Wednesday, June 12, 2013

Bulldogs Add Significant Piece to Top 6:Announce Spring Camp

Press Release

Port Alberni, BC – The Alberni Valley Bulldogs announce today that they have acquired the rights to 1994-born forward Shane O’Brien from the Stratford Cullitons of the Greater Ontario Junior Hockey League.

O’Brien was first seen by one of the Alberni Valley Bulldogs’ Ontario-based scouts. Shortly after doing some research into O’Brien, he was invited to attend the Bulldogs’ spring identification camp in Port Alberni this past April. Immediately, the coaches and evaluators were impressed with the speed at which O’Brien thinks and plays the game. He will make a definite impact to the team’s offense this coming season and will be a treat for fans to watch.

“We are extremely happy we were able to come to terms with Stratford and acquire the rights to Shane,” said Alberni Valley Bulldogs head coach and general manager Kevin Willison. “Shane will give the Bulldogs much added speed and offense to our line up.”

Even with an injury that O’Brien sustained at the spring camp, that didn’t slow down his compete level and goal production. That showed the organization that he is a player that the fans in the Alberni Valley will be proud to call their own.

O’Brien put up 47 points in 48 games in the 2012/13 season and come from an organization that has produced many successful Junior A and professional players, including Penticton Vee’s all-rookie team member Brad McClure, Nelson Emerson, Boyd Devereaux, Ed Olczyk, Louie DeBrusk, Bryan Smolinski, and Chris Pronger just to name a few.

The Alberni Valley Bulldogs also take this opportunity to announce two other players that were committed to out of the 2013 spring identification camps.

Victoria-born forward Josh Adkins played this past season with the Peninsula Panthers of the Vancouver Island Junior Hockey League. Adkins, born in 1995, put up 11 goals and 32 assist in 46 games with the Panthers and came highly recommended by his former coaches. He also contributed with a game-winning goal against the Powell River Kings in Round 1 of these year’s playoffs. Adkins impressed the coaches and evaluators at the Port Alberni spring identification camp and seemed to make an impact everytime he was on the ice.

“I went into the camp pretty hopeful but I was also nervous because there were many talented players at the camp,” said one of the newest Bulldogs Josh Adkins. “When I was asked to sign at the end of camp I was really relieved because it has been my goal to play in the BCHL for a couple years now. I’m looking forward to playing in front of the best fans in the league and also being a part of such a respected organization and community,” concluded Adkins.

The Bulldogs also want to take this opportunity to announce the commitment of 1995-born defenseman Riley Ostoforoff. Ostoforoff played the last two seasons for the Castlegar Rebels in the KIJHL. This past season, he helped his team win the 2012/13 KIJHL championships and appeared in the Cyclone Taylor Cup which was hosted by the Comox Glacier Kings.

“I have heard many great things about the team, the city and the dedication from the fans,” said Ostoforoff. “I had a great experience at camp…and I am excited to (find) out that I have become an Alberni Valley Bulldog.”

Ostoforoff is a stay-at-home defenseman that also plays with a mean-streak. Ostoforoff’s strong skating abilities and compete level makes him a very effective shut-down defenseman.

The Alberni Valley Bulldogs would like to welcome Shane, Josh, and Riley to the Bulldogs family. More exciting player announcements are soon to follow.

The public’s first chance to meet these three players will be at the 2nd annual Alberni Valley Bulldogs season kick-off golf tournament held on Saturday, August 17th at the Alberni Golf Club. Please check the Alberni Valley Bulldogs website later this week for more details.   

(Nathan can be reached at nathanfournier@mainehockeyjournal.com)

No comments: