The Alberni Valley Bulldogs Head Coach Joe Martin, has been named the Head Coach of Team Canada West for the upcoming 2019 World Jr A Challenge in Dawson Creek. The event is scheduled to run from December 7th to 15th 2019.
Martin, from Kingston Ontario, makes his return to the World Junior A Challenge for the third consecutive year, taking over as head coach after serving as an assistant for the past two years, winning gold in 2017 and bronze in 2018. Martin will be joined by fellow Island Division Head Coach Mike Vandekamp of the Cowichan Capitals as an assistant. Martin and Vandekamp are also joined on the staff by Scott Barney from Humboldt.
“It’s a huge honour for the Bulldogs to have Joe Martin selected to be the next head coach of Team Canada West,” said the Bulldogs David Michaud. “When Joe and I began discussing coming to the Alberni Valley Bulldogs he made it clear that this was something that was really important to him. We’re thrilled to see Joe achieve his goal, and we know he will do a fantastic job representing the Bulldogs and Port Alberni on the international hockey stage.”
“The coaches selected to lead Team Canada East and Team Canada West bring a combination of Junior A and international experience as players and coaches, and represent the level of talent in the coaching ranks in junior hockey in Canada,” said Brent Ladds, Canadian Junior Hockey League (CJHL) president. “It’s exciting to see our coaches moving into new roles with the two Canadian teams at the World Junior A Challenge and to welcome coaches who are new to international competition. We believe this year’s coaching staffs for both teams will benefit the players selected to participate, and bring their international experience back to their club teams.”
