The Alberni Valley Bulldogs have announced that forward Ethan Jang has committed to join the team for the 2018-19 BCHL season.
Jang is currently playing in his rookie season with the Fernie Ghostriders of the Kootenay International Junior Hockey League, where he has scored seven goals and added three assists in 30 regular season games. He recently represented the league’s Kootenay Conference in the 2018 KIJHL Top Prospects Game in Kelowna.
“Ethan plays an aggressive, in-your-face style and skates very well for his age,” said Bulldogs head coach Matt Hughes. “He stepped into our lineup back in October as an affiliate player against a good Wenatchee team and his speed and compete level stood out immediately. He plays with intensity, finishes checks and has a ton of potential to be a contributor in all facets of the game. We’re excited to see Ethan continue his development in a Bulldogs uniform.”
The 16-year-old spent the 2016-17 season with the BC Major Midget League’s Kootenay Ice, where he scored 14 goals and finished with 29 points in 39 regular season games. His goals total ranked sixth among all 2001-born players in the league, while his points total ranked fifth.
“Committing to the Bulldogs is a great feeling for sure,” said Jang, who describes himself as a quick north-south skater known for taking the body and providing energy for his teammates. “My family and I believe that the Alberni Valley is the right place for me to play and develop as a player. Living on Vancouver Island and meeting new people will also be a great experience.”
Jang enjoyed his first taste of BCHL action against the Wild and is looking forward to making the jump full-time. “Stepping on the ice and playing in a faster-paced game was a great feeling,” he says. “I felt comfortable out there, and just being with the guys joking around was a experience I will not forget.”
“We’d like to congratulate Ethan on his commitment to the Bulldogs,” said Ghostriders head coach Craig Mohr. “Alberni Valley will be getting a fast skating, hard hitting left winger. Ethan leads our team in shorthanded goals and is consistently our leading hitter in most games. Not only are the Bulldogs getting a great player, they’re also getting a great person.”
Jang will continue to play for the Ghostriders and be available to play BCHL games as an affiliate player this season before joining the Bulldogs full-time next year.