A chance meeting at a hockey school has turned into a new addition to the Alberni Valley Bulldogs.
The Dogs named Adam Hayduk as the team’s new assistant coach last Friday.
“We feel fortunate to have Adam join the Bulldogs coaching staff and management team,” director of hockey operations Rick Schievink said.
“I know Adam is keen to expand his coaching knowledge and is excited to become part of our community.”
Bulldog’s coach Paul Esdale met Hayduk at a hockey coaches conference in Penticton just recently.
“I could tell right way that we had a good report when we started talking about hockey,” Esdale said.
“He has good people skills and is a good communicator.”
Hayduk has been the executive director of the Vancouver Thunderbirds Minor Hockey Association since 2007.
He was also recently named the head coach for the BC U-16 team for the WHL Western Branch Challenge that takes place in Moose Jaw, Sask. in October.
He’s also scouted, recruited and worked extensively with video.
The man’s got cred, Esdale said.
“He’s got a vast knowledge of the B.C. hockey scene and he knows who the top 15-20 players are,” Esdale said.
The job is seasonal and runs from August to mid-April, but that didn’t dissuade Hayduk from coming.
“He gave up a good job to come here,” Esdale said.
“He’s excited about coming to Port Alberni.”
Hayduk did some asking around about the Bulldogs and got good reviews in return.
“I hope I hope to put forth an effort that will match the community’s passion for the team,” Hayduk said in a release.
reporter@albernivalleynews.com