A Look Around the Island
A look at the Alberni Valley Bulldogs shows a team in transition. You can determine for yourself if this team is any better in October than it was in the beginning of the year, but it’s certainly different. I would not have predicted the team to have only 6 points so far this season but that’s exactly where they are.
A look from a year ago after 15 games until now shows no improvement in the standings. The team was 3-11-0-1 last year and they are 2-11-0-2 this season. With some of the new additions hopefully the Bulldogs can find a way to turn it around and make a run for a Coastal Conference playoff spot. Below is a list of the changes from opening night until now.
Players still in the mix:
Curtis Tonello, Adam Hout, Branden Gracel, Taylor Orser, Zack Mazo, Brett Mohler, Chris Moulson, James Kerr, Evan Witt, Warren Muir, Josh Pineiro, Kevin Ross, Robert Lindores, Matt Wong, Colin Rundell
Players no longer with the club:
Shae Naka, Matt Frydrysek, Ben Payne, Lee Patzer, Justin Castagna
Players new to the team:
Eric Fraser, Ryan Corbiel, Mark Morikawa, Johnny Rogic, Mitch MacMillan, Brian Kang
The division leading Grizzlies are up in the Interior this week trying further distance themselves from the pack. With games against Salmon Arm, Penticton, Trail and Vernon it won’t be easy to pick up points. Those four teams are a collective 23 games above .500. The good news is Evan Pighin is once again allowed to play – hopefully he will finish the season and his junior career with everyone talking about his offensive talent and not arguing about his status.
It’s quite a battle for the other two Island teams with Nanaimo and Cowichan entering a home and home series. Nanaimo goes into it in second place but the swing is potentially massive – a Clipper regulation sweep and they have a seven point lead for second. a Cowichan regulation sweep and they have a one point lead for second.
