Great news here for 20 year old Dogs Dman Frank Riddle as he is off to Wilfred Laurier next year. It was beyond a tough year for "Rids" as he was knocked unconscious on a dirty hit five minutes into the first game of the season and was fighting an uphill battle all year. Way to go Rids!
PRESS RELEASE
March 31 2011
Alberni Valley Bulldogs 20 year old defenseman, Frank Riddle has committed to attend Wilfrid Laurier University in Waterloo Ontario starting in September 2011. Riddle will play for the Wilfrid Laurier Golden Hawks of the Ontario University Athletic (OUA) conference which also is a member of the Canadian Interuniversity Sport (CIS), the top Canadian University league in Canada.
Riddle hails from St. Catharines Ontario and played two seasons for the Bulldogs in 2009-2010 and 2010-2011. He was best known for his commitment, community service, hard work and dedication He posted 4 goals, 12 assists for 16 points in 55 games during 2009-2010 and solidified himself as one of the Bulldogs premier defenseman. In 2010-2011, Riddle overcame several severe injuries to post 7 assists in 33 games.
“Frank is another one of those great success stories in Alberni. No one could have predicted the wave of injuries Frank sustained this season, but to his credit his dedication and will to succeed has helped him preserve through these obstacles and allow him to get to the next level. We are extremely proud of him and wish him well at Laurier, “said Bulldogs Head Coach Paul Esdale.
Riddle had several opportunities in the US and Canada to attend University but decided on Wilfrid Laurier. Riddle commented, “ I wanted to receive a good, well recognized education and be a part of a well-respected hockey program. Laurier offers both. I have been accepted into the BBA Honours Business Administration Program at Laurier. I am interested in business, and Laurier's business program is very well recognized.”
Riddle was a fan favourite in Alberni and was respected by his coaches and teammates, so much so that he was named one of the Assistant Captains this past season. The feelings were mutual as Riddle enthusiastically stated, “ I lovedvplaying in Alberni and I feel really fortunate to have been a part of the organization for two years. I want to thank my billets the Yaredics, my coaches, teammates, the fans and everyone in the organization. Port Alberni will always be in my heart and I will come back often.”
At the end of this season Riddle has also signed an Amateur tryout agreement with the Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs of the Central Hockey League. Riddle will stay with the team through the end of the regular season and playoffs and will gain valuable experience to prepare him for the CIS.
The Bulldogs expect to have more announcements regarding player commitments to schools in the coming weeks as several players are close to making final decisions.
For more information please contact Paul Esdale at 250.723.4412.
Don't forget that the Bulldogs Spring Camp gets underway today and goes throughout the weekend down at the Multiplex. Admission is free, and rosters will be provided at the rink, so get out and see the Dogs of tomorrow!
Also don't forget that the Fred Page Cup series kicks off tonight as the Powell River Kings and Vernon Vipers meet in Powell River. Will it be third time lucky for Kent Lewis and the Kings? Or THREE-peat for the Vipers? Get more on the match up from the BCHL website here
5 comments:
Well deserved for Frank! He's going to do great I know he will.
RE: Bestwick despite how things have gone the past few years in clipper land no coach deserves to be treated this way. He has been one of the most successful coaches and done so much for the city and the team. Mr wagner really looks like a sack of dirt and a coward to conduct business like this.
As someone who has never seen Frank Riddle play, what can I expect from him? I'm guessing by his stats a relatively simple player who is good in his own end, and not overly big. Hopefully he also makes a good first pass.
Riddle will likely be playing with 4 of last years players who I expect to return in Kyle Van de Bospoort (OHL), Zack Shepley (OHL), Garrett Sinfield (OHL) and former WHL/BCHL alumni Phil Magistrale.
Riddle makes a good first pass, and can carry the puck up ice effectively when he is playing with confidence. He had a better year offensively last year than he did this past season as he battled various injuries and a suspension.
Thanks for the insight. Laurier's defence is large, but not overly mobile at the moment. Laurier will likely not need him to be a point per game power play quarterback, but a reliable defenceman who can help the team break out of the zone, or carry it out himself.
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