Bulldogs Red vs White Game tonight, pregame BBQ, Exhibition opener tomorrow

A cool picture from Tuesday night's "Our Town" event down at the Harbour Quay, courtesy of the Bulldog Facebook page  as some members of the team take a break from the ball hockey game on the Centennial Pier to go for a cruise in the Port Alberni Port Authority's Harbour Chieftain.

 It's a pretty appropriate example of what being a Bulldog is all about - right off the ice, and immediately off to participate in a community event. Good job by the team to get the guys there. I was sad I had to miss the game on the dock, but I had my kids quickly approaching their melting point so I had to get them home, ha!

Tonight marks another step in preparation for the season, as the remaining prospective players in camp have what might be their last chance to impress the staff with the Red vs White game at 7:00pm.

Admission is a non-perishable food item. I will be posting scoring updates of tonight's game here on the blog.

Don't have your dinner at home - have it before the game outside the rink...or just have a second dinner, if that's your thing, as Bulldog Coaches Matt Hughes, Jeff Dubois and Trainer and Equipment Manager Scott Crema will be firing up burgers and dogs starting at 5:00pm.


Tomorrow marks another step, as the Exhibition schedule commences with the Dogs hosting Powell River, as the pace and level of play will again incrementally increase in advance of the Regular season.


Just a heads up that there will not be a broadcast of tomorrow's game, but I will be posting updates here on the blog so be sure to check back frequently throughout the game and be sure to hit REFRESH or the "F5" key.

The Bulldogs first ROAD Exhibition game is Saturday in Nanaimo - you can watch that one on HockeyTV with the dulcet tones of three-time BCHL Broadcaster of the year winner Dan Marshall providing the play-by-play.


Our lone pre-season broadcast will be next Friday, September 1st, when the Dogs host Victoria, so mark that on your calendars. Accept my apologies that I won't be able to attend the road Exhibition games in Duncan and the preseason finale next Thursday or Sunday due to work commitments. I'll reach out to their Broadcasters next week to inquire as to whether or not anyone will be providing updates.


That's it for now, thanks as always for checking the blog.

Hammer

Bulldogs Release Training Camp Schedule

SEVEN LOCAL PLAYERS SET TO COMPETE FOR SPOTS ON BULLDOGS' ROSTER

The Alberni Valley Bulldogs will begin the final stages of firming up  
their roster for the 2017/18 British Columbia Hockey League season  
when the team's main training camp opens at Weyerhaeuser Arena on  
Monday, August 21st.

This year's camp will run until Thursday, August 24th when the  
Bulldogs will hold their annual Red vs. White Game. The inter-squad  
contest will feature the top-40 players from main camp and serve as  
the final opportunity for potential Bulldogs to impress the team's  
coaching staff prior to their exhibition opener 24 hours later.

The Bulldogs are thrilled that this year's main camp will feature  
seven players from Port Alberni. Forwards Foster Martin, Noah Fatur,  
Wyatt Selva, Willie Daigneault and Jerzy Gus, plus defenceman Ezra  
Paddock and goaltender Jaysen MacLean, will all be stating their case  
to make their hometown team.

Camp will open on the morning of Monday, August 21st with registration  
and an introductory meeting before game action kicks off at 9:00 AM.  
Bulldogs fans are invited to attend all on-ice sessions.

2017 Main Camp Schedule

Monday, August 21st:
7:30 AM - Player Registration (Arena Lobby )
8:00 AM - Introductory Meeting (Upstairs Mezzanine)
9:00 AM - Game #1 (Black vs. White)
11:15 AM - Game #2 (Gold vs. Blue)
5:00 PM - Game #3 (Black vs. Gold)
7:15 PM - Game #4 (White vs. Blue)

Tuesday, August 22nd
8:00 AM - Game #5 (Black vs. Blue)
10:15 AM - Game #6 (White vs. Gold)
2:00 PM - Education Seminar (Upstairs Mezzanine)
4:00 PM - Game #7 (Black vs. White)
6:15 PM - Game #8 (Gold vs. Blue)

Wednesday, August 23rd
8:00 AM - Game #9 (Black vs. Blue)
10:15 AM - Game #10 (White vs. Gold)
5:00 PM - Practice (Team #1)
6:30 PM - Practice (Team #2)

Thursday, August 24th
9:30 AM - Morning Skate (Team #1)
10:30 AM - Morning Skate (Team #2)
7:00 PM - Red vs.White Inter-Squad Game

Bulldogs swing deal for Defender

Hello, Happy Friday and thanks as always for checking the blog. The Bulldogs announced details late today on their website of a trade with the SJHL's Melville Millionaires that saw them acquire Tyson Slater, in exchange for Jake Wilhelm and off-season acquisition Ethan Kopyczyn.

Welcome to the team and community Tyson, and best of luck to Jake!

Read below for all the details.

Hammer

20-YEAR OLD BLUELINER ADDED FROM MELVILLE IN TRADE FOR KOPYCZYN & WILHELM

Port Alberni, BC – The Alberni Valley Bulldogs are pleased to announce the acquisition of 1997-born defenceman Tyson Slater from the Melville Millionaires of the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League in return for 1998-born forward Ethan Kopyczyn and 1999-born defenceman Jake Wilhelm.

Slater is a Courtenay, BC product who spent the 2016/17 season with the Trail Smoke Eaters. As a BCHL rookie, he scored five goals and added five assists and 24 penalty minutes in 39 regular season games. He was dealt to the SJHL’s Millionaires earlier in the offseason.

“Tyson is a smooth-skating defenceman with good size and excellent offensive instincts,” says Bulldogs head coach Matt Hughes. “He made some really good strides in Trail last season and proved that he belongs in our league. We’re excited to see him step up and play a key role on our blueline as a 20-year old this season.”

Slater spent the 2015/16 season with the VIJHL’s Comox Valley Glacier Kings while making his BCHL debut as an affiliate player with the Powell River Kings.

“Growing up in Courtenay it was always a dream of mine to play for the Bulldogs,” says Slater, who describes himself as a physical, offensive blueliner who isn’t afraid to rush the puck. “I love the community and the support the Bulldogs receive and I’m very excited to be a part of it.”

“I’m going into the season hoping to secure an NCAA commitment, but most importantly I’m going to do whatever I need to on and off the ice to help the team succeed. This town deserves to have a winning team again and I want to help make that happen.”

Wilhelm completed his rookie season with the Bulldogs in February, while Kopyczyn was earlier acquired as future considerations in a trade with the AJHL’s Calgary Mustangs.

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

***

Bulldogs add Tali Campbell to Office Staff

Welcome to the team and the community Tali!

Hammer

CAMPBELL BRINGS SALES & MARKETING EXPERTISE TO BULLDOGS' FRONT OFFICE

Port Alberni, BC - The Alberni Valley Bulldogs have rounded out their Business Operations staff for the 2017/18 British Columbia Hockey League season with the addition of Tali Campbell, who joins the organization in the role of Director of Business Operations.

Campbell will be primarily responsible for the day-to-day business operations of the Hockey Club, providing support to many facets of the organization including financial management, sales & marketing, promotions and game-day events.

"On behalf of the Port Alberni Junior Hockey Society, I'm excited to welcome Tali to Port Alberni and to the Bulldogs organization," says team president Ron Paulson. "Tali is very knowledgeable and enthusiastic, and we expect him to be a tremendous asset for us in a number of areas that contribute to the overall success of our hockey club."

Campbell is no stranger to junior hockey or the BCHL, having worked previously for the Victoria Grizzlies and Nanaimo Clippers, as well as the VIJHL's Oceanside Generals.

"I'm excited for the opportunity to work with the Bulldogs to continue to build on this incredible fan base; it's true when they say the Bulldogs have the best fans in the BCHL," says Campbell. "My job right away is to get into the community, get involved and make sure the Bulldogs continue to thrive. I look forward to meeting all of our amazing fans, volunteers and sponsors and getting the season underway."

Campbell will begin work immediately ahead of the 2017/18 season. The Bulldogs open main camp on August 21st and play their home opener on September 15th against the Victoria Grizzlies.

***

Bulldogs announce another recruit

Welcome to the team and the community Graham! As a former goalie, I'm a fan of 6'2 defenders!

Hammer

SIX-FOOT-TWO DEFENDER EXPECTED TO BRINGS SIZE, POISE AND SKILL TO  
BULLDOGS' BLUELINE

Port Alberni, BC – The Alberni Valley Bulldogs are pleased to announce  
that Phillips Exeter Academy Prep defenceman Graham Rutledge has  
committed to join the team for the 2017/18 BCHL season.

Rutledge recently completed a successful three-year career at the New  
Hampshire-based prep school, totaling six goals and 25 points in 30  
games in his senior season while helping his team to a 23-7-1 record.  
Overall, the six-foot-two blueliner dressed in 91 games at Phillips  
Exeter, scoring 11 goals and adding 32 assists. He was named a team  
captain prior to the 2016/17 campaign.

"Graham is the rare breed of defenceman who combines great size with a  
high hockey IQ and a tremendous ability to move the puck," says  
Bulldogs head coach Matt Hughes. "We believe he can step right into  
our line-up and make an immediate impact in the BCHL, and we're  
excited that he has chosen the Alberni Valley as his destination to  
pursue an NCAA scholarship."

Rutledge is a former teammate of 2016/17 Bulldogs' scoring leader  
Trevor Cosgrove, as the two spent a pair of seasons together  
patrolling the Phillips Exeter blueline.

"I'm very excited to have the opportunity to play for the Alberni  
Valley Bulldogs," says Rutledge, who describes himself as a  
defensive-minded, physical player who continues to improve the  
offensive side of his game. "With the organization's emphasis on  
community service and education, along with the opportunity to grow  
and develop in a high caliber league like the BCHL, it seemed like a  
great fit for me. I'm also looking forward to playing in a town that's  
so invested in its team. My main goal for this upcoming season is to  
contribute to the team's success and hopefully go on a strong playoff  
run, and individually it has been my dream to obtain an NCAA Division  
1 scholarship."

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

***

A BUNCH of Bulldog News!

As I previously joked about back in May - all the Bulldog news seems to happen when I'm on Holidays. At the time, as I was enroute to Mexico, the Coaching change occurred. Over the last two weeks while I was on vacation with my family in Manitoba, the Bulldogs released a series of News Releases. 

From everything to completing the Coaching staff, to some solid additions to the roster, the awesome news of Brody Claeys' scholarship and details on the 'Dogs hockey school, please read below!

Welcome to the team and community Jeff and Scott, Colten, Jackson and Bradley and a huge congrats to Brody Claeys!

Accept my apologies for not getting the news up here sooner - hard to get to work and back to work when you're living on the lake in Northern Manitoba!

Hammer

FORMER CSSHL FORWARD BRINGS PROVEN OFFENSIVE PRODUCTION, TWO-WAY MENTALITY

Port Alberni, BC – The Alberni Valley Bulldogs are pleased to announce that Burnaby Winter Club Midget Prep forward Bradley Ong has committed to join the team for the 2017/18 BCHL season.

Ong is coming off a tremendous year that saw him score 22 goals and add 23 assists in 30 regular season games during the 2016/17 Canadian Sport School Hockey League campaign. His 45 points were good for 10th spot amongst all Midget Prep scorers, and he also also tied for the CSSHL playoff scoring lead with eight points in just five games.

"Bradley is a smart, skilled forward who has been one of the elite players in the CSSHL over the past two seasons," says Bulldogs head coach Matt Hughes. "He has great instincts at both ends of the ice and the ability to finish and make plays off the rush and in the offensive zone. He has all the tools to be an excellent BCHL player and we're very excited that he's chosen to develop as an Alberni Valley Bulldog."

Ong captained the BWC Midget Prep team last season after netting 47 points the previous year with the Delta Hockey Academy.

"I'm extremely excited to be a part of the Bulldogs organization and to play for Coach Matt this upcoming season," says Ong, who describes himself as a two-way player who can be relied on in all situations. "This is a new slate for the team and a new opportunity for me to be an impact player and help the team win. My goal is to have an impact on the team's success and to lead by example through working hard and pushing my teammates."

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

*** 

19-YEAR OLD NETMINDER POSTED IMPRESSIVE NUMBERS IN SECOND CENTS' SEASON

Port Alberni, BC – The Alberni Valley Bulldogs are pleased to announce the acquisition of 1998-born goaltender Colten Lancaster from the Merritt Centennials in return for 1997-born forward Alex MacDonald and future considerations.

Lancaster is a two-year BCHL veteran who posted a 5-15-0 record in 24 appearances for the Centennials last season. Despite his modest win-loss record, the 19-year old finished 11th amongst qualifying BCHL goaltenders in goals-against average (3.04) and ninth in save-percentage (.913). He was also named a Three Stars selection on 11 separate occasions.

"Colten is a quality young man who has already proven himself to be a very capable BCHL goaltender during his two seasons in Merritt," says Bulldogs head coach Matt Hughes. "We feel that he's just starting to scratch the surface of his potential and we look forward to seeing his continued development and growth into an elite netminder while in a Bulldogs' uniform."

Before joining the Centennials, Lancaster spent his 16-year old season playing under Hughes on the U18 Prep team at Pursuit of Excellence.

"I'm very excited to be coming to Alberni Valley; the town is beautiful and they are known for their amazing fans," says Lancaster, who describes himself as calm and efficient between the pipes. "I look forward to playing on Bulldogs and have high hopes for what the team can do this season. I feel that all individual success starts with the guys in front of me. When the team does well that's when individuals start to have success and if we can keep that in mind we have a great opportunity to make it to playoffs and see where it goes from there."

"I've had the opportunity to play for Matt Hughes before and found him to be an unreal coach and a very honest, straightforward guy. I really cannot wait to play for him again."

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

***

18-YEAR OLD FORWARD EXPECTED TO ADD OFFENSIVE PUNCH IN ALBERNI VALLEY

Port Alberni, BC – The Alberni Valley Bulldogs are pleased to announce that Shawnigan Lake Midget Prep forward Jackson Doucet has committed to join the team for the 2017/18 BCHL season.

Doucet is a skilled centre who scored 25 goals and added 24 assists in 30 regular season games for Shawnigan Lake during the 2016/17 Canadian Sport School Hockey League campaign, tying for eighth in scoring in the Midget Prep division. He also tied for top spot amongst 1999-born scorers with OHA forward and Penticton Vees commit Cassidy Bowes. The 18-year old wrapped up his season with five goals and two assists in four games at the CSSHL championships.

"Jackson is a dynamic forward whose skating and skill level make him an outstanding BCHL prospect," says Bulldogs head coach Matt Hughes. "He has consistently produced offence in a very competitive league, and I've had the opportunity to see firsthand the impact he can have on a game when the puck is on his stick. We're thrilled that he has chosen to take the next steps in his hockey career as a Bulldog."

Over three seasons at Shawnigan Lake, Doucet totaled 62 goals and 128 points in 89 CSSHL games.

"I'm very excited to meet my new teammates and the community," says Doucet, who describes himself as an offensive player who also takes pride in playing a complete 200-foot game. "The Bulldogs are well known for having a very supportive fan base and I'm looking to be a part of the team regaining it's winning tradition."

"I'm going to be focused on helping to bring more offensive depth to the team and on using my speed to create opportunities. In the end I want to be a part of instilling a winning mindset in our group and always be playing to win."

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

***

NEW ASSISTANT COACH & TRAINER SET TO JOIN HUGHES BEHIND BULLDOGS' BENCH

Port Alberni, BC - The Alberni Valley Bulldogs have rounded out their Hockey Operations staff for the 2017/18 season with the additions of Jeff Dubois and Scott Crema. Dubois joins the Bulldogs as the team's Assistant Coach and Assistant General Manager while Crema will serve as the team's Trainer/Equipment Manager.

Dubois comes to the Alberni Valley from the Kootenay International Junior Hockey League's Creston Valley Thunder Cats, where he posted a record of 97 wins, 42 losses and 4 ties over three seasons. Following the 2016/17 campaign, Dubois was named the KIJHL's Coach of the Year after guiding the Thunder Cats to a record of 36-9-1-1 and a first place finish in the league's Eddie Mountain division. Previous to his time in Creston, Dubois won two B.C. Intercollegiate Hockey League championships as the head coach at Selkirk College.

"I'd like to thank Matt Hughes, Ron Paulson and the Port Alberni Junior Hockey Society for the opportunity to join the Bulldogs' team," says Dubois. "I'm excited by the new direction of the team under Matt's leadership and I'm honoured to be a part of that. I know the organization well from my time as a Bulldogs scout and I've seen firsthand the passion the community has for their team. I can't wait to get started."

Crema joins the Bulldogs after recently graduating from Camosun College with a Bachelor's Degree in Athletic and Exercise Therapy. Crema brings years of hands-on experience, having spent the 2015/16 and 2016/17 seasons with the Western Hockey League's Victoria Royals and the 2014/15 campaign with the Vancouver Island Junior Hockey League's Victoria Cougars as a Student Athletic Therapist.

"I'm thrilled to get my foot in the door in the BC Hockey League and begin the process of working my way up the same as our players do," says Crema. "I'm excited for the experience of working with the Bulldogs' players and staff and looking forward to a great season."

Dubois and Crema join new Bulldogs head coach and general manager Matt Hughes, who was hired in April following three successful seasons guiding the Pursuit of Excellence U-18 Prep team. He is also a former head coach of the BCHL's Salmon Arm Silverbacks and the AJHL's Grand Prairie Storm.

"I'm excited to solidify our Hockey Operations staff by adding Jeff and Scott to the Bulldogs' team," says Hughes. "Both Scott and Jeff bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to their respective roles, and having our staff finalized allows us to look forward to preparing for a successful 2017/18 season."

***

2016/17 BULLDOGS TEAM MVP EARNS OPPORTUNITY TO PLAY COLLEGE HOCKEY WITH SEAWOLVES

Port Alberni, BC - The Alberni Valley Bulldogs are thrilled to announce that 20-year old goaltender Brody Claeys has committed to attend the University of Alaska Anchorage and suit up for the NCAA Division I Seawolves for the 2017/18 season.

Claeys joined the Bulldogs midway through the 2015/16 season in a trade from the Manitoba Junior Hockey League's OCN Blizzard. He went on to play 76 regular season games in an Alberni Valley uniform, compiling an overall record of 24 wins, 40 losses and five ties along with a 3.13 goals-against average and a .904 save-percentage. Following the 2016/17 season, Claeys was named the Bulldogs' Most Valuable Player at the team's year-end awards banquet.

"I'm really excited to have the opportunity to play Division I hockey and continue my education at UAA," says Claeys. "This has been my goal and something I have been working towards for quite some time. I would like to thank my family, coaches, teammates and billet families for helping me achieve my goals."

"I'd also like to thanks the Port Alberni community and fans who helped make my experience there so enjoyable.  I want to extend a special thank you to Alex (Evin) for helping me develop as a goalie and giving me the opportunity to play in Port Alberni.  Also, to Tom McEvay for all his educational expertise, support and guidance."

In Anchorage, Claeys will join a Seawolves team that competes in the Western Collegiate Hockey Association and recently graduated former Bulldogs defenceman Chase Van Allen.

"On behalf of the entire Bulldogs organization, I'd like to congratulate Brody on this great accomplishment and wish him all the best in his college hockey career," says head coach Matt Hughes. "We take great pride in helping young men take the next step in their academic and athletic pursuits, and Brady is another example of a player who will represent the Alberni Valley well at the collegiate level."

Claeys is the third player from the Bulldogs' 2016/17 roster who has committed to play NCAA hockey next season, joining forward Henry Marshall and defenceman Trevor Cosgrove. Another commitment will be announced in the coming days.

***

GET RID OF THE SUMMER RUST AND HONE YOUR SKILLS IN A FUN ENVIRONMENT WITH BULLDOGS' COACHES & PLAYERS!

The Alberni Valley Bulldogs are excited to announce the return of the team's popular Summer Development Camps for young, aspiring hockey players, which will run from August 14-18 at the Alberni Valley Multiplex. In 2017, our high energy program will offer a fun and positive learning environment, which will focus on team play concepts as well as individual fundamentals. All camp sessions will be run by the Bulldogs' coaching staff, joined by current players and other special guests. All participants will receive a free Bulldogs camp jersey. We look forward to seeing you in August!

The deadline for registration is Monday, July 31st.

To register, visit www.albernivalleybulldogs.ca. Online registration takes 5-10 minutes. Credit and debit cards are accepted.


CAMP GROUPS:

Group 1 - Ages 6-9 - $250 + GST = $262.50

Daily ice sessions for Ages 6-9 will include on-ice instruction on power skating, puck handling skills, passing and shooting fundamentals as well as controlled scrimmage play to help everyone get in game shape for the hockey season. Participants are responsible for bringing snacks and lunch. Supervision will be provided at all times. Groups are limited to 25 skaters and 3 goaltenders per session.

Daily Schedule:
8:30-9:45am - On Ice
10:00-10:15am - Snack
10:15-11:30am - Activity
11:30-12:00pm - Lunch
12:30-1:45pm - On Ice


Group 2 - Ages 10-12 - $250 + GST = $262.50

Daily ice sessions for Ages 10-12 will include on-ice instruction on power skating, puck handling skills, passing and shooting fundamentals as well as controlled scrimmage play to help everyone get in game shape for the hockey season. Participants are responsible for bringing snacks and lunch. Supervision will be provided at all times. Groups are limited to 25 skaters and 3 goaltenders per session.

Daily Schedule:
10:00-11:15am - On Ice
11:30-11:45am - Snack
11:45-1:00pm - Activity
1:00-1:30pm - Lunch
2:00-3:15pm - On Ice


Group 3 - Ages 13-17 - $125 + GST = $131.25

Evening sessions for Ages 13—17 include skill review and high tempo scrimmages to help get players ready for upcoming tryouts. Supervision will be provided at all times. Groups are limited to 25 skaters and 3 goaltenders per session.

Daily Schedule:
6:00-7:30pm - On Ice

***

For more information, please contact:

Jolie McMullen
Marketing Director
(250) 723-4412
jolie@albernivalleybulldogs.ca

Sent from my iPhone

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.

Sent from my iPhone

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

Zolnierczyk's blog, Alberni Golf Update - Men's Night, Family Day, Rotary's Golf FORE Kids!

Former Bulldog Harry Zolnierczyk has been blogging during the Stanley Cup Final - check it out on NHL.com by clicking HERE

I'm always quite hesitant to tell a Coach how to .... Coach.... especially when the Coach in question has won one of those Stanley Cup things... but hey Mr. Laviolette, down 2-0 in the series, maybe you should consider putting Harry back in the line up for Game 3?

Just a thought.

A sizable update on all the things happening at the Alberni Golf Club - tonight is Men's Night, which is a 6:00pm shot gun start.

A great time, a great meal and always fantastic prizes! Call the Proshop to sign up at 250-723-5422.

Sunday is Family Golf Day - there's a lesson scheduled for 3:00pm, and a 4:00pm Shot gun start for 9 fun holes. It's free for those 16 and under and $20 for adults with complimentary refreshments and a BBQ to follow. Read below for more details on this fantastic idea!



Media Release – FAMILY GOLF


The Alberni Golf Club is holding a special Family Golf Day on Sunday June 4th.
For this event youth 16 and under will golf free, if they are accompanied by an adult golfer. For the adult the cost will be $20 for 9 holes.

Youth participants will receive a golf clinic, a tee gift, use of the practice facilities and balls. For those youth who don’t have golf clubs there will be some clubs available for use. Register by calling 250 723-5422 or arrive at 2:45 pm, register, then take part in the golf clinic from 3:00 to 4:00. At 4 pm there will be a shot gun start for a fun 9 Hole golf event. This will be followed by a hot dog BBQ at 6:15 compliments of Save-On-Foods and the awarding of a few fun prizes.

This year the Alberni Golf Club has created a special program to encourage youth play. Young golfers 11 and under will be able to golf FREE, while those 12 to 16 will only pay $5.00, as long as they are accompanied by a parent or grandparent.

More young children are taking up the game of golf than ever before. The National Golf Association reported an 18.5 % increase in participation while the Sport and Fitness Industry Association reported a 9% decrease in overall youth participation in the other major youth sports. Although these are US statistics I would suggest that Canadian statistics are not much different.

I think one can contribute these increases to family golf and to the moves golf clubs and golf associations have made to make golf more affordable. The Northern California Golf Association adopted a policy that on all their courses Kids up to 18 can play for $5. This program has now been adopted by 12 other Golf Associations throughout the US.

The Alberni Golf Cub has also incorporated a variety of tee boxes that will allow younger golfers to play from an appropriate distances for their strength and skill levels. Golf should be fun, so one wants to play from a distance where you can reach the green in the number of strokes applicable to the hole. Thus on a par three one should be able to hit the ball far enough to reach the green with one shot, a par 4 would take 2 shots and a par 5 3 shots. With the 2 putts one should take on each hole one would then be playing par golf. That is fun!

With these changes in the cost for youth, we are also hoping more families will come and enjoy the game of golf. Our club has open time in late afternoon and early evenings as well as on many Saturday and Sunday evenings.

One final update - speaking of the kids, why not sign up for Rotary's Golf FORE Kids! Sounds fun!

Hammer

Matt Hughes on THE PEAK 8:10 tomorrow. Evin, Ward move on

It's been a long time coming, but I'm happy to be able to get an Interview for you with new Head Coach Matt Hughes tomorrow on 93.3 The Peak FM at approximately 8:10am.

Please accept my apologies that it took so long. Just unfortunate timing, as the day his hiring was announced I headed out of the country on holidays. As I returned on Monday, Matt was out of the country and travelling back. He wasn't on holidays however, but a scouting mission instead.

If you missed the news on The Peak this morning, the Bulldogs are now looking for a new Assistant Coach and Athletic Trainer/Therapist with both Alex Evin and JT Ward submitting their letters of resignation. Evin has accepted a position as Associate Coach with the Prince George Spruce Kings, filling a vacancy left by the resignation of Head Coach Chad Van Dieman at the end of the season. JT Ward is also pursuing further opportunities.

As always, it's tough to see friends move on, especially quality people and solid professionals like Alex and JT. Both of them gave their all to the team and the community, and I wish them the best of luck in their future endeavours.

I'll especially miss my repeated triumphs over Alex in our season long Gin Rummy battles on the Ferry!

Hammer

Bulldogs name Matt Hughes as Head Coach and GM

It wouldn't be a holiday for me if there wasn't some big Bulldog news happening...just seems to always be the way it works out. Here I am on night one of my hiatus, and I'm digging out the laptop and doin' some Blogging, but I'm happy to do it to get the word out.

Accept my apologies - I'll do my best when I'm back in the country to get an interview with Matt on 93.3 The Peak, and here on the blog.

Welcome to the team and the community Matt! Sounds like he's hitting the ground running, so say the least!

Hammer

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 2, 2017

BULLDOGS SIGN MATT HUGHES TO 2-YEAR DEAL AS HEAD COACH AND GM

Port Alberni – The Port Alberni Junior Hockey Society and the Alberni Valley Bulldogs hockey club are pleased to announce that they have hired Mr. Matt Hughes as Head Coach and General Manager of the Alberni Valley Bulldogs. It is a 2-year agreement with an option for a 1-year renewal.

Matt comes to the Bulldogs from the highly respected Pursuit of Excellence hockey academy in Kelowna BC where he was the Head Coach of the U18 Midget Prep team. Pursuit’s emphasis on hockey development, academic excellence and community service deemed Matt an excellent fit for the Alberni Valley Bulldogs core beliefs. Matt has helped more than 30 of his past players obtain NCAA Division 1 Scholarships.

“Our search for a new head coach saw an overwhelming amount of interest in the Alberni Valley Bulldogs.” says Port Alberni Junior Hockey Society President Ron Paulson. “It speaks volumes to the reputation of the Alberni Valley Bulldogs franchise, and the reputation of the BCHL.” Over 100 resumes were received for the Bulldogs Head Coach/GM position.

Prior to the Pursuit of Excellence academy, Matt spent 11 years coaching competitive junior hockey in the Alberta Junior Hockey League (AJHL), North American Hockey league (NAHL), and BCHL. Matt coached the AJHL Grande Prairie Storm as Assistant Coach, Head Coach and General Manager from 2012 to 2014. Matt also served as Assistant Coach and Assistant GM of the NAHL Dawson Creek Rage from 2010 to 2012. Prior to the Rage, Matt served as Head Coach and Assistant GM of the BCHL Salmon Arm Silverbacks.

In 2008 & 2009 Matt was the Assistant Coach and Video Coach for the Hockey Canada World U17 program, winning Silver in 2009 and helping develop young player such as Ryan Nugent Hopkins, Mark Pysyk, and Brendan Gallagher. Matt’s career started in 2003 with coaching stints with the KIJHL Summerland Kings, Columbia Valley Rockies and the BCHL Quesnel Millionaires.

"I would like to thank the Bulldogs organization for this opportunity. The Alberni Valley is an amazing community with a knowledgeable and enthusiastic fan base.” said Matt. “I'm looking forward to the work we have ahead of us."

Matt starts work immediately, recruiting for the 2017/18 season. He will be overseeing the Bulldogs Osoyoos spring identification camp along with Assistant Coach Alex Evin and the rest of the Alberni Valley Bulldogs scouting staff. Matt’s also burning up the phone lines contacting his network of players and scouts, identifying new players and key prospects. For more information, please contact: Ron Paulson