It was announced this morning by General Manager, Spiros Anastas, that the Alberni Valley Bulldogs will be retiring the jersey (#18) of former Captain and local Hockey player, Devin Timberlake.
"As we move forward in establishing a new era and culture of Bulldogs Hockey, it is important to appreciate our past and those who have made us proud," Anastas said, "Devin embodies every characteristic and quality that we look to establish in the players of our current team. He is a worthy role model for our players and all minor Hockey players throughout the Alberni Valley."
Timberlake played for the Bulldogs for four seasons spanning from 2002 to 2006, before attending the Ivy League's Brown University and earning the Captaincy for his Junior and Senior seasons.
"It was never about stats with Devin. The consummate team guy, Captain and the prime example of what this team can do when it comes to opportunities for local kids," expressed Evan Hammond, this morning shortly after the announcement.
He went on to pursue Professional Hockey within the Boston Bruins organization, playing with the Providence Bruins of the AHL and Reading Royals of the ECHL. He finished his playing career with the Gwinnett Gladiators of the ECHL before taking a position as a Financial Analyst with Primary Capital in Vancouver.
“I am thrilled that the Bulldogs organization have chosen to honour alumni Devin Timberlake by retiring his jersey. Devin is the perfect role model for our community and this franchise. He was the hardest working player I have ever seen, he was an outstanding leader, he understood the value of education and pursued a post-secondary degree and he was always prepared to give back to his team and to the community. The fact that he was born and raised in the valley is something we should all be proud of. Devin Timberlake’s character and basic human qualities are attributes all young people should aspire to and should set the standard for what it means to be an Alberni Valley Bulldog,” described Tom McEVay, Bulldogs Educational Director.
The retirement of Timberlake's jersey will take place on October 20th when the Bulldogs take on the Chilliwack Chiefs at 7 PM.
"Devin is the perfect example of someone who used Hockey as a vehicle to enhance his education and life," concluded Anastas, "My hope is that we pack the building so we can all celebrate him together."
Stay tuned for further updates.
