16-YEAR OLD NETMINDER JOINS BULLDOGS FOLLOWING STRONG ROOKIE SEASON IN VIJHL
Port Alberni, BC – The Alberni Valley Bulldogs are pleased to announce that 2001-born goaltender Blake Wood has committed to join the team for the 2018/19 British Columbia Hockey League season.
Wood hails from Nanaimo and spent last season with his hometown Buccaneers in the VIJHL, where his 18 wins were good for second most in the league. He finished with an 18-3 record along with a 2.93 goals-against average and a .909 save-percentage and was named a co-recipient of the Buccaneers’ Rookie of the Year award. He also practiced with the Bulldogs regularly as an affiliate player.
“Blake is a talented young goaltender whose size and athleticism make him a great BCHL prospect,” says Bulldogs head coach Matt Hughes. “We had an opportunity to see Blake’s ability level up close throughout the season and we feel he’s got a very bright future in our league. We feel that he and John Hawthorne will form a strong partnership next season and we’re excited for his continued development as a Bulldog.”
Before joining the Buccaneers, Wood spent two seasons at the Yale Hockey Academy in Abbotsford, playing on the Bantam Prep team in 2015/16 and the Elite-15s squad in 2016/17. In May 2016 he was selected by the Kamloops Blazers in the 8th round of the WHL Bantam Draft.
“I’m very honoured and excited to play for the Bulldogs next season,” says Wood, who describes himself as an aggressive goaltender who never gives up on pucks and loves to win. “The city, the fan base and the organization are all outstanding. Having the chance to practice and affiliate with the Bulldogs last season was great; everyone treats you with respect, and getting a little taste of the BCHL was awesome. Overall it was a first class experience and I’m very excited for what the future holds with the Bulldogs!”
Wood will join the Bulldogs when training camp opens in August.
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For more information, please contact:
Matt Hughes
Head Coach/GM
(250) 723-4412
matt@albernivalleybulldogs.ca
