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Bulldogs make splash with bench hire

The Alberni Valley Bulldogs announced Monday the hiring of Joe Martin on a multi-year agreement to become the Bulldogs’ new head coach and general manager.

Martin joins the Bulldogs as the current BCHL Coach of the year after guiding the Merritt Centennials to an overall record of 36-15-4-3 during the 2018/19 season, good for second place overall in the Interior Division.

In four seasons as the Centennials’ head coach and general manager, Martin compiled an overall record of 106-97-21-3.  In total, Martin spent eight seasons with Merritt, joining them as an assistant coach/assistant GM for the 2011/12 season before taking over the reins as head coach in 2015. Martin has also served as the Assistant Coach for the past two Team Canada West clubs at the World Junior A Challenge.

“Our family is excited to be moving to the city of Port Alberni and to join the Alberni Valley Bulldogs,” says Martin. “Every time I’ve coached in the Weyerhaeuser Arena, I’ve always been impressed with the hometown presence. It’s a loud building with fantastic ice — arguably the best in the BCHL. I look forward to bringing an entertaining brand of hockey to the Alberni Valley and continuing to help young athletes improve.”

“Having Joe Martin join us in Port Alberni is a major win for our program,” says David Michaud. “I’ve seen first-hand during my time in Penticton the type of teams Joe Martin can deploy.  Joe has also demonstrated an ability to move his athletes on to the next level. Our club is very lucky to have Joe and his family join us in our pursuit of becoming an elite program in the BCHL.”