The Alberni Valley Bulldogs have completed a trade
with the Whitby Fury of the Ontario Junior Hockey League, acquiring
the CJHL playing rights of 2001-born goaltender Luke Pearson in return
for 2000-born defenceman Sam Pouliot and future considerations.
Pearson spent two seasons with the Fury, including a breakout campaign
last year as a 17-year old that saw him post 25 wins, a 1.94
goals-against average and .938 save-percentage. He was the runner-up
for the OJHL’s Goaltender of the Year award and was named to the
league’s All-Prospect Team.
“Luke is a very talented goaltender who has proven himself as an
excellent NCAA prospect over two seasons at the Junior A level,” says
Bulldogs head coach Joe Martin. “We’re very excited to welcome Luke
and his family to the Alberni Valley and the Bulldogs organization.”
“I’m looking forward to the new competition in the BCHL and meeting
all my new teammates,” says Pearson, who describes himself as a calm
goaltender who likes to keep everything under control and never give
up on a play. “I’ve had conversations with the coaching staff and have
heard nothing but positive things about the team and the Alberni
Valley. I’m also looking forward to leaving my hometown to experience
billeting and playing hockey in a different province.”
The 18-year old has high expectations for himself and his team heading
into his first season with the Bulldogs.
“Personally, I want to give my team in front of me a chance to win
every night and outplay the opposing goaltender,” he says. “I love to
compete and want to prove I can be a top goalie in this league. As a
team I believe that we can make playoffs and go on a run. I can’t wait
to meet the guys and get ready for the upcoming season!”
Headed the other way in the deal is Sam Pouliot, who joined the
Bulldogs in an early season trade from the Powell River Kings and
registered two assists in 37 regular season games. The 19-year old has
also had two stints in the Western Hockey League with the Red Deer
Rebels and Swift Current Broncos.
“We’d like to thank Sam for all his contributions in a Bulldogs
uniform and wish him the best moving forward,” says Martin.
Pearson will join his new teammates when the Bulldogs’ 2019 Main Camp
opens at the Alberni Valley Multiplex on August 19.
