Bulldogs run streak to three, host parents, Bombers need a W

 

Just a random picture from Saturday night to grab your attention!

Thanks for stopping by the blog. 

Well, here we are heading into week four of the season already. While it's still young - it's not new anymore either, if that makes sense?

The Bulldogs went 2 and 0 last weekend, running their win streak to three games. 

They earned a 4-1 win in Victoria on Friday night. Hlib Artsatbanov was fantastic, as the Grizzlies threw 50 shots on net. The number didn't feel that way at the time, but after following up with several analytic services that number sounded to be fairly accurate. 

Two goals in 16 seconds really changed that game - Victoria might believe, and might be right, that they deserved a better fate. They have a good team and the Bulldogs will need to be at their best Friday night. 

The Bulldogs topped the Nanaimo Clippers 4-2 Saturday night. They trailed early, they went up 3-1, and just when it looked like they might've ran away with it, Nanaimo answered immediately and there was no scoring until the empty netter to seal the deal. A game that certainly could've gone either way and the Clippers might feel they deserved a better fate as well. 

Saturday night the Bulldogs host the Cowichan Valley Capitals - at this moment, they are the last team to have defeated them - it was their only win so far this season. They last dropped a 2-1 overtime decision to Powell River on Saturday night at home. You can bet that they'll be an angry and motivated team when they arrive at the Dawg Pound on Saturday night. 

I would also expect the Grizzlies to show up the same way on Friday. 

This is an important practice week for the Bulldogs. One has to think you're motivation and attitude are... different... when you've lost a couple in a row, as opposed to when you've won a couple. 

At the same time, one has to think that the Bulldog Coaching Staff and Leadership group will keep everyone on task to have a week of improvement and competition within the team to find a way to get better come Friday night. That's what it's about all year - win or lose, find a way to get better both individually and as a team come the weekend. 

That's what good/great/contenting, etc teams do! 

The majority of the player's parents and families are visiting the Valley this weekend for Parent's Weekend. It's always a special time, as many people come and see our little slice of paradise for the first time, and they also get to catch up with their Boys who have been gone likely since August! 

Make sure you give them the typical Alberni Valley welcome! 

The Port Alberni Bombers are in action tonight at the Multiplex. After winning their season opening game, they've lost eight straight. I've seen marked improvement from this young team from earlier in the season to now. They seem to be on the right track. Winning is very tough at this level and as a young, inexperienced squad they have taken their lumps. 

It may sound hollow when I'm on the outside looking in, but you just need to keep working every day to get better. Here's hoping they can see some results from their efforts sooner rather than later. It's the results that can add that fuel to keep a group headed in the right direction! 

Thanks for checking the blog! 

Hammer 

Bulldogs open season 1 and 1, Broadcast Expectations

Hello and thanks for stopping by the blog. 

I meant to post this last week, to give some insight into what you can expect throughout the season with our Bulldogs Hockey Broadcasts on 93.3 The Peak/ FloHockey - but I got so busy I forgot! 

It's a couple games late - but here's my annual informational post in regards to what to expect when you tune in to Bulldogs Hockey on 93.3 The Peak FM (or another medium) through the next 52 games, and any subsequent playoff games.

First and foremost - understand the medium. Which means - we're broadcasting on radio. I am your eyes. My primary goal is to enable those not at the game to SEE the game. I very much understand that some people are watching the pay-per-view and can SEE the game and they might get too much, but the people that can't see the game need more, not less!


Some insight into the broadcast philosophy... as a general rule, I will always try to be positive. At the same time I try to be honest. The core fan base of this team from day one is an educated one. They want me to "call a spade a shovel" and not sugar coat things. Having said that, I'm well aware that there is always one fan on one side of the fence, and one on the other side of the fence. It is one of the challenges and benefits of having such a great fan base and community here that cares for the team and is involved with the team on many levels. There's also a few fans standing ON TOP of the fence - not sure what side they are on. Ha. 


The  job isn't an easy one, as I am always walking the fine fine fine line of not wanting to offend the parent/fan/billet/sponsor that is looking for entertainment, and something to root for and get emotionally invested in. The other side are the true hockey people/fans/parents etc. They want to know the REAL SCOOP. They want BLAME outright, and ANSWERS why the team isn't winning, or why they are winning, and they might have an agenda.


In my opinion there isn't anything wrong with being on one side of that or the other either! In the end the hockey is great, and it's highly competitive. You win some, you lose some, you can't win them all and the line between both results is sometimes - or more often than not - razor thin.


In the end, I'm just "calling it like I see it" as my employer (for those that don't know, it's 93.3 The Peak FM and the Jim Pattison Broadcast Group, LP, not the Alberni Valley Bulldogs that signs my cheques, a very common misconception) wants me to do, and as I have done for about 1300? games over the last 20 years or so. Why? Because it hasn't failed me yet. People won't always like what they hear, or don't hear, but I simply can't help it if the game on the ice isn't going the way you want for the team - or an individual on the team.

I'm very happy to inform you that we have Van Isle Ford (home games) and Pacific Chevrolet (away games) back as our title sponsors this year - if you appreciate the broadcasts, thank them with your business!


We begin our broadcasts approximately 15 minutes to puck drop with our pregame show where we speak with coaches from both sides of the puck about the game and current events. We end the game with a post game show with a game recap, a chit chat from a member of the Bulldog Coaching staff, post game show awards and out of town scoreboard updates. In between periods, we speak with Bulldog players both past and present, as well as Coaches/Broadcasters/Executives from around the BCHL and who knows where else!


If you are interesting in being a sponsor on Bulldog Broadcasts, the more the merrier - contact our sales staff at 93.3 The Peak at 250-723-2455, we have plenty of options from big to small available!

Listening Live on your computer: www.933thepeak.com
Watching Live on your computer/SmartPhone www.flohockey.com

Also a huge thanks to ALL our sponsors that make the broadcasts happen. Fans that have listened before will know that we strive to put together a professional big-league broadcast, and in my humble and very biased opinion, I think we accomplish that.

If you appreciate and like the broadcasts, please thank the sponsors that make them all happen with your business!

If there is something you don't like, we always welcome your feedback - drop me a line by the contact form here on the blog. 

We would love to hear from you throughout the season - feedback, comments, complaints, criticism - constructive or otherwise, an interesting stat or fact about your son or brother or family member that may be on the team, where you might be listening to the game from, etc etc. 

___________________________________________________

The Bulldogs began the opening weekend with a win and a loss - 5-1 over Coquitlam Friday night, and 6-4 to the Langley Rivermen on Saturday night. 

I liked what I saw out of the team on both nights. I obviously didn't like the end result Saturday night, but I thought the team could've just as easily won that game. One can argue - leading by two at one point, and leading 3-2 after 40 minutes that they SHOULD have won that game. 

This league is way to good to take a shift off - better yet five to ten minutes off, which is what I thought happened Saturday night. 

The Rivermen came out to start the third inspired, to a man, at a level that the Bulldogs weren't at. Before they knew what hit them, they went from leading 3-2, to losing 4-3. 

Once in that position, they weren't able to push back immediately, and they fell into a 5-3 hole. 

You can't always be at your best - and despite your talent, it's not going to be easy. There's another team out there, and in this league - they are all good. 

The Bulldogs responded, and made it a 5-4 game. However - it took them too long to respond. Momentum is hard to earn, and turn sometimes. Good teams find a way to answer IMMEDIATELY - or better yet, they don't let the other team up off the mat at all. 

They did eventually respond, and they then spent the better part of the final five minutes all over the Rivermen in their zone. The game was lost either at the start of the period, or the following minutes where they gave up what proved to be the game winning goal. 

It sounds so cliche - but I think it's appropriate - you need to play a full 60 minutes. Here's hoping that the Bulldogs earned a valuable lesson Saturday night.

A 2 and 0 start to the season on the road was within reach - but a response from Langley wasn't immediately answered, and despite controlling the play late, they couldn't dig out of the hole and they came home with a 1 and 1 record. 

I'm very much looking forward to the team returning to action this weekend - especially seeing them play at home for the first time this season! 

Thanks as always for reading the blog. 

Hammer 

 

Two down, two to go for Bulldogs, Bombers 1 and 1, Toy Run + more

 

Hi, Happy Tuesday, and thanks for checking out the blog. 

I need a weekend for my weekend! Bulldogs, Bombers, the Fall Fair, Soccer, Rugby... did I miss anything in there?  

The Bulldogs went 1 and 1, topping  the Clippers 4-0 in Nanaimo on Friday night, and dropping a 6-4 decision at home on Saturday night. 

It's always hard to get an accurate read this time of year as teams aren't dressing their full rosters, players are making their first appearance in the BCHL (albeit in exhibition) and the level of intensity isn't what it will be when it comes to game one. 

Having said that, it's as close as you're going to get prior to Game One on September 22nd. 

I saw some good things- I saw some concerning things. I'm excited for the season to begin for real, and of course the final two preseason games this weekend - in Duncan against the Capitals on Friday and at the Multiplex on Saturday night when the Bulldogs host the Capitals to conclude their preseason.

You can watch Friday's game on FloHockey, courtesy of Capitals play-by-play broadcaster Justis Doucet. 

 

The Port Alberni Bombers also went 1 and 1 to start their regular season, winning 3-1 in Nanaimo on Thursday and falling 8-4 in Lake Cowichan on Friday. 

There's perhaps no better introduction to the grind that is Junior Hockey than back to back games on the road in as many nights! I was happy to see the Bombers get a win on night one, and fight back from a hole and show no signs of quitting on Saturday. There will be growing pains - but having standards in regards to your character as a team can take you a long way. 

The Bombers play their home opener Friday when they host Oceanside - they visit the Generals on Saturday night. 

The 39th Annual Port Alberni Toy Run goes this Saturday and Sunday. 

It's a very busy day for me, as I'll be doing my regular bike count live on 93.3 The Peak FM Saturday afternoon, before broadcasting live from the Glenwood Centre to follow. Always a fun time - here's hoping for good weather! 

Find out all the details you need to know on the Toy Run website here

Thanks as always for reading the blog! 

Hammer 

Bulldogs begin preseason this week HOME BROADCASTS are back, Bombers regular season begins, Black Sheep open season

 

The Bulldogs begin their 2023 preseason schedule Friday when they visit the Nanaimo Clippers at the Frank Crane Arena. 

They then host the Clippers this Saturday at the Dawg Pound for their home preseason opener. 

You will be able to watch this game on Flo Hockey, thanks to the encouragement and support of the Bulldogs. 

(You will also be able to watch the September 16th home preseason finale on Flo Hockey, as the Bulldogs host the Cowichan Valley Capitals. )

I cannot stress enough that this is NO WHERE near the product that you can come to expect throughout the season when we are broadcasting on 93.3 The Peak FM and Flo Hockey takes our audio broadcast to sync up with their video pay-per-view.

I won't have any produced elements or much of a pregame show, intermission coverage, interviews, or a post game show or anything along those lines.

I also won't have much lead time when it comes to finding out rosters/line ups and associated names and numbers for players like we do throughout the season, so please keep that in mind. 

It bothers me to put out a less than "finished product" but I know that fans/parents/families etc. will appreciate it none the less! 

Once again - this is strictly a volunteer effort to:

a) make sure all our equipment works
b) to make sure I still remember how to do play-by-play (HA) 

and

 
c) to give you an opportunity to be able to follow the game.

To watch the game, head on over to FLO HOCKEY 

I'm unaware at this point the status of a broadcast being available Friday in Nanaimo, or next Friday in Duncan. I'll be sure to post an update here and on Social Media should I find out more! 

The Port Alberni Bombers begin their third season in the VIJHL this week, as they have back to back road games Thursday in Nanaimo, and Friday in Lake Cowichan. 

Their home opener is September 15th when they host Oceanside. 

The Port Alberni Black Sheep Rugby Club also have their season open this Saturday, when they host Nanaimo. Kick off is at 1:00pm at the top of Argyle.

Thanks for reading! 

Hammer 

Bombers begin VIJHL exhibition tonight, Black Sheep Rugby Kids Camps continue...

 

The Port Alberni Bombers play their lone Vancouver Island Junior Hockey League preseason game tonight, as they visit the Storm in the imposter Salmon Capitol of the World, Campbell River. Everyone of course knows the real legitimate holder of that title is Port Alberni :) 

Game time is 7:30

Storm play-by-play voice Mark Berry has the call. You can watch on FloHockeyTV or listen live through Mixlr

The Bombers begin their third season in the VIJHL a week from tomorrow, as they play their regular season opener in Nanaimo against the Buccaneers. 

The Port Alberni Blacksheep Rugby Club, in conjunction with BC Grassroots Rugby foundation, are putting on FREE Kids camps all this week - click the image above. Get the kids up there today, tomorrow and Friday. 

Rugby is great - my kids started to dabble in it a bit over the last couple of years. Sports are great in general -  get some exercise, stay out of trouble, learn to be accountable to your teammates, yourself, respectful to Coaches, Officials, etc etc etc ! 

Thanks for reading! 

Hammer 

An ode to Chase Klassen..... and... who wears the "C" ?

 

I stumbled upon the below video on Social Media over the weekend. An entertaining watch (nice touch with the Metallica - but, needs more Hammer ;) ) that brought out some emotions and provoked some thoughts of the future of the Bulldogs. 

It suddenly hit me that Chase won't be out there this year. It's one of the facts of life of Junior Hockey - the circle of life, so to speak, if you are a Lion King fan....and who isn't, right?! Old guys graduate (yah, 20 is old, in the Junior Hockey game) and new guys come in. 

Despite all that, for me for some reason it's hard to think about Chase not being in a Bulldog sweater. He played over 150 games as a Bulldog- he played as an affiliate player in 2019-20, and then was one of the leaders of the 2020 "Pod season" At the 2021-2022 Year End Banquet, Joe Martin announced that he would be the Captain for the 2022-2023 season. 

He's a player that was somewhat from a different era. He was physically dominant and  put a little bit (or perhaps a lot) of fear into the opposition. He kept the other side.... honest. He found a way to walk the line most of the time to be able to still play a tough and physical game, when it seems more often than not now a days that you can't play that way anymore and it's the responsibility of the hitter, and not the hitee (is that english?) to protect and defend themselves. It's a contact sport - and Chase played the game that way. As you'll see in the below video! 

As someone who works in conjunction with the team, he was a classy and kind individual who always said Hello. My kids absolutely loved him from his appearances at their School, and I've heard countless stories of the difference he made with countless kids being involved with Alberni Valley Minor Hockey. 

While I travel with the team, eat with the team and spend an inordinate amount of time with them throughout the season I am NOT present in the "trenches" so to speak - I'm not on the bench, I'm not in the room, etc. but the fact he was named Captain says all you need to know about what Head Coach  Joe Martin thought of him and his character. I reached out to him, and others with the team to provide a few words on Chase.... 

From Bulldogs President David Michaud:

It was a gift to watch Chase Klassen grow with our organization from his rookie season during the pod, to finishing as our team captain in his final year.  The reason everyone loves Chase is because the combination of what makes him so special feels rare.  Not everyone has it in them to be like Chase.  That not a knock on other players, it’s praise for the human Chase Klassen has become.  I’ll personally miss having Chase around our group everyday, it will be different without him. 

From Bulldogs Assistant Coach Ryan Rehill:

I met Chase on the ice the summer before my first season coaching with the Bulldogs. Immediately he struck me as a confident, personable veteran player with great energy and hockey abilities. After reflecting on a full season with Chase, I realize that the first impression he gave me is exactly the person he is everyday. I think that is a large part of why Chase had such an impact on the Bulldogs and the Port Alberni community. He was always himself, nothing less. Chase was a fan favourite not just for his tenacity and energy that he brought to the ice, but for the person he is off the ice. Personable, confident, and genuine is how Chase was with anybody that he crossed paths with. There is no clearer example of character and leadership than being chosen Captain prior to camp for the upcoming season. It was a privilege to spend a season with Chase, he has left the Bulldogs and Alberni Valley better than he found them. 

 As for who wears the Captain's C this upcoming season? No idea. I have a couple guys in my head that from how they play, I think will be considered for the role. As I said earlier, I don't know what goes on behind closed doors or in the heat of the moment enough to make an educated guess, nor do I think it's fair to throw names about.

I look forward to finding out who is tasked with this job. I trust the management to make the right selection. It's an incredibly important one, and it takes a special individual to lead a team. There's a lot of pressure, there are expectations and duties that come with the title - it's not just a letter on a sweater, that's for sure. No successful team exists without great leadership, and the Bulldogs were blessed with it last season. 

As for what's next for Chase - I saw a post on Social Media that made me smile - but sadly I can't find it again! In it, it was announced that Chase will be working in an Assistant Coach role with the VIJHL's Westshore Wolves - where his Junior hockey career began. Outstanding news! 

Training Camp begins Friday at the Dawg Pound!

If you have thoughts on Chase, I'd love to see them in the comment section. 

Thanks as always for reading. 

Hammer 

Building the Bulldogs ...

 

Hi, Happy Friday, and thanks for visiting the blog. 

Training Camp begins a WEEK from today!

In building the roster for the upcoming season, the team has added/signed/acquired the following players - in no particular order from the end of last season: 

Defenceman Anthony Ip

Forward Wyatt Blace - brother of Bulldog Defender Braden. 

Forward Daniel Vasic 

Forward Jack Ziliotto - committed to NCAA Division I - RPI Engineers. 

Forward Lucas Buzziol - committed to NCAA Division I - Union College

Forward Jimmy Lyver - committed to NCAA Division I - Holy Cross. 

Defenceman Lenny Greenberg, committed to NCAA Division I - Sacred Heart. 

Forward Samuel Leonard, committed to NCAA Division I - St. Lawrence 

Forward Hayden Stavroff - from the Salmon Arm Silverbacks.  The Bulldogs recently announced his committment to play NCAA Division I with Dartmouth College. 

Defenceman Matias Myllykoski

Goalie Gleb Artsatbanov 

Forward Grayson Badger - committed to NCAA Division I - Northeastern 

Forward Fischer O'Brien 

Soon!

Hi everyone, thanks for checking the blog. 

I saw the above image recently somewhere on the internet, and it... spoke to me! 

Hockey IS coming, and yes, it's SOON! 

As of today, it's just eight more sleeps until Bulldog Training Camp begins on September 1st. 

A week later, it's the opening of the preseason - September 8th the Bulldogs visit the Clippers in Nanaimo. The next night, the Clippers return the favour and the Bulldogs have their first home exhibition game. 

The following weekend, the Bulldogs have a home-and-home set with the Cowichan Valley Capitals to conclude their preseason schedule. They visit the Capitals in Duncan on September 15th, and return home to host them Saturday, September 16th. 

After that, it's time to get serious. I'm very excited to get behind the microphone and back on the air on 93.3 The Peak FM for Game one on September 22nd in Coquitlam, and the following night in Langley. 

As far as I can remember, this is the first time in franchise history that the Bulldogs have began their season with a Lower Mainland road trip - not including the couple of years that the BCHL Showcase in Chilliwack was the opening of the regular season at least! 

Thanks to the folks that made kind and encouraging comments about my contemplating resurrecting the blog - I received a handful of positive words on Social Media which wasn't surprising. What WAS surprising was the handful of emails I received, which made me perhaps realize just a bit more how not everyone is on social media and is active there. 

On the topic of Social Media, I can't encourage you enough to follow along with the Bulldogs on all their accounts across all platforms. 

Bulldog Facebook 

Bulldog Twitter 

Bulldog Instagram

They are also on "threads" ... but is anyone really on threads? Let's review that at a later date for now!

Anyway - this blog will never be a replacement for any of the above information sources - but, like my goaltending career, more like a funnel towards them? Hahaha! 

On the Bulldog Instagram page today I saw a couple of neat things:

1)Former Bulldog Mitchel Deelstra is no longer with the NCAA's Ferris State Bulldogs, as he's not playing for the Northern Michigan University Wildcats - joining former Bulldogs Brian Stewart and John Hawthorne to play for that program. 

2)A picture was posted of Hobie Hedquist, now tending net for the University of North Dakota. Miss ya already Hobie! 

Thanks for reading.

Off to take the kids golfing, while I still have the free time!

Hammer

An ode to Rick Jeanneret ....

 Hi everyone - thanks for checking the blog. 

Sad news came down yesterday, with the passing of Rick Jeanneret

I wasn't always a fan of his - I'm not really sure why I wasn't in the beginning. Maybe he was an "acquired taste" and I hadn't been exposed to him enough. 

Thankfully, with the advent of technology, I was able to watch more Sabres games, and hear more of his amazing play-by-play calls through Youtube and other means. 

The Hockey Hall of Fame named him their Foster Hewitt Award winner in 2012. He was with the Sabres starting in 1971 - their second season in existence. He called games for them on TV and/or Radio through the 2021-2022 season. He had the longest play-by-play career in NHL history. 

He loved his team and his city and their fans - and the team and the city and it's fans loved him back. We should all be so lucky. 

Some of these clips look like they were filmed on a potato! Yet, it's Rick that matters, and hearing him, over the din, that I just love and get goosebumps from. His high energy calls, combined with the incredible energy from the Buffalo fan base.... it's just plain amazing stuff. Hair standing up on the back of the neck stuff. I've spent a couple hours going down the rabbit hole trying to identify his best calls. 

I hope you enjoy watching and listening to this as much as I do. 

"THIS SERIES IS GOING BACK TO WHERE JIMMY HOFFA IS"

"RICHARD SMELICK WITH A WOUNDED DUCK"

"MAY DAY , MAY DAY"

"THESE GUYS ARE SCARY GOOD"

"ARE YOU READY LEGION OF DOOM" 

"STUUUU BARNES"

"FA-LA-LA-LA-LAFONTAINE" (at Christmas) 

Just so many epic epic calls. I can't pick a favorite. I love the crowd just as much as him. The 06-07 (I believe) playoff clips of the Sabres tying it with 6 seconds left, and winning it in overtime... are hard to beat. 

Enjoy! 

Thanks for reading! 

UPDATE - I found the game tying and game winning goal calls referenced above. Magical! 

Hammer

Hello? Hello!? Is this thing on?

Hi Hockey fans... people of Port Alberni, the Alberni Valley, Hockey Valley and beyond. 

Does anyone still read my blog? Or... I haven't updated in forever, so why would anyone read it lately? So I guess the question is - should I get back into this? Or is there not a need for it? The Bulldogs and Bombers have done a fantastic job over the last couple of years connecting to fans - maybe this is a wasted effort?

I used to put an insane amount of time into this. Perhaps an unsustainable amount even? Maybe I just got burned out of it all. I started blogging in 2005.... which is kind of crazy when I think about it now. 

Many fans, community members, parents etc have asked me why I stopped blogging, and many have encouraged me to start again. 

I've put this site on the back burner for the last couple of years as I have been focusing my energies elsewhere with other endeavors. I'm wondering/pondering if I should start being more active here again, should time and responsibilities allow, during the season/offseason. 

Recent developments with Social Media, Bill C-18, and other mitigating factors have me considering this. 

Or perhaps it's just the age of my children now?! 

Drop me a line if you're still reading - or getting notifications, etc etc! 

One thing I have noticed is the prevalence of ads from google everywhere... I must investigate their need - this is a free service, and perhaps they are a necessary evil! 

See you at the rink soon!

Hammer

Building the Bulldogs...

 

After two very weird "half seasons" so to speak last year, I can't say how I excited I am at the prospect of the return to normalcy for the 2021-2022 BCHL season. 

In the fall last year, there was the 15 game "extended preseason" which saw the Island Division (minus Powell River) play home and away from early October to mid November. 

THEN came the public health orders due to the pandemic that caused the lonnnnnnnnnnnnnng run through December which saw not only the season start date of December 1st put on hold, and the possibility of a season at all up in the air - but also a halting of team practices and activities as blanket age restrictions were put in place by the Province. 

December became January with no improvements evident, and even the most optimistic of fans/players/parents/coaches/broadcasters/billets couldn't have been blamed for thinking that the way things were going - there wasn't going to be ANY BCHL Hockey in the foreseeable future. 

That thought held through February, and into March. Deadlines were given by the league to the Province. Those deadlines passed without any resolutions. Surely, that had to be the final blow? 

Suddenly, a glimmer of hope emerged. This wasn't over yet. 

And THEN, a ray of light, so to speak... 

On March 12th, the BCHL announced that they had been granted approval to play - a "pod" season

The Bulldogs, and Port Alberni were extra blessed as they were to host their Island counterparts. 

The Hockey ended up being great - or as good as it could've been under the circumstances as the teams played a condensed schedule in a short time span. In the end - who cares, there was hockey again! 

The Bulldogs finished second in the Island pod, just two points back of the Victoria Grizzlies with a record of  11-5-3-1 through their 20 games. 

They lost a STAGGERING amount of talent from the "Extended preseason" to the "Pod season" 

A glance at the roster and departing players from fall to spring, to the best of my memory:

Tim Gould

Loeden Schaufler 

Jimmy Rayhill 

Tyler Kostelecky 

Dawson Tritt 

Jacob Bosse 

Ryan Tverberg 

Josh Zary 

Caige Sterzer 

Oak MacLeod 

Olivier Fizet 

Mattias Dal Monte 

Nicholas Beneteau 

Jackson Glassford 

I've spent a lot of time writing about the past and looking backwards here, I've just realized. This post is about the future, and the building of the Bulldogs for 2021-2022. In chronological order, here's how the roster has shaped up for the coming season.  

June 2nd, saw the Bulldogs announce the acquisition of 2002 born Forward Ethan Leyer

From the Bulldogs website:

The Alberni Valley Bulldogs announced on Wednesday the addition of 2002 born forward Ethan Leyer from the Whitecourt Wolverines of the AJHL.  The acquisition completes the trade the Bulldogs made in February which sent Jacob Bosse to Whitecourt.

Leyer is committed to play NCAA hockey with St. Cloud St has appeared in 114 AJHL games between Whitecourt and Bonnyville.

In his junior career, Leyer has posted 27 goals and 44 assists.  His best season was in 2019-2020 when he posted 17 goals and 31 assists.

“Ethan is a versatile forward” said Bulldogs head coach and general manager Joe Martin. “He’s proven he can score and has continued to grow his whole game.  He’s ready for another step in his career, and I’m excited the Bulldogs can provide that.”

June 23rd, the Bulldogs announced the addition of 2003 born Forward Cole Melady 

From the Bulldogs website:

The Alberni Valley Bulldogs have acquired 03 forward Cole Melady from the Stratford Warriors in exchange for future considerations.

Melady is a native of Seaforth Ontario and posted 11 goals and 31 points for the Warriors during the 2019-2020 GOJHL season.

The 5’11”, 175 pound forward will be a welcome addition to the Bulldogs forward core for the upcoming BCHL season.

“Cole is a player that is strong on the puck, a solid penalty killer, and will add strong character to our locker room.” said head coach & general manager Joe Martin.

For Melady, making the move to British Columbia is something he’s very excited about. “I’m very excited to be joining the Bulldogs and the Port Alberni community.” said Melady. “I can’t wait to get going.”

Melady will join his new teammates for training camp in September.

On June 25th, the Bulldogs announced the addition of 2003 born Defenceman Kai Graves. 

From the Bulldogs website:

The Alberni Valley Bulldogs have acquired 03 Defenceman Kai Greaves from the Waterloo Siskins of the GOJHL.

In 2019-2020, the 6’1″ 180 pound Greaves posted 5 goals and added 16 assists for 21 points in 48 GOJHL games.

Greaves is excited to be headed to Port Alberni. “I am excited for the opportunity and can’t wait to get started with the Bulldogs.”

Bulldogs head coach and general manager is looking forward to what Greaves will bring to the Bulldogs back end. “We’re excited to add Kai to the Bulldogs. He is a very well liked teammate amongst our group who brings a very smart and strong approach to his game.

Kai will join his new Bulldogs teammates for training camp in September.

On July 27th, the Bulldogs announced the acquisition of 2003 born Goaltender Hobie Hedquist

From the Bulldogs website:

The Alberni Valley Bulldogs have acquired 03 goaltender Hobie Hedquist from the USHL’s Dubuque Fighting Saints in exchange for future considerations.

The 6’3″, 185 pound native of Heron Lake Minnesota is committed to play NCAA hockey with the University of North Dakota Fighting Hawks.

Hedquist appeared in 21 games last season for Dubuque.

Bulldogs head coach and general manager Joe Martin feels that Hedquist is possesses the tools to help the Bulldogs. “The acquisition of Hobie is tremendous for our group.  We think he’s positioned to have a breakout year and we’re excited that he chose to be a Bulldog.”

Hobie shared the enthusiasm about becoming a Bulldogs this year. “I’m excited for the opportunity to live in Port Alberni and join the Bulldogs.  I can’t wait to get up there for the season and get started.”

Hedquist and the rest of his new teammates open the BCHL’s 60th season in October.  Bulldogs season memberships will go on sale in August for just $299.00 for adults.  Youth 18 & under are no-charge when accompanied by an adult compliments of the San Group.

Most recently, the Bulldogs shared a roster update compiled by the BCHL that shed further light on the roster for the coming season - it can be read in full by clicking HERE or you can read it below. 

Great job by the league, and the Bulldogs, to get this information out. 

With the BCHL gearing up towards its 60th anniversary season, we take a look at some of the new faces that will pull on a Bulldogs jersey for the 1st time this fall.

As the host team of the BCHL’s Island Division pod, the Bulldogs finished second last season, just two points shy of first place with a record of 11-5-3-1. Stephen Castagna finished tied for fourth in league scoring with 29 points in 20 games, while his teammate Brandon Buhr ended his campaign with 28 points, good enough for sixth among all players.

Both of those players are returning next year and will join forces with a new crop of players who committed to the team or were acquired via trade this offseason.

We caught up with Bulldogs head coach Joe Martin to go over all the new faces for 2021-22.

New recruits

Nicholas Beneteau (2003, F)

• Hometown: Windsor, Ont.
• Previous team: Leamington Flyers (GOJHL)

Due to COVID shutdowns in Ontario, Beneateau last played in the 2019-20 season with Leamington where he scored 15 goals, added 21 assists and totaled 36 points. He was named to the league’s Rookie All-Star Team at the end of the year.

Martin’s scouting report:

“He’s a big centreman and a responsible two-way player. He’s coming from a coach who we’ve gotten players from in the past. He’s coached well and will help us in both ends of the rink. In time, we want him to be a top centreman for us.”

Mirko Buttazzoni (2004, F)

• Hometown: Langley, B.C.
• Previous team: Burnaby Winter Club Prep (CSSHL U18)

He only played four games last year for BWC, but managed to play at a point-per-game pace with three goals and one assist. The year prior, he was a productive offensive player with West Van Academy’s Elite 15s squad where he notched 25 points in 33 games.

Martin’s scouting report:

“He’s a 2004, so I think he’s just starting to play his best hockey. He started coming on at the end of last year, even though he didn’t get to play a lot of games. He reminds me of Diego Cuglietta who we had in Merritt a long time ago. He hounds pucks and is extremely competitive.”

Booker Daniel (2001, F)

• Hometown: Vanderhoof, B.C.
• Previous team: Tri-City Americans (WHL)

Daniel has made several stops over his junior career, including a couple short stints in the BCHL with the Nanaimo Clippers and the Surrey Eagles. More recently, he’s played parts of three seasons with Tri-City of the Western Hockey League and, last season, he put up nine points in 19 games during their shortened year.

Martin’s scouting report:

“He’s a 20-year-old from the Western League. He’s going to help us with speed as well as bringing pucks to the net. He’s another highly competitive person. It creates a bit of an older hockey team for us with the addition of Booker. I think it adds to our tenacity and our team speed.”

Kai Greaves (2003, D)

• Hometown: Cambridge, Ont.
• Previous team: Waterloo Siskins (GOJHL)

In 2019-20, Greaves was named to the Rookie All-Star team in the GOJHL after putting up five goals and 16 assists for 21 points in 48 regular-season games.

Martin’s scouting report:

“Kai is a strong right-handed defenceman. We were short right-handed shots last year at the end. He’s well-liked by his teammates. He came out for a visit, met some of our players and hit it off with the guys right away. He’s a good fit for our locker room. He adds the ability to add some offence in time. I’m looking for him to provide some strong minutes against some good opponents.”

Hobie Hedquist (2003, G)

• Hometown: Heron Lake, Minn.
• Previous team: Dubuque Fighting Saints (USHL)
• Commitment: University of North Dakota (2022-23)

Hedquist had a 4-9-1 record with Dubuque last year in 21 appearances for the Fighting Saints. Prior to that, he played in the Sioux Falls Power program in South Dakota.

Martin’s scouting report:

“He’s a goalie that played a lot of games last year. He’s looking to play on a strong hockey team and provide an opportunity to win every night.”

Cole Melady (2003, F)

• Hometown: Seaforth, Ont.
• Previous team: Stratford Warriors (GOJHL)

The third former Greater Ontario Junior Hockey League player on our list, Melady brings instant offence to the Bulldogs lineup. In his most recent season in 2019-20, he racked up 31 points in 47 regular-season games as a rookie with Stratford.

Martin’s scouting report:

“He’s very well-coached. In time, he’ll be an offensive player for us. He took a big step last year in the GOJHL. This year, he’ll be relied upon to grow his role. He’ll start off as a depth forward, but we believe this guy is going to be one of our top all-around players pretty soon.”

Zeke Nicholson (2004, F)

• Hometown: Vancouver, B.C.
• Previous team: St. George’s School U18 Prep (CSSHL U18)

Nicholson only played four games for St. George’s last year, but still managed four points in that short amount of time. In 2019-20, he suited up for West Van Academy Elite 15s and had 36 points in 36 games.

Martin’s scouting report:

“He’s very similar to Cole [Melady]. He’s a strong skater. He played for Tyler Kuntz at St. George’s so he’s well-coached. He understands the details and has a very good skill set.”

Caden Tremblay (2005, D)

• Hometown: Port Alberni, B.C.
• Previous team: North Island Silvertips U18 (BC U18)

Although he only got in a pair of games last season, the year prior, he put up 27 points in 30 games from the back end, playing for the Silvertips U15 team.

Martin’s scouting report:

“He’s a young defenceman, but he’s a mature 16-year-old. He’s a strong skater. He’s highly competitive and makes it hard on opponents.”

Acquired via trade

Ethan Leyer (2002, F)

• Hometown: St. Albert, Alta.
• Previous team: Whitecourt Wolverines (AJHL)
• Commitment: St. Cloud State University (2022-23)

Leyer, a three-year Alberta Junior Hockey League veteran, amassed 74 points in 114 regular-season games in the league, beginning with the Bonnyville Pontiacs and then the Whitecourt the past two years.

Martin’s scouting report:

“He has a lot of speed. He has a good skill set. He’s a good two-way player and very good on faceoffs. Going into his fourth year of junior, we’re looking to provide him with quality teammates and a good hockey team and for him to provide us with some scoring.”

Maxwell Dukovac (2002, F)

• Hometown: Aurora, Ill.
• Previous team: Nanaimo Clippers (BCHL)

Dukovac played 10 games in the exhibition season with the Nanaimo Clippers in 2020-21, but did not participate in the pod season in the spring. He was acquired by the Bulldogs on Jun. 1 as part of a future considerations trade in November. His most recent regular-season action came in 2019-20 when he had 21 points in 14 games for Chicago Mission 18U.

Martin’s scouting report:

“He’s a two-way player that just got started with Nanaimo last year, but didn’t finish the season. We saw some bright moments from Max and we’re looking to help him continue that.”

Photo credits: Dan Hickling (Daniel, Hedquist)

A look at other returnees eligible this season, to the best of my knowledge:

Defense:

Cameron Newson

Emanuelson Charbonneau 

Eduard Wruck 

Jeremy Fontaine 

Braden Blace 

Darren Beattie 

Forward:

Josh Van Unen 

Ethan Bono 

Logan Walker 

Brandon Buhr 

Talon Duff 

Adam Jeffery

Finn Brown 

Jaydon Merritt 

Josh Zary

Stephen Castagna

Kobe Assam

Chase Klassen 

Brady McIsaac 

Goal:

Bailey Monteith 

Ashton Sadauskas

Jackson Glassford