The puck finally drops on the 2018-2019 British Columbia Hockey League season tonight, as the Bulldogs visit the Cowichan Valley Capitals in Duncan at the Island Savings Centre.
For those that are new - yes, that's the BIG STICK, which is in fact the biggest in the world!
Opening Night is always exciting, and one that has been circled on the calendar from the day the schedule has been released. From a personal standpoint, I'm of course excited to get back on the air and into the booth.
It's of course exciting for players and fans around the league, and for the communities that these teams call home. Speaking of HOME, I can't wait for the first home game a week from tonight. There's no better place to call a game! I'm already getting ahead of myself though, as it's all about the now and nothing more.
It's an exciting night from the players perspective no doubt to finally get going again, as it's been a long spring and summer of training on and off-ice to get ready for this moment. Suddenly, the moment is here. For some players, this is a night that will never happen again, and one they'll always remember - their first career Junior game....or Bulldog game, or BCHL game etc.
I for one, am tired of waiting for it and talking about it and typing about it. There is so much more to say, but I'll let the game speak for itself. Drop the puck already!
Pacific Chevrolet Bulldogs Hockey on 93.3 The Peak FM is on the air tonight for the pregame show at 6:45, with the puck drop and play-by-play to follow after the Home Opener pomp and circumstance and ceremonies.
I'll handle the play-by-play and hosting duties while Dan Tisserand will compile team and player statistics throughout the game.
Tonight's 2nd Intermission guest is Dan Marshall, play-by-play voice of the Nanaimo Clippers on our sister station 106.9 The Wolf, with the Bulldogs visiting the Clippers Sunday afternoon.
If you aren't in listening range of 93.3 The Peak FM you can listen/watch the game by:
Listening Live on your computer: www.933thepeak.com
Listening Live on your SmartPhone : www.tunein.com/mobile/
Watching Live on your computer/SmartPhone www.hockeytv.com
Late last night - or very early this morning, the Bulldogs announced their Leadership group for the 2018-2019 season. Great choices all around in my opinion. Read more below.
TYLER VANUDEN NAMED TEAM CAPTAIN; HORA, RIZZOLO & WALTER NAMED AS ALTERNATES
The Alberni Valley Bulldogs are pleased to announce that 20-year old
forward Tyler Vanuden has been named team captain for the 2018/19
British Columbia Hockey League season. Defencemen Spencer Hora, Darren
Rizzolo and Marcus Walter have been named as alternate captains.
Vanuden is entering his second season as a Bulldog after joining the
team in October 2017 via a trade with the AJHL's Brooks Bandits. The
former Victoria Cougar made an immediate impact, scoring 19 points in
34 regular season games while earning an 'A' on his sweater following
the January trade deadline.
"Tyler is a positive, energetic guy who loves the game and shows up
every day ready to set the tone with his work ethic and enthusiasm,"
says Bulldogs head coach Matt Hughes. "He has the respect of everybody
in our dressing room as well as our coaching and training staff, and
we're excited to see him take on more leadership responsibility in his
20-year old season."
Rizzolo is the longest-tenured player on the Bulldogs roster, having
suited up in 95 games dating back to the 2016/17 campaign, while Hora
was acquired in a January trade from the West Kelowna Warriors and
Walter joined the team in June from the NAHL's Springfield Junior Blues.
"Darren, Spencer and Marcus are all experienced, team-first guys who
bring different positive qualities to our group," says Hughes. "All
three are highly deserving of this opportunity and will be leaned on
heavily in what we expect to be a very competitive and successful
season."
Vanuden and the Bulldogs open the 2018/19 season on Friday at Cowichan
Valley with a roster that features 10 returning players, three summer
trade acquisitions and 10 rookies.
"I'm very excited to be named captain of the Alberni Valley Bulldogs,"
says Vanuden. "It's a huge honour to have the trust of my teammates
and coaches. I'm looking forward to the challenge and responsibility
of being counted on to lead by example both on and off the ice."
***
For more information, please contact:
Matt Hughes
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