MIDGET BULLDOGS IN FINALS
MIDGET BULLDOGS WIN SEMI – HOME ICE FOR CHAMPIONSHIP
The Van Isle Ford Midget Bulldogs advanced to the Vancouver Island Championship with a 7-4 victory on Sunday in their semi-final game against Saanich Braves. Five hundred fans cheered as the team cranked it up to overtake the visitors in the final 10 minutes. Powell River downed the Grizzlies 5-2 at Bear Mountain in the other semi-final on Saturday.
Alberni Valley will now take on Powell River in the best of three championship series. The first game will be at 1:45 PM, Saturday February 25th at the Alberni Valley Multiplex. Then both teams will head to Powell River for Game 2. Game 3 if necessary will be back in Port Alberni on March 3rd.
In Sunday’s game the host Bulldogs played cautiously to start and spent a lot of time in their own zone. They allowed Saanich a one goal lead at 12:13 of the first period. Chase Gaudreault evened that up at 4:29 with helpers from Logan Savard and blue liner Tyler Ibsen.
In the middle of the second period Saanich jammed the crease to go up 2-1. Colby Lim on power play led a pass to Cam MacAdams who worked it to the net and then dropped the puck in the slot for Beau Wilson to make it 2-2. But Saanich came right back to take the lead again at 5:26 and held on to the end of the period.
Although the Bulldogs ramped up their game in the third period, Saanich was just as determined and held the 3-2 lead until the middle of the frame. The turning point came near the middle of the period when goalie Gianni Crema stoned a Saanich breakaway attempt. Then at 10:58 Tyler Wilhelm hammered the puck through the 5 hole from right in front. Cory Beecroft assisted. It was the first of five unanswered goals. MacAdams from Savard and Ibsen made it 4-3 at 9:59. Beecroft and Lim set up Wilhelm’s second goal with a man advantage at 6:54, then Lim scored unassisted off a rebound at 3:41. Finally Wilhelm and Lim supported Gaudreault’s second goal with 1:38 left. Saanich still had some bite and took one back for the 7-4 final score.
Coach Brent Demerais said of the team, “Their size and conditioning paid off in the end. The game turned when they started going hard to the net.”
The players took a moment to salute their fans after the game. They are looking forward to the first championship game on Saturday and hope to see the same people and more come out. There will be two championship games that day as both the Midget A and Bantam Rep teams will be playing back to back. Come out and see what our Alberni Valley boys will do!
Midget Bulldog Colby Lim (21) raises his stick after scoring the sixth goal in the weekend semi-final against Saanich. Lim had 4 points in the game. Cory Beecroft (7) right had two assists.
Referee signals Midget Bulldog Tyler Wilhelm's tying goal in the third period of the Midget Bulldogs semi-final game vs Saanich
Midget Bulldog Cam MacAdams (16) scores the game winning 4th goal in semi-final action against Saanich on Sunday. Logan Savard (11) and Tyler Ibsen (3) assisted.
Submitted by Simon Read
AVMHA BULLDOGS PLAYOFF SCHEDULE
Follow the local teams in their efforts to go to the Provincial Championships – March 18
Midget (Tier 2) Van Isle Ford Bulldogs - Island League Champions
MIDGET TIER 2 (Van Isle Ford)
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Semi Final game – Feb. 19, (Home) 3:15 – 5:45 pm – Alberni 7 vs Saanich 4
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Finals – Game 1 – Sat. Feb. 25, (Home) 1:45 – 4:15 pm - Alberni vs Powell River
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Finals – Game 2 – Sun. Feb. 26, 1:15 – 3:45 pm – Powell River vs Alberni
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Finals – Game 3 – Sat. Mar. 3, (Home game – TBA) – Alberni vs Powell River
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Bantam (Tier 2) West Coast Cutting & Coring
BANTAM TIER 2 (West Coast Cutting & Coring)
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Semi Final game – Feb. 18, (at home) 2:30 – 5:00 pm - Alberni 5 vs Saanich 3
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Finals – Game 1 – Sat. Feb. 25 – (at home) 4:30 – 7:00 pm – Alberni vs Campbell River
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Finals – Game 2 – Sun. Feb. 26 – 2:00 – 4:30 pm – Campbell River vs Alberni
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Finals – Game 3 – Sat. Mar. 3 – (Home game TBA) – Alberni vs Campbell River
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PeeWee (Tier 2) Barclay Hotel-Smitty's-GDM Boom & Sort - Island League Champs
PEEWEE TIER 2 (Barclay Hotel-Smitty’s-GDM Boom & Sort)
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Semi Final game – Feb. 18, 12:00 – 2:20 pm – Bear Mountain - Juan de Fuca 9 vs Alberni 0
MIDGET BULLDOGS BRING HOCKEY SEMI-FINAL TO HOME ICE
The Van Isle Ford Midget Bulldogs made the trip to Powell River on February 11 and battled to a 4-3 win over the home team. The victory puts Alberni Valley first in the North Island Division of the Vancouver Island T2 play-offs and gives them home ice advantage for the semi-final game against South Island on February 19th.
The game stayed close as the Bulldogs gradually wore down their opposition with unrelenting physical play. Powell River scored first on a man advantage half way through the first period. The Bulldog power play evened it up at 14:03 of the second period. Colby Lim passed across the crease for a racing Brandon Antonichuk to jam in at the corner. On another power play in the middle of the second, Cameron MacAdams won a battle in the corner against two defenders, then got to the crease in time to screen an outside shot from Spencer Pierce. Greg Tuckerman picked up an assist. Powell River got even almost immediately and then, playing 5 on 3, pulled ahead 3-2.
The Bulldogs kept up the pressure until with six seconds left Nathan Read jumped on a clearing attempt and one-timed the puck to the top right corner. Chase Gaudreault and Logan Savard recorded assists as the period ended 3-3.
Five minutes into the final frame Tuckerman took a pass from Ryan Buse, then banked it off a Powell River defender to put the Bulldogs in the lead again with their third power play goal. Sam Visona earned the second assist. After that the Bulldogs defensive play held Powell River out of scoring range for the rest of the period, except for a few anxious minutes killing off a late penalty. Final score 4-3.
Coach Brent Demerais complimented the team for picking up a hard fought win on the road. He said, “It’s never easy to win on this trip, but we put out a solid team effort. Playing and winning in Division 1 all season gave us an edge over Powell River (who won the lower Division 2). Our guys were winning the battles in the corners and getting them to cough up the puck. Gianni Crema was good in goal and we had a real hard working defence.”
Two dozen of the team’s biggest fans also went to Powell River and made their support known there. The Midget Bulldogs are also looking for as many fans as possible to come out to support them during the semi-final game against the Saanich Braves on Sunday February 19th.
There will be a chance to meet the players outside the Multiplex before the game, with hot dogs and soft drinks available from 1 PM. Game time is 3:15 to 5:45 PM and admission is free. The winner of this game will advance to play for the Island Championship.
Submitted by Simon Read
MIDGET “B” BULLDOG UPDATE
The AVMHA Midget B Rep team, sponsored by Jal Design, Subway and Triple A Photos, will play one of its most important games of the season on home ice, this Saturday Feb. 11th against Comox-2, starting at 3:00 p.m.
In the Island Playoff Series, each of the teams has a win and a loss, so only the winner will go on to the finals in a best of three games , to be played against the winner of this weekend’s game between Nanaimo and Cowichan. It will be a tough battle as all four teams are quite evenly matched – anyone could win.
Despite missing the teams’ two top scorers (Liam Macleod -36 pts, who was off the past 4 games with a shoulder injury - and Connor Gagnon – 31 pts, missing in the last two) the Midget B Bulldogs have won 3 out of the 4 last games. Hopefully Liam and Connor will be back for this crucial game as the Bulldogs will be missing two dependable defensive players, brothers Gary & James Martin. Come on out for some exciting hockey at the Alberni Valley Multiplex this weekend and see what happens!
To update, the Midget B Bulldogs got off to a great start in the playoffs, with a solid 7-2 victory against Cowichan on January 28th, spreading out their goals with 3 in the 1st, 2 in the 2nd and 2 in the 3rd. Connor Gagnon ended up with a hat trick, Ellis Martin scored 2 and Giordano Corlazzoli and Cameron James each scored one. Matt McLeod contributed 4 assists, Wesley Schutt had 2 assists and Cam Blake, Cameron and Connor each got one.
The following day, on home ice once again, the Midget B Bulldogs won an exhibition game against Peninsula3 with a score of 6-3. After a scoreless first period, the Bulldogs dominated the second period with goals from Dawson Marlett, Jordan Lavertu (AP), Matt , Gary Martin, and Connor. Assists were from Colin Mowat, Ellis, Cam, Daryl Defrietus, Connor, Cameron, Wesley and Matt . Third period play continued with good team efforts resulting in a goal by Cameron assisted by James and Ellis. Team and spectator excitement soared when Andrew Cusson stopped a penalty shot in the 3rd period.
This past weekend the AVMHA Midget B’s travelled to Victoria on Saturday the 4th for an Exhibition game against Saanich4, winning 10-1, a near-shut-out-game for goalie Jason Brunt. First period goals were both scored by Ellis, assisted by Wesley. In the second period, Matt got 3 goals, assisted twice by Cameron and once by Gary; Wes got his first of the game assisted by Ellis, and the AP line saw Jordan score from a pass by Tyrell Terryberry. Third period play led with the Ellis/Wes combo again, and a first of the season goal for Jory Cole assisted by Matt and Cam. The final goal was scored by Giordano assisted by Ellis.
Unfortunately, the next day resulted in a narrow 4-3 loss against Nanaimo2 at the NIC (Nanaimo Ice Centre). Colin Mowat put in the first goal of the game, assisted by Dawson Marlett on a power play. Cameron James put one in assisted by AP Shayla Frechette, who had neither played or practiced with this team. Second period play found Wes Schutt rack up another point, assisted by James Martin on a powerplay. No goals were scored in the 3rd period for either team. Cam Blake had a good opportunity with a penalty shot however. All of Nanaimo’s goals were scored on powerplays. As with any game, if the Bulldogs can stay out of the penalty box they all, whether on offense or defense, have the potential to score and win! Let’s hope they come out to Saturday’s game well-rested and ready to give their best individual and team effort to continue to the Playoff Finals!
Submitted by Carolyn Corlazzoli
MIDGET “A” BULLDOGS WILL PLAY IN ISLAND SEMI-FINAL
The Van Isle Ford Midget Bulldogs started their play off series at home to the Oceanside Generals on February 5th, after a two week break between games. The Generals were facing elimination after losing to Powell River the day before. They came out hard and dominated physically through much of the game, while the Bulldogs looked rusty and made some uncharacteristic
errors.
After some back and forth, Beau Wilson opened scoring for Alberni with a wrap around at 7:54 of the first period. Greg Tuckerman assisted. Oceanside replied with a quick goal at the beginning of the second period. Wilson got the lead back late in the period, taking a feed from Colby Lim and Ryan Buse and snapping a backhand through five hole. The Alberni power play stumbled at the start of the third period, allowing Oceanside to even it up with a short handed goal.
Midget Bulldog Beau Wilson (15) scores the opening goal in weekend action against Oceanside. Wilson had two goals and an assist in the game. Colby Lim (21) also had two goals and an assist.
After that the Bulldogs got into penalty trouble with 5 minor penalties in ten minutes. The Generals used a two man advantage to edge ahead 3-2. After that minutes ticked off the clock while 200 home town fans watched anxiously.
Referee signals tying goal by Midget Bulldog Colby Lim (21) right in play off action against Oceanside on Sunday. Nathan Read (18) and Beau Wilson (15) assisted on the goal.
Coach Brent Demerais took advantage of the versatility on the team to switch up some forward and defence roles. The strategy paid off in the tying goal with only 3:08 left. Colby Lim slammed the puck under the goalie from the high slot, assisted by Wilson and Nathan Read in front. Exactly 10 seconds later Cory Beecroft slapped a rebound from the top of the circle which went off the goalie stick and over his shoulder to put the Bulldogs on top. Lim potted an empty netter for a 5-3 final score.
The win guarantees that Alberni Valley will be in the Vancouver Island semi-final against a South Island team, either Saanich or Juan de Fuca. Their next play-off game in Powell River on February 11th will determine ranking and home ice advantage for the North Island teams going into the cross-over.
Before the game the team entered the dressing room to find a surprise gift of customized sports bags from sponsor Will Pulford of Van Isle Ford. They want Will and Van Isle Ford to know how much they appreciate the bags and the sponsorship of the team.
Submitted by Simon Read
MIDGET “A” BULLDOGS ISLAND LEAGUE CHAMPS
#1 Gianni Crema, #2 Ryan Buse, #3 Tyler Ibsen, #7 Cory Beecroft, #9 Tyler Wilhelm, #10 Brad Cowan, #11 Logan Savard, #12 Brett Williscroft, #13 Sam Visona, #14 Greg Tuckerman, #15 Beau Wilson, #16 Cam MacAdams, #18 Nathan Read, #19 Brandon Antonichuk, #21 Colby Lim, #22 Chase Gaudreault #23 Spencer Pierce, and #35 Bryce Dirocco. Head Coach Brent Demerais, Coaches Rob Gaudreault and Jeff Carey, supported by Team Manager Brenda Read, Safety Person Bruno Visona, and dryland coaches Dave and Jill Sherwood.
DIVISION 1 CHAMPIONS! MIDGET BULLDOGS COLLECT BANNER
It’s official. Alberni Valley’s Van Isle Ford Midget Rep Bulldogs are the number one team in Division 1 of the Vancouver Island Hockey League. Al McCulloch presented the Championship Banner to the team on behalf of the VIAHA Executive immediately after the last league game on Sunday January 22. Even down a few players, the Bulldogs were able to outgun Nanaimo Clippers T1 by 5-3 to conclude the regular season with a record of 10 wins, 1 loss and 1 tie. They pulled ahead of Nanaimo in the first period. The first goal was pounded in from the high slot by Cameron MacAdams at 11:46 on a two man advantage. Logan Savard assisted. Seconds later, still on power play, Cory Beecroft put a shot on goal as Spencer Pierce set up the screen. Brandon Antonichuk swooped on the rebound and snapped it inside the left post to make it 2-0. With thirty seconds to go Sam Visona raced the Nanaimo defence down the left boards, then put a nice pass on the tape for Greg Tuckerman to finish into open net on the other side.
Six of eight goals in this game came on power plays. The only goal in the second period went to Nanaimo with a man advantage. Ryan Buse restored the three goal lead for Alberni Valley on a power play early in the third. Antonichuk and Visona collected the assists. After that Nanaimo capitalized on two more power play opportunities to narrow the gap to a single goal. Greg Tuckerman’s long empty netter sealed the victory for Alberni Valley with only seven seconds left.
Al McCulloch, President of Alberni Valley MHA, presents the Division 1 Championship Banner to Midget T2 Bulldog team captain Brandon Antonichuk on behalf of the VIAHA Executive.
The Van Isle Ford Midget Bulldogs were not the only Alberni Valley team to be declared Champions on Sunday. The quality of Alberni Valley Minor Hockey was also shown by the Peewee Bulldogs who were presented with their Banner for the VIHL Peewee Division 2 Championship. Congratulations to all the players, coaches and others who have worked all season to make this possible. Now it’s on to the play-offs. The Midget Bulldogs will have home ice for their first play-off game against Oceanside at 5 PM on Sunday February 5.
Submitted by Simon Read
MIDGET “A” BULLDOGS LOCK UP DIVISION 1
The league leading Van Isle Ford Midget Bulldogs faced off against second place Cowichan Valley Capitals on Sunday January 15th in front of some 250 fans at the Multiplex. These are two very competitive teams and the outcome of the game was uncertain until the final buzzer.
Although the Bulldogs controlled most of the play and outshot the visitors 39-16, the Capitals had built a 2-0 lead going into the third period. They were still ahead with 4 minutes left. Cowichan goalie Jesse Jenks had turned away all 35 Bulldog shots and time was running out.
Greg Tuckerman (14) gets his stick on the puck to make sure of the winning goal against Cowichan on Sunday. Colby Lim (21) deflected Cory Beecroft's point shot.
Then with 3:38 left, Tyler Wilhelm, on the point for a power play, took a pass from Cameron MacAdams and slammed it past a screen and through the five hole. A minute later Nathan Read passed across to Ryan Buse at the other point. Cory Beecroft tipped Buse’s slap shot in to even the score. Then with only 57 seconds to go Beecroft made a low shot from the point that Colby Lim redirected in front. It bounced off the goalie’s stick and over his shoulder to finally be batted in by Greg Tuckerman.
Cowichan pulled the goalie for an extra attacker, but the Bulldog team defence and goalie Gianni Crema held off the last ditch assault to hold on for the 3-2 victory.
Coaches Brent Demerais and Rob Gaudreault both had the same words after the game, “They didn’t quit.” They started hard, finished harder and demonstrated the kind of tenacious team effort that will be needed in the upcoming play-offs.
Bulldog players congratulate each other after their first goal against the Capitals late in the third period on Sunday. Left to right, Cameron MacAdams (16), Nathan Read (18), Colby Lim (21), Greg Tuckerman (14) and Tyler Wilhelm (9).
Before leaving the ice, the players took a moment to raise their sticks in salute to the family, friends and supporters who came out to cheer them on. The team thanks all their fans and also major sponsor Van Isle Ford.
The win gives Alberni Valley a seven point lead in Division 1 (9 wins, 1 loss and 1 tie in league play) and eliminates the Capitals chance of being able to catch up before the season ends. The Bulldogs will be at home against Nanaimo T1 Clippers on Sunday January 22 at 5 PM for their final game of the regular season.
Proud sponsor of the Midget "A" Bulldogs
Submitted by Simon Read
MIDGET “A” BULLDOGS GAME ***update***
***UPDATE*** Midget Bulldogs won the game! Final score Alberni 3, Cowichan 2. (All 3 Alberni goals were scored in the last few minutes of the third period.)
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Sunday, January 15th at 5:00 pm on the Weyerhaeuser Arena, our Van Isle Ford Midget Bulldogs will be playing a game against Cowichan Valley. Alberni is currently in first place with Cowichan following in second place in league standings of Tier 1 teams, which is remarkable for a team from a Tier 2 association.
If the Bulldogs win this game, they will be Island Tier 1 League Champions.
Come out and cheer for our team!
MIDGET BULLDOGS STILL ON TOP
The Van Isle Ford Midget Bulldogs collected 3 out of 4 points on the road last weekend to maintain their position on top of Division 1 of the Island League. On Saturday they held off a late surge to tie Peninsula Eagles 2-2 and on Sunday battled to a gritty 3-2 win over Juan De Fuca Grizzlies.
On January 7 at Panorama Arena the game went end to end with no clear advantage through the first period until Greg Tuckerman used his long reach to wrist one past the Eagle goalie with 46 seconds on the clock. Tyler Wilhelm and Brett Williscroft assisted. Early in the second period Nathan Read out-muscled the defence in front of the net and snapped in a loose puck for a two goal lead. Peninsula continued to press and was able to tie the game early in the third period.
The next day at Bear Mountain both teams came out hard. The Grizzlies claimed the first goal at 12:06. The Bulldogs evened it up a minute later when Corey Beecroft wristed a shot from the right point that found the mark. Spencer Pierce and Brandon Antonichuk assisted. Much of the second period was played in the Alberni zone, and at 2:51 Juan de Fuca went up 2-1. The Bulldogs took over in the third period. At 16:48 Beecroft lobbed a puck high towards the net and as the goalie turned the wrong way Cameron MacAdams seized the moment to put the puck behind him. Chase Gaudreault also assisted. Then at 11:22 it was MacAdams from Beecroft again for the game winner. Alberni controlled the play for the remainder of the game to secure the win. Coach Brent Demerais said “It was good to see the hard work along the boards on Sunday. Being physical helped. The other team kept coughing up the puck.”
With two games left in the regular season Alberni Valley leads the league with 17 points (8 wins, 1 loss and 1 tie). This is a remarkable achievement for a team from a small association. The Midget Bulldog’s impressive performance is not going unnoticed. Coach Brent Demerais noted the presence of several WHL scouts at the weekend games and said they have been talking to him about several players from the team.
Mathematically there is only one other team left with a chance to take the Division 1 banner. That team is Cowichan Valley which is 5 points back with three games to go. The Bulldogs only need one win to clinch the banner.
That win could come at their next home game of the season next Sunday, January 15th when they host Cowichan Valley. Game time is 5:00 PM at the Multiplex. Let’s get lots of fans out and make some noise for our Alberni
boys. Admission is free.
Submitted by Simon Read
MIDGET A BULLDOGS MINE SILVER IN CRANBROOK
The Van Isle Ford Midget A Bulldogs took a long road trip to compete in the Cranbrook International Hockey Tournament over the December 9-12 weekend. The tournament included teams from BC, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Montana and Washington.
Midget A Bulldog Greg Tuckerman (14) celebrates scoring the first goal of the medal game in Cranbrook. Cameron MacAdams (16) assisted.
Alberni Valley opened against the Bruins from Missoula, Montana on Friday and dominated play for a 14-2 win. The Bulldogs played keep away in the Bruins zone for much of the game. Tyler Wilhelm had four goals and two assists in the game. Colby Lim had three goals and five assists.
On Saturday morning Alberni Valley took on a strong team from Spokane Washington, ending up in a 2-2 tie. This was a defensive battle. Gianni Crema turned away numerous shots to keep the Bulldogs in it. Spokane worked with a tight defensive box and iced the puck every time there they got too much pressure. Cameron MacAdams scored the first goal on a break away in the middle of the first period. Spokane scored twice to go ahead before the period ended and held the lead to the middle of the second when Wilhelm rang one off both posts and in with a low angle shot during a power play. MacAdams and Lim assisted.
Cranbrook goalie knows he missed this one as Midget A Bulldog Chase Gaudreault celebrates his goal in tournament action.
Two hours later the Bulldogs were back on the ice to play host team Cranbrook Ice. This was a hard hitting contest where Alberni Valley overcame a three goal deficit to end in a tie, 6-6. Rough play by Cranbrook players resulted in numerous power play opportunities and the Alberni Valley power play responded, accounting for five of the six goals. Chase Gaudreault opened scoring for Alberni, assisted by Wilhelm and Brett Williscroft. Cranbrook scored four unanswered goals by early in the second period to go up 4—1. Then Spencer Pierce deflected a shot in front to make it 4-2. A/P Jesse Hammond assisted with Brandon Antonichuk. Next was Gaudreault wristing a shot to the top left during a two man advantage. Ryan Buse assisted. Nathan Read evened the score, sniping a low angle shot with a minute to go in the second period. Wilhelm and Buse assisted. Cranbrook regained the lead with two goals early in the third period. Then Cory Beecroft passed to Antonichuk behind the defence and he made no mistake to narrow the deficit to a single goal again. With ten minutes left, Read set up Wilhelm to score five hole from the left circle. The tie put the Bulldogs in second place in their pool.
Alberni Valley Midget A Bulldogs’ tying goal in the semi-final game against Spruce Grove. Chase Gaudreault (22) scored. Looking on is Colby Lim (21) who had ten points during the tournament.
As the runner up in Pool A, the Bulldogs advanced to the semi-final against the Saints, an elite team from the Parkland Athletic Club in Spruce Grove Alberta, which had swept their games in Pool B. This was the most exciting game of the tournament as the Bulldogs trailed through the first two periods but battled through to knock off the Saints 6-5 and advance to the medal game. Spruce Grove took a two goal lead early in the game before Lim took a lead pass from Greg Tuckerman and beat the goalie in close. Logan Savard deflected Beecroft’s point shot to tie it up early in the second, before Spruce Grove went up by two again. As the clock ticked off the last minute of the second period Williscroft passed to Pierce behind the defence to narrow the gap to one again. The Bulldogs kept up the pressure in the final period. Tuckerman tied it up early in the second, assisted by Williscroft. Gaudreault scored from the slot at 15:48 to tie it up and at 11:29 Nathan Read pounded in the insurance goal and eventual game winner, with Gaudreault assisting. Spruce Grove got one back, but the Bulldogs held on to claim their berth in the final.
This was a rematch with Cranbrook Ice. The teams were tied 1-1 after the first period, but from that point on the Bulldogs were kept shorthanded half the time by a referee whose interpretation of the rules seemed to be very different from those in the previous games. In the end Alberni Valley lost 6-2, but claimed the silver and brought home another trophy for the Multiplex display case. MacAdams set up the first goal for Alberni, winning a battle on the end boards and passing to a speeding Tuckerman to slap in from the slot. Gaudreault also assisted, and followed through with Alberni’s other goal in the third, supported by blue liners Buse and Beecroft.
Although there was some disappointment with the tone of the final game, the team played well throughout the tournament. Head Coach Brent Demerais noted that “This tournament has made the team stronger. They have faced teams they would not usually see and shown they are competitive.” Coach Rob Gaudreault said “The team is really supporting each other both on the ice and off.”
For the team the trip was a success, both in showcasing their skills in an international competition, and in raising their unity as a team to a new level. They represented the Alberni Valley very well both on and off the ice.
MIDGET A BULLDOGS ON TOP
The Van Isle Ford Midget Bulldogs solidified their position on top of the Division 1 VIAHA standings with a 4-1 victory over Comox Valley Chiefs at the Multiplex on Saturday December 3rd. The win puts them at six wins and one loss, for 12 points. They are four points ahead of second place Peninsula who have a game in hand, and also four points ahead of third place Juan de Fuca.
The December 3rd game started fast with the goalies at both ends called on to make some good saves in the early going. The Bulldogs capitalized quickly on their first power play opportunity as Brandon Antonichuk banked one in off a Cory Beecorft point shot to get the Bulldogs on the board with four minutes left in the opening period. Comox got it back on their own power play in the middle of the second period. But at 9:17 Colby Lim faked out the Comox goalie to score low on the right side. Tyler Wilhelm picked up a rebound and put it through five hole to close out the period. Gaudreault and Beecroft assisted. On an early third period power play, Cameron MacAdams, down on the ice from a check, was able to get his stick on a knuckle puck at the side of the net to make it 4-1. Logan Savard picked up the assist.
Colby Lim (21) beats the goalie to score the Midget A Bulldogs second goal in weekend action against Comox Valley.
Tyler Wilhelm (9) picks up the rebound from Chase Gaudreault’s shot to score the Midget A Bulldogs’ third goal in weekend action against Comox Valley.
Cameron MacAdams, still on his knees, celebrates his goal which made it 4-1 for the Midget A Bulldogs in weekend action against Comox Valley.
MIDGET “A” UPDATE…
ALBERNI VALLEY SHOWS STRENGTH
With two more wins on the weekend, the Van Isle Ford Midget A Bulldogs solidified their position on top of the Vancouver Island League Division 1 standings. They beat Juan de Fuca Grizzlies 2-0 and Saanich Braves by 3-1 and are now at 5 wins and 1 loss.
On Saturday, November 27th, the Bulldogs clashed head on with Juan de Fuca Grizzlies in a contest that amassed over 200 minutes in penalties and left both teams with short benches by the start of the third period. The first two periods were scoreless. Colby Lim, assisted by Chase Gaudreault scored the first goal of the game to start the third period. Ryan Buse, with support from Cameron MacAdams scored with 8 minutes left to make it a 2-0 final.
The game on Sunday November 27th demonstrated the depth of the Alberni Valley competitive hockey program. The Midget A Bulldogs were short 8 regular players, with six players sitting out penalties from the previous day, and 2 recent player transfers to Junior B teams. The team was reinforced with 4 A/Ps from the Midget B team who came directly from their regular home game, goalie Andrew Cusson, defenceman Dawson Marlatt, and forwards Colin Mowat and Liam MacLeod.
Alberni Valley got the first marker five minutes in. Lim passed across the front of the crease and Cameron MacAdams slapped the puck in before the Saanich goaltender could get across. The Bulldogs spent the next three minutes on penalty kill, including a stretch of 5 on 3 that they defended successfully. Early in the second period Saanich took advantage of a loose puck in the slot to even the score. The game went end to end for most of the second period with no penalties and very few stoppages in play. With 3:38 to go, Tyler Wilhelm sniped the top corner of the net from the bottom of the left circle. MacAdams and Buse assisted. Lim added an insurance marker with 7:33 left in the third period, assisted by Gaudreault and Greg Tuckerman. Final score 3-1.
Assistant Coach Rob Gaudreault felt that the team played well on Sunday. He said, “Our A/Ps were strong and really helped win this game. Our speed and strength continue to win games for us.”
The Van Isle Ford Midget A Bulldogs will take on Comox Chiefs in their next home game at the Multiplex on Saturday December 3rd starting at 5PM.
Submitted by Simon Read
MIDGET “B” UPDATE…
The AV ‘JAL Design & Graphics’ Midget B Bulldogs are playing in Tier 3 this season after doing well during a very hard tiering round that saw them face a far more challenging assortment of teams than most of their peer teams did, going against two top level tier 2 teams.
In tiering, they played Saanich 4 at home, winning 8 to 3. The following weekend they travelled to Port Hardy to play Tri-Port 3. The Bulldogs lost 3-1. The next day they faced Sooke T3, losing that game by a score of 5 to 1. The team travelled to Victoria the next weekend to play Saanich T2, losing a well fought game, by just 4 to 1. The Bulldogs also played Peninsula T2 the next day. Having given their very best the day before, they just didn’t have enough gas left in the tank, losing the game 7 to 1. The boys did very well, especially considering Saanich2 and Peninsula 2 are both now playing in Tier 1 against the Van Isle Ford Midget Bulldogs.
During the Thanksgiving weekend the AV Midget B Bulldogs attended a tournament in Merritt, placing 3rdout of 8 teams. They did very well, especially considering they were down a few players due to injuries sustained during the tournament.
Midget B Bulldogs at Merritt Tournament
The AV Midget B Bulldogs were in a Cloverdale tournament on the Remembrance Day weekend. First game saw action against Mission, with the boys winning 5-2. Early in the game, while on the penalty kill, James Martin blocked a shot which resulted in his missing the rest of the game and the following one. However, it also sent the puck into the opposing end, resulting in a short-handed goal by Liam MacLeod. Liam, who also scored the security goal, shorthanded on a breakaway, was awarded MVP for the game. All of the players really stepped it up for the whole game, with crisp passes and overall smart play. (Gary Martin, Wes Schutt, Colin Mowat and Jason Brunt all had an outstanding game.)
Later that day, the boys faced Semiahmoo and despite very one-sided reffing, they won 8-4, with 4 goals coming from Liam MacLeod. Andrew Cusson was MVP for the game.
The next day the Bulldogs faced Cloverdale and again some very biased reffing. The score ended up 4-2 for Cloverdale, despite a great effort by the team.
The following day the team played Kamloops, the underdog of the tournament. That game was unfortunately called early into the 2nd period due to an injury sustained by a Kamloops player.
Despite going into this tournament short-handed, with only 14 skaters, and losing up to 4 players for some games, the boys were very successful in Cloverdale. While circumstances didn’t have them place high, they were arguably the 2nd best team there and most other teams were shocked that the AV T3 Bulldogs weren’t in the final. The top two teams were in the same pool and only the winner of each pool moved on to the final game.
Midget B Bulldogs at Cloverdale Tournament
The boys are really starting to gel as a team and settling into their respective positions very well. If they can start playing with their whole team there on a regular basis, the season looks to be very promising for them.
Submitted by Lorraine Brunt
Photos by Dave Cusson
Sponsor of the Midget "B" Bulldogs Team
MIDGET “A” BULLDOGS TOP DIVISION 1
The Van Isle Ford Midget Bulldogs played two games last weekend, downing Peninsula Eagles 6-1 at home on November 19th and cutting off the Clippers 8-2 in Nanaimo on November 20th. The wins put Alberni Valley at the top of Vancouver Island League Division 1 after the first three weeks of the season.
Referee signals a goal by Spencer Pierce (23) during action against Peninsula Eagles on Saturday. Beau Wilson (15) and Chase Gaudreault (22) assisted.
The Bulldogs gave up the first goal to the Eagles on Saturday with 5:32 left in the first period. It took until late in the second to even it up. Sam Visona scored on a power play with assists from Beau Wilson and Chase Gaudreault. A minute later, Colby Lim, in his first game with the team this season, scored short handed. Then on another power play, Nathan Read made a long pass to Cameron MacAdams who put it past the goalie to make it 3-1 with 3 seconds left in the second frame. By the third period the Bulldogs had worn down the short handed Eagles and held them on the defensive for the rest of the game. Spencer Pierce scored from Gaudreault and Lim to start the period. Then on penalty kill, Gaudreault took the puck behind the net and set up a speeding Brandon Antonichuk to score on a slap shot from the slot. Wilson scored from Gaudreault (his 4th assist of the game) and Cory Beecroft to make it a 6-1 final.
Nanaimo goalie deflects a shot by Cameron MacAdams (16) as Tyler Ibsen (3) and Spencer Pierce (23) look on.
On Sunday in Nanaimo the Bulldogs picked holes in the Clippers defence to run up a 4-0 lead by late in the second period. Scoring was distributed over the lines, with the first goal coming from MacAdams, assisted by Greg Tuckerman and Lim. Then it was Logan Savard from blue liner Ryan Buse, Gaudreault from Visona, and Buse from Beecroft. A mid-ice collision let Nanaimo into the game with a short handed break away to make it 4-1 with 4:53 left in the second period. The Bulldogs response was swift. On power play at 4:24 Marino Somerville passed back for Nathan Read to blast a slap shot low and left into the net. Then MacAdams from Lim made it 6-1 to end the period. It was Lim from MacAdams to make it 7-1 early in the last period. The teams traded power play goals to finish off the game, first Nanaimo, then the Bulldogs Tyler Wilhelm with an assist from Buse.
Beau Wilson (15) and Colby Lim (21) look on as Cameron MacAdams (16) shot goes home in weekend action against Nanaimo.
The coaches were pleased with the weekend play. Head coach Brent Demerais noted that the lines were consistently pressuring on both offence and defence. The power play and penalty kill units were effective and both goalies Gianni Crema and Bryce Dirocco were good.
Logan Savard (11) raises his stick after scoring as Ryan Buse (2) pinches in during weekend action against Nanaimo.
Next week’s Division 1 schedule has the Van Isle Ford Midget Bulldogs in action at home on Saturday November 26 vs Juan de Fuca Grizzlies at 3 PM and again on Sunday November 27 vs Saanich Braves at 2:45 PM. Both games are at Weyerhaeuser Arena.
Team work made this goal off a point shot by Nathan Read (18) as Marino Somerville (17) in background assisted and Chase Gaudreault (22) and Brandon Antonichuk (19) provided the screen in front during weekend action against Nanaimo.
Submitted by Simon Read
AVMHA MIDGET TOURNEY HAS CLOSE COMPETITION
The Van Isle Ford Midget Bulldogs hosted a successful tournament over Remembrance Day weekend. The tourney featured competitive teams from the Mainland and Vancouver Island, including North Vancouver, Richmond, Surrey, Powell River, Oceanside and Kerry Park.
Alberni Valley swept their round robin games to finish on top of the A pool, with scores of 5-0 over North Vancouver A2 Storm, 4-1 over Kerry Park Islanders, and 3-2 over Surrey Hurricanes. Game MVPs selected by the opposing teams during the tournament included Beau Wilson, Brett Williscroft, Cory Beecroft and Marino Somerville.
In the B pool, North Vancouver A1 came out on top with wins over Oceanside (9-3), Richmond (10-3) and Powell River (4-0). The final match ups were all closely contested. 4th place teams Richmond and North Vancouver A2 battled to a 1-1 tie. 3rd place teams Oceanside and Kerry Park tied 5-5. Both semi-finals produced upsets with Surrey edging North Vancouver A1 by 5-4 and Powell River over Alberni Valley 3-1 in a game where the Bulldogs shooters rang several pucks off the posts that could easily have gone in.
So Alberni Valley played North Vancouver A1 for the Bronze medal. The Van Isle Ford Bulldogs showed what they are capable of with a dominating 9-4 performance to collect the medals. The gold medal game between Powell River and Surrey was a defensive and goal tending battle. Regulation time ended in a 1-1 tie. Overtime was scoreless, and there was only one goal out of ten shots in the shoot out to give Surrey the gold medal.
The tournament brought 150 players and coaches to the valley for the weekend and drew many compliments on the tournament, facilities and city. The next chance to see the Midget A Bulldogs in action at home will be 2:45 PM, Saturday November 19 vs Peninsula Eagles and 2:45 PM Sunday November 20 vs Saanich Braves.
Submitted by Simon Read
Full details on the tournament website: http://11avmidgetrep.wordpress.com
MIDGET BULLDOGS WARM UP FOR TOURNAMENT
The Van Isle Ford Midget Bulldogs warm up for their Remembrance Weekend tournament with two more wins on the weekend of November 5th and 6th. On Saturday they downed the Chiefs 5-2 in Division 1 League play at Comox Valley. In exhibition play at home on Saturday they defeated the Oceanside Generals 3-1, bringing their record so far this season to 8-2-2.
Greg Tuckerman (14) gets a shot off a rebound from Sam Visona (13) with the goalie down during weekend action against Comox Valley.
The game with Comox Valley started close. Cam MacAdams scored after the first minute of play with an assist from Brett Wissiscroft. The Chiefs got it back with 2:48 left in the first period. On a power play early in the second, Logan Savard passed back for Corey Beecroft to score from the point, but Comox Valley evened it up again at 12:07.
Comox Valley goalie is down after Greg Tuckerman (14) scored the insurance goal in weekend action. Line mates Chase Gaudreault (22) and Cameron MacAdams (16) assisted.
The turning point in the game came seconds later. Beau Wilson tipped Tyler Wilhelm’s shot over the goalie to go ahead at 11″27. At 8:27 Greg Tuckerman slid one in at the short side corner with support from MacAdams and Chase Gaudreault. Seconds later Brandon Antonichuk took a rebound off a Wilhelm shot and jammed it through the goalie to make it 5-2. After that the Bulldogs ramped up their defence to completely shut down Comox Valley and take the win.
On Sunday at Weyerhaeuser arena, the Bulldogs controlled the puck for most of the game. Antonichuk opened scoring with 6:28 left in the first period, with assists from Savard and Marino Somerville. Oceanside came back with a shorthanded goal to end the period even.
Logan Savard (11) takes a shot on the Oceanside goalie during weekend action. Linemates Greg Tuckerman (14) and Cameron MacAdams (16) are waiting either side for a rebound.
The Bulldogs continued to wear down the Generals, finishing their checks and creating lots of opportunities. MacAdams scored the game winner from Savard late in the second period. Gaudreault added the insurance goal in the last seconds of the period. After that, Alberni Valley bottled up Oceanside for the remainder of the game.
Coaches Brent Demerais and Rob Gaudreault were pleased with the weekend play. Gaudreault said, “The team is really beginning to gel”. Demerais said, “I don’t know if these guys know yet how good this team is. The lines are working together and making more good scoring chances. They are using their size well and we got good goal tending from both goalies, Bryce (Dirocco) and Gianni (Crema) this weekend.”
Submitted by Simon Read
Midget Tier 2 Tournament
Alberni Valley Minor Hockey will be hosting a
Midget Tier 2 Tournament
November 11-13, 2011
Website: http://11avmidgetrep.wordpress.com
For further information, contact:
Brenda Read - brendaread@shaw.ca - 250-724-3822
The Van Isle Ford Midget Bulldogs are hosting their tournament Remembrance weekend, starting at noon on November 11th and running through to the gold medal game at 4 PM on Sunday at the Alberni Valley Multiplex.
The tournament will bring together highly competitive teams from the Lower Mainland and Vancouver Island. They include the Surrey Hurricanes who played two close games with the Bulldogs during the provincial championships last year. Other visiting teams include the A1 and A2 Storm from North Vancouver, Richmond Blues, Kerry Park Islanders, Oceanside Generals and Powell River Kings.
The Van Isle Ford sponsored Midget Bulldogs have three games scheduled in the round robin. They face-off with North Vancouver A2 Storm at 3:05 on November 11th. At 9 AM on November 12th they will play Kerry Park. Then they are back for the feature game against Surrey at 3:10 PM. Semi-final games are scheduled for Sunday morning and medal games Sunday afternoon.
If you are a hockey fan, this is an excellent opportunity to see the best of our up and coming Alberni Valley hockey players in action. Come out and make some noise.
MIDGET BULLDOGS VS GIZZLIES & KINGS
ALBERNI VALLEY MIDGET BULLDOGS’ GREG TUCKERMAN (No. 14 white) JAMS IN A SHORTHANDED GOAL IN ACTION AGAINST VICTORIA ON OCT. 22. COREY BEECROFT (7) BACKS HIM UP.
The Van Isle Ford Midget Bulldogs completed their tiering games on the weekend against the Juan de Fuca Grizzlies and Victoria Racquet Club Kings.
On Oct. 15, the Bulldogs battled from behind to finish in a 2-2 tie with the Grizzlies. And on Oct. 16, the Bulldogs overpowered the Victoria Racquet Club Kings 7-0.
The Bulldogs now have six wins, one loss and two ties in the pre-season and are well placed to compete in the top division of the VIAHA Island League. That decision will be made at a league executive meeting next weekend.
In Saturday’s game, the Grizzlies speed allowed them a goal off the opening face-off. It was not until the end of the second period that the Bulldogs were able to even it up.
In the middle of the third period, the Grizzlies went ahead again with a power play goal. Then the Bulldogs lived up to their name, battling back until Ryan White jumped up from the blue line to put one in with five minutes left. The rest of the game was an end to end battle to preserve the tie.
On Sunday the Bulldogs physical play wore down the visiting Kings, who were beaten 7-0.
The Bulldogs defense was sharp. Stepping up their intensity to open the second, D-man Greg Tuckerman, who scored a shorthanded goal.
The final goal came on another power play. Tyler Wilhelm set up Marino Somerville for a hard shot from the half boards.
Bulldogs will be in action again at on Oct. 22 when they host Campbell River.
submitted to Alberni Valley News & published
MIDGET B IN MERRITT TOURNEY
The AV Midget B Bulldogs got off to a good start in the Icebreaker Tournament played in Merritt this Thanksgiving weekend winning their first two games played against Nanaimo and Merritt. The Bulldogs dominated play in the first half of the game but were only able to put the puck in the net once with Cameron James being assisted by Dawson Marlett. Nanaimo retaliated seconds later with their first goal to tie it 1-1. After the ice clean, Nanaimo came out with a vengeance but goalie Andrew Cusson kept the Bulldogs alive and well with some great saves. Alberni Valley ended up winning 5 to 3 with Liam Macleod, Giordano Corlazzoli, Jesse Hammond and Connor Gagnon continuing the scoring with assists from Connor, Gary Martin, Ellis Martin and Liam respectively.
Teamwork and persistence resulted in the win against Merritt with scoring shared by Wesley Schutt, Taylor Heck, Ellis Martin (2), Dawson Marlett and Liam Macleod. Gary Martin was credited with 3 assists, and one each for Giordano Corlazzoli, Connor Gagnon and Wesley Schutt with a final score of 6 to 5 in Alberni’s favour.
With only a one game wait and two injured players sitting out (Brad Cowan and Matt Mcleod), the Bulldogs battled Terrace who came out fast and furious from the start. Spectators were on the edge of their seats as both goalies made spectacular saves holding the score 0-0 in the first period. Second period play had Terrace ahead 2-0 but Connor Gagnon scored a shorthanded goal in the first minute of the third period to get us on the scoreboard. Unfortunately, Terrace went on to win the game 5 to 1.
Terrace ended up placing first in the tournament, winning 4-3 against Hollyburn who the Bulldogs met in the semi-finals Monday morning, narrowly losing 4-3 to as well. Bulldogs played an exciting semi-final against Hollyburn with the score tied 3-3 at the ice-clean- halfway through the second period. The back and forth battle continued through the 3rd period with Hollyburn scoring the go-ahead goal with 5 minutes left in the game.
There were moments of amazing blocks by the defence, steals, perfect passes, breakaways and great goaltending. It’s just the start of the season and the Midget B Bulldogs have a well-balanced roster of players that with continued hard-work and skill development should end up with more victories than losses. Way to go boys!
AV Midget B Bulldogs at Merritt Tourney
MIDGET REP BULLDOGS BLANK BEARS
The Midget A Bulldogs improved their pre-season record to 4-1-1 with a dominating 10-0 win over Juan de Fuca T3 Grizzlies at Bear Mountain on October 2nd. The Bulldogs used their size and strength well in the early minutes to gain control of the game and never let go.
They consistently won battles for the puck and were able to play in the offensive zone most of the game, with everyone contributing to the goals. Brandon Antonichuk was relentless down low and ended up with a hat trick and an assist to lead scoring. Cameron MacAdams had two goals and an assist. Tyler Wilhelm potted two, Sam Visona got a single, and Chase Gaudreault had four assists. Also picking up assists on the front end were Cory Beecroft, Logan Savard, and Spencer Pierce.
The blue liners were also a big part of the offense in this game, passing the puck around and jumping into the shooting lanes at every opportunity. Nathan Read opened the scoring from the high slot with a slapper mid way through the first period. Ryan Buse scored from the same position in the second and Ryan White added one from the point in the third. Greg Tuckerman was there for three assists.
On power play the Bulldogs picked up 3 goals in 6 chances, while the PK faced down 6 Grizzly attempts and added a short handed goal.
Between the pipes, Gianni Crema was not tested often in the early going, but put his stamp on the victory by shutting down several breakaways in the third period to preserve the shut out.
The team has an out of town exhibition game against Peninsula Eagles on October 8th, but will be at home to the Juan de Fuca T2 Grizzlies starting at 2:45 PM on October 15th. The next day (October 16th) will see them in action again against Victoria Racquet Club at 2:00 PM. As the final games in the tiering round these are important to decide what level the team will be placed in for the coming season. They are shooting for the top and will appreciate support from their fans at Weyerhaeuser Arena both days.
Submitted by Simon Read
MIDGET BULLDOGS BACK BIGGER THAN EVER
With try-outs done, Coach Brent Demerais surveys the 2011-2012 Midget A Bulldogs with satisfaction. “We have size. We have speed. This will be the team to beat this year,” he says. Demerais should know. He has coached teams to the Vancouver Island Championship in three of the last four years and was named VIAHA “Coach of the Year” for 2010-2011.
This year the senior AVMHA team has 11 returning players. On defence, veterans Brett Williscroft, Ryan White, Ryan Buse and Nathan Read are joined by Tyler Ibsen and Greg Tuckerman who honed their skills on the B team last year. Up front Brandon Antonichuk, Cory Beecroft, Marino Somerville, Sam Visona, Tyler Wilhelm and Beau Wilson are back. They are joined by four more players with rep experience. Chase Gaudreault and Logan Savard are moving up from Bantam. Spencer Pierce was with the B team and Cam MacAdams is back after playing a year out of town. Backstopping the team are returning goalie Bryce Dirocco and Gianni Crema who played for the team two
years ago.
Demerais is joined on the bench by Rob Gaudreault, who coached the Bantam Reps last year, as well as goalie coach Jeff (Scarey) Carey. With a lot of versatile players, the coaches have been juggling lines in the pre-season to find the best chemistry. The team has a winning 3-1-1 record so far , with wins against Powell River and Kerry Park, a split with Oceanside and a tie with Saanich.
The Midget A team plays their next game away at Bear Mountain on October 2, followed by home games against Juan de Fuca on October 15 and Victoria
Racquet Club on October 16.
Submitted by Simon Read
Pre Season Exhibition Games
AVMHA Competitive (Rep) Teams
will be hosting exhibition games on the Coulson Rink
.
Saturday Sept 10th
2:00 – 4:00 pm Midget B Rep vs Kerry Park
4:15 – 6:15 pm Midget A Rep vs Powell River
