Esdale Assumes Leadership at Alberni Valley
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The Alberni Valley Bulldogs of the British Columbia Hockey League (BCHL) announced Thursday that former Brown standout Paul Esdale has been named the team’s new General Manager and Head Coach. Esdale replaces former Rensselaer standout Nolan Graham, who is leaving the organization to pursue another coaching opportunity.
Esdale, who joined the Bulldogs in September 2009, spent the 2009-10 campaign as the team's assistant coach and assistant general manager.
"This is a great opportunity for me," said Esdale. "I'm truly grateful for the recognition from ownership and I look forward to continuing the momentum we created last season."
Graham and Esdale coached the Bulldogs throughout the team’s successful 2009-2010 season. They were the BCHL regular season’s Coastal Conference Champions for the first time in franchise history, and set a franchise record for regular season wins with 45 of 60 regular season games.
“When we found out Nolan’s time with the Bulldogs was coming to an end, we conducted a full search for a new head coach,” said Andy Oakes, President & Governor of the Bulldogs. “Paul was the leading candidate coming out of that process. We really feel that Paul’s education, playing background and coaching experience will carry the momentum of the Bulldogs organization forward in the coming years.”
“We’d like to thank Nolan for all of the efforts he put into the Bulldogs organization this year,” said Oakes. “He turned the team around in a substantial manner and in a very quick period of time. We appreciate everything he’s done and wish him well in his future endeavor.”
“The past 14 months in Alberni has been phenomenal.” said Graham, who joined the Bulldogs in March 2009. “The pride and passion that runs throughout the community is very special and it was unbelievable to be a part of that. I feel very blessed to have had the opportunity to have begun my coaching career in Alberni.”
