Keep in mind that with this situation, and with countless others, there is ALWAYS more than meets the eye.
Nothing but thanks to Mark for his efforts in a Bulldog uniform. He was a pleasure to watch. He's a great kid and he is going places.
It's tough to lose a guy of Mark's calibre, at the same time it's exciting to see two great players coming back from the Vees in return. Welcome to the Dog Pound, Jordan and Byron!
Bulldogs Acquire Grant and Sorensen
PRESS RELEASE
August 4, 2010
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The Alberni Valley Bulldogs have traded the playing rights of 92 F Mark MacMillan to the Penticton Vees for the playing rights of 90 F Jordan Grant, 91 D Byron Sorensen and future considerations.
“It is unfortunate that we had to move Mark, but Mark requested a trade to be closer to home,” comments GM/Head Coach Paul Esdale. “We thank Mark for what he did for the team and community last season and wish him the best in the future,” adds Esdale.
“Obviously this was a big move, but we feel that we have made our hockey team better. With the addition of these two players, we have added scoring and grit with Grant and solidified our D-core with Sorensen,” notes Esdale.
Grant comes from playing last season in Powell River where he scored 32 goals, 31 assists in 58 games while adding 75 penalty minutes.
“Grant is a great competitor that can score and will add instant offense to our lineup. He plays with an edge and scores in the tough areas,” comments Esdale.
Sorensen comes from playing last season with the Penticton Vees where he posted 1 goal and 7 assists in 58 games. The 5’10”, 170 pound native of Saskatchewn will add depth to the Bulldogs defence.
“Sorensen is a solid defenceman that does a little bit of everything. He will add depth and round out our D core nicely,” adds Esdale.
The Alberni Valley Bulldogs open up main camp on August 26th at the Multiplex.
Head Coach and GM Paul Esdale will be on THE PEAK tomorrow just after 8:10am to talk about the deal, the season coming up, and the Bulldogs Hockey School.
Hammer
14 comments:
Didn't see that coming, Good Luck Mark and welcome to the new players. Doesn't main camp start on August 23 - it says the 26th on the announcement?
WOW! I didn't see that one comming either. Mark is one good and smart player. He will be truly missed by a lot of people. This season should be good because Paul has been signing a lot of talented guys. DROP THE PUCK NOW! I can't wait!
(wayne) Hey Hammer, why are you so surprised, I told you over a month ago Mark was more than likely going to pull the pin on the Bulldogs.
Wow, sorry that is huge! I am not surprised cause I have heard that some of last years boys would be pulling out after Nolan Graham moved on.
I have to disagree Esdale has not signed or committed to alot of talent. His decisons have been too hasty.
Paul and Kevin better get a hold on this and LISTEN to what the SCOUTS are telling you.
McMillain is a HUGE loss and speaks volumes.
Right now Vic the dick in Vitoria is aligning quite the team. Speed and Age.
Can we all please keep the faith... Nolan is a great coach and will be missed but let's give Paul a chance...
I actually heard the exact opposite about kids pulling out. I've heard nothing but support for Paul from the boys from last year and as far as Mark leaving, what kid wouldn't want the chance to play in his home town given the chance?? I don't think it has anything to do with Nolan leaving.
Saw it a mile away. So now the top six players from last year are gone. Unlike Graham who took over another GM's team, Esdale is building his own team. Looking forward to watching them go!
Deb - As far I have been told, Main Camp starts on the 26th.
Wayne - No offense intended, if you are me, who are you taking for their word? The player - straight from the horses mouth he said he was coming back...or you? Maybe you should start a blog.
It's funny that last year in the off season negative comments on here were how the players were upset that the team decided to go in a different direction and didn't bring back Bryant Perrier. About how Nolan Graham wasn't the guy to turn the team around and get them in the playoffs, he had never been a Head Coach, etc. Fast forward to this off season, after the best season in franchise history, and there are still some of the negative types.
That's O.K. as everyone is entitled to their opinion.
For what it's worth, my opinion is simple. It's what Junior Hockey, or hockey PERIOD is all about. Players come, players go. Coaches come, coaches go. It will be interesting to see what the new guys do to fill the holes left by the players that left last year, and it will be interesting to see what returning guys do to step up their game. This time last year I wouldn't have expected Mitch to score 60 goals, Mark to have the season he had, Dizzy to be the player he was, and I could go on and on.
It will be nice when the puck is dropped just over a month from now so we can stop the gum flapping and let the action on the ice do the talking!
Good response!
Camp starts August 26th.
Kevin Hasselberg is over qualified for the Assitant coaches postion. He has had a very successful 8 years as head coach in the AJHL.
Hes been put in place to step in when it all comes crashing down.
Paul has made some poor signing decisions.
Just like yesterdays critical comments about the Coaches, this one also comes out of the same place. I wonder why that is.
It is comments such as yours that make me reconsider having an open comments section.
As I said yesterday though, everyone is entitled to their opinion, even if it is a bunch of hot air.
I should probably just ignore the comment as it brings the Coach and possibly players into a negative light - but at the same time I think some elaboration is in order. Here goes...
Not being critical of Mr. Hasselberg - I think he sounds like a great coach and a great compliment to Paul Esdale - what would you typify as very successful seasons in the AJ?
Regarding Paul's poor signings. What players are poor signings? What players should he have signed instead?
(wayne) Hammer, when Mark told you he was looking forward to coming back to the Bulldogs, I'm sure he ment it. Things change and he has to do whats best for him. (as he should)
I was not a big Nolan fan but he's gone now and Paul Esdale's in charge. Dont forget Esdale was involved with the Bulldogs last year during their "Best season in franchise history". Nolan Graham got all the credit for it, but Paul Esdale played a major part in making the Bulldogs Coastal Champs, so before we trash him to much and call for him to be replaced, we should wait and let them play a couple of games first.
Well said Wayne.
Regarding Mark - I'm well aware that things change. See my earlier comment about how "it's hockey"
My point - the last I "heard" (I used that term loosely, as I've said already it was heard straight from the player himself - was that he was planning on coming back. As I've said, I'm taking an individual at their word until I hear different.
Opinions change, directions change, influences change...etc.
It's over and done with, lets move on and as you said see what Paul and Kevin and the 2010 2011 Dogs are all about!
Mark had all intentions of coming back to the Bulldogs, then he gets drafted, and everything changed. Staying home in Penticton is the best for him, sleep in his own bed, stay in a strict routine, gain weight, and supportive parents helping him to do so. Mark is doing what he has to do, and how lucky are the Vees to have him and his parents to watch all the games...no one can argue with that.
well said.
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