An Alberni Valley Bulldog is set to have a cup of coffee with the bigs.
The team announced that Eric Walker has been called up by the Portland Winterhawks in the WHL.
Walker goes to the ʻHawks on an emergency call-up basis as they have three defensemen invited to Canadaʼs World Junior National team selection camp in Calgary, AB.
Walker will be evaluated by Portlandʼs coaching staff to determine his place on the team if he sticks.
“We wish Eric all the best with this opportunity to, again, play in the WHL,” said Bulldogs General Manager and Head Coach Kevin Willison. “He is getting a second chance to prove he can play at that level,” added Willison.
The Bulldogs will miss Walker’s physical play, defensive savvy and experience, Willison said.
Walker has no goals, eight assists and 14 penalty minutes in 16 games this season.