The ownership group behind the BCHL’s Alberni Valley Bulldogs are pleased to announce that they have received approval to join the VIJHL in the fall of 2021.
The Jr. B hockey club will call the Alberni Valley Multiplex home, and will be known as the Port Alberni Bombers.
The Bombers were officially granted approval in the VIJHL on Thursday by BC Hockey.
“It’s an exciting time for Junior Hockey in Port Alberni” said David Michaud. “Our group is thrilled to add another team to the Port Alberni hockey scene. Since acquiring the Bulldogs in 2019, we’ve wanted to add to the hockey landscape here. I believe with great passion that Port Alberni can be the hub of hockey development in the North Island. Bringing the Bombers to life is the next step in that vision.
Michaud will oversee operations for the Jr B Bombers who will begin playing this fall.
“We have some work to do still, there are a few I’s to be dotted, and T’s to be crossed, but we’re thrilled that Jr. B hockey will be played this fall at the Multiplex. I’d like to thank mayor and council, Willa Thorpe and Minor Hockey for their support, and of course all the staff at the Multiplex who make our arena a special place to work.”
The search for the Bombers 1st head coach & general manager is under way and the club hopes to make a decision by the 1st week of June.
The vision for Bombers ties back to Michaud’s days with the Major Midget Okanagan Rockets. “I was proud to have helped develop a program that kept younger players at home while giving them a chance to play hockey, develop, and gain exposure. That’s exactly what we plan to do with the Bombers. We envision the Bombers as the logical next step for graduating Alberni Minor Hockey Midget age players, as well as a spot for potential Bulldogs players to develop their skill in our program and under our guidance.”
Social media pages are up and running on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram under @portbombers.
