Drop the puck already! Georgeson to UBC, Dogs add Trainer, Ice Bucket Challenge

Firing up the blog again after a much needed holiday back home! I wasn't ready for hockey until after I got some much needed time off, but now I'm chomping at the bit to get back into the booth with Bruce and Dan and back at the rink.

Some holiday moments first off, by request, for those that aren't on Social Media

Griff's first fish. Not sure who's happier, Griff or Gramps

My Master Angler 32.5 inch Walleye. Notice the arms bent at the elbow and not extended out to the camera to make the fish look better. As Walleye's go size-wise, this is a catch of a lifetime!

Ahhhh, the Drive-In!

I didn't get a trophy, but I'm sure I won

Oh to be a one-year-old again!

Alright, lets get down to business now!

First off, big congrats to Justin Georgeson!

PRESS RELEASE
August 19, 2014

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Port Alberni, BC – The Alberni Valley Bulldogs are very proud to announce that the team’s leading scorer from the 2013/14 season Justin Georgeson has committed to play for the UBC Thunderbirds this coming season.

Georgeson was acquired by the Alberni Valley Bulldogs as part of a future deal at the 2012/13 trade deadline.

Georgeson led the Bulldogs in scoring last season with 19 goals and 34 assists in 58 games. Georgeson added another three points in the playoffs for the ‘Dogs. “I am extremely happy to announce my commitment to the University of British Columbia,” said the newest Thunderbird Justin Georgeson. “Thanks to everyone who has had a helping hand in my success, including the City of Port Alberni for a memorable final year of junior hockey,” added Georgeson. “Finally, thanks to my family for affording me every opportunity to reach my ultimate goal of prolonging my hockey career.”

The Bulldogs coaching staff Kevin Willison, Adam Hayduk, and Alex Evin had an opportunity to talk to newly appointed UBC Thunderbirds men’s hockey coach Tyler Kuntz at the Kamloops Professional Coaching Conference earlier this passed July.

"We are extremely thrilled to add another local player from the BCHL to our program,” said UBC Thunderbirds men’s hockey coach Tyler Kuntz. “Justin is a player that I am very familiar with from his days in the BCHL with the Coquitlam Express and Alberni Valley Bulldogs. He is a determined, intelligent, and skilled centre-man that can play up down your line-up and in all situations,” added Kuntz. “He will compete hard and develop into a very good CIS hockey player. Justin will add value to our program both on and off the ice."

The Alberni Valley Bulldogs are excited for this new chapter in Justin’s life and wish him all the
best in his future endeavors.

This is old news, but it happened when I was away, so for those that missed it, read below for details on the Dogs new Trainer Damon Pugerude. There is no position with a team that does more work and has as big a factor in a teams success that gets less credit than the Trainer. Welcome to the club and to the Valley Damon, you have big shoes to fill and high standards to meet as James McDonald did an incredible job.

PRESS RELEASE
August 6, 2014

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Port Alberni, BC – The Alberni Valley Bulldogs announce the addition of Damon Pugerude as
the team’s new trainer and equipment manager.

Pugerude was selected by the coaching staff from dozens of applications that were submitted for the position. Pugerude spent the last three seasons in a similar role with the Drayton Valley Thunder and
the Sherwood Park Crusaders junior “A” hockey teams in the Alberta Junior Hockey League. In addition to his experience at the junior “A” level, Pugerude also served as a trainer at U16 Alberta Cup events, has extensive experience on the equipment side, and is registered with the Alberta College of Paramedics.

“We were very pleased and impressed with Damon’s attention to detail and passion for what he does,” said Alberni Valley Bulldogs’ head coach and general manager Kevin Willison. “He is certainly a good fit for the team.”

Yah yah, I know, I know, you are tired of seeing these. BUT you are still not as tired as someone battling with ALS who tries to do something as simple as brush their teeth or stand up. So suck it up! Don't even watch it..just go to www.als.ca and donate!

I read a report that the Ice Bucket Challenge recently raised 8.6 MILLION DOLLARS in a single day! Wow!

Here's Kevin Willison getting soaked by the Harbour Chieftan boat, before then being dumped with a couple coolers of ice by Mitch Makin, Dylan Haugen and Zach Funk