Good day, and thanks for stopping by. First off, I need to address a little "blog house cleaning" that I have done..
When I went on my first holiday back in June/July I turned the blog "comment" option OFF. Quite simply, I knew that I was going to be away from the computer and the internet for a good portion of the next month or so, and I didn't want some spammer or other evildoer to post something about cheap prescription drugs, pornography, or an offer of millions of dollars from some Nigerian prince. I reminded myself to turn the comments back on when I got home, and I indeed remembered when I got back that I had to do this. The problem was that I eventually forgot that I had reminded myself....So thanks to Angel and her mom for reminding me again! Comments are now back on!
Lets get down to business- A couple more big Bulldog news items to address as the team comes together off the ice and on. First off, the Dogs announced the hiring of BCHL veteran coach Bryant Perrier. For the press release, check out the Bulldogs website. Bryant's resume speaks for itself- BCHL stints in Cowichan, Merritt, and Penticton with over 350 wins in that time spanning 9 years. Most recently Bryant was the head coach of the Kamloops Storm in the KIJHL.
The Bulldogs also announced that they have filled the all-important role of Head Athletic Trainer, hiring Leigh Fitzpatrick from Regina, Saskatchewan where he previously worked with the Pilote Butte Storm.
hmmmmm.... I just noticed that the Dogs now have Bryant Perrier from the Storm, and Leigh Fitzpatrick from another Storm...I wonder if anyone from the Guelph Storm in the OHL wants to play or work here? Ok, I'll stop trying to be funny...
Leigh has an impressive resume, working with Team Atlantic at the '06 World U17 Hockey Tourney (more on that little event later!) Leigh also has worked with the University of Regina mens hockey team. I wonder if Leigh crossed paths with former Bulldog and now U of R Cougar James Ardelan? What a small world the hockey world is....Lastly, Leigh has been a member of the high performance program in Saskatchewan and Newfoundland and Labrador over the last 9 years as an Athletic Trainer.
The trainer position could very well be the most important, yes most overlooked job in hockey. At this level, these guys do absolutely EVERYTHING and anything. Equipment, laundry, sewing, injury work, the list goes on and on.
Lastly, the Bulldogs announced a trade seeing Daniel Hope heading to the Melville Millionaires in the SJHL for 20 year old forward Daniel Moriarty. Moriarty comes with some great numbers and a supposed highly competitive streak. My kinda player! Last season Moriarty had 28 goals and 24 assists with 130 pims in 58 games.
He's 5'9 and 185 so he is by no means huge. As anyone knows though, it's about the size of the fight in the Dog, not the size of the Dog in the fight!
In last years playoffs Daniel added 7 goals, 14 assists, and 60 penalty minutes.
His awards from last season included top scorer, top forward, and playoff MVP. Sounds like quite the player.
The Bulldogs currently have a 20 year old problem. With only 6 allowed and another coming in in this deal someone will have to go. It's a tough part of the business for sure, but it's the reality of it. I'm hoping that if no further moves are made before training camp then the #1 positive that can come out of all of this would be the level of competition for jobs with the team right from day 1. I have always been a fan of that, I think it makes a team more overall ready from the first puck drop of the season.
Another reality of the business is the fact that players move on....To Daniel Hope- You are a great kid and a good player. All the best in the future bud!
Big news if you haven't heard yet-The WORLD is coming to Port Alberni! Port Alberni will be the host city for the 2009 World Under 17 Hockey Tournament! Maybe relatives of some of the Russian sailors below? Who knows!
Here is the press release. I had Stefanie Webber and Ron Paulson in on my show Friday morning on 93.3 The Peak FM. I hope to have that interview uploaded here for you to listen to tomorrow morning, in case you missed it!Alberni Valley to host 2009 Under 17 World Hockey Challenge
Hockey Canada announced yesterday that the Alberni Valley has been chosen to host the 2009 Under 17 World Hockey Challenge.
Bid Committee Chair Ron Paulson says his group is thrilled to have been awarded the event. “This particular event has never been hosted on the west coast and we’ve been given an amazing opportunity to show the world what Port Alberni and Vancouver Island are all about. There is already a deep level of commitment to hockey in our region and an event such as this will add significantly to the legacy of the sport in our community”. Paulson added that players chosen to compete at this level are of exceptional calibre and that the event is a proven showcase of some of the best young hockey talent in the world.
The Alberni Valley will host ten teams for the event. Five regional teams from across Canada will compete against one from the US and four from Europe, playing a series of 27 games over ten days in late December 2008 and early January 2009.
Duncan, Nanaimo, Parksville, Courtenay and Campbell River will also be involved as some games will be played in these communities.
An organizing committee is expected to start work on the event in September. More information on the Under 17 World Hockey Challenge is available on the hockey Canada website at www.hockeycanada.ca.
For further information contact:
Ron Paulson, Chair
Alberni Valley U17 Bid Committee
250-720-2803
paulson_ron@portalberni.bc.ca
This is HUGE HUGE HUGE for the city and the great hockey fans here. I can't wait! At the same time, people around the rest of the Island should be getting excited for this as well, as they will be seeing some games too. A huge congrats goes out to everyone on the committee who made this happen!
I think that's all for today...As always, leave a comment/question or shoot me an email!
Hammer
4 comments:
Nice new look to the blog hammer. A great big congrats and thank you to everyone in the Under-17 committee for bringing this huge event to Port Alberni and the island.
Can't wait for hockey season, I am glad to hear people more positive about the team this year. Looking forward to seeing the familiar faces at the rink later this week.
Thanks for the comments on the blog!
The U17 is going to be very cool!
I have that hockey itch too, very excited to get back at it!
The email address for Ron Paulson doesn't work. Any ideas?
I have also had problems emailing Ron. I would suggest phoning him at the number posted above the email. If that doesn't work for you email me and I will pass the message along to Ron. Hope this helps.
Post a Comment