The Alberni Valley Bulldogs are back on the ice for a brand new season with the B.C. Hockey League.
The Bulldogs opened their pre-season in Nanaimo by shutting out their hosts 4–0 in the first of a home-and-home series with the Clippers. Goals came from newcomers Jack Ziliotto, Wyatt Blace and Jimmy Lyver as well as Zeke Nicholson.
At the ‘Dawg Pound on Saturday, where parking was a premium due to the Alberni District Fall Fair happening at the same time, Nanaimo returned the favour by winning 6–4.
The games were a preview of the inaugural “Rivalry Series” the teams are promoting this year: they will play each other seven times this season.
The Bulldogs had seven players returning from last year, including goalie Callum Tung, on their roster for the first two games of the pre-season.
The Bulldogs host another home-and-home exhibition series this Friday, Sept. 15 on the road against the Cowichan Valley Capitals, then return to the AV Multiplex Saturday, Sept. 16 for the second game. Puck drop is 7 p.m.
The regular season kicks off Sept. 22 on the road against Coquitlam Express, with a second game on the road Sept. 23 against Langley Rivermen. The Bulldogs play their first home game Saturday, Sept. 30 when Nanaimo Clippers return to town. Puck drop will be 7 p.m.
ICE CHIPS…The Bulldogs have acquired 20-year-old forward Fischer O’Brien from the Penticton Vees in exchange for future considerations. While O’Brien’s rights were with the Vees, he has spent the past three seasons with his hometown Prince George Cougars, playing in 151 total games between regular season and playoffs. He cleared Western Hockey League waivers.
