Five players—including a pair of brothers from Belarus—have committed to play for the Alberni Valley Bulldogs next season.
Yan (1992) and Artsiom (1993)Kalashnikov will join fellow forward Ryan Lough (1993) and defencemen Brandon Halls (1993) and Chase Van Allen (1992) when the Bulldogs hit training camp in September.
The Bulldogs will introduce the Kalashnikovs to fans and present them with their jerseys this Friday, July 22 at Boston Pizza at 6 p.m.
The team is losing American born players Casey Bailey, Connor Varley, Brandon Adams and Lloydminster, Alta. native Kenny Morrison, who have all opted to play in the United States Hockey League (USHL) next season.
Originally from Minsk, Belarus the Kalashnikovs played for the Grand Forks Border Bruins of KIJHL Junior B League last year. The 5’9”, 165-pound brothers moved from Belarus to Port Coquitlam two years ago to pursue their hockey careers.Yan posted 21 goals, 24 assists for 45 points in 39 games last season, while Artsiom posted 13 goals, 22 assists for 35 points in 36 games.
“The Kalashnikov brothers will bring people to their feet in the Dogpound,” head coach Paul Esdale said.
“Their skill level, competitiveness and creativity will be exciting to watch.”
Lough, an Ontario native, played for the Notre Dame Argos of the Saskatchewan Midget AAA league. Halls spent last year with the Penticton Lakers of the KIJHL.
editor@albernivalleynews.com