Bulldogs move pieces on board

A hockey challenge invite, some additions and one subtraction were on tap with the Alberni Valley Bulldogs this week

The Alberni Valley Bulldogs leading scorer has climbed another rung in his career.

The team announced that forward Evan Tironese was named to the selection camp for the World Junior A Challenge. Tironese has seven goals and 13 assists over 15 games so far this season. He joins 21 other BCHL players who were also invited to try out. Tryouts are being held from Oct. 28-Oct. 31 in Calgary, Alta. The challenge is from Nov. 5-11 in Yarmouth, Nova Scotia.

In other news, the team announced that Trail Smoke Eaters defenceman Eric Walker will be joining the team. Former Alberni resident Brent Baltus is a forward with the Smoke Eaters.

The acquisitions comes on the heels of Bulldogs defenceman Jared Crossan leaving the team to rehabilitate a reoccurring knee injury. Crossan had one goal and three assists in 13 games this season.

The team also acquired forward Matthew Hansen from the Omaha Lancers of the USHL.

The five-foot 10, 170 pound Saint Cloud, Minn. native has no goals and one assist in four games with the Lancers.

“Up at 4:30 a.m. ready to get after it in British Columbia,” Hansen tweeted. “Port Alberni is unreal. Couldn’t have asked for more.”

And defenceman Marlon Sabo has committed to attend Princeton University to play with the NCAA Division One Tigers.

The Bullodgs play Prince George on Friday and Merritt on Saturday. The Bulldogs last game was a 3-2 overtime loss against Chilliwack.

Alberni Valley News