The Alberni Valley Bulldogs have hired a new head coach.
Late Tuesday night the team announced via press release that Matt Hughes has been named head coach and general manager of the BC Hockey League team, and will start work immediately, overseeing the Bulldogs’ spring identification camp in Osoyoos.
Hughes has been signed for a two-year deal with a one-year option, according to the release.
Alex Evin remains assistant coach.
Hughes comes to the Bulldogs from Pursuit of Excellence Hockey Academy in Kelowna, where he was the head coach of the U18 Midget Prep team since 2014. Prior to that he spent 11 years coaching competitive junior hockey in the Alberta Junior Hockey League (AJHL), North American Hockey League (NAHL) and BCHL in 200-10 with Salmon Arm Silverbacks. He was also assistant coach and video coach in 2008-09 for the Hockey Canada World U17 program, winning silver in 2009.
“Our search for a new head coach saw an overwhelming amount of interest in the Alberni Valley Bulldogs, Port Alberni Junior Hockey Society president Ron Paulson said.
“It speaks volumes to the reputation of the Alberni Valley Bulldogs’ franchise, and the reputation of the BCHL.”
The Bulldogs received more than 100 resumés for the head coach/ GM position, Paulson added.
Hughes has helped more than 30 of his past players obtain NCAA Div. 1 scholarships, the team noted.
Hughes thanked the Bulldogs in a statement. “The Alberni Valley is an amazing community with a knowledgeable and enthusiastic fan base,” he said. “I’m looking forward to the work we have ahead of us.”