September 29, 2009

MIDGET BULLDOGS START STRONG

The AVMHA Midget Bulldogs played their first games together on the weekend against south island teams that had several previous games to get used to each other.

 On Saturday the Bulldogs were away against the Victoria Racquet Club Kings Tier 2 team and rolled right over them with a final score of 15-1.  Alberni controlled play throughout the game.  Every player on the team contributed to the scoring, led by Jeff Dagg (5G, 1A), Andre Savard (3G, 4A) and Carson McCulloch (1G, 5A).  Defensively, the team limited Victoria’s quality chances, and only one of those got by goalie Mike Kraneveldt.  The lopsided victory was marred by an unfortunate injury to Cameron MacAdams who suffered a shoulder injury late in the game.

 Sunday in Kerry Park the Bulldogs were thrown a little off their game by an aggressive Islanders team that used its size to advantage.  Kerry Park was up by a goal after the first period.  Alberni finally broke through with some good puck control to capitalize on a 5 on 3 opportunity half way through the second period.  Bryan Read put a shot on goal from the blue line and Savard was there to knock in the rebound and even it up.  Alberni continued to play catch for most of the game.  Kerry Park went ahead on a power play early in the third period and increased their lead to 3-1 a minute later.   Alberni got one back when Brett Williscroft scored from the point on another power play.  The Bulldogs kept pushing hard and evened the score a minute later.  A rush by the defence, then a pass through the crease by Savard gave McCulloch open net.  He made no mistake to put it behind the lunging goalie for a 3-3 final.

 The Midget rep team is at home to Comox  on Saturday October 3 at Weyerhauser arena starting at 3 PM.  On Sunday, they will host Campbell River starting at 2:30.

Jeff Dagg #9 sets up Andre Savard #13 in front of the Kings netminder.

Savard #13 and McCulloch #19 pressure the Kings goalie as Dagg works along the boards. This line combned for 10 goals during the game.

written by Simon Read, 250-724-3822

October 15, 2009

Left to Right,  Back, Coach Bryce Abbott, Colby Lim, Taylor Smith, Luciano Somerville, Ryan White, Jeff Dagg, Carson McCulloch, Josh Versteeg, Head Coach Brent Demerais.

Middle, Dustin Diemert, Brett Williscroft, Keenan McConnell, Jesse York, Dylan Haugen, Justin Sketsch.  Front, Mike Kraneveldt, Bryan Read, Gianni Crema, Brady Janzen.  photo by Tony York 

Midget Bulldogs with Merritt Tournament Trophies: 

The Midget Rep Bulldogs swept their games at the Merritt Icebreaker Tournament on Thanksgiving weekend.  On Friday evening they took advantage of tickets to cheer on  the Alberni Valley Junior A Bulldogs as they defeated Merritt Centennials 9-3 and perhaps this was a motivating factor.

 The Midgets played the Vancouver Thunderbirds on Saturday afternoon, scoring in the first minute and completely shutting down their opposition in a 10-0 win.  Brady Janzen was on fire with 6 goals.  Andre Savard had 2 and Dylan Haugen and Colby Lim got singles.  Jeff Dagg and Garson McCulloch each had 3 assists.  Assists were also credited to Jesse York, Keenan McConnell, Luciano Somerville, Justin Sketsch and Bryan Read.  Read was chosen as the MVP in this game.

 Saturday evening Alberni took on Prince George and once again controlled the game which ended 6-1 in favour of the Bulldogs.  McCulloch had 2 goals and singles went to McConnell, Sketsch, Taylor Smith and Colby Lim.  Lim was named game MVP.

 The final round robin game was on Sunday Afternoon against Sooke.  The Bulldogs started slow and allowed Sooke to go up 2-0 early in the first period.  Then Sooke started to get into penalty trouble.  McCulloch scored Alberni’s first goal on a power play 13 minutes in to end the period down 1-2.  The Bulldogs took over in the second period with goals from Brett Williscroft, Dagg (2) and Somerville, to go up 5-2.  In the third period it was Lim, Haugen, McCulloch again, Dustin Diemert, and Dagg completing his hat trick to earn the MVP.  Sooke racked up 41 minutes in penalties and 5 of the 10 Alberni goals were scored with the man advantage.

 As winners of their pools the Bulldogs and Williams Lake met in the final on Monday afternoon.  This was a contest between two strong teams and Williams Lake scored first.  Sketsch evened it up with an assist from Read at 14:09 of the first period.  The game remained tied at 1-1 until the end of the second period.  With a minute left Savard scored assisted by his line mates Dagg and McCulloch. Momentum shifted for the third period as Diemert scored to make it 3-1.  Janzen and Smith assisted.  Sketsch was named MVP in the final.

 This tournament was a bit of a homecoming for Coach Brent Demerais who played Junior A hockey for the Merritt Centennials when he was not much older than the players he coaches today.  Now he will be able to add the Merritt Icebreaker trophy to the growing collection of hardware already on display at the Multiplex.

 

October 20, 2009

MIDGET BULLDOGS MAUL KINGS

 

In weekend action Midget Bulldogs Carson Mcculloch (19), Jeff Dagg (9) and Ryan White (4) control the puck in the Powell River zone.  Picture by Stacey McCulloch.

The midgets took the ferry ride to play Powell River Kings in their last placement round game on Saturday October 17^th.  There was no score in the first period, but the Bulldogs wasted no time getting on the Board in the second.  Dylan Haugen scored the first of four unanswered goals at 19:33 with an assist from Jeff Dagg.  At 11:43 it was Keenan McConnell from Carson McCulloch, then Dagg on the power play unassisted at 9:03 and Luciano Somerville to go ahead 4-0 at 6:02.  Powell River scored twice to end the period at 4-2.

 After that penalties became a factor as the Alberni team had to contend with seven adverse penalty calls in the last 22 minutes of the game.  They survived a 5 on 3 at the end of the second, but the Kings scored on power play early in the third period to close within a goal.  Less than a minute later McCulloch from McConnell combined to get it back, only to see another Kings power play goal again narrow the difference to one.  In the middle of the third the Bulldogs got their own power play opportunity and Bryan Read from the point combined with Brady Janzen and Somerville for the insurance goal and eventual game winner.  Powell River used the man advantage for another goal with 4:18 remaining, before Haugen finished it with his second goal to make it 7-5 at the buzzer.

written by Simon Read 250-724-3822

October 28, 2009

BRAVES – BULLDOGS BATTLE CONTINUES

The close rivalry between the AV Midget Bulldogs and the Saanich Braves carried over from last year’s Island championship (which the Bulldogs won in a tight three game series) to an exhibition game in Saanich on Saturday.  The game was close through three periods keeping the crowd, which included several scouts, on the edge of their seats.  It ended in a 3-3 tie.

 Coach Brent Demerais is pleased with how the team is coming together this year.  He said “They played pretty well against a larger physical team.  We controlled the puck most of the time.  Gianni Crema was strong in net and Brady Jansen had a really good game.”

 Jansen assisted on the first Alberni goal, which was scored by Jeff Dagg, and scored the second goal.  Colby Lim deflected Luciano Somerville’s shot for the tying goal with 30 seconds left in the game.

Good puck movement creates opportunities.  Here a Keenan McConnell (7) shot from the point is on net as Jeff Dagg (9) looks for a rebound.

 

 

The Alberni offence created numerous opportunities.  Here Brady Janzen works inside the Braves defence, backed by Luciano Somerville.

 

written by Simon Read 250-724-3822

  

November 25, 2009

MIDGET BULLDOGS PICK UP POINTS FROM PENINSULA

 The Midget Rep Bulldogs remain on top of the Division 2 standings in Island League play after splitting their weekend games, dropping 7-3 to Kerry Park on Saturday and knocking off Peninsula 5-2 on Sunday.

 Alberni was ahead 2-1 after two periods in Kerry Park, but a series of penalties in the third period shifted the momentum to the home team.  Alberni goals were scored by Dustin Diemert assisted by Cam MacAdams and Sheldon Trees; Andre Savard with assists from Jeff Dagg and Brady Janzen; and Colby Lim assisted by Bryan Read and Luciano Somerville.

 The Bulldogs were back on their game when they played Peninsula Eagles the next day.  Keenan McConnell opened scoring at 7:40 of the first period with an assist from Trees.  Dagg made it 2-0 early in the second period.  Ryan White and Lim assisted.  Peninsula got one back, then Luciano Somerville combined with Janzen for the eventual game winner.  Peninsula made it 3-2 as the period ended.  The Alberni lead was restored on a power play at 18:56 of the third period.  Dagg and Read set up Savard for the goal.  An empty netter by Trees put the game away with 20 seconds left.

 The team gratefully acknowledges the support of sponsor HFN Forestry Ltd  Also thanks to Johnny Versteeg and the “Johnny Bus” for transportation on out of town trips.

 The Midget Bulldogs are next in action at home in an exhibition game against Cowichan T2 at 3:15 PM on November 28^th.  On Sunday, November 29, they have a league game against Juan de Fuca Grizzlies at 12:15.  Both games are at Weyerhauser.

written by Simon Read (250) 724-3822

December 3, 2009

 

 

DOUBLE DOUBLE DIGITS

The Midget Rep Bulldogs rolled over Cowichan T2 by a score of 11-1 in exhibition play at Weyerhauser on November 28.  After a cautious start, Bryan Read opened scoring for Alberni at 11:22 of the first period, putting a hard point shot past the visiting net minder.  Sheldon Trees scored 20 seconds later and from there it was all Port Alberni.  Blake Frechette scored from the right side hash marks and then it was Taylor Smith who closed out the period at 4-0.  Smith also had 3 assists in the game.

Early in the second period, Trees carried the puck up the left side and sniped the top corner from a sharp angle.  Next was a power play clinic in which the Bulldogs totally controlled the puck until Colby Lim took a pass across the crease and banged it in the open side.  Luciano Somerville put the next one through the five hole, and then Trees completed his hat trick. Playing 4 on 4 at the end of the period Dylan Haugen made it 9-0.

In the 3rd period Andre Savard sniped high on the stick side and Somerville added a short handed goal in the dying seconds of the game.  Mike Kraneveldt made great saves throughout the game to keep the score low.  The only one that got by was completely screened.  Coach Demerais complimented Andrew Cusson for doing his part when he spelled Kraneveldt off in net late in the game and let nothing by, even without a warm up.

On November 29 the Midgets hosted Juan de Fuca T3 in a league game.  It was a slow start as JDF went up 2-0 late in the first frame.  After that Alberni woke up and showed why it is best to let sleeping dogs lie.  Strong pressure in front of the net led to a goal by Trees at 3:57.  Then an aggressive forecheck by Dagg caused a turnover in the JDF zone and led to a short handed goal by Lim to even it up at the end of the period.

Lim deflected Read's point shot to go up 3-2 early in the second, but JDF tied it up again at the mid-point.  After the ice clean the Bulldogs stormed back with four unanswered goals.  On power play Haugen one-timed a pass from Brady Janzen in from the slot.  The Keenan McConnell put one in the right side, Trees got through the defence for his second of the game, and Smith followed up with a nice redirect to finish the period up 7-3.

With a man advantage in the 3rd period Lim found a small opening to make his hat trick.  Pressure in front made an opportunity for Smith to get his second of the game and then Savard added another power play goal to put the score into double digits.  Juan de Fuca snuck one by with three seconds on the clock for a final score of 10-4.

The win keeps Alberni at the top of the Division standings. Once again the depth of the team showed.  Including assists, eleven players were in on the weekend scoring.   Coach Brent Demerais said, "I like how some of the first year players are stepping up."  especially some of the first year defencemen who had to stand up against some big aggressive forwards.  "Ryan White did well and Brett Williscroft showed some pretty good moves too."   He also noted the support of HFN Forestry as team sponsor.

The Midget Bulldogs are home in Weyerhuaser next weekend, playing Saanich at 12:45 on December 5 and Campbell River at 12:15 on Deember 6.
 

 Taylor Smith (23) scored this one against Cowichan.  His line mates are Blake Frechette (16) and Andre Savard (13).

  Written by Simon Read 250-724-3822

(above)     Sheldon Trees celebrates a goal against Juan de Fuca

December 10, 2009

MIDGET BULLDOGS SINK SAANICH

The Midget Bulldogs took on Saanich Braves at home in league play on Saturday Dec 5.  It was a tough game which saw Alberni on the board first on a goal by Sheldon Trees with assist from Dylan Haugen.  Dustin Diemert set up Brady Janzen for a short handed goal which proved to be the game winner late in the first period.  Saanich got that one back in the middle of the second. Dylan Haugen assisted by Trees got an insurance goal for Alberni to close out the period.  In the third period Colby Lim and Andre Savard shared goals and assists to finish off with a 5-1 win.

 On Dec 6 the Midget Reps were at home for an exhibition game with Campbell River Tyees,  Sheldon Trees put up the first goal at 10:52 of the opening frame, assisted by Jeff Dagg and point man Brett Williscroft.  Campbell River went ahead with two goals late in the period.  Trees evened it up on a power play early in the second.  This time assists went to Cameron MacAdams and Dylan Haugen.  Shortly after the ice clean Ryan White passed to Brady Janzen who drove by the defence and put one in glove side for the go ahead goal.  Seconds later MacAdams and Trees set up Haugen on the doorstep where he snapped it past the goalie for the game winner.  Campbell River got one back, but it was Alberni’s Blake Frechette who finished it off with an empty netter to make it 5-3 right before the final buzzer. 

The Midgets are out of town next weekend, playing Cowichan on Saturday and Saanich again on Sunday.  As always they appreciate the support of their main sponsor HFN Forestry.

  written by Simon Read 250 724-3822

Alberni Valley Minor Hockey hosts

Midget (Tier 2) Tournament

December 27 - 29th

Alberni Valley Bulldogs - Bronze medal winners

 

January 3, 2010 - Midget Bulldogs Host Successful Tournament

 The Alberni Valley Midget Rep Bulldogs hosted six other teams from the Lower Mainland and Vancouver Island at their Christmas tournament December 27-29, 2009.  Teams traveling to Pot Alberni for the 3 day tournament included Juan de Fuca Grizzlies, Peninsula Eagles, Nanaimo Clippers, Oceanside Generals, Powell River Kings and North Vancouver Storm. 

 In the round robin the Bulldogs opened Sunday morning with a 4-0 win over the Juan de Fuca Grizzlies.   Gianni Crema earned the shut out.  That evening they played Powell River and lost 3-5 to a team they have beaten three times previously this season.  This time the bounces seemed to go the wrong way, not just once but several times.  Powell River came in fresher and was able to capitalize on their opportunities. 

 On Monday the Bulldogs took on Oceanside and dominated play with a final score of 8-3.  They were leading 8-1 in the middle of the third period before allowing a couple of late goals.  Dylan Haugen was named MVP.  In the feature game Monday evening, Alberni faced off with the North Vancouver A1 Storm.  Once again they faced a fresher team since North Van had not played earlier in the day.  In spite of this the Bulldogs gave the eventual gold medal winners their closest game of the tournament.  There was no score in the first period.  The teams traded goals in the second period and the tie held up until the middle of the third period.  Eventually North Van scored two more to take the game 1-3. 

 There was still a chance that the Bulldogs would make the final, depending on the outcome of the Tuesday morning games, but it was not to be.  The standings at the end of the round robin left North Vancouver undefeated at 4 and 0, Oceanside at 3 wins and one loss (to Port Alberni), Port Alberni with two wins and two losses, and Juan de Fuca also with two wins and two losses.  Nanaimo, Peninsula, and Powell River all finished with a win and 3 losses.

 This set up a gold medal game between North Vancouver and Oceanside, while Alberni played Juan de Fuca again for the bronze.   Both games were hard fought, but in the end North Vancouver claimed a solid 5-1 win for the gold medal while Alberni topped Juan de Fuca 4-1 for the Bronze.  Mike Kraneveldt was outstanding in goal to ensure the medal.

 Coach Brent Demerais said “The team played well through the tournament”.  They showed character in coming back strong after their loss the first day, and continue to develop as a team, which will only help them when the regular season continues.  Alberni players selected as game MVPs through the tournament include Andre Savard, Bryan Read, Dylan Haugen, Gianni Crema, and Colby Lim, but the successes came as the result of total team effort offensively and defensively. Physical play by players such as Dustin Diemert, Taylor Smith and Brett Williscroft helped to keep the play in the offensive zone and create more scoring opportunities. Offensively, Brady Janzen racked up the most points for the team with one goal and 8 assists.  Also high on the scoring were Colby Lim (4 G, 2A), Andre Savard (2G, 4A) and Carson McCulloch (4G).  Three players, Jeff Dagg, Keenan McConnell and Ryan White tallied 2 goals and 2 assists.  Seven others were also in on the scoring, Luciano Somerville, Diemert and Read with a goal and an assist each, and Haugen, Jesse York, Cam MacAdams and Crema with helpers.

 The team thanks their sponsors and volunteers for the successful tournament, including team sponsors HFN Forestry and Rain Coast Erosion Control; Probyn Log Ltd. and LB Woodchoppers for the Canucks ticket and hotel raffle; Tim Hortons for supplying coffee for tournament volunteers; Boston Pizza , Cutting Edge, Alberni Valley Chamber of Commerce;  Russell Dyson and Multiplex staff; and especially the parents and others who volunteered many hours of their time to make this tournament a success.

 *****

 The Midget Bulldogs are back in league play next weekend with an important home game against Nanaimo on the Coulson Rink from 3:30 to 5:30 on Saturday and an away game with Juan de Fuca at Bear Mountain on Sunday.  The following weekend they will be in Kamloops for another tournament.

  Written by Simon Read 250-724-3822

January 12, 2010 - MIDGET RAFFLE WINNER

Tannis Thomas of Port Alberni, winner of the Midget Rep Bulldogs raffle receives her prize of a pair of Canucks Tickets and hotel accommodation in Vancouver from Midget Bulldogs Bryan Read (C ) and Jeff Dagg (A)  They are flanked by Len Butler and Larry Kirscher of LB Woodchoppers who donated the accommodation.  Larry Spencer of Probyn Log Ltd. donated the tickets.   The Midget Bulldogs team appreciates the donations and also thanks all those who supported the team by buying raffle tickets.

January 14, 2010

MIDGET BULLDOGS WIN DIVISION

 The Alberni Valley Midget Bulldogs clinched first place in division 2 of the VIHL with wins against Nanaimo and Juan de Fuca last weekend.  The wins give them a record of 10 wins and 2 losses for 20 points.  Although other teams in the division still have games in hand none of them will finish close to Alberni.

 On Sunday they faced off with Nanaimo at home.  It was a physical match during which Nanaimo racked up 50 minutes in penalties to 24 for Alberni. Goalie Gianni Crema held his own against the onslaught.  There was no scoring until 16:48 of the second period.  Brady Janzen scored on a power play, assisted by Colby Lim and Luciano Somerville.  Minutes later Cam MacAdams got another with helpers from Carson McCulloch and Andre Savard, but Nanaimo evened it up at the half time ice clean.  Sheldon Trees scored the eventual game winning goal unassisted with 8:20 left in the second period.  Jeff Dagg opened the third period with another Bulldog goal, Savard and Bryan Read assisting.  Somerville capped off a strong game with the last goal at 2:34 to make it 5-2 for Alberni.  Janzen and Lim assisted.

 On Sunday the team visited the Juan de Fuca Grizzlies at Bear Mountain.  They let Juan de Fuca have the first goal before running the score up to 7-2 by late in the second period.  Then the Bulldogs eased up and the Grizzlies came back with 5 unanswered goals to tie it up with six minutes left.  Only a last second goal from Trees salvaged an 8-7 win.  The goal, which was assisted by Lim, completed a hat trick for Trees.  Other goals were scored by MacAdams (2), Lim, Janzen, and Keenan McConnell.  Collecting assists were Lim (2), Trees, Janzen, Jesse York, Brett Williscroft, Taylor Smith, Savard and MacAdams.

 Once again, the team is grateful to sponsors HFN Forestry and Rain Coast Erosion Control, coaches Brent Demerais, Bryce Abbot and Dave McConnell and the many other volunteers and contributors who have supported them through a successful season.  The Midget Reps will keep their skills honed in the weeks leading up to play-offs.  They will be at the Kamloops Tier 2 Tournament from January 15-17^th.  The following weekend they have exhibition games with Campbell River, away on January 23^rd and home at Weyerhaeuser at 2:30 on January 24^th.

 written by Simon Read 250-724-3822

 January 21, 2010

Midget A Bulldogs Win Gold in Kamloops

Midget Bulldogs with gold medals and trophy.  l-r. back; Head Coach Brent Demerais, Coach Dave McConnell, Blake Frechette, Carson McCulloch, Keenan McConnell, Jesse York, Bryan Read, Luciano Somerville, Ryan White, Jeff Dagg, Cameron MacAdams, Coach Bryce Abbott.  Middle; Taylor Smith, Sheldon Trees, Brady Janzen, Colby Lim, Dustin Diemert, Brett Williscroft, Dylan Haugen, Andre Savard.  Front; Gianni Crema, Mike Kraneveldt.

The Alberni Valley Midget Bulldogs won all six of their games January 15-17 to win gold for the second year in a row at the Kamloops MHA Hockey Tournament.

 On Friday afternoon the Bulldogs surprised a confident Calgary NW Bruins team by shutting down their offence.  This was an end to end game where team defence and outstanding goaltending determined the outcome.  Gianni Crema was named game MVP for his performance.  Colby Lim scored two of the three goals.

 Friday evening the Bulldogs faced off with the Chilliwack Bruins.  The game was close until the half way ice clean with the teams were tied 3-3. After a long delay the game resumed with multiple penalties assessed, including two majors to Chilliwack players.  The Bulldogs made the most of this opportunity by scoring five goals in the next four minutes for a final score of 8-3.  Coach Brent Demerais summed it up, saying, “Discipline…discipline won that game for us.”  Twelve players shared in the scoring.  Keenan McConnell received MVP honours.

 On Saturday morning the Bulldogs jumped out to an early 3 goal lead against Vernon Vipers and extended it to a 5-2 final score.  Once again, it was the full team effort that minimized scoring opportunities for Vernon and saw 10 different players record goals or assists for Alberni.  Brady Janzen was selected as game MVP.

 That afternoon the Bulldogs were matched up against the host team, Kamloops Warriors for their final round robin game.  The teams traded goals early in the first period then Alberni shut down Kamloops completely.  Mike Kraneveldt was strong in goal and the game finished with Alberni on top, 3-1.  Blake Frechette was chosen MVP.

 As winners of their pool the Bulldogs faced off with Kelowna Rockets in the semi-final.  Once again Alberni shut down their opposition, this time running up a 5-0 lead in the first period.   When the game resumed the Bulldogs increased their lead to 7-0 while the Rockets overheated and paid the price in penalties, which eventually added up to 103 minutes.  Alberni had only three minor penalties in the game.  Gianni Crema collected the shut out.

 Calgary advanced from the other semi, so the final game was a rematch.  Both teams were determined to win, but it was Alberni that scored first and began the second period up 2-0.  The Bruins tied it up early in the second period, but the Bulldogs got one back and held onto the one goal lead to the end of the period.  Calgary came out hard in the third period, but an insurance goal for Alberni took away their momentum.  The Bruins attack faltered and, while protecting their lead, the Bulldogs continued to break into the opposing zone with 2 on 1 rushes that created scoring opportunities.  The game finished 5-2 in favour of the Bulldogs, who claimed gold medals and the trophy.

 The team really came together in this tournament.  Coach Demerais said, “The boys played really well.  All of them worked hard for the trophy.”  Goal tending was superb with Crema and Kraneveldt allowing only 9 goals in 6 games.  This was supported by strong team defensive play which minimized good scoring opportunities for the opposition.  Although smaller on average than the teams they played, the Bulldogs did not shy away from the physical side of the game and kept their opponents off balance by doing so.  The team work was also evident in the offensive zone.  Every single skater on the team contributed goals or assists.

 The scoring contribution from the blue line included McConnell (4A), Bryan Read (2G, 1A), Brett Williscroft (2G), and Jesse York (1G).  The team was firing on all forward lines as well; Lim (5G,3A), Andre Savard and Sheldon Trees (3G, 4A each),  Janzen (4G, 3A), Carson McCulloch ((2G,3A), Cameron MacAdams and Luciano Somerville (1G, 4A each).  Rounding out the scoring were Jeff Dagg, Dustin Diemert and Blake Frechette (1G, 2A each), Taylor Smith (2G, 1A) and Dylan Haugen (2G, 2A).

 Part of the team’s success was strong discipline that kept them out of the penalty box, and gave them opportunities to score when the other teams were short handed.  Demerais’ emphasis on conditioning is also a factor, especially in a tournament situation which demanded intense effort for six games in a weekend. 

 Support from sponsors HFN Forestry and Rain Coast Erosion Control also allows the players to concentrate on their game, not to mention the support of parent volunteers and coaches, Brent Demerais, Bryce Abbot and Dave McConnell.

 The team appears to be peaking just in time for the play-offs.  They have already earned the banner for first place in Division 2 VIHL play and will start the North Island Tier 2 play-offs at home against Powell River on January 30^th at 3:30 PM, followed by away games against Comox on January 31 and Oceanside on February 6.

  written by Simon Read 250-724-3822

 

January 27, 2010

MIDGET BULLDOGS SHUT OUT COMOX

The Alberni Valley Midget Bulldogs dominated Comox T2 in exhibition play on January 22.  Although, they were never behind, the Bulldogs had a slow start.  They scored first, two minutes into the game (Andre Savard with assists from Carson McCulloch and Blake Frechette), but that was the only goal until late in the second period, when the same line combined for the second goal.  A minute later it was Colby Lim scoring, assisted by Brady Janzen and Bryan Read.

 In the third period Sheldon Trees took a rebound from Jeff Dagg’s shot on the doorstep and tipped it over the goalie’s glove.  Then McCulloch broke in and snapped one in from the top of the right circle.  Then to finish it off, Savard, fore-checking, fed Trees for a short handed goal.

 Alberni Valley will have their first play-off game against Powell River at the Multiplex at 3:30 PM on Saturday January 30^th.  They encourage all their fans to come out and cheer them on.  The Bulldogs will face the Comox team again in Courtenay for their second play-off game on January 31. 

 

Sheldon Trees is all smiles after scoring a short handed goal against Comox.

written by Simon Read

 

February 1, 2010 - MIDGET A BULLDOGS ADVANCE TO SEMIS

The AVMHA Midget Rep Bulldogs put a lock on their berth in the VIHL semi-finals with two wins in the North Island play-offs last weekend.  On Saturday they came from behind in the third period to beat Powell River 4-2 at home.  Then on Sunday in Courtenay the Bulldogs shut out Comox Chiefs 8-0.

Both teams had chances, but the first period remained scoreless.  Alberni got a quick goal to start the second period.  Keenan McConnell passed to Brady Janzen who cut in from the left, faked and put a low shot in glove side.  Powell River evened it up after the ice clean then went ahead 2-1 as the period wound down.  The Bulldogs came back hard in the third period.  As the period started, Bryan Read and Carson McCulloch set up Dylan Haugen to even it up.  Then the Somerville line combined for the go ahead goal.  Luciano Somerville and Janzen worked the puck in close then passed across to Colby Lim to put into open net on the stick side.  As the game wound down, Jeff Dagg collected an empty netter.  Gianni Crema made some outstanding saves in the winning cause.

After the game AVMHA President, Al McCulloch, presented the team with the banner for winning VIHL Division 2 this season.  Alberni Valley finished with 20 points, 4 ahead of second place Powell River.  Powell River players showed class by applauding the presentation.

On Sunday, team captain Read set the tone early, taking a pass from Lim on the power play and slamming a low shot through traffic for the first goal.  At 7:41 Somerville picked up the puck from Janzen in the slot and snapped a quick shot past the Comox net minder.  Somerville repeated as the second period started, pulling the puck back from the doorstep and back handing it up and over the goalie’s glove.  McCulloch assisted.  At 11:29 Keenan McConnell made a stretch pass to the blue line to set up Cameron MacAdams and Haugen behind the Comox defence.  Quick passing and Haugen found open net on the stick side.  Then Savard rushed in on power play and crossed it to Dagg to score from the left side.  Lim got a break away with 5 minutes left in the period, stick handled around the goalie and claimed a short handed goal.  A minute later with a man advantage, Ryan White took a pass at the point from Haugen and fired a low shot for McCulloch to deflect in.  Alberni controlled play throughout the game.  Comox made an effort to comeback in the third period, but were unable to spoil Mike Kraneveldt’s shut out.  McCulloch set up Andre Savard for the final goal of the game with a minute left.

 

The Midgets play their last game of the North Island play-off series on February 6^th at 4:30 PM against Oceanside Generals in Parksville.  They will then move on to the Island semi-final.

 

 

 

Comox bowed to Alberni in Sunday play-off game

   Andre Savard (13) puts a shot on goal.

 

written by Simon Read

February 8, 2010

Midget Rep Bulldogs Sweep North Island Playoffs

A 4-1 win over Oceanside Generals on Saturday put the Alberni Valley Midget Bulldogs at 3 for 3 in the North Island side of the VIHL tier 2 play-offs.  They also downed Powell River 4-2 and Comox 8-0.  The Bulldogs will now have home ice advantage next weekend when they host South Island runners up Juan de Fuca Grizzlies in one Vancouver Island semi-final.  Saanich will host Powell River in the other semi.

Alberni had a challenging start in Parksville on Saturday, as the referees seemed intent on sending a message and assessed 5 minor penalties in the first period.  The Bulldogs killed off all 5 penalties including nearly three minutes with a two man disadvantage.  The first period was scoreless. 

At 15:16 of the middle frame, Blake Frechette passed from behind the net for Colby Lim to put the puck on the top shelf for the first goal.  Oceanside evened it up before the period was over.  The Bulldogs eventually wore down their opponents and took control in the third period.  On power play Bryan Read sent the puck around the boards to Jeff Dagg behind the net who passed to Andre Savard in front.  Savard pulled the puck across and roofed a back hand for the go ahead goal at 15:20.  At 13:17 Luciano Somerville and Brady Janzen worked the puck down low to set up Lim’s second goal.  Then with five minutes to go Savard passed to Dagg to finish for a 4-1 final. 

from Simon Read 250-724-3822

February 20, 2010 - MIDGET BULLDOGS IN FINAL FOR ISLAND BANNER

The AVMHA Midget Bulldogs scored a decisive 7-1 win in their semi-final to eliminate Juan de Fuca Grizzlies on February 13th.  Next weekend they advance to the final in a best of three series against Powell River Kings.  The Kings, who lost to Port Alberni in the round robin, reached the final with an upset 6-5 win over South Island leading Saanich in the other semi.

Alberni scored first on Saturday as Luciano Somerville used his speed to get position at 11:26.  Brady Janzen followed up with another goal a minute later.  Carson McCulloch collected the assist.  Juan de Fuca got one back at 8:43, but it was to be their only goal.  The Bulldogs widened their lead in the second period on goals from Colby Lim and Brett Williscroft, who was assisted by Andre Savard on a power play. 

Facing elimination Juan de Fuca turned up the pressure in the third period.  The Bulldogs refused to be intimidated and shared 78 minutes in penalties with the visitors in the final frame.  They also added three more goals.  Sheldon Trees set up Savard at 15:56.  It was Savard again at 11:19, this time off a long break out pass from Bryan Read to McCulloch.  Lim got his second with an assist from Janzen at 6:10 to finish it off. 

The Midget Bulldogs will have home ice advantage for the first game of the Island Championship series.  They are tentatively scheduled to play Powell River at 2:30 PM on Saturday February 20^th at the Multiplex (Weyerhaeuser).  This promises to be a great game.  Let’s have as many fans as possible come out to cheer them on. 

written by Simon Read

---

February 24, 2010 - UNDERDOGS OVER DOGS

After upsetting Saanich 6-5 in the semi-final, a determined Powell River team stole the Island Midget Tier 2 Banner from Alberni Valley in two close games February 20 and 21.  Both games went to double overtime. 

Playing at home on Saturday the Bulldogs enjoyed a narrow 2-1 lead for most of the second period on goals by Andre Savard and Colby Lim.  Then Powell River scored twice.  There were only 20 seconds left when Keenan McConnell, with assists from Sheldon Trees and Jeff Dagg tied it at 3-3.  It took 30 minutes of overtime for the next goal and unfortunately it was for Powell River. 

On Sunday in Powell River the Bulldogs pulled out to a 3-0 lead early in the second period, before Powell River started to come back.  The Kings switched goalies at the half way point.  The Bulldogs lead was 5-2 at the mid-point, including a hat trick scored by Jeff Dagg.  It was 5-4 at the end of the second period and tied at the end of regulation time.  Once again it took two overtime periods for Powell River to get the sixth and final goal.   

Despite the disappointment of losing the Tier 2 championship to a team they had beaten four times previously, the Midget Bulldogs had a successful season and won the Vancouver Island Division 2 Banner for Alberni.  The team thanks Coach Brent Demerais and his assistants Bryce Abbot and Dave McConnell, as well as conditioning coaches Dave and Jill Sherwood for their many hours of work and training over the season.  Thanks also to Team Manager Brenda Read and Safety Person Sonia Somerville for their hard work, and to all the other parents for their support.  Thanks also go to team sponsors HFN Forestry and Rain Coast Erosion Control for helping to cover expenses. 

The Midget Bulldogs will take a short break before preparing for the Ridge Meadows tournament at the end of March.

written by Simon Read