The start of the ÎÚÑ»´«Ã½ Hockey League season is less than two months away and the league has solidified the long-term future of the Bulldogs in Port Alberni.
The BCHL board of governors has approved the sale of the Alberni Valley Bulldogs franchise to Olithan Sports & Entertainment Ltd., headed by Garry and Teresa Wong.
Garry Wong has been in the construction industry since 1984 and is the co-founder of Keith Panel Systems, a leading architectural facades company.
“I am thrilled to be part of the Alberni Valley Bulldogs Ownership Group,” Wong said in a statement on Tuesday. “The Bulldogs are an integral part of Port Alberni and its neighbouring communities. As we look ahead, we aim to build on our success alongside the community, staff and the BCHL.
“We are enthusiastic about shaping the future of our players. I want the Bulldogs program to be a place that inspires hope for players who dream of competing at this level and as a launchpad for pursuing further opportunities.
“Owning a hockey franchise is a true privilege. It’s an opportunity that not many people get in their lifetimes, making this a special journey for me. I am deeply grateful.”
The league’s board of governors unanimously approved the franchise sale at the recent annual general meeting. All the Bulldogs other shareholders remain in place, including long time local owners Stefanie Weber and Dennis See.
“The BCHL is pleased to welcome Garry and Teresa to the league and is excited to see the rest of the ownership group remain with the organization,” commissioner Steven Cocker said in a statement.
“The Bulldogs have been on an upward trajectory on and off the ice for several years now and we are confident that this new group will be able to continue that trend.”
The Bulldogs open the 2024-25 BCHL regular season on Sept. 20 when they host the Nanaimo Clippers at the Alberni Valley Multiplex.
