FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The Port Alberni Junior Hockey Society announced today that it has completed the purchase of 100% of the Alberni Valley Bulldogs Hockey Club from the current ownership group which includes Okanagan Hockey School, The See Group of Companies and Doctor David Ness.
In confirming the league approval of the sale of the team earlier this week, BCHL Commissioner John Grisdale noted that Bulldogs have a proud history in the Alberni Valley and that the league is happy the franchise will remain in place in Port Alberni as Coach Willison and the players work to get back to the top.
Society Director Darren DeLuca stated that PAJHS will hold 100% of the shares of the team and has developed a solid business plan that includes all outstanding payables funded in full.
“The Society has prepared a detailed operating budget for the 2012-2013 season and has reviewed due diligence and financial history provided by the current ownership group and feel that, with continued community and fan support, it will be able to operate a vibrant and viable team over the coming seasons” said DeLuca.
The shift to a locally owned community team is a positive move for the organization noted Andy Oakes, president of Okanagan Hockey School and outgoing majority owner of the team. “On behalf of Okanagan Hockey School, Dennis See, the See Group of Companies and Dr. David Ness we would like to thank the staff, season ticket holders, sponsors, billet families and players that have been with the team through our ownership. This move for the team to be locally owned is a very positive step for Junior Hockey in the community. We wish the Port Alberni Junior Hockey Society all the best in the operations of the team and look forward to watching the club have a positive future on and off the ice” said Oakes.
PAJHS Fundraising Chair Bob Cole noted that the Society will continue its fundraising effort. “As stated previously, in order to be in a strong position moving forward, we would like to raise a minimum of $50,000 more prior to the start of the season. Those additional funds will ensure that the team will start with the resources it needs to kick off a successful season” said Cole.
The Bulldogs organization will be guided by a 7 person Board of Directors appointed this week by PAJHS. This well rounded team offers a solid combination of business and hockey expertise and is challenged with the task of developing a winning, financially successful team on behalf of the community that now owns it. There are no significant changes in team personnel ensuring continuity for fans, sponsors, players and volunteers.
The Port Alberni Junior Hockey Society (PAJHS) was formed to purchase majority ownership in the Alberni Valley Bulldogs for the purpose of securing the team locally and providing benefits for the community derived from having a ‘not for profit’ organization as the principle owner. The BCHL now has 5 teams currently operating successfully as societies. The League is widely known as one of the top junior hockey organizations in North America and features 16 teams throughout the province.
2012-2013 ALBERNI VALLEY BULLDOGS HOCKEY CLUB
Board of Directors: Darren DeLuca, Ron Paulson, Rick Schievink, Al McCulloch, Kevin Somerville, Andy Oakes, and Dennis See.
Head Coach: Kevin Willison
Assistant Coach: Adam Hayduk
Marketing and Operations: Laurie Smillie
Head Trainer and Equipment Manager: James McDonald
Assistant Equipment Manager: Jamie Amos
Education Advisor: Tom McEvay
Billet Coordinator: Melissa Martin
2012-2013 PORT ALBERNI JUNIOR HOCKEY SOCIETY BOARD OF DIRECTORS
CHAIR: Darren DeLuca
SECRETARY: Bob Cole
TREASURER: Al McCulloch
DIRECTORS: Russell Dyson, Dave McCormick, Kevin Somerville, Stefanie Weber, Frank Kruks, Gareth Flostrand, Ron Paulson, Teri Fong, Barb Witte
The Bulldogs annual summer hockey school starts Monday, August 13th followed by the Bulldogs golf tournament on Saturday, August 18th at the Alberni Golf Club. 1pm shot gun start. Registration forms are online at www.albernivalleybulldogs.ca. Spots are limited.
