Dogs fall 6-3 to Caps, host Grizzlies tonight, dustin' off the headset, Salmon Fest !

Hello, Happy Friday, and thanks for checking the blog.


The Bulldogs lost their second consecutive preseason game last night, 6-3 to the Capitals in Duncan. Foster Martin gave the Dogs a 1-0 lead, before Jackson Doucet found the net later in the first for a 2-1 Dogs lead after one. They held the lead until the back half of the second, when the Caps equalized, and then took their first lead of the game with 30 seconds and change to play in the period for a 3-2 lead after two. The Caps added two more for a 5-2 lead, before Doucet's second of the game made it 5-3, while the Dogs were on the power play. The Caps responded for a 6-3 final score.

Bruce Macdonald and I will be dusting off the headsets tonight - and there's even a chance that statistician Dan "the stats man" Tisserand will make the game!

To watch the game, head over to HockeyTV.com

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 Hockey TV takes our audio broadcast to sync up with their video pay-per-view.

We 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.

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 Bruce still knows how to do colour and analysis

and

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

On one hand, I'm very much looking forward to it, as it will be nice to get back in the booth and knock some rust off. On the other hand, I'm feeling a tad overwhelmed as I'll be doing quadruple duty today - 6am Morning show, 11am broadcasting live from THE BRICK (come see me for some great deals!) sometime late afternoon down to Tyee Landing to set up our broadcast location for Salmon Fest, then hopefully some supper before getting back to the rink for the game tonight. 

Mix in about 15 hours for me tomorrow, Sunday and Monday broadcasting live from Salmon Fest for 93.3 The Peak, and you can see how it starts to become a bit much. Better than being bored though, right!?

Hopefully we'll see you at the rink, or talk to you through the broadcast from the rink if you can't make it, and if not, maybe I'll see you at some point at Salmon Fest over the weekend. 

Hammer 

Salmon Fest needs your help, Men's Night THURSDAY at the Alberni Golf Club, Dogs visit Caps

Hello and thanks for checking the blog! Busy times are coming for Port Alberni, and for me personally, will all my duties associated with 93.3 The Peak FM and our participation in and coverage of community events. The 46th Annual Port Alberni Salmon Festival this weekend, The Fall Fair the following weekend, the Port Alberni Toy Run the following weekend.... and oh yeah, that whole Bulldog thing happening in the middle of it all!

Speaking of Salmon Fest - they desperately need some volunteer help - please take a look at your schedule and see if you can carve ANY amount of time out to help out this great event! Please read below....

To answer some of the questions asked:

The jobs that we need to fill are serving fish and beer.

For fish, you would get a plate with a piece of cooked fish on it, add a bun, potato and coleslaw and hand it out to the customer. These are 2 1/2 to 3 hour shifts at a time. There is no age minimum or limit to this.

For beer, we need people to pour the beer, cider or wine and serve it over a makeshift bar to the customers. These shifts are also 2 1/2 to 3 hours at a time. People must be 19 years of age to work in this area.

In neither of these jobs will you be handling money.

If we had 75 people each willing to do a 3 hour shift, we would have everything covered. We are not asking for an entire weekend of your time. But if you've got it, we'll take it! LOL!

The beer service schedule begins at 4pm on Friday and goes until 11pm. Saturday and Sunday it starts at 11am and goes until 11pm. Monday it starts at 11am and ends at 4pm.

The fish service schedule begins at 4pm on Friday and goes until 9pm. Saturday and Sunday it starts at 11am and goes until 9pm. Monday it starts at 11am and ends at 4pm.

If you are serious about helping out, please feel free to e-mail me with your available times at chrisgibson@shaw.ca or call me on my cell phone (250) 731-6481 or home phone (250) 724-5681.

Also, the Salmon Festival and Kiwanis Club supports many other community groups with this weekend. For several years now the Cadets have manned the kitchen and earned funds for their group. The "Go Grannies" man the Kiwanis bus and earn funds for their organization. Kiwanis Hilton Centre does the potatoes that get served with the fish dinner to earn funds for their centre. We have supported ball teams and hockey teams when they have done security for the beer gardens. The list goes on and on. This year we lost Daughters of the Eastern Star as they did not have enough manpower to continue with their booth.

All summer we have been trying to work with a group to man the beer gardens so that they could earn funds for their organization but they are challenged with manpower.

So, for this weekend, or for the coming years if you are a group that need ways to earn money or individuals who just want to help for a few hours, contact me.

Thank you again!!

Just a heads up that tomorrow night is Men's Night at the Alberni Golf Club... a quick blurb:

The season is winding down......not many chances left to get those KPs to be eligible for the shootout!! If you haven't alread, please stop by of call the Pro Shop at 250-723-5422 for this week's Men's Night, Thursday a 5:30 shotgun start.

The Bulldogs preseason schedule continues tomorrow night when they visit the Capitals in Duncan - 

I won't be able to attend the game, but will do my best to provide updates on the blog. 

The Dogs host the Grizzlies on Friday night - for parents and fans reading this from afar, we'll be broadcasting it on HockeyTV 

Bulldogs fall to 1 and 1 in preseason with 4-1 loss in Nanaimo

I wasn't able to get to Nanaimo for the game tonight, but did catch the first couple minutes and the last couple minutes on HockeyTV.

The Bulldogs opened the scoring 1:44 in when Booker Chacalias had a rebound hit him on a net drive off a Dawson Frank shot. There should have been a second assist on the goal on a nice chip out of the defensive zone but it doesn't appear that one was awarded.  The Dogs would earn a power play chance immediately afterwards, but couldn't connect on it. The Clippers would even it up on a power play of their own soon afterwards for a 1-1 tie after one on a seeing eye wrist shot through traffic from the top of the point.

The only goal of the second came from the Clippers with just under six minutes left to lead 2-1 after 40 minutes, before adding two more in the third at 6:53 and 10:37 for the eventual 4-1 final.

The Dogs had one last chance to make a game of it when they went to a 5 minute power play in the back half of the third, but they couldn't capitalize on it.

Final shots were 33-26 in favour of the Clippers. John Hawthorne started in net, before being relieved by Gabriel Couture.

The Bulldogs get some much deserved time off from game action tomorrow - they next see action Thursday in Duncan when they face the Capitals, before returning home to host the Victoria Grizzlies on Friday night. They conclude their preseason schedule Sunday afternoon when they visit the Grizzlies.

Hammer

Dogs top Kings 5-2 in Exhibition opener

Here's the line ups for both sides. I'll post updates as they happen, so check back and be sure to refresh!

Off for now to sit in the crowd with my son... which I can never do during the regular season!

Hammer

5:43 into the first, it's 1-0 Bulldogs as  Ryan Steele finishes a slick five-hole deke on Liam
McCloskey. Christian Simeone and Ezra Paddock with the assists.

The Bulldogs go to the first power play of the game with 8:36 to play in the first as Hunter Findlater is sent off for hooking.

The Kings kill it off, to keep it a 1-0 game with 6:36 to play in the first.

Liam McCloskey makes two good saves on a Bulldog 4 on 2 rush to keep it within a goal, seconds later the Kings go to the power play when Cameron Kuhl is sent off for elbowing.

With 39 seconds to go in the penalty, the Kings go to a 5 on 3 advantage when Grayson Valente picks up a slashing penalty.

The Bulldogs kill it off, with Lancaster looking sharp. With 37 seconds left in the second penalty, Cam Kuhl goes back to the box for kneeing, and the Kings go back to a 5 on 3 opportunity.

The Dogs kill off the second 5 on 3, but the Kings cash in late in the second penalty to tie the game at 1-1 at 18:35 of the first as Callum Volpe takes a cross-ice pass and roofs it under the crossbar. Assists go to Kevin Obssuth and Max Coyle.

The period ends with the score tied at 1-1. Shots are 16-12 in favour of the Kings.

The Bulldogs went 0 for 1 on the power play while the Kings went 1 for 3. 

______________________________________

The Bulldogs go to the power play just over two minutes into the second, and cash in on it just 8 seconds into the advantage at 2:16 of the period when Brandon Bergado scores by whacking one in out of mid-air. Assists go to Bradley Ong and Sami Pharaon. 

The Dogs go to another power play seconds later, and cash in on it again as Connor Welsh scores on a high wrist-shot through traffic from the left point.  Christian Simeone and Ryan Steele pick up the assists at 3:45.

The Kings get back within one with 11:22 to play in the second on their second power play goal of the game with Ryan Steele in the box for cross-checking as Callum Volpe scores on a cross-ice one-timer high over Lancaster from the left circle. Max Coyle assists.

Seconds later the Kings go back to the power play again, with Brandon Bergado whistled for tripping.  The  Bulldogs manage to kill it off to preserve their lead.

With 8:34 to play in the second, Levi Mitchell enters the game to replace Colten Lancaster, who stopped 19 of 21 shots.

The Kings also change on the next whistle, with Matteo Pilar-Chow coming in. McCloskey stopped 16 of 19 shots.

There's no scoring the rest of the frame, as the Bulldogs lead 3-2 after two. Shots in the period were even at 11 aside for a 27-23 Kings advantage. I have the Dogs at 2 for 3 on the power play, and the Kings at 2 for 5.


_________________________________

The Dogs go up 4-2 6:33 into the third, with Ben Raffler off for slashing, as a wrist shot from the deep slot finds it's way home off traffic. Jackson Doucet tips it home past the blocker of Pilar-Chow, with assists to  Paul Selleck and Keaton Mastrodonato. It looked like the assists should have went to Connor Welsh and Ezra Paddock respectively.  

The Dogs go up 5-2 at 18:01 of the third, as Darren Rizzolo exits the penalty box and takes a perfect stretch pass from Sami Pharaon to skate in on the breakaway where he beats Pilar-Chow with a backhand deke to the five-hole. On the previous whistle, the Kings had a goal called back due to a high stick in the crease.

The Dogs are penalized in the final minute for too-many-men, but the Kings can't capitalize as time expires.

Final shots are 37-28 Kings. The Dogs went 3 for 5 on the power play, while Powell River went 2 for 8.

The Dogs are on the road tomorrow night in Nanaimo, for a 6:00pm puck drop at the Frank Crane Arena. 

Bulldogs host Kings tonight to open Exhibition Schedule

It's another step in the preparations for when the games count, as the Bulldogs host the Powell River Kings tonight at the Multiplex at 7:00.

It's an incremental increase in the quality of play and level of compete perhaps, but it's an increase none the less as teams face real opposition for the first time.

I'll be providing updates on the game here on the blog throughout the game, so be sure to check in tonight if you aren't making it to the rink.

The Bulldogs play their first road preseason game tomorrow, another step up in the challenges that players will face throughout the course of the season. You can watch that one on HockeyTV.

Hammer

Red vs White Game - LIVE UPDATES 4-3 Team Black in overtime

Just underway - starting goalies are Colten Lancaster and John Hawthorne.


UPDATE


1-0 Team Black 6:59 into the first. Good first save by Colten Lancaster on a nice cross-ice set up. Keaton Mastrodonato finished off the rebound. Assists to Paul Selleck and Jackson Doucet.

Currently 1-0 Black 11:29 left in the first.

Team White goes to the power play with 6:03 remaining in the first as Ryan Steele is sent off for tripping. Just 29 seconds later Christian Simeone picks up a cross checking penalty making it a 5 on 3 for 1:31.

Team White ties the game with 24 seconds remaining in the first penalty, after extended pressure. John Hawhorne makes the first save but the rebound is tapped in by Foster Martin from Booker Chacalias and Dawson Frank at 15:00 of the first.

Team Black goes to the power play with 2:20 left in the first as Brent Boarders picks up a hooking minor.

White kills the penalty off, and then immediately goes up 2-1 as Cayden Kraus races away on a 2 on 1 rush and keeps and shoots, snapping one home five hole at 19:47 of the first. Darren Rizzolo with the lone assist.

____________________________________

It's a 2-2 game as Team Black ties it up 1:29 into period two on a partial breakaway as Paul Selleck picks the top corner, long side, over the glove of Dawson Rodin. Assist to Keaton Mastrodonato.

Team Black goes to the power play soon afterwards, on a too-many-men penalty. They're calling it tight.

Gabriel Coutoure is in goal for team Black.

Team White kills off the minor, its 2-2 14:30 o go in the second.

Team White goes to the power play 8:28 into the second, with a hooking call going to AJ Wolfe.

Team Black kills it off, it remains a 2-2 tie 8:30 to play in the second.

There's no further scoring through the period as the game stays tied at 2-2 heading into the third.

_______________________________________

Team Black kills off a minor penalty from the 20:00 mark of the second to start period three, it remains 2-2 17:14 left in the third.

Jaysen Maclean is in net for Team White, while Levi Mitchell is at the other end.


Team Black takes a 3-2 lead 5:38 into the third, as Jackson Doucet walks in tight and puts a shot on net that takes a perfect deflection off a defender's stick and in. Wyatt Selva and Keaton Mastrodonato get the assists.


It's not a 3-2 game for long, as at 5:58 Team White ties it up on a set up to the slot. Levi Mitchell gets a good chunk of it, but it just sneaks over the line under his blocker arm. Julian Benner gets the goal, with assists to Michael Sacco and Bradley Ong.


A magnificent save by Levi Mitchell keeps it a 3-3 tie with just over six minutes to play in the third, as he dives across the crease to just get his paddle down on the goal line to keep it out.


Team Black goes to the power play with 3:58 to play, as Brandon Bergado is sent off for goalie interference. The power play is cancelled out 39 seconds into it after a couple good saves by Jaysen Maclean as Jaxen Gemmell takes a tripping penalty. A further 20 seconds later, Ryan Steele is given a cross checking minor to make it a 4 on 3 power play for 39 seconds for Team White, followed by a 5 on 3 for just under 40 seconds. Black would kill it off however to keep the game deadlocked at 3-3.

The final minute yields no scoring, as the game heads to overtime.

Overtime is over in a blink, as Christian Simeone scores the winner just nine seconds in on a cross-ice pass from Ryan Steele that he one-times off of Mclean and in for the 4-3 final for Team Black.

Hammer

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.

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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."

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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.

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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

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For more information, please contact:

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

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