Alberni Valley Tourism
Newsletter
Search for:

Alberni Valley Bulldogs

Port Alberni’s BCHL Hockey Team –

Welcome to Hockey Valley!

The Alberni Valley Bulldogs are more than just a hockey team. They represent Port Alberni in the British Columbia Hockey League (BCHL) and bring excitement, pride, and connection to our community. Since their arrival in 2002, the Bulldogs have become part of what makes this town special.

Alberni Valley Bulldogs Game, Port Alberni, BCHL, Vancouver Island

A Team Rooted in Port Alberni

Hockey has a long history in the Alberni Valley. When the Bulldogs relocated from Burnaby in 2002, fans embraced them as their own. Over the years, ownership has shifted, but the team’s dedication to the Valley has remained steady. In 2024, the Bulldogs entered a new chapter under Olithan Sports & Entertainment, continuing the tradition of strong community involvement.

The Dawg Pound

The Bulldogs play their home games at the Weyerhaeuser Arena, which is part of the Alberni Valley Multiplex. With nearly 1,900 seats, it is one of the most spirited rinks in the BCHL. On game nights, the stands come alive with cheers, cowbells, and a sea of red and black. For many locals, heading to the Dawg Pound is a tradition that brings friends and families together.

Alberni Valley Bulldogs, players in action on the ice

Season Highlights and Player Development

The Bulldogs compete in the Coastal Conference of the BCHL, facing rivals such as the Nanaimo Clippers and Victoria Grizzlies. In 2023, they made franchise history by reaching the Fred Page Cup Finals for the first time. That run energized the community and showed how far the program has come.

Beyond the excitement on the ice, the Bulldogs are known for player development. Since 2002, more than 80 players have advanced to NCAA Division I programs, with several continuing into professional hockey. Fans can proudly say they saw these athletes at the beginning of their journey.

More Than Hockey

The Bulldogs are part of everyday life in the Valley. Players give back through youth hockey camps, school visits, and community events. Programs like the Tim Hortons 7th Player initiative bring young fans onto the ice for unforgettable moments. The team’s presence is felt far beyond game nights, reinforcing the sense of connection that hockey creates here.

2026–27: Celebrating 25 Seasons in Hockey Valley

The 2026–27 season marks the 25th anniversary of Alberni Valley Bulldogs hockey, giving fans another reason to pack the Dawg Pound. The Bulldogs open their home schedule on Saturday, September 19, 2026, kicking off another season at the Alberni Valley Multiplex.

Led by Head Coach and General Manager Joe Martin, the Bulldogs will play a 54-game BCHL regular season running from September through March. Along with home games in Port Alberni and road matchups across the league, the team will travel to Nisku, Alberta, for the 2026 BCHL Showcase in October, where BCHL players compete in front of NHL scouts and NCAA coaches.

Whether you have followed the Bulldogs for years or are catching your first game while visiting Port Alberni, the 25th anniversary season is a great time to experience hockey in the Alberni Valley.

Visit the Alberni Valley Bulldogs website for the current schedule, roster, tickets and team news.

Catch a Game

The Bulldogs’ regular season runs from September through March, with playoffs following in the spring. Home games at the Alberni Valley Multiplex are an easy addition to a fall or winter visit to Port Alberni. Expect an energetic crowd, plenty of red and black and the atmosphere that has earned the rink its Dawg Pound nickname.

Tickets and the latest game schedule are available through the Alberni Valley Bulldogs website. Whether you are a long-time hockey fan or visiting Port Alberni for the first time, a Bulldogs game is one of the best ways to experience the community spirit of Hockey Valley.