The Alberni Valley Bulldogs have named defenceman Mitch Oliver their new captain.
Bulldogs head coach Matt Hughes announced a change in the leadership crew on Thursday, Jan. 11 due to the departures of former captain Ryan Steele to West Kelowna and former assistant captain Connor Welsh to the Trail Smoke Eaters.
The change will see veteran defencemen Oliver as the new captain for the Bulldogs, while Tyler Vanuden and James Orban will join Cole Poliziani as assisant captains.
“It’s a huge honour to be named captain,” said Oliver. “I have big shoes to fill as our previous captain was a tremendous leader on and off the ice.”
Oliver was acquired prior to the 2017-18 season from the Vernon Vipers. He was named an assistant captain before the start of the regular season.
The new-look Bulldogs will be back at home tonight (Saturday, Jan. 13) as they host the Salmon Arm Silverbacks. Puck drop is at 7 p.m.
Assistant captain James Orban will not be on the ice, as it was announced Thursday that he is serving a six-game suspension for a blow to the head misconduct on Jan. 7.