2011-12 Rep Team Coaches
AVMHA Executive Committee voted to accept the recommendation from the Coach Selection Committee for the following coaches.
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Atom Development – Kevin Erickson
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PeeWee Tier 2 – Dan Sexton
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Bantam Tier 2 – Dave Beecroft
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Midget Tier 2 – Brent Demerais
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The Executive Committee is awaiting registration numbers before determining if a “B” team will be formed.
Van Isle Ford Midget Bulldogs Sponsor Banner
Special “Thank You” to
EVAN HAMMOND of the PEAK Radio
NANCY WILMOT of Shaw Cable
SHANE MORROW of AV Times
To Everyone on the banner, Thank you for your support!
- Van Isle Ford
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Midget Bulldogs Final Game at BCs
Alberni Valley Midget Bulldogs in Salmon Arm
| The following report is from BC Hockey’s website:
5:00PM |
Port Alberni |
1 |
Surrey |
3 |
Midget Bulldogs Advance to BC Semi-Final
The Van Isle Ford Midget Bulldogs advanced to the BC Championship semi-final with a 3-1 win in their game against Williams Lake on Tuesday. The victory means that Alberni Valley finished the round robin with 5 points, to stay on top of pool A, the same as Surrey. The teams played so close that the tie breaker came down to a coin toss which put the Bulldogs first in the pool. They will play Cranbrook, the second place team from pool B in the semi-final Wednesday morning.
The Bulldogs last played Williams Lake at a tournament in January and lost by one goal. This time they were seasoned by play-off action and ready for anything. The teams tested each other for weakness, with Williams Lake trying to use their size to intimidate the smaller Alberni players. The game went end to end with no score for the first 30 minutes, before Williams Lake found an opening on a power play. It was beginning to look as if nothing Alberni threw at the goalie would get by until Brady Janzen passed cross crease for Colby Lim to score on the open side and even it up with 33 seconds left in the second period.
The momentum swung to the Bulldogs in the third period. At 11:20 Lim passed out to Janzen to finish and two minutes later Janzen set up his other line mate, Carson McCulloch, to score from down low on the left side. Suddenly it was a 3-1 advantage to Alberni. Williams Lake had little to lose and started hitting at every opportunity, which drew 20 minutes in penalties in the last ten minutes of the game. The Bulldogs did a good job of maintaining discipline and locked in the victory.
The Bulldogs are scheduled to play their semi-final game at 8 AM Wednesday, and are guaranteed a berth in one of the medal games later in the day.
- CARSON SCORES!
(Click on photo to enlarge)
Story submitted by Simon Read
Midget Bulldogs at BC Championship 2
GAME 2 VERSUS NEW WESTMINSTER ROYALS
The Van Isle Ford Midget Bulldogs came out flying and dominated most of the first period play against New Westminster in their second round robin game. Coach Brent Demerais said, “They were firing on all cylinders today. …and like a dog with a bone, once they had the lead, they weren’t going to let go.”
The first goal came at 8:43. Colby Lim slapped a shot in from the slot through a sea of bodies. Brady Janzen assisted. With 4:11 left, Janzen rushed in with the puck, Lim picked it up and Carson McCulloch finished it off. Then in the last minute, it was Lim finding the mark from the left circle, this time assisted by Janzen and Cory Beecroft to end the first period with a 3-0 lead.
Penalties took away some momentum in the second period, but the penalty kill and goalie Bryce Dirocco went 7 for 7 in this game, including successfully defending a 5 on 3. New Westminster scored late in the period to make it 3-1.
New Westminster stepped it up in the third, but the Bulldogs were up to the challenge. They matched the physical play of New Westminster, but stayed disciplined and this period it was New Westminster that took most of the penalties and could not sustain momentum. Alberni capitalized on the man advantage with 9:22 left. Janzen and McCulloch broke out with Lim who took the puck from the neutral zone outside two defenders then cut in past the third to score. It took strong team defence to hold off New Westminster for the 4-1 final.
The win has Alberni Valley and Surrey on top of the standings in pool A with one game each left Tuesday, Port Alberni versus Williams Lake and Surrey versus New Westminster. Cranbrook and Salmon Arm are on top of pool B. The top two teams from each pool will advance to the semi-finals on Wednesday.
Submitted by Simon Read
BC Midget Championship – Salmon Arm
Our Van Isle Ford Midget Bulldogs are playing in Salmon Arm, BC for the BC title for Midget – Tier 2. BC Hockey has posted scores and highlights of the games on their website: BC Championship-Midget-Tier 2
Midget Bulldogs at BC Championships
The Van Isle Ford Midget Bulldogs drew 2010 defending champions Surrey for their first game on Sunday March 20 and battled to a 4-4 tie. The coaches were mostly pleased with the game, but added that, “The good news is (the Bulldogs) can play even better.”
The Bulldogs came out tight and gave up a goal in the first minute. The momentum stayed with Surrey for most of the period. Finally, Colby Lim took the puck in front of the Surrey goal and passed back to Nathan Read on right point. Read one timed a blistering shot to the top corner to even the score at 1-1. Carson McCulloch and Brady Janzen also assisted.
The Bulldogs were stronger in the second period but did not score in spite of some good chances. Surrey scored on a power play at the five minute mark and then again with seven minutes left to make it 3-1. The Bulldogs stepped it up late in the period. With 4 seconds left, Bryan Read jumped up into the slot to receive a pass from Lim which he hammered under the goalie, narrowing the gap to one.
Surrey went up by two again at 11:21 of the third period and appeared confident of winning. But the Bulldogs were determined not to lose and dug deeper. At 6:02, playing 4 on 4, Lim captured a loose puck near centre, beat the last defenceman, then beat the goalie high stick side to make it 3-4. Surrey attempted to slow down the game, but Alberni Valley kept the pressure on. After multiple shots, and rebounds controlled by the Bulldogs, Janzen received the puck from Lim and banged it in to tie the game at 4-4. That score held as the final.
Alberni Valley is playing in a pool with Surrey, Williams Lake and New Westminster as well as Surrey. All four teams are ranked by Hockey Now above the five in the other pool. All four tied their first games, so the rest of the championship promises more intensely competitive hockey. Kamloops and Salmon Arm also tied their game Sunday morning.
Submitted by Simon Read
AVMHA Midget Tier 3 Tournament
AVMHA presents at the AV Multiplex
Midget -Tier 3
Invitational Tournament
March 19 – 21, 2011
Tournament Website : avmhamidgetrep.wordpress.com
includes all the scores, highlights and photos
Tournament Director - Trent Martin – ph 250-724-1357 - trent.martin@westburne.ca
Midget Bulldogs – Van Island Champs
MIDGET BULLDOGS BATTLE TO BANNER
The Van Isle Ford Midget Bulldogs won the Vancouver Island Midget Tier 2 Banner on Sunday at the end of a dramatic best of three series with the Juan de Fuca Grizzlies. The series was an emotional roller coaster for team and supporters alike. The players dug deep and grew stronger as the series progressed, but the outcome was not decided until the last two minutes of the third game.
Coach Brent Demerais has been there before, coaching AVMHA Bantam and Midget Rep teams to three Vancouver Island Championships in the last four years. His first thought after the final game was to thank all the team’s fans and supporters. He went on to emphasize the contribution from the whole team, “When they were down, they stepped it up. They showed no quit. We got really good goal tending from Bryce Dirocco. Our first year defence are really coming around in the last few games and the older ones are stepping up their game as well. Our penalty kill was really good and we avoided costly mistakes in our own zone. At the other end, the fore check is getting really good. The checking lines have stepped it up and that takes some pressure off the others.”
The first game of the series did not go well for Alberni. A slow start had them down 3-0 early in the second period. Goals from Jesse York assisted by Cory Beecroft and Colby Lim and then by Lim from Diemert pulled them within a single goal to start the third period. The Bulldogs were still in contention until a late power play goal and an empty netter put the game out of reach at 5-2.
The “Community With a Heart” rallied around for the home game on March 5. Over 600 fans came out to rock Weyerhaeuser Arena, and the team also received extra support from the Junior A Bulldogs organization, AVMHA executive and other volunteers for their last home game of the season.
It only took 13 seconds for Brady Janzen to set up Lim for backhand shot past the Grizzly goalie’s stick and the arena went wild. 1-0 Bulldogs. But Juan de Fuca knew what was at stake and stormed back to even it up in less than a minute. A short handed goal and then one with a man advantage left the Bulldogs down two goals at the end of the first period.
The Grizzlies protected their lead through the second period, icing the puck every time they were under pressure. The score remained 3-1 and the Bulldogs survival hung on the third period. On the second shift, Nathan Read pinched to hold the puck on the right wall, pushing it to Lim in the corner. Lim passed to Janzen along the goal line. Janzen put a soft pass on the tape for Carson McCulloch at the doorstep to roof backhand behind the goalie. The team exploded with new energy, and a minute later Lim found the puck in a scramble at the goal mouth and pushed it over the line with the goalie down. 3-3. Suddenly it was anybody’s game again.
Both teams battled through the rest of regulation time without scoring, in spite of good chances at both ends. The duel continued into sudden death overtime. There were five anxious minutes until, assisted by Lim, McCulloch made a shot from the slot that went under the goalie and trickled over the line. The Bulldogs poured onto the ice past the dejected Juan de Fuca goalie as the 4-3 win kept their championship dream alive.
The final game was back at Bear Mountain on March 6. A lot of Alberni fans made the trip down. They outnumbered the home spectators and made plenty of noise. Alberni got on the board first with good puck control in the offensive zone. Lim passed to York at right point then across to Ryan Buse on the other side to snipe the top right corner. The goalie was screened and never saw it.
This game saw contributions from all lines. The next goal came with Tyler Wilhelm and Sam Visona controlling in front and getting to the puck to Marino Somerville to pick the top left corner for a 2-0 lead. It was short lived as Juan de Fuca got one back on a power play at 9:42. Now it was the Bulldog’s turn to protect their lead while looking to increase the margin. Bryan Read, Nolan Jarvis playing forward and Brett Williscroft and Ryan White on defence delivered some solid hits. Beau Wilson and Brandon Antonichuk got some good chances with their speed, but there was no score for the next 35 minutes. Then the Grizzlies struck for two quick goals and suddenly the Bulldogs were behind with 13 minutes to go. It was down to six minutes when N. Read on left point passed to Janzen down low. He gave it to Lim to flip over the goalie’s outstretched pad on the open side and tie the game again.
The intensity ramped up as the two closely matched teams battled for the title. With less than four minutes a Grizzly penalty gave Alberni the man advantage. On the power play Janzen pressured the left side of the net, then passed to Lim again to finish and make it 4-3 for Alberni with two minutes left. Juan de Fuca pulled their goalie for the extra attacker in the last minute. But the Alberni fore check forced a turnover in the neutral zone. Tyler Wilhelm coolly avoided the last man back and potted the empty netter to seal the Island Championship at 5-3.
The team will now prepare for the Provincial Championships which will be held in Salmon Arm from March 20-23. This will be new for half the team, but nine players have been there before as Peewees in 2006, Bantams in 2008 or Midgets in 2009. Team Captain Bryan Read was on all three teams. The others include forwards Antonichuk, Diemert, Lim, Janzen, and McCulloch, blue liners White and York, and goalie Andrew Cusson.
THANK YOU !
The Midget A Bulldogs want to thank the many people who have supported them on the way to the Championship. First of all to team sponsor Will Pulford and Van Isle Ford. A special thanks to all the hockey fans, friends and relatives who came out to support the team at home and away. To the Junior A Bulldogs organization Paul Esdale, Kevin Hasselberg and Laurie Smiley for all the support in finals, especially trainer Chad Oliver, Bernie Bulldog and use of the dressing room. It makes our guys feel like the champions they are.
To Jim Oliver of Canadian Tire and Charles Mealey of Van Isle Ford for livening up the home games with their professional announcing. To Melanie Campbell for running clock, Melissa Martin for scoring and Trent Martin and Bruce Brunt for taking penalty boxes in the home final. Thanks to Sharlene Check, Stephanie Weber, and Maria Charlesworth for taking on the biggest 50/50 of the season and to Russell Dyson who donated back half his winnings.
The team also wants to thank those who have supported them through the season. First of all to the coaches for all your time and knowledge – Brent Demerais who coaches for the love of the game (he has no kids on the team) and teaches players to play with heart.- and Kevin Somerville who works with latest systems for team development. To Team Manager Brenda Read, (Demerais says “She makes my job easy.”) To Dave and Jill Sherlock for the conditioning that helps win in the third period. To Dave Cusson for the great photography and the hours of photo editing. To Rick Schievink for helping with video analysis. To Rhonda Ursel of Clambucket for supporting team travel. To the AVMHA Executive, especially President Al McCulloch for all your volunteer time and behind the scenes work. And finally to all the other team parents and grandparents who cheer the players on, volunteer their time and support the players in every way. (Click on the following photos to view full picture.)
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- Ryan White and Tyler Wilhelm
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- Alberni Midget A Bulldogs with Championship Banner
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- Midgets thank Rhonda Ursel for financial support
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- Lim gets hooked going for goal
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- Captain Bryan Read receives Championship banner
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- Midgets thank sponsor Van Isle Ford
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- Midgets share banner with supporters
Submitted by Simon Read
Photos from Simon Read & Dave Cusson
Update – Midget Bulldogs
Midget Tier 2 Island Playoffs:
- Game 1 – Feb 27 at Bear Mountain Arena – Juan de Fuca 5, Alberni Valley 2.
- Game 2 – Mar 5 at AV Multiplex – Alberni Valley 4, Juan de Fuca 3 (in overtime)
- Game 3 – Mar 6 at Bear Mountain Arena - Juan de Fuca 3, Alberni Valley 5
Midget Bulldogs are going to the Provincial Playoffs.
UPDATE MIDGET – Semi Final Win
MIDGET BULLDOGS TO PLAY FOR ISLAND CHAMPIONSHIP
The Van Isle Ford Midget Bulldogs will play for the Vancouver Island Tier 2 Championship after winning a tense semi-final 4 to 3 in sudden death overtime against Peninsula Eagles on Sunday.
The single game knock out format means both teams had a lot riding on the result. The Bulldogs were tentative at first, allowing the bigger Eagles to be first to the puck and control the play. Peninsula scored after seven minutes, with the Alberni defense tied up in the neutral zone. They scored again early in the second period after a prolonged attack inside the Bulldog zone.
Down two goals, the Bulldogs needed to change something. The coaches juggled the lines to step up the physical game with third year players like Bryan Read, Nolan Jarvis and Jesse York. Some solid body checks from the bigger defencemen like Ryan White, Nathan Read and Ryan Buse also contributed. The momentum shifted in favour of the Bulldogs and led to their first goal in the middle of the second period. Working down low Sam Visona and Brady Janzen set up Carson McCulloch to score from the right side.
Alberni evened it up at the start of the third period. This time it was Janzen pouncing on a rebound in the slot and firing it through five-hole. McCulloch and Colby Lim assisted. Peninsula went ahead again on a power play with thirteen minutes left. It was a long five minutes before Alberni got it back. This time it was Janzen pounding it in as he and McCulloch battled in front of the net. Lim collected the second assist. The Bulldogs out-skated the visitors through to the end of the third period. They had some good chances but were unable to convert. The score remained tied 3-3 at the end of regulation time.
Sudden death overtime lasted two minutes. Coming down the right side, Brandon Antonichuk faked a shot then beat the defence and put the puck to the front of the net where Beau Wilson one timed it under the goalie. The arena erupted with the realization that Alberni Valley will play for the Vancouver Island title.
(Click to enlarge Photo: The celebration begins after Brandon Antonichuk (red gloves) sets up Beau Wilson (16) to score the game winner over Peninsula Eagles in overtime.)
This was an all round team effort. The coaches feel the team is gelling at the right time. Head coach Brent Demerais said that “Their conditioning showed up late in the game. We need to thank (dryland coaches) Dave and Jill Sherlock for their work with the team all season.” He complimented Bryce Dirocco who stopped 36 shots for the win and Antonichuk for his fearless work in the corners, both 5 on 5 and on penalty kill.
At the end of the game the team gathered at centre ice to salute their cheering supporters in the stands. They are grateful for the extra fan support and hope for even more in the final. Special thanks go to Jim Oliver who stepped in to lend his professional touch to the announcements and to Van Isle Ford for their major sponsorship of the team.
The Vancouver Island final will be a best of three series against Juan de Fuca Grizzlies. The first game will be at 3 PM on Sunday February 27 at Bear Mountain Arena. The second game will be at home on March 5 and the third game (if necessary) on March 6.
Submitted by Simon Read
Photo by Dave Cusson
MIDGET BULLDOGS ADVANCE TO ISLAND SEMI
The Van Isle Ford Midget Bulldogs locked up first place in the North Island division of their play-off series by defeating the Tyees 5-3 on Saturday February 12 in Campbell River. The Bulldogs will now move on to the Vancouver Island semi-final with home ice advantage against Peninsula Eagles. Oceanside will travel to Bear Mountain to meet Juan de Fuca in the other semi.
Saturday’s tilt was a grinder game with neither side able to gain the upper hand early. Several Bulldogs were battling flu as well the Tyees. Campbell River connected first with an outside shot at 4:26 of the first period. Port Alberni evened it up with a power play goal to open the second period. Brady Janzen hit a post, then Colby Lim picked up the loose puck behind the goalie and finished it off.
The Tyees went ahead again on their first power play a minute later. There were not a lot of penalties in this game, but the teams made the most of them. Campbell River scored on the first two of their five opportunities and Port Alberni three out of seven times with a man advantage. The Bulldogs evened the score again on their next power play. Carson McCulloch deflected the puck nicely from the half-boards past two Tyees defencemen to give Brett Williscroft open ice in front of the net at 16:20. Alberni finally got ahead with a buzzer beater to end the second period. Jesse York redirected a point shot from Cory Beecroft to score. But the Tyees came right back with their second power play making it 3-3 at 18:13 of the third period.
The Bulldogs edged ahead again at 13:25 when Lim found a loose puck in the slot, faked a shot and then scored five hole before the goalie could recover. Eleven more long minutes went by without a goal, although there were several missed chances at both ends. The final goal came with 2:20 left and Brandon Antonichuk and Beau Wilson racing in on the net. The goalie knocked it off its mooring, but the referee ruled that the puck was in first and awarded the goal to Wilson for a 5-3 final. The Bulldogs were outshot 37-30, but their greater defensive energy in the third period made the difference. They killed three penalties and kept Campbell River off the board for the last 18 minutes. Andrew Cusson was between the pipes for the win.
The semi-final game will be at Weyerhaeuser Arena at 4 PM on Sunday February 20. The Midget A Bulldogs will face off against Peninsula Eagles. Although the Bulldogs won against a short handed Peninsula team in their only exhibition match up this season, anything is possible in a play-off. This is a single game knock out, so come out and make some noise for your Alberni Valley team.
The Alberni Valley Midget Bulldogs were all over Peninsula Eagles the last time they played in December. Here Colby Lim (21) scores with help from Carson McCulloch (19) and Brady Janzen (14). Lim scored twice against Campbell River. The teams will meet again in the league semi-final on Saturday.
Story submitted by Simon Read
Photo by Dave Cusson
MIDGET BULLDOGS 2, OCEANSIDE 1
The Van Isle Ford Midget Bulldogs took a firm grip on the North Island divisional play-offs with an upset win over Oceanside in Parksville on Sunday. Coach Brent Demerais commented that, ”The deck was stacked against us coming in, but the boys showed what they can do. All the defencemen were strong today. The penalty kill was huge and (Bryce) Dirocco was awesome in goal.”
In VIAHA regular season play Oceanside was on top of Division 1, four points ahead of Port Alberni. But the Bulldogs beat them in pre-season play and knew they could do it again.
The Generals came out hard in the opening minutes and Dirocco was called on to make some big saves early in the game. Oceanside scored first with a man advantage at 10:14 in the first period. The Bulldogs had to wait until the second period to even it up. Marino Somerville passed to Tyler Wilhelm in the high slot at 16:38. Wilhelm faked, then ripped a shot to the high right corner.
From that point on, it seemed that every time the Bulldogs took control of the play the whistle would blow and another penalty would be called. 45 penalty minutes were assessed to Alberni players in the last 30 minutes of play, so they were killing penalties for most of the remaining game. In one of the few even strength moments, Carson McCulloch set up the winning goal with a pass from the end boards across the slot. Speeding in, Brady Janzen dove towards the net and, as he went down, was able to flip the puck over the goalie’s outstretched leg. Colby Lim and Nathan Read assisted. There were so many stoppages in play that the ice time ran out and the Bulldogs were awarded the victory with seven minutes left on the clock.
The Bulldogs have one more game in the North Island series, Saturday February 12 in Campbell River at 6:15 PM. A win there will clinch first place for the North Island and home ice against a South Island team in the semi-final the following weekend.
MIDGET A BULLDOGS WIN FIRST PLAY-OFF GAME
Goalie Bryce DiRocco of the Van Isle Ford Midget Bulldogs snatches a Powell River shot out of the air during the Bulldogs’ weekend play-off win. Bulldogs players, DiRocco (35), Cory Beecroft (7), Sam Visona (13), Ryan White (4).
The Van Isle Ford Midget Bulldogs won their first play-off game, beating Powell River Kings 5-1 on Saturday at Weyerhaeuser Arena.
Alberni had a slow start and goalie Bryce DiRocco had to be sharp to keep Powell River from taking an early lead. Head Coach Brent Demerais said “Big saves by DiRocco, especially in the early going made the difference.” In spite of keeping play in the offensive zone most of the time, the Bulldogs had a hard time finding a way past the Kings defence and goalie. The first period was scoreless and they only managed 12 shots on goal by the ice clean.
The first goal of the game came after several intense shifts, with 5:39 left in the second period. Brady Janzen got a backhand through on the short side. Ryan White and Carson McCulloch assisted. The Bulldogs stepped up the pressure, but the spectators were kept on the edge of their seats as Powell River had several good scoring chances.
The insurance goal didn’t come until the middle of the third period. Tyler Wilhelm battled the puck over the blue line, then slipped a pass to Marino Somerville who found Sam Visona on the open side of the net to one time it in. At 10:12 McCulloch led a pass to Colby Lim who timed a pass precisely for Janzen’s second goal as he jumped behind the defence on the left side. Late in the third period, the Bulldogs successfully killed off their fourth penalty. Seconds later Nolan Jarvis passed to Beau Wilson who dished to Dustin Diemert in the slot to score top shelf. Powell River converted their next power play opportunity, robbing Dirocco of his shut-out with only 37 seconds left. Lim replied with a backhand fake to a forehand shot that found the top right corner as the clock hit 18 seconds. In the end shots were 34-19 in favour of Alberni.
After the game, Demerais complimented the team effort. He said “The defence was good. Visona and Somerville’s checking on the penalty kill was important. So was winning most of the face-offs, and the stepped up production from the Lim, Janzen, McCulloch line.”
With one win in hand, the Midget Bulldogs will play their next North Island play-off games away against Oceanside at 1:45 PM on February 6, and then Campbell River on February 12 at 6:15 PM. The top two North Island teams will advance to the Vancouver Island semi-finals.
Written by Simon Read
Photo by Dave Cusson
MIDGET A BULLDOGS HEAD FOR PLAY-OFFS
The Van Isle Ford Midget A Bulldogs appear to be peaking just in time for Island League play-offs. They picked up four points on the road, defeating Saanich 4-2 on January 22nd and Nanaimo by the same score on the 23rd. The wins brought them within one point of second place Nanaimo and tied for points with Comox in Division 1 standings.
On Saturday the Bulldogs came out flying from the first shift and held Saanich to their own zone for most of the game. The first goal came off a break out with Sam Visona feeding a long pass to Marino Somerville behind the Saanich defence. Somerville got the goalie moving left, then backhanded to the right side of the net. On an early second period power play, Bryan Read stopped a Saanich clearing attempt at the blue line, put it to Somerville in the corner, then to Tyler Wilhelm who banged it in at the corner of the net. Two minutes later, playing shorthanded, Colby Lim intercepted the puck and made a stretch pass for Brady Janzen to beat the defence and score five hole. Saanich got one back to end the period with Alberni ahead 3-1. Late in the third period, Dustin Diemert scored directly from the face-off. Saanich made it 4-2 for the final. The Bulldogs dominated this game, outshooting Saanich 37 to 20. Goalie Bryce Dirocco made some great saves when he had to.
Sunday’s game in Nanaimo was equally hard fought, but started as more of a defensive battle. Alberni managed only 4 shots in the first period to 5 for Nanaimo and no score. The Bulldogs opened the second period on power play. Visona put the puck to Wilhelm down low and he put it into the slot for Somerville to one-time past the goaltender. Another power play at 12:34 saw Janzen take a pass from Brett Williscroft, stick handle around the defenders then score five-hole from close on the left side. At 6:43 it was Visona to Somerville for a hard shot that found its way through for a short handed goal. Nanaimo made it 3-1 with a man advantage at 5:18, then closed to within a goal on a long shot at 13:03 of the third period. The score held until the final seconds of the game. Brandon Antonichuk, under pressure from the Clippers defence missed the empty net, then took his own rebound off the end boards and drove it in to make it 4-2 with 13 seconds left on the clock. Goaltender Andrew Cusson had a good game, stopping 28 of 30 Nanaimo shots.
- Assisted by Tyler Wilhelm and Sam Visona, Marino Somerville scores against Nanaimo in weekend action.
- Van Isle Ford Midget Bulldogs team mates l.- r. Nolan Jarvis, Marino Somerville, Andrew Cusson and Bryan Read (C) work together to keep Nanaimo off the scoreboard.
(click on photos to enlarge)
Coach Brent Demerais noted the more balanced team effort with the younger players gaining confidence during the season. Marino Somerville led scoring this weekend and Demerais singled out Visona for his effectiveness on penalty kill and Beau Wilson for stepping up his game.
The Midget A Bulldogs begin the North Island play-offs against Powell River on Saturday, January 29th from 12:30 to 2:30 PM at Weyerhaeuser Arena. This is the only home game in the North Island Series and will fan the flames of the rivalry between two closely matched teams. They have not faced each other since Alberni edged the Kings 4-3 in pre-season play. Get out and support the home team on Saturday.
Submitted by Simon Read
Photos by Dave Cusson
MIDGET BULLDOGS IN KAMLOOPS – updated
(A brief report on the Midget A Bulldogs at the Kamloops Tournament Jan 14-16. A full report will be posted as soon as it is available.)
The Team arrived in Kamloops Friday January 14th at 5am due to an accident on the Coquihalla. The puck dropped same day at 1:15 pm. The boys played a tough game with a loss to Kamloops 7-5. One player suffered an injury to his lower leg from a skate requiring 6 stitches.
Saturday 8:45 am the game vs Williams Lake ended in a 3-3 tie. This time we ended up with 3 injuries. Same day at 5:45 pm the Midget’s won the game against Burnaby Winter Club, 5-1.
The Midget Bulldogs play at 11:45 am Sunday vs St. Albert in a consolation game.
Hope the highway is a little friendlier on the way home!
The following photos were from the Kamloops Tournament (& stuck on the Coquihalla Hwy) *Click on the photo to enlarge*
Submitted by Stacey McCulloch, AVMHA Public Relations
MIDGET “A” RETRO TEAM VS JUVENILES
(Click on photo to enlarge)
Marino Somerville (17), Sam Visona (13) and Tyler Wilhelm (9) demonstrate the form that helped the Midget A Bulldogs beat the older Oceanside Generals Juvenile team last weekend.
Wilhelm had two goals and assist, Visona a goal and Somerville two assists in the 9-3 win.
The team is at a tournament in Kamloops on the January 14-16 weekend.
Submitted by Simon Read
Photo by Dave Cusson
MIDGET BULLDOGS UPDATE
Midget Bulldogs Down Eagles
Midget A Bulldog, Tyler Wilhelm (9) bangs in a rebound to score in year end action. Assisting are Sam Visona (13) and Marino Somerville (17) behind net.
The Van Isle Ford Midget A Bulldogs closed out 2010 competition with a 6-2 exhibition win over Peninsula Eagles on December 29th at Weyerhaeuser Arena. They wore retro Timbermen jerseys for the game in tribute to the championship Alberni Timbermen teams of years past. The jerseys were arranged by Al McCulloch, President of AVMHA. Thanks Al. Before the puck drop, the team’s coaches were presented with their own jerseys by the senior team members. Head Coach Demerais played for the Junior B Timbermen in the early 1980s before moving up to Merritt Centennials.
The Bulldogs applied pressure on the visitors early and were rewarded with a goal in the second minute of play. Dustin Diemert’s jam from the right side trickled to the goal line and Bryan Read reached in from the other side to put it across. Ryan White also picked up an assist. With four minutes left in the first period Tyler Wilhelm stick handled past the defence and made a hard shot that the Eagles net minder turned away. Trailing, Marino Somerville one timed the rebound from the left circle and in short side.
All the goals in this game came from line mates working unselfishly together. Colby Lim scored off tic tac toe passing from Brady Janzen and Carson McCulloch to open the second period. Peninsula got one back when an outside shot from near the Alberni goal line got in over the goal tender. The three goal lead was restored at 8:20 on another precise passing play from the top line. This time McCulloch passed across the crease for Janzen to deflect in the open side. Cory Beecroft also assisted.
The next goal went to Peninsula when a blocked point shot led to a short handed breakaway half way through the third period. With 6:16 left the Bulldogs got it back. Somerville passed from behind the net and Tyler Wilhelm flipped in a loose puck off the rebound from Sam Visona’s shot. With two minutes to go, Peninsula pulled their goalie in an attempt to catch up during a late Alberni penalty. With four skaters against six, Nolan Jarvis cleared the puck to Beau Wilson in the neutral zone where Read picked it up, skated clear of the defenders and made the empty net goal to finish at 6-2. Heads up defence minimized scoring chances for the visitors and Andrew Cusson was solid in goal as was his back-up, brother Devin, who filled in late in the game.
The Midget A Bulldogs next play at home to Comox at 2:45 PM on Saturday January 8th on Weyerhaeuser. This will be an intense game, so come out and lend your support. They will also be playing a home game against the Oceanside Juvenile team on Sunday January 9 at 5:00 PM.
Submitted by Simon Read
Photo submitted by Dave Cusson
MIDGET “A” TEAM GOES RETRO
These jerseys are to honour the old Timbermen team from the 1970′s. The AVMHA Midget Rep A Bulldogs wore these jerseys for the first time at their home game vs Peninsula on Wednesday, December 29th with a win of 6-2!
Coaches Kevin Somerville and Brent Demerais were presented a jersey from the 4 senior players that Demerais has coached for the last 4 years (L to R: Brady Janzen, Bryan Read, Kevin Somerville, Brent Demerais, Dustin Diemert and Carson McCulloch)
The AVMHA Midget Rep A Bulldogs are off to Kamloops this January 14th weekend for their 3rd consecutive year in the Kamloops International Tournament. The team had won Gold the last 2 years in a row…hoping for a ‘Hat Trick’ this year! The Midget’s will be wearing the Retro Jerseys at the tournament.
- The Sugar Shak
- LB Woodchoppers
- Rabinder Dhillon (Dominion Lending)
- Dave Ralla
- Clark Power
- Gary Gray
- See Group (2 Jerseys)
- Al the Gutter Guy
- JAL Design
- Accurate Home Inspection
- Tim Horton’s
- Eddy Galenzoski (AV Times)
- Manson’s Reno’s
- Harbour Pizza Factory
- Peak Radio
- Bruno Visona
- Tom Jarvis (Greenridge Falling)
- Canadian Tire
- Port Boat House
Submitted by Stacey McCulloch, AVMHA Public Relations
Photo submitted by Dave Cusson
MIDGET BULLDOGS BOTTLE DRIVE
Thank You to all of the AVMHA Midget Rep A Bulldogs (and parents) for working hard collecting bottles on a very *cold* Sunday, January 2nd.
They collected more than $1200.00 towards renting a bus to take them to the Kamloops International Tournament beginning January 14th 2011.
You can still donate until 2pm Friday, January 7th 2011 at the Bottle Depot on lower 4th Avenue.
You did it again….Thank You Alberni Valley!
(Click on photo to enlarge)
ALBERNI MIDGET BULLDOGS TIER 3 WIN SILVER
The local Midget Bulldog T3 team has been having a stellar year to date. Currently they are on top of their Tier 4 regular season standings with only 2 games to go. While there have been a number of player movements between the Tier 2 team and the house system, the core of the players continue to perform exceptionally well.
The players have just returned home after playing in the Comox Christmas Tier 2 tournament. While originally signed up to get experience playing teams from a higher tier, the Bulldogs put their best game forward and lost the gold medal by only 1 goal!
Alberni was in Pool A with Comox, North Vancouver and Juan De Fuca. All three teams are playing regular season in Tiers higher than the Bulldogs. In their first game Alberni stunned the host Comox team with a 5 – 4 win. Scoring by Ellis Martin, Connor Gagnon, Tyler Ibsen, Jesse York and Spencer Pierce was backed by rock solid goaltending by Jason Brunt. Brunt was also named game MVP.
The second game was a brutal 7:00 am draw against Juan De Fuca. Alberni was not as sharp that early and dropped the game 6 – 3. Casey Davidson in net kept the game close and the 3 goals were scored by Dillon Rees, Dalyn Labrecque and Colin Mowat. MVP for the game was Greg Tuckerman who was solid on defence for the Dogs.
Unfortunately for Alberni, the final game of the round robin saw them playing in the afternoon after the early game against North Vancouver who had not played at all that day. This was a game that needed to be won to advance to the crossover game. Alberni came out hard and scoring by Taylor Heck, Liam MacLeod (2 goals), Jesse York (2 goals) and Dalyn Labrecque put the Dogs ahead of North Vancouver by a score of 6 – 3. Jason Brunt was again solid in net and MVP for the game was Dalyn Labrecque.
The next morning the Bulldogs faced the first place team from pool B; the Triport Eagles. Triport was the favorite to win the entire tournament and was set to be the Dogs biggest challenge. The Bulldogs were beginning to show the wear and tear of battling higher tiered teams and injuries were starting to hit hard. Several players were lost to concussion and various other injuries were depleting the bench. Affiliate Players were called up and the short bench put their heart and soul into the game.
The Dogs scored first on a goal by Liam MacLeod assisted by Connor Gagnon and Dillon Rees but Triport evened it up by the end of the first. By the end of the second period Triport was up by one. The Dogs came our flying in the third though and Dalyn Labrecque scored in the first minute, assisted by Dawson Marlatt and Dillon Rees. Dillon Rees assisted by Dalyn Labrecque put the Dogs ahead a few minutes later but Triport pulled back even shortly after. Two goals by Jesse York with assists by Dillon Rees and Ellis Martin put the Dogs up by two but Triport pulled their goalie and put themselves with reach of the dogs by scoring at the 1:35 mark. The Dogs managed an empty netter by Liam MacLeod to seal the deal and head to the gold medal game later in the afternoon. Once again goaltender Jason Brunt was outstanding in net and the MVP of the game Dillon Rees was solid. Unfortunately for the Dogs a couple players were injured so they headed to the gold medal game missing key players.
(click on the photo to enlarge)
The gold medal game was a tough fought battle with the visiting Cloverdale team. Cloverdale struck first with two goals in the first period to go up 2 – 0. Another goal in the second period had the Dogs on the ropes 3 – 0 but the players fought back and Dillon Rees finally put the puck in the net assisted by Colin Mowat. Another goal by Jesse York assisted by Dalyn Labrecque had the Dogs back in it. Cloverdale scored again but the goal was quickly answered by Dillon Rees assisted by Jesse York and Cloverdale ended the period up by 1. The Dogs bench at this point was down to 10 players with three AP players filling in. A key goal in the third period by Ellis Martin assisted by Dawson Marlatt tied the game but Cloverdale answered back several minutes later and triumphed 5 – 4. Casey Davidson was brilliant in net and Jesse York was named MVP.
An amazing result for the T3 Bulldogs. The Bulldog Midget T3 players are supported financially by many local businesses. They encourage you to support these businesses as well: Braker Electric, Safeway, Jal Design and Graphics, Bruce’s Small Engine Equipment and Repair, Dr. J. Pappel, Port Alberni Physiotherapy Clinic, Dr. Sperber, 9th Ave Shoppers Drugmart, Southcoast Standing Stem, Alberni Valley Vet Clinic, and Rick Denis Automotive.
Submitted by Peter Klaver
Midget Rep Team Photos
(click on photo to enlarge)
Midget A - Van Isle Ford - Bulldogs
Coach Brent Demerais, Coach Kevin Somerville
Midget B - Braker Electric/JAL Design - Bulldogs
Coach Bruce Brunt, Asst. Coach Dave Beecroft
MIDGET BULLDOGS UPDATE
MIDGET BULLDOGS RACK UP ROAD WINS
The Van Isle Ford Midget A Bulldogs showed they have what it takes to win on the road, even with several players nursing injuries and a line-up reinforced with alternates called up for the weekend. They defeated Cowichan and Victoria Racquet Club to improve their division 1 league record to 5 and 2.
On Saturday night at the big stick in Duncan, Cowichan scored first off a deflection during a power play. The Bulldogs picked up their game in the second period, but were still down 2-0 at the ice clean. However, they kept up the pressure and were finally rewarded at 6:36. Dustin Diemert passed to the point for Jesse York to slap home. At 3:32 Bryan Read took a rebound from Brandon Antonichuk and passed it across the crease to Brady Janzen who snapped a low shot in the open side to tie it up.
As the third period opened, Janzen’s hard work kept control of the puck until McCulloch and Antonichuk were able to set up Diemert to put Alberni ahead for the first time. With 10 minutes to go, Nathan Read wired a shot from the right point through the screen provided by B. Read and Marino Somerville for the insurance goal. A minute later on power play, Tyler Wilhelm got behind the defence and put the puck right on the tape for Diemert to snipe from the left circle and finish with a score of 5-2. Bryce Dirocco had a solid game between the pipes to chalk up the win.
It was midnight when the Bulldogs got to Victoria from Duncan, but they were up and ready to play at the University of Victoria arena by 10:30 AM. The first goal came when Ryan White jumped into the attack on a power play. Janzen and McCulloch assisted. The Kings got it back a minute later when a neutral zone turnover created a 2 on 1, but it was only seconds later that Brett Williscroft recovered the lead with a slap shot from the left point.
Williscroft set up the next goal too, making a stretch pass to Diemert at the blue line. Diemert got behind the defence, then finished the combination with a pass to give Beau Wilson open net. Penalties slowed Alberni in the second and third periods. Racquet Club got a goal back in the 3rd period, jamming the net with a two man advantage, but on the whole the Bulldog penalty kill was effective, allowing only that one goal in eight short handed situations. Wilson and Diemert combined again to restore the margin at 8:57, with Diemert providing the finish this time. Finally Antonichuk battled a loose puck for another 5-2 final score. Between the pipes, Andrew Cusson stayed focused and played a solid game for the win.
Going in, this looked to be a difficult weekend with several players out due to injuries and some playing through theirs. But others, including the three borrowed from the B team, stepped up their contributions for the wins. There were a lot of guys going hard to the puck and making the second and third efforts to keep it in Bulldog possession. Staying in control and moving the puck among all five players in the offensive zone paid off. Dustin Diemert, recently back from injury, seemed on top of his game and was the scoring leader with 2 goals and 2 assists. Beau Wilson and Brandon Antonichuk had three points each, but most others were in on the scoring too. Defensively, good back checking and the composure to avoid costly defensive errors kept the other teams’ chances down. Several examples of self-discipline to stay out of the box, and an effective penalty kill when short handed also contributed to the wins.
Next home game is Sunday Dec 5, 2:45-4:45 pm vs Saanich on our Weyerhaeuser arena.
Submitted by Simon Read
