Port Alberni Junior Hockey Society Purchases Alberni Valley Bulldogs

The Port Alberni Junior Hockey Society announced today that it has completed the purchase of 100% of the Alberni Valley Bulldogs Hockey Club from the current ownership group which includes Okanagan Hockey School, The See Group of Companies and Doctor David Ness.
In confirming the league approval of the sale of the team earlier this week, BCHL Commissioner John Grisdale noted that Bulldogs have a proud history in the Alberni Valley and that the league is happy the franchise will remain in place in Port Alberni as Coach Willison and the players work to get back to the top.
Society Director Darren DeLuca stated that PAJHS will hold 100% of the shares of the team and has developed a solid business plan that includes all outstanding payables funded in full. “The Society has prepared a detailed operating budget for the 2012-2013 season and has reviewed due diligence and financial history provided by the current ownership group and feel that, with continued community and fan support, it will be able to operate a vibrant and viable team over the coming seasons” said DeLuca.
The shift to a locally owned community team is a positive move for the organization noted Andy Oakes, president of Okanagan Hockey School and outgoing majority owner of the team. “On behalf of Okanagan Hockey School, Dennis See, the See Group of Companies and Dr. David Ness we would like to thank the staff, season ticket holders, sponsors, billet families and players that have been with the team through our ownership. This move for the team to be locally owned is a very positive step for Junior Hockey in the community. We wish the Port Alberni Junior Hockey Society all the best in the operations of the team and look forward to watching the club have a positive future on and off the ice” said Oakes.
PAJHS Fundraising Chair Bob Cole noted that the Society will continue its fundraising effort. “As stated previously, in order to be in a strong position moving forward, we would like to raise a minimum of $50,000 more prior to the start of the season. Those additional funds will ensure that the team will start with the resources it needs to kick off a successful season” said Cole.
The Bulldogs organization will be guided by a 7 person Board of Directors appointed this week by PAJHS. This well rounded team offers a solid combination of business and hockey expertise and is challenged with the task of developing a winning, financially successful team on behalf of the community that now owns it. There are no significant changes in team personnel ensuring continuity for fans, sponsors, players and volunteers.
The Port Alberni Junior Hockey Society (PAJHS) was formed to purchase majority ownership in the Alberni Valley Bulldogs for the purpose of securing the team locally and providing benefits for the community derived from having a ‘not for profit’ organization as the principle owner. The BCHL now has 5 teams currently operating successfully as societies. The League is widely known as one of the top junior hockey organizations in North America and features 16 teams throughout the province.

Bulldogs Release 2012-2013 Schedule

The Alberni Valley Bulldogs announced today that the BCHL has finalized the season schedule and released it to the public.
The Bulldogs will open their preseason with five exhibition games; three at home and two on the road:
• Saturday, August 25 at 7pm at home versus Cowichan Capitals;
• Sunday, August 26 at 2pm away versus Nanaimo Clippers;
• Wednesday, August 29 at 7pm at home versus Victoria Grizzlies;
• Friday, August 31 at 7pm at home versus Nanaimo Clippers; and,
• Saturday, September 1 at 7pm away versus Cowichan Capitals.
After the BCHL Showcase at Prospera Centre in Chilliwack Sept. 7 to 9, the remainder of the regular season commences Sept. 14 with each team playing 27 home dates and 27 away.
This season’s schedule is a full interlock meaning each team will play in every other team’s rink at least once. As the league has gone back to three divisions which make up two conferences, the divisional schedules break down as follows:
MAINLAND DIVISION (5 teams)
Teams play each other eight times 32 games
Teams play Island clubs twice 10 games
Teams play Interior clubs twice 12 games
Total 54 games
ISLAND DIVISION (5 teams)
Teams play each other eight times 32 games
Teams play Mainland clubs twice 10 games
Teams play Interior clubs twice 12 games
Total 54 games
INTERIOR DIVISION (6 teams)
Teams play each other seven times,
and play one club six times 34 games
Teams play Mainland clubs twice 10 games
Teams play Island clubs twice 10 games
Total 54 games
With two games being played per team at the Showcase, there is a total of 56 regular season games for each team.
Alberni Valley Bulldogs’ schedule highlights include:
• Friday, September 14th at 7pm, season home opener versus the Cowichan Capitals;
• October 12 & 13, first home-and-home series of the season versus islandrivals the Nanaimo Clippers;
• Thursday, October 18th @7pm, big game versus Island Division rivals the Powell River Kings and the night before a province-wide professional day;
• Monday, December 31st @ 7pm, the Alberni Valley Bulldogs host their second-ever New Years Eve game. The first one proved to be a huge hit and the team will be announcing further details for this game – be sure to mark your calendars now!
• Saturday, January 19th at 7pm, the Alberni Valley Bulldogs host the RBC Champion Penticton Vee’s for their only regular-season visit to the Dog Pound.
The team’s full regular season schedule is now live at http://www.albernivalleybulldogs.ca by clicking the “Schedule” tab at the top of the
page. The league’s entire schedule can be accessed on http://www.bchl.ca by
selecting “League Schedule” under the “Scoreboard” tab at the top of the page. For more information please contact director of  marketing Laurie Smillie at 250.723.4412 or lsmillie@albernivalleybulldogs.ca.

Funk and Rebagliati Commit to Bulldogs

Port Alberni, BC – The Alberni Valley Bulldogs announce today that they have signed two more top prospects for the 2012/13 season:  Zach Funk and Brad Rebagliati.

Zach Funk is a 1996-born forward that has come up through the Nanaimo Minor Hockey Association system. At the start of this season, Funk was one of the top forwards at the North Island Silvertips major midget tryouts before deciding to play at Shattuck-St. Mary’s in Faribault, Minnesota. As a 15-year old rookie, he put up 21 points in 54 games. Funk attended the Bulldogs’ spring identification camp held in Port Alberni, BC. At that camp, he definitely impressed the evaluating committee. “Playing in the BCHL has been a dream of mine since I was a little kid,” said Funk. “I am honored to be a Bulldog and can’t wait to contribute to the success of the team.”
Funk was also identified as one of the top 1996-born players in BC and was invited to participate in the BC Hockey U17 BC Cup this past May in Salmon Arm, BC. Funk tied all players for most points (9) and goals (5) in the 4-day competition en route to helping his team win the gold medal with a 1-0 win in the championship game.

Brad Rebagliati is a 1995-born goalie who grew up in Cranbrook, BC. This past season Rebagliati played for the OHA Prep team, appearing in 32 games and posting a 2.66 GAA. He was discovered in the Bulldogs’ spring identification camp held in Quesnel, BC, in late April. “I am very pleased to have the opportunity to be a Bulldog,” commented Rebagliati. “I am looking forward to the year and I am excited to live in Port Alberni.” Rebagliati has one of a small handful of goalies that received an invite to the 2010 U17 BC Hockey provincial camp. He didn’t allow a single goal in the three games that he appeared in. Rebagliati’s outstanding performance against the best players in the province earned him a spot on the  short-list for Team Pacific, only to be beat out by Tristan Jarry who as a 16-year-old goalie this past season for the  Edmonton Oil Kings in the WHL.
“Both players are great young talents,” said Alberni Valley Bulldogs head coach Kevin Willison. “We hope they will be a big part of our puzzle in the coming years and will be very exciting for our fans to watch,” added Willison. The Alberni Valley Bulldogs organization is very excited to welcome Zach and Brad to the organization. Additional commitments will be announced in the near future.

For more information please contact

Head Coach Kevin Willison at 250.735.0487 or
Assistant Coach Adam Hayduk at 250.723.4412or adam@albernivalleybulldogs.ca.

Bulldogs Sign Local Hockey Prospect Dylan Haugen

Port Alberni, BC – The Alberni Valley Bulldogs are very excited to announce that Port Alberni hometown player Dylan Haugen has committed to play for the Bulldogs this coming season. Haugen (94) spent the last two seasons with the Oceanside Generals of the Vancouver Island Junior Hockey League. In 2010/11 as a 16 year old in his rookie campaign, Haugen appeared in 44 regular season games along with 8 playoff games.
Haugen showed continued improvement through the 2011/12 season, appearing in 37 regular season games for the Generals. He contributed with 13 goals, 11 assists for 24 points, putting him 4th in team scoring. Of Haugen’s 13 regular season goals, three were on the power play, two came short handed, and three were game-winning goals. Haugen also contributed with 5 points in 6 playoff games for the Generals and appeared in 14 regular season games as an AP with the Alberni Valley Bulldogs, scoring two goals (versus Victoria and Langley).
“The Bulldogs are very please to have hometown prospect Dylan Haugen commit to us for next season,” said Alberni Valley Bulldogs Head Coach Kevin Willison. “Dylan brings a lot of energy on the ice and will play a big roll for the ‘Dogs in coming years,” added Willison. “He will add a lot of speed to our line up and to our penalty killing unit. Dylan’s game fits for the
type of player we were looking for.”
Haugen is a product of the Alberni Valley Minor Hockey Association and has continued with
his on-ice development over the last few years with the Alberni District Hockey Canada Skills
Academy.
“The Alberni Valley Bulldogs organization is committed to helping develop local players,” said Bulldogs’ Assistant Coach and Assistant Director of Hockey Operations Adam Hayduk. “With the help of our Director of Hockey Operations Rick Schievink and the Alberni Valley Minor Hockey Association, we invited several bantam and midget rep players to practice with us this
past season. We are committed to providing local players who have what it takes to be successful in the BCHL on and off the ice with an opportunity to play for their hometown Bulldogs,” concluded Hayduk.
The organization is very pleased to welcome Dylan to the Alberni Valley Bulldogs family and look forward to seeing him play for the Alberni Valley Bulldogs in years to come.
For more information and/or a quote please contact Head Coach Kevin Willison at 250.735.0487 or by email at  kevin@albernivalleybulldogs.ca. Kevin will be available on his cell phone Monday evening and all week for comments

Lough Commits To St. Lawrence University

The Alberni Valley Bulldogs are very proud to announce that Ryan Lough has committed to the NCAA Division 1 hockey program of St. Lawrence University. The St. Lawrence University Saints play in the Eastern College Athletic Conference of the NCAA.

St. Lawrence University is named for the St. Lawrence River, which is about 15 miles from the campus. The university, founded in 1856, is located in Canton, New York, and offers diverse liberal arts programs. The university boasts of a student-faculty ration of 12:1.

“The Alberni Valley Bulldogs are very excited for Ryan and his commitment to St. Lawrence University,” said Alberni Valley Bulldogs Head Coach Kevin Willison. “As we all know, this is the ultimate goal for these young hockey players who play in the BCHL. To get to that next level takes dedication, commitment and a lot of hard work,” added Willison. “Ryan has shown those qualities over the last year and that has allowed him the opportunity to play NCAA Division 1 hockey following his junior career. Congratulations to Ryan and his family for his commitment.”

Lough will compete against several BCHL alumni in the ECAC, including current Alberni Valley Bulldogs forward Evan Tironese who recently committed to the RPI Engineers who play in the same conference.

“I’m very excited for the opportunity St. Lawrence University has provided, to live my dream of playing NCAA Division 1 hockey,” said Lough. “After playing so many years away from home, I am very lucky to be able to play at St. Lawrence University which is only an hour away. It’s a great school with a great hockey program,” added Lough. “I would like to thank the entire Alberni Valley Bulldogs organization especially the coaching staff and Tom McEvay for helping provide this opportunity. I would also like to thank Notre Dame, my family for all their support, my billet family The Mesics for opening up their home, and the community of Port Alberni for the support everyone have shown me.” Lough closed by saying, “I look forward to playing here in Port Alberni and striving to win a championship with the Bulldogs before leaving to go on to St. Lawrence.”

Lough will be joining the St. Lawrence University Saints for the 2014/15 season. For more information please contact Assistant Coach Adam Hayduk at 250.723.4412 or adam@albernivalleybulldogs.ca.

Anderson, Craft, Crisanti, Gosselin Commit to Bulldogs

Port Alberni, BC – The Alberni Valley Bulldogs are very pleased to announce that four players have committed to the Alberni Valley Bulldogs for the 2012/13 season.

Evan Anderson (95) played Junior B this past season for the Penticton Lakers in the KIJHL. Anderson put up 40 points (15 goals, 25 assists) in 50 games as a 16-year-old rookie and added 72 PIMs. Anderson, who is from North Vancouver, also played 4 games this season as an affiliate with the Westside Warriors of the BCHL, chipped in with one goal. Anderson (5’11”, 170lbs) and was signed out of the Port Alberni spring identification camp.

Nathan Craft (94) played this past season with the Cariboo Cougars in the BC Hockey Major Midget League. Craft plays a very physical, hard working style of hockey with an ability to put the puck in the net. Craft contributed with 48 points (27 goals, 21 assists) in 35 games for the Cougars and added 103 PIMs. Craft’s 27 goals were 4th best in major midget. Craft was named to the major midget all-star game earlier this season. Craft and his family are from Kitimat, BC. Craft (6’1”, 196lbs) was signed out of the Quesnel spring identification camp.

Mitch Crisanti (94) played this past season with the Vancouver North West Giants in the BC Hockey Major Midget League. He also dressed in 7 games as an affiliate player with the Alberni Valley Bulldogs adding 1 goal and 2 assists. Crisanti, one of the assistant captains of the Giants, had 32 points (20 goals, 12 assists) in 40 games and 60 PIMs. Crisanti added 4 points in 5 playoff games as well. Crisanti also participated in the BC Hockey Major Midget All-Star this season. Crisanti (6’2, 180lbs) was signed out of the Port Alberni spring identification camp. Crisanti’s hometown is North Vancouver, BC.

Kurtis Gosselin (94) played this season in the Detroit Falcons U18 program. In 21 regular season games with the Falcons, Gosselin had 16 points (5 goals, 11 assists) and 37 PIMs. In the playoffs he added 3 points in 4 games. Gosselin is from Brighton, MI and comes in at 5’11”, 192lbs. Gosselin was signed out of the Port Alberni spring identification camp.

“We are very excited at this point with the commitments of these 4 players,” said Alberni Valley Bulldogs head coach Kevin Willison. “These are four young athletes that we feel bring the character and compete level that it takes to play in the BCHL  and be an Alberni Valley Bulldog,” added Willison. “These are pieces of the puzzle that the coaching staff feel we needed have a strong and competitive team on the ice.” The Alberni Valley Bulldogs organization is very excited to welcome these four newest recruits to the Bulldogs’ family.

Additional commitments will be announced in the near future.

For more information please contact Head Coach Kevin Willison at 250.735.0487 or

Assistant Coach Adam Hayduk at 250.723.4412 or adam@albernivalleybulldogs.ca.