It’s only August but the Alberni Valley Bulldogs have been a busy team of late, preparing for the 2015-16 BC Hockey League season while the rest of the Port Alberni has been wishing away the latest heat wave.
“There is a ton of excitement leading up to this season,” says assistant coach Adam Hayduk.
“Our returning players, new recruits and veteran acquired through trades should make for a great season.”
The Bulldogs have acquired four new players ahead of training camp: two defencemen, a forward and a veteran goaltender.
Nathan Walker, a 1997-born defenceman from Calgary, AB, played last season with the Calgary Buffaloes Midget AAA team. He is “a physical, stay-at-home defenceman who put up 10 points in 34 regular season games this season,” Hayduk noted.
Nolan Alward, from Havelock, NB, comes to the Bulldogs from the Moncton Major Midget Flyers. He led all blueliners in scoring with 34 points, was selected to the first all-star team and was named the league’s MVP.
Liam Conrad is an all-star forward from Sackville, NB who also played last season with the Moncton Major Midget Flyers. He was the leading scorer with 52 points (23 goals, 29 assists) in 35 games.
Goaltender Chris Tai, 20, comes from the Lloydminster Bobcats (AJHL) for future considerations. He is entering his fourth season at the Junior A level and has 79 games of experience between the Western Hockey League, BCHL and AJHL—14 of which were in the playoffs.
The Bulldogs kick off their season with their fourth annual golf tournament on Sunday, Aug. 23, the day before main training camp begins. The tourney allows participants to meet and interact with the Bulldogs’ players and staff over golf and dinner. For info, check out the Bulldogs’ website at www.albernivalleybulldogs.ca.