THREE RETURNING PLAYERS, ONE NEWCOMER SET TO LEAD BULLDOGS INTO BCHL SEASON
The Alberni Valley Bulldogs are pleased to announce that 20-year old forward Tyler Vanuden has been named team captain for the 2018/19 British Columbia Hockey League season. Defencemen Spencer Hora, Darren Rizzolo and Marcus Walter have been named as alternate captains.
Vanuden is entering his second season as a Bulldog after joining the team in October 2017 via a trade with the AJHL’s Brooks Bandits. The former Victoria Cougar made an immediate impact, scoring 19 points in 34 regular season games while earning an ‘A’ on his sweater following the January trade deadline.
“Tyler is a positive, energetic guy who loves the game and shows up every day ready to set the tone with his work ethic and enthusiasm,” says Bulldogs head coach Matt Hughes. “He has the respect of everybody in our dressing room as well as our coaching and training staff, and we’re excited to see him take on more leadership responsibility in his 20-year old season.”
Rizzolo is the longest-tenured player on the Bulldogs roster, having suited up in 95 games dating back to the 2016/17 campaign, while Hora was acquired in a January trade from the West Kelowna Warriors and Walter joined the team in June from the NAHL’s Springfield Junior Blues.
“Darren, Spencer and Marcus are all experienced, team-first guys who bring different positive qualities to our group,” says Hughes. “All three are highly deserving of this opportunity and will be leaned on heavily in what we expect to be a very competitive and successful season.”
Vanuden and the Bulldogs open the 2018/19 season on Friday at Cowichan Valley with a roster that features 10 returning players, three summer trade acquisitions and 10 rookies.
“I’m very excited to be named captain of the Alberni Valley Bulldogs,” says Vanuden. “It’s a huge honour to have the trust of my teammates and coaches. I’m looking forward to the challenge and responsibility of being counted on to lead by example both on and off the ice.”
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For more information, please contact:
Matt Hughes
Head Coach/GM
(250) 723-4412
matt@albernivalleybulldogs.ca
