Monday, September 23, 2013

'Dogs D-man Wilson accepts offer to RPI for next season

Press Release

 Port Alberni – The Alberni Valley Bulldogs are very proud to announce that Jared Wilson has committed to the NCAA Division I program at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute for 2014/15.

The RPI Engineers are members of the Eastern College Athletic Conference and play out of the Houston Field House in Troy, New York.

RPI is coming off another successful season under head coach Seth Appert. In 2012/13, the Engineers finished with an overall record of 18-14-5 and a conference record of 12-7-3.

Wilson is the third Alberni Valley Bulldogs recruit in recent years by RPI, following in the footsteps of former Bulldogs Johnny Rogic and Evan Tironese. Wilson will also be joining former ‘Dogs head coach Nolan Graham who is currently an assistant coach with RPI.

In 50 regular season games in 2012/13, Wilson led all rookie defencemen in the BCHL in scoring with 10 goals and added 22 assists for 32 points, had a shooting percentage of 14.08%, and defensively had a plus/minus rating of +6. 14 of Wilson’s 32 points came on the power play (6G, 8A).

“Wilson came in to camp having worked very hard in the off-season, and it shows,” said head coach and general manager Kevin Willison.

In the first 5 games of the 2013/14 season, Wilson leads the team with 6 points (2 goals and 4 assists). Both Wilson’s goals have been on the power play.

“We are extremely happy for Jared and it’s great to see his hard work is paying off,” added Willison. “We are very proud of what he has accomplished to put himself in a position to be a highly touted recruit to a top NCAA Division 1 program.”

Wilson’s outstanding play during the 2012/13 season and into the BCHL Conference Finals garnered a lot of NHL interest. However, it was Wilson’s dominant play at the Bauer BCHL Showcase that has carried that NHL interest into this season. The coaching staff has been receiving several calls from NHL clubs already this season.

The Alberni Valley Bulldogs family is very proud of Jared for his commitment to RPI and look forward to many great things from him and from the team this season.


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

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