FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 16, 2025
Alberni Valley Bulldogs Announce Venue Change for Round 2 of BCHL Playoffs
PORT ALBERNI, B.C. – The Alberni Valley Bulldogs announced today that Round 2 of the BCHL Playoffs vs. the Chilliwack Chiefs will be relocated to the Frank Crane Arena in Nanaimo due to refrigeration issues affecting the ice at the Alberni Valley Multiplex.
While the Bulldogs had hoped to continue their playoff run on home ice, they are excited to take on the Chilliwack Chiefs in Nanaimo. The team remains focused and energized heading into the next round.
“We’ve built something special with this group, and our fans have been behind us every step of the way,” said Joe Martin, Head Coach and General Manager of the Alberni Valley Bulldogs. “Although we’re disappointed, we won’t be playing in Port Alberni, we’re committed to making the Frank Crane Arena feel like home—and we know our fans will help us bring that Bulldogs atmosphere to Nanaimo.”
Key Details:
- New Venue: Frank Crane Arena – 2300 Bowen Road, Nanaimo, B.C.
- Dates and Times: Round 2 schedule below.
- Ticket Sales: On sale at 12 noon today. The Bulldogs Box Office schedule is below.
The Bulldogs organization is working closely with arena officials and community partners to ensure a smooth transition for fans, including extended Box Office hours, group ticket packages, ticket access codes, transportation options and merchandise.
Ticket pricing will remain at $20 for adults and $12 for youth. As always 2 youth tickets are available at no charge with an adult ticket thanks to the generous support of the Tseshaht First Nation, Tseshaht Market and Tseshaht Forestry.
“We need our fans with us more than ever,” Martin added. “Bring your Bulldogs pride to Nanaimo and help us create a playoff atmosphere our players will never forget. Let’s Fill the Frank!”
For additional information and updates, please visit www.albernivalleybulldogs.ca or follow us on social media.
Media Contact:
Stefanie Weber
Director of Business Operations
Alberni Valley Bulldogs
250.735.0766
stefanie@avbulldogs.ca
BACKGROUNDER
On Sunday, April 13, 2025, the City of Port Alberni was alerted to a technical issue with the Alberni Valley Multiplex ice plant, the refrigeration system responsible for creating and maintaining the ice surfaces in the facility. Out of an abundance of caution, the city immediately shut down the ice plant, closed the facility and called Fraser Valley Refrigeration, its certified contracted technician, to assess the system.
As a result of this downtime, the Weyerhaeuser ice warmed, making it unfit for use. With the Alberni Valley Bulldogs still in playoff contention, this loss of ice means that future second round playoff games cannot be played on home ice.
While this is deeply disappointing, the Bulldogs organization has secured ice at the Frank Crane Arena in Nanaimo and will continue the second round of the 2025 Rogers BCHL Playoff run in that facility.
The city will keep the fans and community informed as the full technical scope of the issue becomes clearer.
ROUND 2 COASTAL CONFERENCE SEMI FINAL SCHEDULE:
Game 1 Friday April 18 Chilliwack Coliseum 7pm
Game 2 Saturday April 19 Chilliwack Coliseum 7pm
Game 3 Tuesday April 22 Frank Crane Arena Nanaimo 7pm
Game 4 Wednesday April 23 Frank Crane Arena Nanaimo 7pm
Game 5** Saturday April 26 Chilliwack Coliseum 715pm
Game 6** Sunday April 27 Frank Crane Arena Nanaimo 7pm
Game 7** Tuesday April 29 Chilliwack Coliseum 7pm
** if needed
ALBERNI VALLEY MULTIPLEX BULLDOGS BOX OFFICE SCHEDULE:
Thursday April 17th 9am to 5pm
Saturday, April 19th 9am to 5pm
Tuesday, April 22nd 9am to 3pm**
Wednesday, April 23rd 9am to 3pm**
**The Box Office will be open at the Frank Crane Arena for walk up ticket sales at 6pm
Tickets can also be purchased online at tickets.albernivalleybulldogs.ca
