The Bulldogs announced five additions to their roster, while they also announced four departures. It's the "Circle of Life" of Junior Hockey, to steal a line from the Lion King. Players come and players go. The hope is that the new recruits can fill the sizable holes left by the players saying goodbye. We'll miss you Casey Bailey, Connor Varley, Kenney Morrison and Brandon Adams. Welcome to the team Yan and Arty, and Ryan, Brandon and Chase!
Kalashnikov Brothers Lead Group in Bulldog Roster Changes
PRESS RELEASE
July 19th 2011
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The Alberni Valley Bulldogs would like to announce that 92 F Yan Kalashnikov and 93 F Artsiom Kalashnikov,93 F Ryan Lough, 93 D Brandon Halls and92 D Chase Van Allen all have committed for the
2011-2012 season.
Originally from Minsk, Belarus the Kalashnikov brothers played for the Grand Forks Border Bruins of KIJHL Junior B League. The 5’9” 165 pound brothers moved from Belarus to Port Coquitlam two years ago to pursue their hockey careers.Yan posted 21 goals, 24 assists for 45 points in 39 games last season, while Artsiom posted 13 goals, 22 assists for 35 points in 36 games.
“The Kalashnikov brothers will bring people to their feet in the dogpound. Their skill level, competitveness and creativity will be exciting to watch, “ comments Head Coach/Assistant Director of Hockey Operations Paul Esdale. “We are thrilled to have Yan and Arty wear the Bulldogs uniform,” adds Esdale.
Ryan Lough, an Ontario native played for the Notre Dame Argos of the Saskatchewan Midget AAA league. Lough posted 16 goals, 31 assists for 47 points in 50 games last season. The 5’11” 170 pound Lough will add speed and skill to the Bulldogs roster.
“Ryan has great speed, vision and playmaking abilities which will help create offensive chances in all different situations, “ comments Esdale. “Ryan comes from a great program in Notre Dame, which will help him make the transition to the BCHL level.We are very excited to have Ryan come to the Bulldogs and look forward to him contributing immediatley to the team,” adds Esdale.
1993 Defenseman Brandon Halls spent last year with the Penticton Lakers of the KIJHL where he posted 8 goals and 14 assists for 22 points in 43 games. The 5’6”, 170 pound Calgary native will add speed and smarts to the defense core.
“Halls maybe short in stature, but he competes harder then anyone on the ice. He displays a great understanding of the game and will add plenty of offense to the back end,” states Esdale.
1992 Defenseman Chase Van Allen comes over from the Alaska Avalanche of the North American Hockey League (NAHL). Chase played two seasons for Alaska posting 2 goals, 24 assists for 26 points and 113 penalty minutes in 92 games. Originally from Anchorage, Alaska the 5’11” 180 pound defender looks to be a solid two way defenseman for the Bulldogs.
“Van Allen will bring experience and add another guy who can skate and make the first pass out of his end. Chase will be looked upon to play in all situations and lead by example on and off the ice,” said Esdale.
Director of hockey operations Rick Schievink adds:
“With the overall speed and skill level of the BCHL we are always looking to upgrade and with the addition of these promising young athletes there is no question we will have speed, and skill up front. We know that it will take time for these players to adjust to this level and it should be both interesting and exciting to watch them grow and develop.”
“Perhaps the most promising news for me is how much they are looking forward to playing here and making the Alberni Valley their home. They all are highly competitive players and they want to make a difference both on and off the ice, “adds Schievink.
In other news: American born players Casey Bailey, Connor Varley, Brandon Adams and Lloydminster, Alberta native Kenny Morrison all have opted to play in the United States Hockey League (USHL) next season. We thank all the players for their contributions to the community and team last season.
For more information please contact Director of Hockey Operations Rick Schievink at 250-723-4412 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 250-723-4412 end_of_the_skype_highlighting
The 2011-2012 schedule was also released by the league yesterday. The Bulldogs open at home on September 24th against Coquitlam. They will then host Victoria the following Friday before seeing their first road action the next night in Duncan against the Capitals. Coquitlam is back at the Dog Pound the next afternoon for a 2:30pm puck drop on Sunday, October 2nd. The Bulldogs Regular Season concludes with three straight at home with Game 60 going Sunday, March 11th at 2:30 as Langley is in town.
For the full schedule, CLICK HERE
For some details on how the league put the schedule together, visit the League Website story HERE
Hammer
1 comment:
(wayne) Never mind the Russians, The Bulldogs should try and get some local Port Alberni talent, Naniamo has 5 PA. players, the Bulldogs have none.
The tripletts were to small for the Bulldogs, but some undersized, jr. B Russians are going to be great for the team????. Get some local talent and try to hang on to some of the existing players that have produced for the Bulldogs.
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