, who will lead the "home" team at the 2009 World U17 Challenge in Port Alberni this up coming December and January. Wow, it sure is approaching quickly isn't it?

Tim is a great guy and a great interview, and it was a pleasure to get to know him and interview him over his years with the Surrey Eagles and later the Trail Smoke Eaters.

He was always one of the best interviews, and as you will be able to tell if you listen below, he certainly hasn't lost his talking abilities.

Besides his involvement with Hockey Canada, he is also the Assistant Coach with the Swift Current Broncos of the WHL.

Click the link below to listen- What a great interview!

TIM KEHLER, HEAD COACH, TEAM PACIFIC- INTERVIEW

And to finish today, how about this exposure for the Martin Mars Water Bombers and Coulson Flying Tankers?



A story from the Times Colonist Newspaper reports George W Bush to possibly tour Mars Water Bombers

Wow, that would be cool!

Hammer

Tall Ships in the Alberni Inlet- 2008 Festival of Sails...enough pictures to choke a pirate!!

Wow, what an evening! For the first time (if you can believe it) I got to see Port Alberni from the WATER! Incredibly, I have never before been in a boat in the Inlet.

Huge thanks to Shiggy, AKA MIKE from Six Gill Adventures for taking us on the water to tour the ships for the purpose of getting some great pictures and videos for the blog!

I am READY FOR BED right now, but first I will post some pictures directly on the blog...I will then post a link below that will open into a photo album so you can review all of the pictures in large sizes and great quality.

These pictures are NOT FOR SALE and NOT FOR REUSE but just my own personal pictures.

Please do me ONE FAVOR....Do not complain about the quality of my pictures! I am a huge rookie amateur picture taker, and I use a simple, cheap, low quality camera. Point, click, voila. Throw me in a bouncing Zodiak and my bad pictures get WORSE!

I hope you appreciate the work put in to getting all these pictures off the camera and on here for you to see, no matter how they look.

I also hope you appreciate the vantage point as much as I did. Thanks a HUGE THANKS again to Six Gill Adventures for giving me the adventure of a lifetime! I was giddy like a school boy to go to this today!

I will also work on a VIDEO that I will embed on the blog in the future. Don't expect it too quick, bed time remember?

Some favorite pics first!

Paul knows where the STAR is. I say the STAR because the Bounty attracts lots of attention for being a historical vessel while also being a movie star- Most recently Pirates of the Caribbean II, and, yes, Sponge Bob Squarepants.

The Hawaiian Cheiftan chases the Lynx in the Gun Battles...

My boatmates: Lynn, Celeste, Little Paul, Sarah, Keith, Big Paul, Jolie, Shig, and two fellows from Ontario that also were on the ride. Sorry guys I can't remember your name but I hope you email me from the card I gave you so you can see my pictures and we can also see yours! Cool story, the one guy just bought a place here and LOVES it. I know, what is not to love right?

This is me and 93.3 THE PEAK afternoon drive host Jolie McMullan.
And her better half and my good friend Paul. Look at the true worker hands on him.

Below- V.I. FRIES. Home of many yummy things- I suggest the TWISTED TATERS. I ran into these guys at the MotoCross last Friday. They say that they believe that they are the best new chip truck running and that they are proud to be Port Alberni owned and operated!

Upon closer zoom if you missed it.....They are rocking the NEW PEAK STICKER on the truck!! Thanks guys and gals!

And a final thanks again to Mike aka Shiggy from Six Gill Adventures!

Now- My huge photoset from today can be viewed by clicking the below link. You can click on the pictures and MAKE THEM BIG and then even bigger by ALL SIZES.

The quickest and most convenient way to look at all the pictures might be to click the slideshow link after you have navigated to the photoset- by clicking the link below

TALL SHIPS PHOTO GALLERY- CLICK THIS LINK.

(Hopefully this method works better as some were having problems going directly from this blog to the slideshow......Thanks Kris and Maggie for the feedback on that, it is much appreciated!)

I know some of you need it super easy and right here on the blog but it would be a HUGE chose to post all those pictures!

So just enjoy it this way....pretty please!

Hammer