I guess it's just the Canadian way. It's been a very busy couple of months...but having said that it's always busy when you've got a couple of boys under the age of 10 to spend time with. It was a tough couple of months for our family with the rather sudden loss of my Father in Law, which took priority obviously over everything else and left little time/motivation/emotion etc etc to write blogs.
I've certainly THOUGHT about the blog a lot, but thinking and doing are two different things. Give me a break, it's the off season! Well, I can't really use that excuse anymore now can I, with Training Camp opening Monday and preseason hockey getting going on Thursday night. So, here I am working on getting my hockey brain back engaged into the swing of things. Enough chitter-chatter, lets get going.
Below, in reverse chronological order is all the news that's been released by the Bulldogs since April, and the hiring of Joe Martin. From recruitment announcements, ownership changes, lease extensions, additions to the coaching staff and even a release of the third jersey. It's all there, all courtesy of the Bulldogs.
In the days coming, I'll certainly be popping my head into the rink to check on the proceedings. When it comes to exhibition games, and whether there will be a broadcast...well, I'm not sure yet. It's a possible plan and I'll update you when I know more. If there IS one, it will be a pay-per-view Hockey TV broadcast, and a 100% volunteer effort. The question comes up every year - no, the radio station does not broadcast the pre season games. I'll certainly at the very least be attending them, and posting and tweeting updates so be sure to check back frequently.
Finally - fear not, throughout the entirety of the 58 game Regular Season I'll be here there and everywhere broadcasting every second of every single game on 93.3 The Peak FM and on Hockey TV. Along with the on-air work, I'll post game day previews and post game recaps on the blog to keep you up to date.
For now I'm cramming as much time and fun in that I can out adventuring with my family while soaking up the last vestiges of freedom. Very soon, every weekend from September to March (and hopefully much further) will be filled with hockey and I'll be 100% committed to giving you my best every night!
Thanks as always for checking out the blog!
Hammer
NEW YORK BLUELINER EXPECTED TO BRING STRONG TWO-WAY GAME TO ALBERNI VALLEY
The Alberni Valley Bulldogs are pleased to announce a commitment from 2001-born defenceman Moe Acee to join the team for the 2019/20 BCHL season.
Acee spent the past two seasons at the Avon Old Farms School in Avon, Connecticut. He picked up six goals and 21 points in 47 games in his time with the Winged Beavers, and also helped the Mid-Fairfield Rangers 18U team reach the quarter-finals at the 2019 USA Hockey Nationals in April.
“Moe is a mobile and steady defender who plays a smart two-way game,” says Bulldogs head coach Joe Martin. “We think he has the tools to become an excellent Junior A blue liner and we’re very happy that he’s chosen to take the next steps in his hockey career with the Bulldogs. We’re pleased to welcome Moe and his family to the Alberni Valley.”
“I’m thrilled to join the Bulldogs organization for next season,” says Acee, who describes himself as a strong two-way defender whose best assets are his skating and shooting. “Coach Martin and the rest of the Bulldogs staff have a tremendous reputation for winning and developing players. The town of Port Alberni has an incredible sense of community, and coming to an area that has similar qualities to where I grew up feels very welcoming. I’ve always had strong desire to play in the BCHL because I feel as a two-way defenseman I’d thrive in the league’s playing and coaching styles.”
Acee will join his new teammates when the Bulldogs’ 2019 Main Camp opens at the Alberni Valley Multiplex on August 19.
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SKILLED, NCAA-COMMITTED FORWARD JOINS BULLDOGS FOR 2019/20
The Alberni Valley Bulldogs are pleased to announce a commitment from 2001-born forward Tommy Bannister to join the team for the 2019/20 BCHL season.
Bannister spent the past three seasons at the Northwood School in Lake Placid, New York. He finished second in team scoring during the 2018/19 campaign, scoring 33 goals and 83 points in 68 games and he is committed to play NCAA Division I hockey at St. Lawrence University.
“Tommy is a fast, skilled forward who has been a top offensive performer at every level he’s played,” says Bulldogs head coach Joe Martin. “He comes to our team with an NCAA commitment and we’re excited to see the impact he can have as a BCHL player. We’re pleased to welcome Tommy and his family to the Alberni Valley.”
“I’m excited to play and live in Port Alberni,” says Bannister, who describes himself as a high IQ, 200-foot winger with a good scoring touch around the net. “I have always wanted to play in the BCHL and coming to the Alberni Valley and playing for Coach Martin seemed like the right fit for me.”
Bannister will join his new teammates when the Bulldogs’ 2019 Main Camp opens at the Alberni Valley Multiplex on August 19.
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SKILLED NCAA-COMMITTED DEFENDER IS ON THE MOVE TO THE ALBERNI VALLEY
Port Alberni, BC – The Alberni Valley Bulldogs have completed a trade with the Notre Dame Hounds of the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League, acquiring the CJHL playing rights of 2000-born defenceman Tim Gould in return for the CJHL playing rights of 1999-born defenceman Marcus Walter and future considerations.
Gould has spent two seasons with the Hounds after breaking into the SJHL with a 31-point season as a 17-year old. He suited up in 54 regular season games last season, scoring six goals and totaling 29 points. The 19-year old is a two-time invitee to Team Canada West’s evaluation camp for the World Junior A Challenge and he is committed to attend the University of Maine in the 2020/21 season.
“We’re very happy to be able to add a quality veteran defenceman like Tim to our group,” says Bulldogs head coach Joe Martin. “With 111 games played at the Junior A level, Tim’s transition will be smoother than most, which will allow him to get on the ice and just play. He’s a good decision maker and a good skater who will be able to step right in and help our special teams.”
“I’m very exited to join such a great organization and a group of coaches who I believe can develop my game and take it to the next level,” says Gould, who describes himself as a good two-way defender with offensive upside. “I want to have a great season with the Bulldogs so that when I go to Maine next fall I’ll be able to step in and make an impact right away.”
Headed the other way in the deal are future considerations as well as the CJHL playing rights to Marcus Walter, who is committed play NCAA Division I hockey at Bentley University this fall. Walter joined the Bulldogs in a trade last summer and made a big impact on the ice and in the dressing room, posting 16 points in 51 regular season games while being named the team’s captain in December.
Gould will join his new teammates when the Bulldogs’ 2019 Main Camp opens at the Alberni Valley Multiplex on August 19.
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RUNNER-UP FOR OJHL GOALTENDER OF THE YEAR AWARD HEADS WEST TO JOIN BULLDOGS
Port Alberni, BC – The Alberni Valley Bulldogs have completed a trade with the Whitby Fury of the Ontario Junior Hockey League, acquiring the CJHL playing rights of 2001-born goaltender Luke Pearson in return for defenceman Sam Pouliot and future considerations.
Pearson spent two seasons with the Fury, including a breakout campaign last year as a 17-year old that saw him post 25 wins, a 1.94 goals-against average and .938 save-percentage. He was the runner-up for the OJHL’s Goaltender of the Year award and was named to the league’s All-Prospect Team.
“Luke is a very talented goaltender who has proven himself as an excellent NCAA prospect over two seasons at the Junior A level,” says Bulldogs head coach Joe Martin. “We’re very excited to welcome Luke and his family to the Alberni Valley and the Bulldogs organization.”
“I’m looking forward to the new competition in the BCHL and meeting all my new teammates,” says Pearson, who describes himself as a calm goaltender who likes to keep everything under control and never give up on a play. “I’ve had conversations with the coaching staff and have heard nothing but positive things about the team and the Alberni Valley. I’m also looking forward to leaving my hometown to experience billeting and playing hockey in a different province.”
The 18-year old has high expectations for himself and his team heading into his first season with the Bulldogs.
“Personally, I want to give my team in front of me a chance to win every night and outplay the opposing goaltender,” he says. “I love to compete and want to prove I can be a top goalie in this league. As a team I believe that we can make playoffs and go on a run. I can’t wait to meet the guys and get ready for the upcoming season!”
Headed the other way in the deal is Pouliot, who joined the Bulldogs in an early season trade from the Powell River Kings and registered two assists in 37 regular season games. The 19-year old has also had two stints in the Western Hockey League with the Red Deer Rebels and Swift Current Broncos.
“We’d like to thank Sam for all his contributions in a Bulldogs uniform and wish him the best moving forward,” says Martin.
Pearson will join his new teammates when the Bulldogs’ 2019 Main Camp opens at the Alberni Valley Multiplex on August 19.
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VETERAN BLUELINER ADDED AS BULLDOGS CONTINUE TO STRENGTHEN ROSTER
Port Alberni, BC – The Alberni Valley Bulldogs have completed a three-team trade involving the Merritt Centennials and Salmon Arm Silverbacks, acquiring the CJHL playing rights of 2000-born defenceman Jackson Munro from Merritt while sending 2000-born forward Michael Hodge to Salmon Arm.
Munro is a Vancouver, BC product who established himself as an excellent two-way defenceman with the Centennials, most recently scoring three goals and adding 15 assists in 44 regular season games as Merritt finished in a tie for top spot in the Interior Division. He has totaled six goals and 39 points in 97 games over two BCHL seasons.
“We’re very happy to be able to acquire a talented and experienced defenceman in Jackson,” says Bulldogs head coach Joe Martin. “He’s an excellent skater who plays smart and can contribute in all three zones. He’s also a tremendous person and teammate who will step in a play a big role on our blueline this season.”
In a separate trade, the Bulldogs have dealt defenceman Ethan McLaughlin to the Alberta Junior Hockey League’s Drayton Valley Thunder in return for future considerations.
“We’d like to thank Michael and Ethan for their time and hard work as Bulldogs and wish them both success with their new teams,” says Martin.
Munro will join his new teammates when the Bulldogs’ 2019 Main Camp opens at the Alberni Valley Multiplex on August 19.
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Port Alberni BC. – The Alberni Valley Bulldogs are proud to announce that Head Coach Joe Martin has been named the Head Coach of Team Canada West for the upcoming 2019 World Jr A Challenge in Dawson Creek. The event is scheduled to run from December 7th to 15th 2019.
Martin, from Kingston Ontario, makes his return to the World Junior A Challenge for the third consecutive year, taking over as head coach after serving as an assistant for the past two years, winning gold in 2017 and bronze in 2018. Martin will be joined by fellow Island Division Head Coach Mike Vandekamp of the Cowichan Capitals as an assistant. Martin and Vandekamp are also joined on the staff by Scott Barney from Humboldt.
“It’s a huge honour for the Bulldogs to have Joe Martin selected to be the next head coach of Team Canada West,” said the Bulldogs David Michaud. “When Joe and I began discussing coming to the Alberni Valley Bulldogs he made it clear that this was something that was really important to him. We’re thrilled to see Joe achieve his goal, and we know he will do a fantastic job representing the Bulldogs and Port Alberni on the international hockey stage.”
“The coaches selected to lead Team Canada East and Team Canada West bring a combination of Junior A and international experience as players and coaches, and represent the level of talent in the coaching ranks in junior hockey in Canada,” said Brent Ladds, Canadian Junior Hockey League (CJHL) president. “It’s exciting to see our coaches moving into new roles with the two Canadian teams at the World Junior A Challenge and to welcome coaches who are new to international competition. We believe this year’s coaching staffs for both teams will benefit the players selected to participate, and bring their international experience back to their club teams.”
SPEEDY NCAA-COMMITTED FORWARD HEADING TO THE ALBERNI VALLEY FOR 2019/20
The Alberni Valley Bulldogs are pleased to announce a commitment from 2001-born forward Tyler Kostelecky to join the team for the 2019/20 BCHL season.
Kostelecky heads north to the BCHL after spending the last two seasons with Maple Grove High School in his hometown on Maple Grove, Minnesota. He captained the Crimson during the 2018/19 campaign while scoring 14 goals and totaling 30 points in 24 games. He is committed to play NCAA Division I hockey at Arizona State University.
“Tyler is a hard-working two-way forward and a tremendous skater,” says Bulldogs head coach Joe Martin. “He was a leader with his high school program last season and we believe he’s going to be an excellent addition to our team both on and off the ice. We’re thrilled that he’s decided to take the next steps in his hockey career in a Bulldogs uniform.”
Kostelecky also suited up in three games with the NAHL’s Minnesota Magicians as an affiliate player last season, picking up one assist.
“After seeing the city and meeting with Coach Martin, I immediately felt at home in Alberni and knew it was a perfect fit for me,” says Kostelecky, who describes himself as a playmaker who uses his speed, skating and vision to create opportunities for himself and his teammates. “I chose the BCHL because I’ve heard very good things about the league and I think that it’s a great match for my style of play.”
“I’m looking forward to developing as a player and readying myself for the next level,” he explains. “The team has a strong group of players returning and I believe we will have what it takes to compete for a BCHL championship.”
Kostelecky will join his new teammates when the Bulldogs’ 2019 Main Camp opens at the Alberni Valley Multiplex on Monday, August 19.
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The Alberni Valley Bulldogs are pleased to announce that the BCHL’s Board of Governors has granted unanimous approval for Keycorp Sports & Entertainment Ltd to acquire majority ownership in the club. Keycorp Sports and Entertainment will be the leadership in a group of established community partners joining the existing Port Alberni Junior Hockey Society in the newly founded group.
Keycorp Sports and Entertainment’s president David Michaud will assume the same role with the Bulldogs and oversee all hockey & business operations for the club. Michaud is no stranger to the BCHL as he spent parts of 4 seasons with the Penticton Vees and served on the BCHL’s Board of Governors. Prior to his time with the Vees, Michaud worked with CAA Sports in their hockey division, and spent 5 years as the general manager of the BCMML’s Okanagan Rockets.
“The goal of Keycorp Sports and Entertainment is to acquire properties that would help us expand our reach in the sporting world here on Vancouver Island and beyond. Acquiring the Bulldogs is a tremendous opportunity and we’re very excited to help build on the work that PAJHS has put in over the years. I’ve seen first-hand what an exciting atmosphere the Multiplex can create. It’s our mission to return the Bulldogs to a position of prominence in the community and continue to move players along to the NCAA and ultimately professional hockey.” said Michaud.
“PAJHS is very excited to have the ability to partner with Keycorp Sports & Entertainment and other local business leaders. This transaction means the Bulldogs will have the ability to thrive in Port Alberni for years to come. Our fans and our community should be excited about what this means both on the ice and off.” Said PAJHS President Jim Pelk
Keycorp Sports and Entertainment is a subsidiary of the Keycorp Group of Companies and is led by long time Victoria businessman Jim Hartshorne. Keycorp Sports & Entertainment is joined in the ownership group by Ron Coutre of Victoria; Dennis See, Stefanie Weber, Tim MacLean all of Port Alberni; and the Port Alberni Jr Hockey Society.
FORMER CENTS ASSISTANT RE-JOINS JOE MARTIN ON BULLDOGS’ BENCH
The Alberni Valley Bulldogs are pleased to announce that Brandon Shaw has joined the Bulldogs in the role of Assistant Coach & Player Development Coordinator.
Shaw spent the last two years as an Assistant Coach with the Merritt Centennials, working under current Bulldogs’ Head Coach Joe Martin. Prior to joining Martin’s staff in Merritt, he worked as an Assistant Coach with the Greater Ontario Junior Hockey League’s Cambridge Winter Hawks.
“I’m extremely excited to work with the Bulldogs and their first class staff and ownership,” says Shaw. “I’m very familiar with Joe and believe that he’s not only one of the best coaches in the hockey world but also one of the best people and mentors. I’m looking forward to working Joe, the rest of our staff and players, and the recruits we have coming into the Bulldogs organization. There’s the potential for these players and our team to be great and do great things.”
“I’m also very excited to be a part of the Alberni Valley community. Every time I’ve visited Port Alberni over the past two years they’ve had a great fan base that brought excitement into the building. Port Alberni is a place where players, coaches and the whole organization can thrive with that type of great support. I’m looking forward to helping our players earn college scholarships while we work towards building a team that will compete for a National Championship.”
Last season, Shaw helped guide the Centennials to their best record since the 1978/79 season, winning 36 games and finishing in a tie with Penticton for first place in the Interior Division.
“I’m very happy to add Brandon to our coaching staff in a new role for the Bulldogs,” says Head Coach Joe Martin. “His skill set in player development and analytics will help our current players grow as they’re being pushed on the ice and his scouting experience will continue to bring new and exciting players into our program.”
The Bulldogs will open Main Camp at the Alberni Valley Multiplex on Monday, August 19th and open their exhibition schedule at home against Powell River on Thursday, August 22.
FORMER BCHL & PRO GOALTENDER JOINS JOE MARTIN’S STAFF IN ALBERNI VALLEY
The Alberni Valley Bulldogs are pleased to announce that Jamie McCaig has joined the Bulldogs in the role of Goaltending Coach.
McCaig brings 12 years of coaching experience to the position, including time spent working with the WHL’s Kootenay Ice, the BCHL’s Merritt Centennials and the AJHL’s Spruce Grove Saints. Jamie played in the BCHL with Prince George, Penticton and Merritt before embarking on a successful university career split between the University of Brandon and the University of Lethbridge in USports. He then suited up professionally in the ECHL with the Alaska Aces and Victoria Salmon Kings before turning to coaching.
“By adding Jamie to our program we’re giving our goalies one of the best and highly respected goalie coaches around,” says Bulldogs head coach Joe Martin. “Jamie and I have worked together in junior hockey for eight years, including a few events with Hockey Canada. I’m behind Jamie 100% on what he can do for our tandem in net going forward.”
McCaig was recently named the Director of Operation for Team Canada West at the 2019 World Junior A Challenge in Dawson Creek after serving as their Goaltending Coach the previous two years.
The Bulldogs will open Main Camp at the Alberni Valley Multiplex on Monday, August 19th and open their exhibition schedule at home against Powell River on Thursday, August 22.
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BIG, SKILLED WINGER SET TO FINISH JUNIOR HOCKEY CAREER WITH BULLDOGS
The Alberni Valley Bulldogs are pleased to announce the acquisition of 1999-born forward Ryan Doolin from the United States Hockey League’s Lincoln Stars.
Doolin is a six-foot-three right winger who joins the Bulldogs after splitting the 2018/19 campaign between the Stars and the Chicago Steel. He combined to score five goals and add six assists in 46 regular season games last season along with 48 penalty minutes. In 2017/18 he led the Mid-Fairfield Rangers U18 team with 18 goals and 39 points.
“Ryan is a highly skilled, competitive player who also brings size and strength to our forward group,” says Bulldogs head coach Joe Martin. “He is coming to us after spending a year in the USHL and we’re expecting him to be a big part of our group on and off the ice. We’re very excited to have him join us.”
“I chose to commit to the Bulldogs because of the organization’s great reputation and their track record of moving players on to the NCAA,” says Doolin, who describes himself as a playmaking forward who has the ability to finish around the net. “I’m looking forward to helping the Bulldogs win as many games as possible and compete to bring a BCHL championship to the Alberni Valley.”
Doolin will join his new teammates when the Bulldogs’ 2019 Main Camp opens at the Alberni Valley Multiplex on Monday, August 19.
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BULLDOGS AND CITY OF PORT ALBERNI FINALIZE LEASE EXTENSION
The Alberni Valley Bulldogs and the City of Port Alberni are pleased to announce that the two have officially finalized a multi-year lease extension at the Alberni Valley Multiplex.
The new agreement sees the Multiplex remain the home of the Bulldogs through the 2024 season.
“Since our new ownership group became involved with the Bulldogs, getting our lease extended was our top priority.” said Bulldogs President David Michaud. “Having a partnership with the City of Port Alberni is so important. With this behind us, Joe Martin and his hockey staff can set their sights on putting a great product on the ice that the community can be proud of.”
“We are so thrilled to reach an agreement on the lease extension and show our continued support for this energized franchise. The Bulldogs have been a staple in our community and the Multiplex is the perfect venue to play host to such a great club,” said City of Port Alberni Mayor, Sharie Minions.
Regarded as one of the toughest buildings in the BCHL for a road team, the Bulldogs are excited to put a product on the ice that will have the “Dog Pound” full for years to come.
The Bulldogs open training camp at the Multiplex on Monday, August 19th. All sessions are open to the public. The Bulldogs first exhibition game is set for Thursday, August 22ndat 7:00 pm as the Bulldogs host the Powell River Kings. The two clubs square off again on Friday afternoon at 2:00 pm. Tickets are just $5 for adults and $2 for Youth / Children.
BULLDOGS LAUNCH 3RD JERSEY FOR 19-20 SEASON
The Alberni Valley Bulldogs unveiled their 3rd jersey design for the 2019-2020 season.
The jersey features a realistic bulldog in front of a shield, while incorporating the team’s traditional black/red/white colour scheme.
As in past seasons, all the 3rd jersey’s will be auctioned off towards the end of the season.
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