Bulldogs acquire Poliziani, Showcase sked announced

20-YEAR OLD EXPECTED TO ADD SCORING, LEADERSHIP IN ALBERNI VALLEY

Port Alberni, BC – The Alberni Valley Bulldogs are pleased to announce the acquisition of 1997-born forward Cole Poliziani from the Chilliwack Chiefs in return for future considerations.

Poliziani recently concluded a successful rookie season in Chilliwack, where he helped the Chiefs reach Game 7 of the BCHL Finals as well as the championship game of the Western Canada Cup. The Burlington, ON product appeared in 52 regular season games, scoring 14 goals and totaling 27 points and 37 penalty minutes. He also dressed in all 23 of the Chiefs' postseason games during their run to the 2017 Fred Page Cup finals, adding two goals and three assists, and suited up six more times during the WCC in Penticton.

"Cole is a talented young man who plays hard and has a natural enthusiasm for the game," says Bulldogs head coach Matt Hughes. "He showed during his time in Chilliwack that he can score in bunches, and we anticipate him building on his offensive numbers in Alberni Valley while also being counted on as a positive teammate and leader."

A 2013 draft pick of the OHL's Peterborough Petes, Poliziani spent the 2014/15 season with the Ontario Junior Hockey League's Hamilton Red Wings before heading south to play the next two years at the Salisbury School in Salisbury, CT.

"I'm very excited to be traded to the Bulldogs," says Poliziani, who describes himself as a smaller, skilled forward who can make plays and be counted on defensively. "I can't wait to start the season and meet my new teammates and coaches, and most importantly the fans."

Poliziani is looking forward to finishing his junior hockey career in the Alberni Valley and enjoying team and individual success.

"For me personally, my goal is to earn a Division I scholarship and to be able to contribute by putting up good numbers. For the team, my goals are to help bring each guy together as a big family and have it so we're excited  to go and play for each other, day in and day out. I also would love to win games and have a successful season, ultimately making playoffs and putting together a nice run."

Poliziani will take the ice with his new teammates when the Bulldogs will begin their main training camp on Monday, August 21stat Weyerhaeuser Arena.

SHOWCASE SCHED SET: The BCHL has announced the schedule for the 2017 Bauer BCHL Showcase, which will take place from Sept. 20-24 at the Prospera Centre in Chilliwack. The Bulldogs will face off against a pair of Interior Division opponents, with games slated against the Vernon Vipers at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, September 21st and the Penticton Vees at 4 p.m. on Friday, September 22nd.

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Bulldogs move Sandhu to Vipers for Gingras and futures

Hello and thanks as always for checking the blog.

Please see yesterday's Press Release from the Bulldogs below, regarding the move that was initially announced on the team's twitter account on Friday that sees the Bulldogs acquire Luke Gingras along with Future Considerations from the Vernon Vipers in exchange for Jordan Sandhu. 

For further insight into how and why the deal went down, read this story from the Alberni Valley News by clicking HERE

All the best in the future to Jordan, and thanks for all that you did in a Bulldog sweater, both on the ice and off the ice out and about in the community. Despite not having the season he wanted last year, and despite how bad the standings picture looked or the scoreboard on some of the rough nights, I was always impressed with how Jordan refused to quit and always played hard. 

Welcome to the team and the community Luke, I look forward to what you can bring to the team! 

Fun fact - Luke scored for the Vipers against the Bulldogs last season in Vernon. 

Hammer

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

FORMER SASKATOON BLADES FORWARD ADDED FROM VIPERS

Port Alberni, BC – The Alberni Valley Bulldogs are pleased to announce the acquisition of 1998-born forward Luke Gingras and future considerations from the Vernon Vipers in return for 1999-born forward Jordan Sandhu.

Gingras is a veteran of three seasons with the Western Hockey League's Saskatoon Blades. He scored six goals while totalling 13 points and 132 penalty minutes in 109 WHL games before joining the Vipers midway through the 2016/17 season. In Vernon, the Langley, BC product picked up 10 points in 21 regular season games and one goal in 12 playoff contests.

"We're excited to add a player of Luke's character and experience," says Bulldogs head coach Matt Hughes. "He brings size and toughness to our roster along with some untapped offensive potential that we're confident will benefit our group."

In return, the Bulldogs have sent Sandhu to Vernon following two seasons with the Bulldogs. The 18-year old contributed 30 points last season after being named team captain in September and is committed to Arizona State University for the 2018/19 season.

"I'd like to thank Jordan for all his efforts in Alberni Valley and wish him success moving forward in his hockey career," says Hughes.

The new-look Bulldogs will begin their main training camp on Monday, August 21st at Weyerhaeuser Arena.

Rob Shick on THE PEAK this morning, Alberni Valley Charity Classic coming up!

Just a heads up that Port Alberni Native Rob Shick - pictured above with Her Majesty, the Queen, and The Great One... will be on 93.3 The Peak FM airwaves this morning just after 8:10am, talking about the upcoming Alberni Valley Charity Golf Classic.

What an amazing picture! 

Speaking of the Alberni Valley Charity Golf Classic - it's an amazing time, for a great cause. It never ceases to amaze me, to see the generosity of the people of this community. From business owners to average joes and janes, everyone does their part. It's why this tournament has raised over three quarters of a million dollars since it's inception by Rob Shick wayyyyyy back when golf balls were square. 

The 24th Annual Alberni Valley Charity Golf Classic takes place July 7th and 8th, at the Alberni Valley Golf Club, supporting Kidsport, Abbeyfield, Crimestoppers, The Bread of Life and the BC Children's Hospital. Friday is the reception, Saturday is the golf followed by the dinner and live and silent auction. 

If you have never taken part in the event, you've no doubt heard about it from your family or friends. It's a fantastic time, it's for a great cause, it's the Alberni Valley at it's best - call the Pro Shop ASAP to sign up as an individual or team at 250-723-5422. Not a golfer? You don't really need to be to take part in the tournament, but you especially don't need to if you just want to attend the dinner to participate in the festivities and auctions as dinner only tickets are also available. 

Hammer