BANTAM BULLDOGS WIN BIG

A BIG Win with the West Coast Cutting & Coring Bantam AA Bulldogs knocking out the Saanich Braves and winning home ice advantage for the Final best of 3 Round –vs- Campbell River.   It was a must win game for the hard fighting West Coast Cutting & Coring Bantam AA Bulldogs on Saturday (Feb. 18) at home in front of their home town fans. It was a single round knock out game against Saanich Braves.

The scoring did not take long to get started with Saanich netting the first goal only 1:57 into the first period.  Back and forth action saw both goalies facing shots and lots of action in front of the net. At the 10:05 mark of the first period Codie Beecroft passed the puck to Ethan Sundstrum and he was sure to hit the target to tie the game. Six minutes into the second period, on the power play Saanich went up 2-1. Just 1 minute and 44 seconds later Kyle May moved the puck to Tristan McLeod and he skated through the defence and slammed one past the Saanich goalie to tie the game once again. Less then 2 minutes later, Ashton Locke made a smooth pass to Sundstrum, who again ripped a shot past the goalie, and for the first time during the game the Dogs took the lead. In the third period the Bulldogs started strong and with teamwork and great passing James Mcleod scored to put the home team ahead by 2 goals, Beecroft snagged his 2^nd assist of the game. Saanich switched up their goaltending, hoping to get a last chance to get back into the game. However, May and James Mcleod wanted to get insurance and they assisted Sundstrum’s 3^rd goal of the game.

Referee’s had to take a moment to pick up several hats that the local Midget team threw out to support their Bantam Dogs and Sundstrum’s hat trick. With a little more then 2 minutes left in the game, Saanich scored the last goal of the game on a power play, but it was not enough, as the Bantam Dogs secured the 5-3 win. The AV Bantam A Team will now move onto the final round, which is a best of three series, facing the Campbell River Tyee’s. Game 1 will be this Saturday February 25 @ 4:30 pm. Come out and cheer your local AV Bantam Bulldogs.

February 22, 2012 | Categories: -News-, Bantam Bulldogs, Competitive Teams | Comments Off

BANTAM BULLDOGS UPDATE

The West Coast Coring and Cutting Bantam Bulldogs travelled to Victoria for the Peninsula Christmas Break Tournament December 27^th to 30^th. They opened against Juan de Fuca winning 6-1. Ethan Sundstrum lead the team with 3 goals, Jacob Battaro had a goal and an assist, Tristan McLeod 2 assists, Kyle May and Josh Harvey each added a goal, and Matt Irg, Kegun Selva and Matt Oliver each added an assist.

The second game was against the host Peninsula Eagles with the Dogs walking away 9 -1 winners. May lead the way with a hat trick and 2 assists, Sundstrum had 2 goals and 3 assists, Oliver 2 goals and 2 assists, Cody Beecroft and Tristan McLeod each had a goal and an assists, Irg and Harvey each had an assist.

Next up from the Bulldogs was Oceanside. With the Dogs winning 8-4 Sundstrum lead with 2 goals and an assist, Oliver a goal and 2 assists, Beecroft added 3 assists, Harvey a goal and an assist, James McLeod, Brock Elder, Battaro, and Selva each contributed a goal, May and Tristan McLeod each had an assist.

The Final round robin game was against Saanich. Again the Bulldogs came out on top in a closer game, winning 5-2.Selva, May, Oliver, Sundstrum all each had a goal and an assist, Battaro had 2 assists, and Harvey added an assist.

In the semifinals the Bulldogs faced Cowichan. It was a hard fought game but Cowichan managed a late goal to win 2-1. Pierce Adams scored the lone Bulldogs goal with an assist from Harvey.

In the Bronze medal game the Dogs were once again up against Saanich. It was another close game with the Bulldogs winning 3-2. Battaro lead the way with 2 goals, Sundstrum added the other goal with assists from Tristan McLeod and Jake Eskola.

League action resumed January 7^th and 8^th. In two tough gamed, the Bulldogs lost to Campbell River 9-4 and Nanaimo 4-0.

Submitted by Mike Irg

January 14, 2012 | Categories: -News-, Bantam Bulldogs, Competitive Teams | Comments Off

BANTAM BULLDOGS UPDATE…

The West Coast Coring and Cutting Bantam Bulldogs are into their 2011/12 season. After finishing strong in the tiering round, they are playing up a division in Tier 1. Facing strong competition in league play, the local Bantam team is holding their own. With league play continuing over this last weekend, the Bulldogs travelled to the South Island Saturday to face Juan de Fuca. In a penalty-filled game the Bulldogs lost 7-2.

This coming weekend, the Bantam Bulldogs travel to Fuller Lake on Saturday to play Cowichan, who they beat earlier in league play. Sunday the Bulldogs are at home against Campbell River.  (On December 4 these two teams played to a 4-4 tie, so both teams will be out to prove themselves this weekend.)  Game time Sunday December 18^th, 12:30 at the Multiplex.

 Submitted by Mike Irg

AVMHA Bantam Bulldogs are proudly sponsored by:

December 14, 2011 | Categories: -News-, Bantam Bulldogs, Competitive Teams | Comments Off

UPDATE – BANTAM BULLDOGS – Regular Season Ends

FEW games come this close! A semifinal playoff game with an all-star finish! 15 SECONDS to go and Saanich ties it up to force the overtime play, and their eventual win at 2 minutes into the overtime period.  We have to give Saanich credit for their third period push, nothing to be ashamed about, “that’s Hockey”  and remember “Every day is a great day for hockey.” -Mario Lemieux

The highlights are exciting as well, we led the entire game (up to the 15 second mark of the third), Brad Cowen opened the scoring off a pass from Nathaniel Casavant near center and took it all the way to cause the first scar.  Matt Oliver sets up the second goal, also in the first to Nathaniel, to Chase Gaudreault, and away we go, a two nothing lead entering the second.  Saanich scores in the second at the 16:36 mark and we answer at the 16:18 mark from the hard work of Giordano Corlazzoli  who feeds Matt Irg on the Bull Dogs power play, and Matt takes another one of his great shots to keep a two point spread 3-1.  I wish we could stop there—that’s it , that all she wrote—HA! But! Saanich scored at the 10 minute mark, 2 minute mark, and the 15 second mark to tie the game for the eventual win at the 7 minute mark of the overtime period.   We had a good third period, we hit the posts, had breakaways, strong passing and cycling plays, we looked good, and we all love close games (good for the adrenaline, maybe for the guys on the ice as well).

Absolutely a great way to end the regular season!  We wish Ethan and Logan a get well and have a great and full season next year (cannot talk anymore about injuries) as well for Jake, a great and full season next year.  The steady improvement of each and every player is a testimony to the fantastic coaching staff, thanks from all of us to Rob, Kory, and Steve.  Thank you to the Harvey Family for Managing this team.

At the end of the Poco Tournament we will write a year end wrap up and let you know what the boys are doing for summer training and preparing for next year, in the meantime you can catch our boys in action a few more times,

• February 26^th against Nanaimo in Nanaimo at 12:45 PM
• February 27^th against Comox in Comox at 3:15 PM
• March 6^th against Peninsula in Victoria at 1:45
• March 13 against the Racquet Club Stewart Arena at 1:45
• March 23-26 Tournament in Port Coquitlam

submitted by Gary Casavant

February 23, 2011 | Categories: -News-, Bantam Bulldogs, Competitive Teams | Comments Off

UPDATE – BANTAM BULLDOGS

Well, not only IN the playoffs but FIRST PLACE in our division, who would have thunk it? The boys thunk it obviously, never gave up and wow!, PROVINCIALS are in their sites.

The Bantam Bulldogs won against Campbell River on Saturday 4-1, that last time they met it was 10-1 for Campbell River, this is the second upset in a row and there is a fire lit for sure, look out to anyone who tries to slow them down now.

Goalies, what a job, hard to find praise when the goal scorer “wins” the game, and yet you can have a great game and still lose, you that is the goalie, lost the game(how does that work).    Well this weekend it is hard to find words to describe the incredible job Ryan Price did in net, and yes, there was only one goalie in net no matter what you think you saw, speed, reflexes, position, on the back, on the head, it did not matter, the puck stopped there and that was it!  Great job Ryan, this will take your team all the way.

The rest of the job to win the game came at the 16 mark of period 2 when Chase Gaudreault passes to Nathaniel Casavant to Josh Harvey who takes a great slap shot and puts the first one on the board, 1 -0 for our guys. CR picks up the only goal they will get on a power play in the second at the 12 minute mark.  This is how the second period ends 1-1, Close after 2.   Then 2-1 at the 14 minute mark of period 3 with Nathaniel to Brad Cowan who put those magic skates to work and drives it home.  Then a great interception buy Giordano Corlazzoli in CR’s end and a quick wrist shot to make it 3-1.  Chase follows shortly after, also with a pick up from a mishandle and wham!, 4-1.

Everyone needs to know that the names mentioned so far do not make up the team, we have a hard working group of guys and their skill is enjoyable to watch, Matt Oliver drove hard all game creating a couple of close opportunities, the ability of Gary Martin to see the ice and place the puck, the skating and hitting of Tristan McLeod, and Jake Eskola, the smooth stick handling of Jakob Battaro and Keagun Sylva , we have Cam Blake and Matt Irg clearing well and defending Ryan.  Jessie Geddes as backup goalie goes unsung when not playing, but works hard to be ready and removes all kinds of stress because you know as a team you have a great guy standing by.

Provincials all the way guys, let’s take it home!!!

Next Game:

• Sunday February 20^th at home 1PM (Playoff)
• There is an exhibition game Saturday 19^th 10AM

Submitted by Gary Casavant

February 16, 2011 | Categories: -News-, Bantam Bulldogs, Competitive Teams | Comments Off

UPDATE – BANTAM BULLDOGS

Playoffs are well underway and the Bantam boys are 1 and 1.  We lost our game against Powell River in Powell River on Saturday  5-2.  We won our game at home against Oceanside on Sunday 5-3

Powell River

Powell River came out swinging and caught our boys a little off guard, but regardless of the initial shake up, PR only scored one goal in the first period and this was answered byBrad Cowen in the second period to make it a 1-1 game. Brad displayed his stick handling ability as he deiced through two players and had the net minder guessing, this was nice to watch, Brad was assisted by Josh Harvey and Tristan McLeod. PR scored for a 2-1 lead next, and that was quickly answered by Jakob Bottaro, assisted by Matt Oliver and Josh Harvey. That was the end of our teams scoring run for this game ending the second period 2-2, but the game took its toll on the team and at the 17 minute, 6 minute, and .30 second mark of the third, PR found a way to beat Ryan Price,  who by the way played an excellent game making PR work for every victory.

At Home Against Oceanside

We led this game all the way, we thought the idea to come out swinging was good, and hey! It worked.  Fast paced the entire game and an upset, as Oceanside has beat this team all year.  A hard hitting game with great net tending all the way through.  The Bulldogs  drew first blood with only two minutes left in the first period, and then again with only 54 seconds left in the first.  That first goal was a classic point shot bar down, executed perfectly by Matt Irg off a pass from Nathaniel Casavant and Jake Eskola.  The second was a drive to the net with a hard shot from Chase Gaudreault that was just too hot to handle beating their goalie on the short side and we suddenly end the first with2 up.  Chase was assisted by Tristan McLeod and Jake Eskola.

We scored twice more in the second one from Brad Cowen at the 5 minute mark, assisted by Gary Martin,  and one by Matt Oliver assisted by Tristan McLeod at the 4 minute mark.  At 2 minutes left in the second Oceanside finally solves Ryan Price and we ended the second 4-1.  A very hard and fast third period with Oceanside finding the net at the 12 and 8 minute mark, this did cause just a little bit of nervousness in the stands (to say the least), bringing the game within one point 4-3.  But the guys that started the whole thing ended it well, with another hard shot from Matt Irg at the point and Nathaniel Casavant batting in the rebound, the sigh of relief from the fans was audible!  5-3, What a team effort and hard work, that is what it takes, and these guys are still contenders for the provincials.

Next Game

• In Campbell River on Saturday February 12^th 4:00 PM

Submitted by Gary Casavant

February 8, 2011 | Categories: -News-, Bantam Bulldogs, Competitive Teams | Comments Off

BANTAM BULLDOG UPDATE (with photos)

Whoa! Whoa! Whoa! If you left the game on December 22 with our Bantam A players playing Comox 1 halfway through, you left with a score of 5-1 in favor of Comox.  If you returned at the end of the game you would check your watch, look at a calendar, and try to figure out where you were because the score clock read 8-7 in favor of the Bulldogs!

Here is what happened, in the second half at exactly 10:01 in period 2, Chase Gaudreault scores off a drive by Nathanial Casavant who took a pass from Keegan Selva, and then all @#&! breaks loose and a fire is lit that never goes out for the rest of the game.

Chase finds twine two more times in the second, one off a pass from Tristan McLeod, and one that goes from Tristan to Ethan Sundstrum to Chase who puts it away.  Before we go on lets point out that the only goal scored in the first was off the hard work of Brad Cowen and Ethan Sundstrum, Brad to Ethan who got the first.

Four minutes into the third Chase passes to Ethan who puts it to the point and Josh Harvey drives it home,  this made the score 6-5 for Comox, (they snuck a late one in at the end of the second) it also scared Comox and  they did not want to lose.  This was great hockey, back and forth good checks, passes, it had it all with two closely matched teams for skating and skill.  Then with three minutes and fifty three seconds left Matt Oliver passes to Giordano Corlazzoli who gets it over the stretched out goalie pad and we have a tie game, but only for a few seconds, Comox comes from the face off and scores, 7-6 for Comox with just over three minutes left, yikes! The last three minutes were like another entire game, tense, fast, and exciting, and here is the best part, with only 38.2 seconds left Cam Blake to Josh, who feeds Chase and into the net!!  Tie game, then it cannot get better, Chase grabs up the puck drives the net all alone and snatches a victory for the Bulldogs with seconds on the clock, beautiful.  Great game for Chase with 5 goals and 1 assist.

(Click on photo to enlarge)

This was a good game, the spectators could tell that the coaching was strong and the players were responding with good clearing by the defense, finishing a check by the forwards, and passing better.  It took half of the game to get it together and once again, when playing at this level, every mistake and opportunity given to the opponent will be capitalized on.

There were five games before this one, and there were highlights with some hard work and effort, but the only victory prior to this game in the last five was against the Girls Team, Mid Island Extreme, and the guys barely won (distracted I guess?).  The boys lost to Comox 1 at their first meeting 3-0, tied Nanaimo 2-2, lost against Cowichan 5-3, and lost against Cowichan  5-1.  Not a good run for the team, but they made up for it with the comeback win described above.

Next Game – At home December 29^th 3:30 puck drops, against Campbell River

Submitted by Gary Casavant

December 31, 2010 | Categories: -News-, Bantam Bulldogs, Competitive Teams | Comments Off

BANTAM BULLDOGS UPDATE

The Pacific Rim Hotel and Tseshaht Bantam Bulldogs Update -  Clean Sweep Weekend

The Bantam Bulldogs won against Cowichan Valley 1 in Cowichan on Saturday 6-3.  Goal tending was unbelievable and another new star showed up on the ice, Giordano Corlazzoli.    First, what about that #1, Ryan Price? Great net minding with all the action that makes hockey what it is, several clear breakaways foiled by Ryan, and a steady strong presence in the net staring down shot after shot.   Ryan made it look smooth and simple this weekend, great work Ryan!  The talent on this team does not seem to end, each week someone else shows up doing great things, this time Giordano Corlazzoli, a hat trick on Saturday, and two goals on Sunday.  Giordano is our tallest player who knows how to use his advantage, that long reach and sharp eye found twine five times this weekend, keep it up Gio (nick name).

This win is in spite of being short handed in the D zone with only 4 players shifting off, they showed their stuff, held the turf, and put points on the board with Matt Irg and Cam Blake each taking an assist. Cam Blake, Matt Irg, Keagun Selva, and Josh Harvey were the gate keepers on Saturday along with goalie Ryan Price.

Points collected on Saturday:

• Giordano Corlazzoli, 3 Goals
• Matt Oliver, 1 Goal, 2 Assists
• Nathaniel Casavant 1 Goal, 1 Assist
• Logan Henson, 1 Goal
• Chase Gaudreault, 2 Assists
• Jake Bottaro, 2 Assists
• Cam Blake, 1 Assist
• Mathew Irg, 1 Assist
• Tristan McLeod,1  Assist

Several carpenters came out with levels on Sunday to see if the ice was tilting towards the Kerry Park end of the ice. (HA!)  The Bulldogs dominated the entire game winning 9-3 against Kerry Park 3.  Expected to do well against a lower division, but, you never know with hockey.  Credit must go to Adam Golia, (Goalie for Kerry Park) who was peppered continually and managed to keep many more goals out.

The boys played well, good passing, cycling, and playing for the entire 60 minutes, this is what they need to do every game.

Points Collected on Sunday:

• Chase Gaudreault, 2 Goals, 1 Assist
• Giordano Corlazzoli, 2 Goals
• Jake Bottaro, 1 Goal, 1 Assist
• Ethan Sundstrum, 1 Goal, 1 Assist
• Tristan McLeod, 1 Goal, 1 Assist
• Matt Oliver, 1 Goal, 1 Assist
• Nathaniel Casavant, 2 Assists
• Brad Cowan, 2 Assists
• Logan Henson, 1 Assist

Next Game – Sunday December 12^th 2:45- 4:45 @ Home

Submitted by Gary Casavant

December 7, 2010 | Categories: -News-, Bantam Bulldogs, Competitive Teams | Comments Off

BANTAM BULLDOGS UPDATE

The Tseshaht Market / Pacific Rim Motel Bantam Bulldogs Update…

The Bantam A team took the weekend November 20^th 21^st off,  only to come back and defeat the Victoria Racket Club 3-0 on Saturday 27^th .

The star of this game was without question Matt Oliver 2 of the 3 goals with an assist on the 3^rd.  Speed and calm dictated his day as Matt relentlessly brought the game to the Racket Club.  Goal one was a classic play as Matt broke away and undressed Allan Jeremy (Racket Club Goalie) with a patient deke that had Allan going in the wrong direction.  Look for more great things from # 8 Matt Oliver.

Points for the Game:

• Matt Oliver 2 Goals 1 assist
• Josh Harvey 1 Goal 1 assist
• Ashton Locke 1 assist
• Keagun Silva 1 assist

Next Game

Saturday at Fuller Lake against Cowichan Valley ranked # 1 (Until next Saturday)  We do not have a start time yet

Submitted by Gary Casavant

December 2, 2010 | Categories: -News-, Bantam Bulldogs, Competitive Teams | Comments Off

BANTAM BULLDOGS UPDATE

Tournament Results (click on thumbnail images to enlarge)

The Bantam A Bulldogs Won 1 game Tied one game and Lost two games, all played in Victoria from last Thursday to Sunday.  The team showed great resolve coming from behind several times,  Jesse Geddes was in net doing fantastic holding the scores to respectable levels.  Jessie stopped several breakaways and had some great moments blocking a flurry of shots that seemed to come at him from every angle.  The tie against Oceanside on Saturday was a nail biter with Oceanside taking an early lead and the entire game was a display of good skating, team play, and great net minding on both ends.

All of the points gained are listed below with Chase Gaudreault and Brad Cowan earning 8 points each through the tournament, Chase 6 Goals 2 Assists Brad with 7 assists and 1 Goal, but take a look as a defenseman Josh Harvey comes in with 7 points, 6 Assists and 1 Goal, Great Work Josh!

• #5 Jordan Lavertu -  1 Goal
• #8 Matt Oliver -  1 Assist
• #9 Brad Cowan -  1 Goal 7 Assist
• #10 Jake Bottaro -  1 Goal 3 Assist
• #12 Josh Harvey -  1 Goal 6 Assist
• #13 Keagun Selva -  1 Assist
• #17 Ethan Sundstrum -  3 Goals 2 Assists
• #20 Giordano Corlazzoli -  2 Goals 1 Assist
• #21 Nathaniel Casavant -  1 Goal 1 Assist
• #22 Chase Gaudreault -  6 Goals 2 Assists

Other Notes – The Bantam Bulldogs are finding their place in this league and when they fire on all cylinders it is wonderful hockey to watch.  The team does need to play for a full 60 minutes and this is currently the area of development, they are finding out that they cannot take the foot off the pedal at any time at this level of play. However, with the ability to come back from behind and press to the last second even when behind should see this team through to a lot of victories this year.

Next Game – Saturday November 20^th in Nanaimo at NIC puck drops at 3:45

Submitted by Gary Casavant

November 18, 2010 | Categories: -News-, Bantam Bulldogs, Competitive Teams | Comments Off