As many have said, there isn’t a manual when it comes to what the Bulldogs and the rest of the BCHL are facing. COVID-19 and the ensuing shutdown of the sports & entertainment world has made this off-season anything but normal. Coming off the season the Bulldogs experienced, perhaps this latest set back is par for the course.
“We’re doing what we can to make sure the business, and our club are healthy when we come out the other side of this” said club president David Michaud. “It’s honestly meant some tough choices to keep us as lean as possible while the revenue has really all but dried up. From a hockey perspective though, Joe Martin & Brandon Shaw have been relentless in their efforts to add to our strong returning core for next season.”
The Bulldogs have committed to forwards Chase Klassen, Brandon Buhr, Adam Jeffrey, and Jacob MacDonald so far this spring. With such a strong contingent returning, the Bulldogs are optimistic that their roster is taking shape to be a competitor for and Island Division crown.
“We’re always working the phones” said Bulldogs general manager & head coach Joe Martin. “We’re all in the same boat, so I think as a club we are doing whatever we can during this off-season to try and get a leg up. Losing out spring camps has changed some things, but I think the work we have done so far this off-season has us feeling pretty good with where things are at.”
Like all clubs in the BCHL, the Bulldogs are in a waiting game to hear from Hockey Canada and the provincial health authorities on what’s next. The hope of course is that all the heavy lifting that has been done by the people of BC will see the virus settle down and allow things to get back to normal by the fall. If however the “new” normal looks a little different than we’re used to, the Bulldogs are prepared to do whatever it takes.
“We’re really preparing for all scenarios” said Michaud. “Time is on our side to prepare for not only life returning to normal, but building contingencies in case we need to alter our course. As a league, we’re committed to doing what’s right for our players, our fans, and our businesses so that we’re as strong as ever for the day we can welcome our players back and the puck can drop for next season.”
