Download - Bulldogs special section

Go Dogs GoThursday, February 24, 2011 Alberni Valley Times • 1B

It’s Playoff TimeLet the Dogs

Out!

GO!DOGS

GO!GO! albernichrysler.com alberniechotoyota.com

[email protected]@powerhousesells.ca

Powerhousewww.powerhousesells.caMid Island Realty

Independantly owned and operated

Al McCulloch250.720.3671

Sonja SuttonSonja Sutton250.720.6804250.720.6804

Clark PowerClark Power250.720.1604250.720.1604 4994 Argyle Street Port Alberni BC V9Y 1V74994 Argyle Street Port Alberni BC V9Y 1V7 250.723.5666250.723.5666

Buy or sell a home with the Powerhouse Real Estate Team between Dec. 15/10-Dec. 31/11 to be entered to win

a 2010 Chevrolet Aveo! Call for details.

Unlock the cage, let the Dogs out and sic’em!

3142 3rd Avenue, Port Alberni, 250-724-0213

Go Dogs Go!!Go Dogs Go!!

Go Dogs Go!!Go Dogs Go!!

Open 24 HoursLocated on Johnston Road

Go Dogs Go!

8721 Bland Road • www.hertelmeats.com • 250-723-9698

Wishing you the Best in the Playoffs!

from your friends at

4679 Elizabeth Street NOTARY PUBLIC 250-723-9747

Dorothy [email protected]

GOGO DOGSDOGS GO!GO!

Proud Supporter of yourProud Supporter of your

Alberni Valley BulldogsAlberni Valley Bulldogs

Proud Supporter of yourProud Supporter of your

Alberni Valley BulldogsAlberni Valley Bulldogs

$$36369595Bav

arian Platter for 2B

avari

an Platter for 2

Go Dogs!Go Dogs!

Phone: 250•724•3241Fax: 250•724•7117 Toll Free: 1•800•830•1066

4904 Argyle Street, Port Alberni

Buy Your InsuranceBuy Your Insurance Before It’s Too Late!Before It’s Too Late!

Phone/Fax: 724-9916For reservations call 1-800-636-9916

• Air Conditioning • Wireless Internetemail: [email protected] • www.albernivalleyriversidemotel.comemail: [email protected] • www.albernivalleyriversidemotel.com

GGO DOGS GO!!!!O DOGS GO!!!!

5328 ARGYLE ST WWW.SWALEROCK.CA

Join us for dinner Mon to Wed and 5% of dinner sales go to the WCGH Blanket Warmer Fundraiser

250-723-0777

Good Luck Bulldogs!Good Luck Bulldogs!

Go Dogs Go2B • Alberni Valley Times Thursday, February 24, 2011

Meet the staff

PAUL ESDALEGeneral Manager & Head Coach

KEVIN HASSELBERGAsst. General Manager & Asst. Coach

CHAD OLIVERAthletic Therapist & Equipment Manager

HEATHER THOMSON ALBERNI VALLEY TIMES

It has been a year of change and growth for the Alberni Valley Bulldogs.

Coming into the 2010/2011 season, the team was new from top to the bottom. With only seven returning players and a new coaching and training staff, the team that hit the ice was a lot different from the previous season.

The Bulldogs were following the best season in franchise history, and were ready to take on anything.

Unfortunately, the young team had its share of struggles. They started out strong, but it was clear the team had a lot of growing to do.

“It’s funny, it’s hard to look at it as a year with lots of ups and downs,” explained assistant coach Kevin Hasselberg. “It was a lot of learning opportunities, that we now hope to apply to the playoffs.”

He said together the team has learned to rely on each other, and they started to play the kind of game that will serve them well in the playoffs.

“We’re feeling really good,” assistant captain Frank Riddle said. “This team is built for the playoffs, because we are a hard working team.”

He added that they have to focus on one game at a time, and, if they do that, then they will surprise a lot of people

in the playoffs.Head coach Paul Esdale agrees. He said

they are going in as the underdogs, but that’s a good position for them.

“We’re not cocky, but we are confident,” he said. “This is a group that we know

if each player plays to their potential we can do a lot of damage.”

And he believes his team is up for that challenge.

Go Dogs Go

A season of challenges and growth for BulldogsConfident team looking forward to a ‘fresh start’ and ready to do some ‘damage’

JAMIE AMOSAssistant Equipment Manager

LAURIE SMILLIEDirector of Marketing & Public Relations

NOREEN PELKOffice Administrator

TOM MCEVAYEducation Advisor

Other Bulldogs support staffPresident & Governor – Andy OakesVice President – Alan KerrVice President Business Operation & Alternate Governor – Dennis SeeTeam Doctor – Dr. dePape Team Chiropractor – Dr. MansonTeam Dentist – Dr. NystromBillet/Host Family Coordinator - Melissa MartinVideo Technician – Les Toth Team Physiotherapist – Bob & Chris MiltonPlay By Play – Evan “Hammer” Hammond, The Peak 93.3 FMHead Scout – Brent GrahamAssociate Scout – Ron GoodwinAssociate Scout – Randy JaycockGoaltending Coach – Perry Elderbroom

Alberni Valley Bulldogs forward Lars Hepso goes after the puck during one of their games against the Nanaimo Clippers. The Dogs defeated the Nanaimo team 4-0 on Jan. 25. [KEITH SIMISTER, FOR THE TIMES]

» See BULLDOGS, Page 7B

DIRECT 250•723-SOLD (7653)

Congratulations from one winning team to another!

Proud SponsorsProud Sponsors of theof the

Alberni ValleyAlberni Valley BulldogsBulldogs

250•751•1223

® Registered trademarks of Royal Bank of Canada.

2925 3rd Avenue 250-723-9411 www.rbc.com

Go Bulldogs Go!Go Bulldogs Go!

6” Classic sandwich,6” Classic sandwich, chips and achips and a

21 oz. beverage.21 oz. beverage.

2 locations10th Ave.,

Plaza

250-723-81194539 Gertrude St.,Southgate Centre

250-723-4343

GOGODOGS DOGS GO!!! GO!!!

klitsadoors.comShowroom Hours:

Mon-Fri 8am-5pm

KLITSA DOORS(1978) Ltd.

7540 McKenzie Road

250-724-4721

CongratulationsCongratulationsBulldogs!Bulldogs!

Good Luck!Good Luck!Stop by and see us today!

Hours: Mon-Fri 9:30-6, Sat 10-5, Sun Closed

ictoria Quay & Southgate 250-723-9323Victoria Quay & Southgate 250-723-9323

... and we have theproducts to prove it!

Port Alberniis a proud supporter of the

Alberni Valley Bulldogs in their quest for the

Fred Page Cup.

GO DOGSGO DOGS GO!!!GO!!!

4687 Johnston Road4687 Johnston Road250-723-4669250-723-4669


TRENT DORAIS

23 Captain, Forward

Height: 5’10” Weight: 175 poundsShoots: LeftHometown: Vernon, B.C.Date of Birth: April 15, 1991BCHL registration: Sept. 9, 2010Resume: Oct. 6, 2008Transcripts: Sept. 15, 2009

Player statistics:GP G A Pts PIM60 12 17 29 95

FRANK RIDDLE

7 Asst. captain, defence

Height: 6’0” Weight: 185 poundsShoots: LeftHometown: St. Catharines, ON.Date of Birth: April 19, 1990BCHL registration: Sept. 9, 2010Resume: Sept. 15, 2009Transcripts: Sept. 15, 2009


SAM MITCHELL

25 Asst. captain, forward

Height: 5’11” Weight: 180 poundsShoots: LeftHometown: Osoyoos, B.C.Date of Birth: January 16, 1990BCHL registration: Sept. 9, 2010Resume: Sept. 10, 2007Transcripts: Sept. 19, 2008


JOSHMITCHELL

24 Defence

Height: 5’11” Weight: 170 poundsShoots: RightHometown: Osoyoos, B.C.Date of Birth: March 21, 1991BCHL registration: Sept. 9, 2010Resume: Sept. 15, 2009Transcripts: Sept. 15, 2009


CASEYBAILEY

9 Forward

Height: 6’2” Weight: 190 poundsShoots: RightHometown: Anchorage, AKDate of Birth: October 22, 1991BCHL registration: Sept. 9, 2010Resume: Sept. 15, 2009Transcripts: Sept. 15, 2009


TYLERBERKHOLTZ

12 Forward

Height: 5’11” Weight: 195 poundsShoots: LeftHometown: Penticton, B.C.Date of Birth: January 19, 1992BCHL registration: Sept. 9, 2010Resume: Sept. 18, 2009Transcripts: Sept. 16, 2010


KENNEYMORRISON

28 (rookie, import) Defence

Height: 6’2” Weight: 175 poundsShoots: RightHometown: Lloydminster, ABDate of Birth: February 13, 1992BCHL registration: Sept. 9, 2010Transcripts: Sept. 9, 2010


CONNORVARLEY


Height: 5’11” Weight: 195 poundsShoots: RightHometown: Lansdale, PADate of Birth: June 3, 1992BCHL registration: Sept. 9, 2010Transcripts: Sept. 16, 2010


KYLEWEBER

15 Asst. captain, defence

Height: 6’0” Weight: 190 poundsShoots: LeftHometown: Fraser Lake, B.C.Date of Birth: July 13, 1990BCHL registration: Sept. 9, 2010Resume: Sept. 4, 2008Transcripts: Sept. 19, 2008


Go Dogs Go

Best of Luck Bulldogs!Best of Luck Bulldogs!

250-723-7383

Good Luck in the Playoffs!

A traditional family owned and operated business, this European delicatessen offers hormone-free beef, buffalo, chicken and pork,

homemade sausages of all types, and many European specialties. Located at one of the oldest and authentic buildings in Port Alberni, Pete’s Mountain Meats European Delicatessen & Sausage Factory is owned and operated by Port Alberni Proud Peter and Anita Kurucz.

European Delicatessen & Sausage Factory

CongratulationsCongratulationsBulldogsBulldogs

250-723-0633250-723-0633 •• 4941 Johnston Rd. 4941 Johnston Rd.

Jo-Anne L. Asher& her Staff& her Staff

NOTARY PUBLICNOTARY PUBLIC

Member

6449 Cherry Creek Rd. 250-723-5422

Now all the way to the top!!!

Way to goWay to go Bulldogs…Bulldogs…

The Glass Specialists3599-3rd Ave, Port Alberni • Tel (250) 723-3712

Go Dogs Go!

Go Bulldogs Go Bulldogs

Go! Go!Lisa McGovern Lisa McGovern 3645 Fowlie Cres.3645 Fowlie Cres.CST, CR, CAM, (NHPCA)CST, CR, CAM, (NHPCA) Port Alberni, B.C.Port Alberni, [email protected]@shaw.ca Tel. (250) 724-0137Tel. (250) 724-0137

Alberni ValleyAlberni ValleyTherapeuticsTherapeutics

A.D. ENGRAAVERS ’06VERS ’063180-7th Ave. 250-723-65163180-7th Ave. 250-723-6516

Wishing for theWishing for the Win!!Win!!


YourYour friendsfriends at at

103-4152 Redford, Port Alberni 250-723-2171

New Hours

2011

Mon-Fri10am-7:30pm

Sat10am-5pm

Sun11am-4pm

33Days

Only!

Days Only

!

Febru

ary 24, 2

5 & 26

$$69699595

Buy a 240Buy a 240 point package forpoint package for

and receive aand receive a FREE Goodie bag worth $25FREE Goodie bag worth $25


BRANDONADAMS

20 (rookie, import) Forward

Height: 5’11” Weight: 180 poundsShoots: LeftHometown: Prospect Heights, ILDate of Birth: June 29, 1992BCHL registration: Oct. 4, 2010ACT scores: Oct. 4, 2010Transcripts: Oct. 4, 2010


DYLANNOWAKOWSKI

29 Forward

Height: 5’9” Weight: 160 poundsShoots: RightHometown: Calgary, ABDate of Birth: September 14, 1991BCHL registration: Jan. 11, 2011Resume: Sept. 23, 2010


Go Dogs Go

LARSHEPSO

10 Forward

Height: 5’10” Weight: 180 poundsShoots: LeftHometown: Penticton, B.C.Date of Birth: June 12, 1992BCHL registration: Sept. 9, 2010Resume: Sept. 9, 2010Transcripts: Sept. 9, 2010


SAWYERMICK

22 Forward

Height: 6’1” Weight: 192 poundsShoots: LeftHometown: Vernon, B.C.Date of Birth: September 22, 1991BCHL registration: Sept. 9, 2010Resume: Sept. 15, 2009Transcripts: Sept. 14, 2010


JUSTINMORELLO

17 Forward

Height: 5’9” Weight: 175 poundsShoots: LeftHometown: Spruce Grove, ABDate of Birth: March 17, 1992BCHL registration: Sept. 9, 2010Transcripts: Sept. 14, 2010


MIKEPUDDIFANT

4 Defence

Height: 6’0” Weight: 185 poundsShoots: RightHometown: Salmon Arm, B.C.Date of Birth: June 27, 1991BCHL registration: Jan. 11, 2011Resume: Sept. 13, 2008Transcripts: Sept. 19, 2008


TANNERHICKS


Height: 5’10” Weight: 185 poundsShoots: LeftHometown: Calgary, ABDate of Birth: April 10, 1992BCHL registration: Sept. 9, 2010Transcripts: Sept. 14, 2010


MARLEYKECA

3 (rookie) Defence

Height: 6’1” Weight: 188 poundsShoots: LeftHometown: Kelowna, B.C.Date of Birth: March 8, 1993BCHL registration: Oct. 4, 2010Transcripts: Oct. 4, 2010


LIAMDARRAGH

27 (import) Forward

Height: 6’4” Weight: 205 poundsShoots: LeftHometown: Quesnel, B.C.Date of Birth: January 2, 1990BCHL registration: Oct. 19, 2010


We’reWe’re going allgoing all the way!!the way!!

Go

Go

Dogs

Dogs

Go!

Go!

250.724.0655 4570-10th Avenue

• Fully Licensed • Air Conditioned

3426-3rd Ave. Port Alberni 250-724-5022

Mon-Sat 6:30am-9:00pm Sun 7:00-9:00pmOPEN

FAMILYFAMILYRESTAURANTRESTAURANT

Way to go Bulldogs!!Way to go Bulldogs!!

Good Luck in the Playoffs Bulldogs!

Phone: (250) 724.3706 Cell: 250.720.6633

FREEESTIMATES

26 years Experience

Scott Fraser, MLAAlberni-Pacific Rim

2845B Johnston Rd.Port Alberni, BC V9Y 5N4Phone 250-720.4515www.ScottFraserMLA.com


Literacy AlberniLiteracy Alberni SocietySociety

Good Luck Bulldogs…all the best!!!!

Del Rio Academy LtdDel Rio Academy Ltd4545 Gertrude St. (Southgate Plaza) 250-723-8300

Keep up the great work!

West CoastWest Coast HempHemp Inc.

3473 3rd Avenue • 250.724.6060

Congratulations Bulldogs on a great season.


Integral Hockey Stick Repair Ltd.“The Absolute Best

Composite Stick Repair”

Good Luck in theGood Luck in the Playoffs!Playoffs!

[email protected]

Computer Services

• Business • Residential • Laptops • Desktops • Networking • Repairs • Sales

www.ongeek.com 778-421-1107

Congratulations to the BulldogsCongratulations to the Bulldogs and Best of Luck in the Playoffs!and Best of Luck in the Playoffs!


Go Dogs Go

OLIVERMCCLUSKEY

18 (rookie) Forward

Height: 5’10” Weight: 180 poundsShoots: RightHometown: Penticton, B.C.Date of Birth: March 3, 1992BCHL registration: Sept. 9, 2010Transcripts: Sept. 16, 2010


KONRAD LITKE

11 (rookie, import) Forward

Height: 6’1” Weight: 200 poundsShoots: LeftHometown: Calgary, ABDate of Birth: August 14, 1992BCHL registration: Sept. 9, 2010Transcripts: Sept. 9, 2010


FRANKSLUBOWSKI

1 Goalie

Height: 5’11” Weight: 185 poundsShoots: LeftHometown: Prince Rupert, B.C.Date of Birth: December 31, 1990BCHL registration: Sept. 9, 2010Resume: Sept. 15, 2009Transcripts: Sept. 15, 2009

Player statistics:GP W L T SV%54 21 26 4 90.63

KIEFERGIROUX

30 Goalie

Height: 5’8” Weight: 160 poundsShoots: LeftHometown: Nanaimo, B.C.Date of Birth: July 29, 1994BCHL registration: Sept. 10, 2010

Player statistics:GP W L T SV%9 3 5 0 84.66

BERNIE THEBULLDOG

Team mascotHeight: 5’11” Weight: 200 poundsHometown: Port Alberni, B.C.Date of Birth: August 29, 2003Favourite pastime: Cheering for the

Alberni Valley Bulldogs

Statistics:Games attended

(2010-2011 season) – 60

The Alberni Valley Bulldogs, right, get ready to exchange pins with the Malmo Redhawks. The Sweden team defeated the Bulldogs 8-2 on Jan. 2 at the Alberni Valley Multiplex during an exhibition game. [KEITH SIMISTER, FOR THE TIMES]

4644 Adelaide St. 250-724-4451

We’re proud of youWe’re proud of youBulldogs!Bulldogs!

from your Port Alberni Sears Team

ALPORT INSURANCE AGENCIES INC.We’re behind you all the way,We’re behind you all the way,

Bulldogs!

250•723•2545250•723•25453767-10th AvenuePlaza Shopping Centre

Please phone ahead to help us serve you betterPhone: 250-724-4488Phone: 250-724-4488

Go Dogs Go!!6440 Walker Road Open 8-4 Tue, Wed, Thur

BUSINESS: 250-724-0992 • CELL: 250-735-0991EMAIL: [email protected]

Let us meet & exceed yourgarbage needsgarbage needs

Call today to discuss

Nicklin WasteNicklin Waste Disposal

Go Dogs Go!

A.V. Granite Design Works Ltd.

• FREE Estimates• FREE Estimates• Quality Installations • Quality Installations

• Reliable Service

Call todayCall today Steve 250.720.7853Steve 250.720.7853or or Wendy 250.724.5709Wendy 250.724.5709

Good Luck in the Playoffs!Good Luck in the Playoffs!

Salmonberry’sEMPORIUM

Harbour Quay • (250)724-2271the BEST browsing shop in Port

Find us on acebook

HOURS:Mon - Sat

Summer 9:30 am to DuskWinter 9:30 am to 5:30 pm

Let’s Go Dogs!!!

4663 Margaret St. • 778.421.HAIR (4247)

GOOD LUCK IN THE PLAYOFFS!GOOD LUCK IN THE PLAYOFFS!from the

Alberni Valley Bulldogs Official Design Team!!!

Congrats to #22Congrats to #22 Sawyer MickSawyer Mick

on theon the Fan Choice AwardFan Choice Award


Go Bulldogs Go!Go Bulldogs Go!5344 Argyle Street, Port Alberni, B.C.

250-723-0966boutiquebellesamies.ca

Go Bulldogs Go!Go Bulldogs Go!

6230 Beaver Creek Rd.250-724-3932

BEABEAVER CREEK MARKET


4918 Napier St. • www.avtimes.net • 250-723-8171

Good Luck in the Playoffs!from all your fans at

KRISTI DOBSON FOR THE TIMES

Clinching a spot as one of the top teams in the BCHL, the Alberni Val-ley Bulldogs are playoff bound and the organization agrees that its ninth year of operations has been a great success both on and off the ice.

For both regular season ticket hold-ers and those fans who make it to one or two games, the Bulldogs provided an exciting season of hockey. Off the ice, however, the impact the team has had on the community is everlasting. It begins before the season even starts, with a strong bond between the host families and continues with countless hours spent volunteering and returning the support.

Assistant coach Kevin Hasselberg views the team’s commitment to the community as a great source of pride.

“The team takes on the heartbeat of the structure it is a part of,” Hassel-berg said. “They are doing it with class, integrity and respect, and when you’re getting positive feedback every day, it feels like you’re contributing to their development.”

The first relationship the players build in Port Alberni begins on their first step into town during pre-season when they meet and move in with their host family. That relationship is an important one for both the billet and the family. For many of the younger players, it is their first time away from home.

“The families are great,” said Laurie Smillie, director of marketing and public relations. “They welcome the boys like they are one of their own.”

Bulldog player Ollie McCluskey, winner of the Humanitarian Award at the team’s banquet on Sunday, is experiencing his first year away from home. His host fam-ily, Nancy and Larry Doucette, have made the transition an easy one for him.

“We’ve had lots of fun times and bond-ed right away,” McCluskey said. “I knew them before the season started. We met in the summer when they were in Pen-ticton visiting [former Bulldog Mitch] McMillan’s family.”

Once the season starts, the Bulldogs can be seen all over town, volunteering with various community events and organizations.

They usually start off the year in August and September with a food drive for the Bread of Life and The Salvation Army. Boxes of non-perishables are donated every year by ticket holders who vie at a chance of winning prizes through an airplane toss or on-ice games.

During the season, the Bulldogs take their volunteering a step further into the schools, where they have a chance to make a positive impact on the youth of the community. The schools pro-gram, which started about five years ago, brings the players to local elemen-tary schools two days per week where

they help with physical education and academics.

“The feedback has been unbelievable. It has a huge impact on the kids,” Smillie said. “We are also able to host some classes at games. Some of the students already come with their families, but we also try to get tickets into the schools for those who might not have the chance to see a game.”

October is a big month for the team. It starts with a party hosted by the Port Alberni Association for Community Living and members of Pathways. The welcome party started two years ago and includes a spread of pizza, cake, draws and dancing.

Back on the ice, the month promotes “Pink on the Rink” to raise money for breast cancer and the Canadian Cancer Society. The Canadian Cancer Society sells scarves and the team dons pink jer-seys. It is something most teams in the BCHL have adopted as a major fundrais-ing initiative.

At the beginning of December, another popular event at many games in the

league is the annual Teddy Bear Toss. Anywhere from 800 to 950 bears are collected each year, which the players deliver to the hospital, seniors homes, The Salvation Army and KUU-US Crisis Line Society.

“This is something that touches every-one,” Smillie said. “It’s not just the kids that receive a bear, the boys will take them to the seniors and sing Christmas carols while they are there.”

A near-permanent fixture at the rink from January through Valentine’s Day is Angel Magnussen with her mother Cheryl and several friends. Magnussen has been collecting coins for Variety for 10 years and has been one of Variety’s Coin Drive Kids for six years with fel-low fundraiser, Jeneece Edroff. Her determination has grown ever since. The Bulldogs have gotten on board by hosting game nights and volunteering at her community Variety Show. Num-erous past and current team members have made a special friend in Angel.

Members of the community and the Alberni Valley Bulldogs participated in the Raise-a-Reader ball hockey tournament, which raised money for Raise-a-Reader and it gave the Bulldogs a chance to have a little fun in their community.

A year of success for Dogs on and off the ice

Go Dogs Go

Go Dogs Go

Alberni Valley Bulldog Kiefer Giroux, with Alberni District Secondary School leadership students, to promote their food drive event at the Dec. 8 Bulldogs home game. Fans were asked to bring along a non-perishable food item to help them reach their goal of 5,600 items by Dec. 16. [SHAYNE MORROW, TIMES]

» See COMMUNITY, Page 7B


» BULLDOGS, from Page 2B

“We’re a young team, and we lost some of our scoring power from last season,” Esdale said. “We may not overwhelm [our opponents] with scoring, but we’ve built a four-line team that’s not afraid to work hard.”

He said because of that they work shorter shifts and put more energy into their game.

Esdale said that will be import-ant as they take on Langley in the first round of the playoffs. He said the Chiefs have good scoring power and tend to post big num-bers, but as long as the Dogs stay disciplined they should be able to wear them down and get the goals they need to defeat them.

Although the Dogs finished in sixth place, closing out the season just one point ahead of Coquitlam with 55, the playoffs mean a clean slate.

“Now we get a fresh start,” explained captain Trent Dorais. “We have a lot of hard-nosed play-ers, and what we have to do is go in there and pump and grind until we get the win.”

He said they have been preparing for this moment all season, and they are ready and confident.

Hasselberg said that faith in the team would go a long way.

“We match up well against Lang-ley,” he said. “But how we play will determine the outcome of

the game.”He said the team has to hit the

ice knowing they can win. Then they must focus on playing disci-plined hockey.

“We have to stay out of the pen-alty box,” he said. “If we can do that, we can win.”

Although right now their focus is on the playoffs, Hasselberg said, looking toward next season, he already sees they are going to have a strong team.

“The foundation is there for a solid team next year,” he said. “It will be another year for all of the

players, but also a second year for the coach and assistant coach.”

He said last season the Bulldogs were the number one team, and they can do it again.

Esdale also sees great poten-tial in the team they built this year. This season, he said, they watched Josh Mitchell and Casey Bailey turn into two of their top guys. He expects a lot out of those two next season as well. He added that, although they will miss the strength of graduating players like goalie Frank Slubowski, next year they will have 11 returning forwards and four or five return-ing defencemen.

“That’s the great thing about this team,” Esdale explained. “They are young, and they are ready to learn.”

But as they focus on being suc-cessful in the playoffs, Esdale said one of the things that will work on their side is the passion of the hometown crowd.

“We have such great fan support in the Alberni Valley,” he said. “I hope everyone comes out to sup-port us, and we’ll really get this place rocking.”

Hasselberg agreed that the fanbase for the Bulldogs is quite unique, with the support they offer in the arena every time the Dogs play at home.

“It’s one of a kind,” he said. “No other BCHL team compares.”

He said that is one of the things

he noticed coming to Port Alberni for the first time, that people are welcoming and generous.

“Coming to the community and getting to know the players and the community has been one of the highlights for me,” he said. “It is an amazing experience.”

As Slubowski prepares to leave the community after this season to accept a scholarship in Mich-igan, he will look back on his time here with fond memories.

“I’m going to miss everything about it,” he said. “This has been my life for four years.”

Esdale said Slubowski is one of the best, if not the best, goalie in the BCHL, and the community and the team will miss him next season.

“He’s been great for our team,” he said. “He’s one of our success stories.”

And the season is not over yet. Esdale predicts they will con-tinue to build great memories as they head into the playoffs, and he hopes everyone comes out to cheer them on.

The Bulldogs are on the road for the first two games of the playoffs, but they return to the Alberni Valley Multiplex on Monday and Tuesday for back-to-back action. Make sure you are there in the stands to cheer them all the way to victory.

[email protected]

» COMMUNITY, from Page 1B

New this year, the Bulldogs have been helping promote Anti-Bullying Day on Feb. 23. Along with the ADSS leadership class and Jolie McMullan from The Peak, they have been visit-ing school classrooms all week bringing a strong message to students. At last Saturday’s game each player’s helmet was stuck with a pink “Bullying Stops Here” sticker that the leadership class had made up.

The Bulldogs and their com-mitment is also highly regard-ed by the Booster Club. Gareth Flostrand, a volunteer with the club since day one, says the players are a true asset in the schools.

“They work one-on-one with the kids and can relate to them like a big brother, so it is a bene-fit for both,” she said. “Some-times the players are shy when they first get here and don’t know anyone. This gets them out talking to teachers and par-ents. It opens them up and the younger students learn to trust them. The parents and kids love it.”

Flostrand also noticed that the socialization at car washes and hot dogs sales allows the com-munity to meet the team and see

them as who they are as individ-uals, not just players on the ice.

She remembers a fashion show during one of the early years that particularly stands out in her mind.

“It was a lot of work, but to see the players strutting their stuff on the catwalk was hilarious,” Flostrand said.

That community interaction is integral in boosting a player’s confidence and acquiring valu-able life skills.

“They are gaining skills as leaders in the community and on the ice,” Hasselberg said. “Most recently, I have seen play-ers stand in front of an audience and speak confidently. That makes me feel proud.”

McCluskey enjoys being a part of a community which provides so much support and feels it is his duty to give back.

“It is important to be viewed as positive role models and to give a good perspective to kids who look up to us and want to be like us when they’re older,” he said.

McCluskey’s receipt of the Humanitarian Award was pre-sented to him for displaying characteristics the team hopes to portray as a whole, including a commitment to community activities and approaching them with a positive outlook.

Jersey number: 15 Height: 6’0” Weight: 190 lbs.Birthdate: 07/13/90 Shoots: Left Points: 4Hometown: Fraser Lake, B.C. Favourite food: Steak and potatoesWho will win the Stanley Cup: Pittsburgh PenguinsWhat he does off the ice: Hang out with his teammatesFavourite thing about Port Alberni: Hockey and fans

Checking the facts

SIOBHAN BURNS ALBERNI VALLEY TIMES

Kyle Weber wears an A on his jersey. He is one of three assist-ant captains for the Alberni Val-ley Bulldogs.

Weber joined the Alberni Val-ley team at the beginning of the 2010-2011 BCHL season. The two years prior he played for the Nanaimo Clippers.

From Fraser Lake, B.C., Weber is impressed with the support he and his teammates receive.

“The organization and the sup-port we have from the fans and volunteers is what I enjoy most about Port Alberni,” Weber said.

The six-foot, 190-pound defenceman’s earliest hockey memory was skating with his dad.

“My dad was my coach all the way through minor hockey.”

Weber’s future plans include going to school, playing hockey and becoming a firefighter.

[email protected]

DOGPOUND An opportunity to get to know the Bulldogs

Fan support impresses Weber

Kyle Weber is one of the assistant captains for the Alberni Valley Bulldogs. The 6’0”, 190-pound defenceman is from Fraser Lake, B.C. and joined the team at the beginning of the season after playing for the Nanaimo Clippers. [SIOBHAN BURNS, TIMES]

Kyle Weber, defence

Dogs join fi ght against bullying

Bulldog forward Dylan Nowakowski prepares to take a shot against the Victoria Grizzlies at the Jan. 28 home game. [KEITH SIMISTER, FOR THE TIMES]

Valley team looking forward to ‘fresh start’

Alberni Valley Bulldogs fans ‘believe’ in their team and will be out in full force during the playoffs to cheer them on.

Assistant coach Kevin Hasselberg (left) and head coach Paul Esdale (second from the right) bid farewell to graduating players, left to right, Frank Slubowski, Frank Riddle, Liam Darragh, Sam Mitchell and Kyle Weber. [HEATHER

THOMSON, TIMES]

Download - Bulldogs special section

Top Related