CAMPBELL RIVER STORM ROOKIE ANNOUNCED AS SECOND COMMIT FOR 2018/19 SEASON
Port Alberni, BC – The Alberni Valley Bulldogs are pleased to announce that 2000-born forward Pearce Messer has committed to join the team for the 2018/19 British Columbia Hockey League season.
Messer is currently playing in his rookie season with the Campbell River Storm of the Vancouver Island Junior Hockey League, where he has scored 13 goals and added 19 assists in 27 regular season games. His points total leads all rookies on the Storm roster and places him third overall in the nine-team VIJHL among skaters in his age group.
“Pearce is a young man who really stood out at our main camp, in exhibition, and in the regular season games he’s dressed in as an affiliate player,” says Bulldogs head coach Matt Hughes. “He’s also had a very productive season in Campbell River and shown a lot of growth as a two-way player. Pearce’s number one attribute is his shot and we think he’s going to develop into a dangerous offensive weapon in the BCHL.”
The 17-year old has suited up in six games so far this season as a Bulldogs’ AP and hit the scoresheet twice, picking up his first BCHL point against the Cowichan Valley Capitals on November 1st and his first goal against the Penticton Vees on December 2nd.
“I’m extremely happy to be joining the Bulldogs,” says Messer, who describes himself as a quick forward who likes to shoot the puck and generate offence from all over the ice. “I’ve been working hard in Campbell River to round out my game and I’m excited to take this next step. I’ve been playing a similar system with the Storm to what the Bulldogs utilize so that has helped make for a smooth transition. Once I adjusted to the speed of the league I’ve felt like I’ve been able to contribute in some way every game.”
The Delta, BC product spent the 2016/17 season with the Midget Prep squad at the Delta Hockey Academy and finished second in team scoring with 14 goals and 32 points. He also played in seven regular season games for Campbell River, scoring eight points and earning a call-up from Storm head coach Lee Stone for the VIJHL Finals and Cyclone Taylor Cup.
“We are extremely proud of the progress Pearce has made on and off the ice and as an organization we are excited to reestablish a great relationship with the Alberni Valley Bulldogs,” says Stone. “I firmly believe that Pearce will be a very successful Bulldog and with his determination and skill set he has the ability to move on and play beyond the BCHL one day!”
Messer will continue to play for the Storm and be available to play BCHL games as an affiliate player this season before joining the Bulldogs full-time next year.
***
For more information, please contact:
Matt Hughes
Head Coach/GM
(250) 723-4412
matt@albernivalleybulldogs.ca
