A good theme for the Grizzlies at the start of the season

Maybe the lyrics to Switchfoots new single " Darkhorses" may sum up the Grizzlies squad so far
"Weve been down,but ,we've never been out, we are the darkhorses" part of the lyrics. Appropriate, yes or no???????
Here's the full youtube link to the song-good hockey song.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=iiNmS-ix43M

Alberni Valley 6-3 Victoria

Listened to the game on the radio tonight and sounded like a pretty even affair until the third period struck.
The Grizzlies, sounded like things had settled down and where competeing with the Bulldogs throughout the first two periods and leading going into the third.
 A Shorthander from Renner and in his second appearence for the Grizz, Alex Holland would add another in the first. Rockafellow with a nice pass to Myron put Murphy through  to keep the Grizz on top. That would be the end of any type of Grizzlies hope of winning this game.
 A four goal third period from the Dogs, really had Victoria on there heels for the rest of the game.
This included a two goal performance from Dylan Nowakowski acquired in a trade from Victoria in a three way deal with Prince George for Justin Fillion last season, showed how deadly and what scoring potential he could have in his final Junior year.
Needless to say the Dogs ran out comfortable winners on the night 6-3. Tough night for all concerned,but, a better effort than the first two game.
The immortal words which are sometimes spoken by any fan at the start the season is" It's gonna be a long season", I'll be honest that pisses me off a little. There has been a lot of roster juggling yes; and the team needs to gell and settle as I'd mentioned earlier. The ship can be turned around quickly.
What needs to happen now, is to stay positive and the guys to get to know each other a little better. Can these results continue, "hell no",but, on paper tthis team has the quality to compete in this league. Sooner rather than later would be the attitude on that one.
Come out and cheer the boys onto there first win of the season tomorrow night vs the Clippers at the Bear!!!

Dylan Nowakowski in Grizz colours

Goalie Kiefer Giroux called up from the Cougars

According to eliteprospects.com website it looks like Kiefer Giroux will be the back up to Garrett Rockafellow, while starter Jamie Tucker serves his 3 match ban.
Giroux was with the Alberni Valley Bulldogs lasts season and has had a steller start to the season with the VIJHL's Victoria Cougars.

Giroux's numbers for Alberni last season where
: Games / Wins/ Losses/ Goals Against/ Shut Outs
       9          3        5             4.20                   1

                                                                          

Sept 30 Game Preview - Bulldogs v Grizzlies @ Weyerhasuer Arena

                 The Grizzlies go into game 3 of the season, hoping for a change of fortunes after a tough first two games of the season courtesy of the Cow Valley Caps. Mike Moran and Jesse Ursic are expecting to make there Grizzlies debut and will likely start back up goalie Garrett Rockafellow, due to a 3 Game suspension to Jamie Tucker after last Saturday night line brawl. The Grizzlies, with their new additions and a squad still coming together need to find a way to settle as a team and compete for three periods. The Grizzlies would have been working hard throughout the week I'm sure and hoepfully we'll start to seeing the four lines and the rearguard startto gel.
Although, not picked to be a playoff contender at the start of the season, Alberni had a good start to the season with a convincing win of the Express.
New Goalie Max Fenkell, played well and with the experiance of Trent Dorias and the goalscoring threat of ex Grizz Dylan Nowarkowski, Alberni in there own barn can never be taken lightly.

Extra's : Along with Jamie Tucker, Nick Pappas, Dante Godinho and Chase Kasier have been handed two game suspensions for there part in last Saturday's line brawl.

            

                     

Chase Paylor Traded to Okotoks Oilers

Two year Grizzlie, Chase Paylor has been traded to the AJHL Okotoks Oilers. From what I know so far it's for futures. In 34 games Paylor, had 3 goals and 4 assists. Known for his speed and skill, Chase never really got a consistent run in the line up last season. As a 19 year old in Junior A, you need to play every game. Best of luck to Chase in the AJHL.

Paylor, also joins former Grizz forward Derek Bacon in Okotoks. Bacon, recently suffered an injury ruling him out for 2 months. We wish Derek a speed recovery.

Nick Buchanan traded to Penticton for Mike Moran

Nick Buchanan, after 3 seasons as a Grizzlie, has had his rights traded to the Penticton Vees for 20 yr old forward Mike Moran.
Buchanan, a local Victorian should certainly see a change of scenery with a very stacked Penticton team, that is expecting to challenge for the BCHL title.
The 20 yr old D-man, in 132 games amassed 22 points.
All the Very best to Nick in the Okanagan.

In return for Buchanan, the Grizzlies acquire the rights to Mike Moran a 20 yr old from Marshfield, Mass. Moran, had a good scoring track record at Midget and Bantam level and closer to home he had some quality numbers at Taft High School in Connecticut. At 6'1'', Moran should be another big forward to add to what is turning into good sized Grizzlies roster. Welcome to Mike.

Colantone traded to Spruce Kings

Mike Colantone

I like most fans this year was excited to see what Colantone might be capable of after a good rookie season with the club last year. Not to be, as announced on the BCHL wesbite, Colantone has been traded with futures to the Prince George Spruce Kings for D man Jesse Ursic.

With Colantone being traded, it means it helps with the 20 yr situation with the Grizzlies having one to many outside of the roster requirements. But, Colantone being the one to leave, really?????

Ursic, was with the Clippers last year and had been traded to the Spruce Kings along with the Fitzgearld triplets in the off season from Nanaimo. At 18, Ursic is one of the biggest players in the league at 6'5', 215 lbs and was starting to get a run in a Clippers uniform last season.

With trades in the BCHL and usually involving the Grizzlies, there's usually another part of the trade to come, but, with this one who knows??

For this fan, it's a head scratcher. Colantone, could have been a big part of the forward corp this year and along with futures to PG, the Grizzlies get a Dman in Ursic who's only just starting to establish himself in the league. But, with Ursic's size, last season under his belt and being from Port Alberni looks like there's some good upside there!

Good Luck to Michael and welcome to Jesse.

Victoria Acquires Woodyatt From The OJHL + Other Roster Oddities

Now here's the thing, it was announced today that the Grizzlies have acquired the rights to Kevin Woodyatt from the OJHL's Newmarkert Hurricanes. Woodyatt, has been with the Grizzlies since the start of training camp and has played one games for the team already. He was listed as an 'AP', so I guess he can come onto the full roster now???
Kevin, from what he's shown in preseason will add that much needed grit and toughness to the defence.
(Thanks to Brian Weibe,Making Cents blog for some of the info)

Now looking at our roster we still have Brad Gehl listed as an AP, weather this is accuarate or not, I'm not sure. Gehl,  has been hyped as a big peice of the line up for this year???

Chase Paylor, is now longer listed on the roster either the full or AP roster. Sources say he has been traded at this point. More on this when it comes to light.

Caps v Grizz Line Brawl 2nd period

Here is the link to the line brawl

http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fyoutu.be%2FQeykpNUq-wk&h=CAQAVH2oxAQANZPZs1XtKk3-KWSEGYyyw66emq4vbNjrp3Q

Thanks to Tony for that one!!!!

Kyle Greentree released by AHL's Hershey Bears

In Victoria Hockey circles Kyle Greentree is a legend. The local Victorian's number hangs from the rafters at the Bear Mtn Arena after appearing in over 180 games and scoring 200 points in a Salsa jersey. Indeed from 2001-2004 Greentree was the face of the franchise.

Last season, he has seen success in the AHL with the Hershey Bears (Washington Capitals, AHL affiliate) putting up some very good numbers, scoring 63 points in 70 games.

However, it was announced yesterday , that Kyle has been released from the organization and will be looking for work for the upcoming season. Kyle, has done quite well in stints with the Flames, Caps and Flyers and I am sure it won't be to long before this local legend finds a new team to apply his trade.

Stats from Eliteprospects.com

eason	Team	League	Gp GGP	G	A	TP	PIM		Postseason	GP	G	A	TP	PIM
2000-2001	Victoria Salsa	BCHL	59	27	38	65	50	|
2003-2004	Victoria Salsa	BCHL	59	62	53	115	170	|	Playoffs	5	4	5	9	29
2004-2005	Univ. of Alaska (Fairbanks)	NCAA	37	12	20	32	31	|
2005-2006	Univ. of Alaska (Fairbanks)	NCAA	39	8	19	27	58	|
2006-2007	Univ. of Alaska (Fairbanks)	NCAA	39	21	21	42	78	|
	Philadelphia Phantoms	AHL	8	2	0	2	2	|
2007-2008	Philadelphia Phantoms	AHL	72	24	24	48	83	|	Playoffs	12	1	3	4	11
	Philadelphia Flyers	NHL	2	0	0	0	0	|
2008-2009	Quad City Flames	AHL	79	39	37	76	63	|
	Calgary Flames	NHL	2	0	0	0	0	|
2009-2010	Rockford IceHogs	AHL	64	25	20	45	57	|	Playoffs	3	0	0	0	19
2010-2011	Hershey Bears	AHL	74	30	33	63	110	|	Playoffs	6	1	1	2	4
2011-2012	Hershey Bears	AHL	-	-	-	-	-	|

Game 2 Grizz 1-5 Caps Pics to follow

Pretty well the same scenerio as last night as the Grizzlies struggled to get on the board. The additions of Woodyatt, Pappas and Ten Vaanholt weren't enough to change the fortunes of the Black and Gold on this night.
 A line brawl, not that common in the BCHL these days, in the 2nd period (unless your a team coached by Bill Bestwick or Harvey Smyl) saw both goalies getting involved. This led to all hell breaking loose with Tucker, Pears and Godinho being ejected from the game along with the Caps Dun, Everson, Rota and MacDonald. The Grizzlies had another 2nd period collapse and you can certainly say ten out of ten for energy-dropping-gloves to rally your team, but, with the game on the line lets stick to the program and play some hockey.
Impressive home and homes series win for the Caps, however, for Victoria its going to be a long week of  trying and get the ship on course in time for a visit to Albenri Valley and the Dog Pound.
There is enough talent in the Grizzlies line up to be competative this season, however, this season with only 4 teams making the playoffs from each conference.......every win and points is vital!!!


----------Grizz Line up----------

Line 1. Kasier - Myron - Murphy

Line 2. Colantone - Ten Vaanholt - Gehl

Line 3. Holland - Godinho - Pappas

Line 4. Renner - Francis - Walchuk

 Dmen

1. Bilous - Robertson

2. Pears - Woodyatt

3. Dejong - Perernowski

Goal - Tucker-Starter    -     Rockafellow -Backup

Line Ups----------------------------Caps-----------------------

Line 1. Gannon - Brown - Charles

Line 2. Stephens - Iacobellis - Mistral

Line 3. Grant - Cooper - Pope

Line 4. Rota - MacDonald - Bruce

 Dmen

 1. Robak-Paterson

 2. Monk-Everson

3.Muto-Cordier

 Goal - Dun-Starter        - Doan-Back up

Game 3 Stars - 1. Cooper

                           2.Mistral

                         3. Iacobellis

Grizzlies 2-6 Caps in Season Opener

Not the start the Grizzlies where looking for as a disorganized display allowed them to be well beaten by a Cowichan team that was fast, efficent and won in an all around team effort.

1st period : Caps came out buzzing with confidence around the Grizzlies goal early on. Slick passing and a well thought out move would allow the pacey Steve Iacobellis to score early on goalie Jamie Tucker. The Grizz would collect themselves and after a little pressure and nice passing movement from Lawson and Colantone found Gehl in space where he beat Caps goalie Derek Dun.
The Caps would start to take control of the neutral zone where the Grizzlies where still trying to find there feet and held onto the 1-1 scoreline at the end of the first. Shots on goal where 9 a piece.

2nd period: Is where the wheels fell off the Grizzlies bus as two Caps power plays would really put the Grizz under the gun. The top two lines from the Caps including Gannon, Grant, Iacobellis, Matt Brown, Charles and Stephens along with help from the rearguard in Muto and Paterson would see two powerplay goals from Grant and the ever dangerous Gannon. The Grizzies looked in disarray on the PK which will hopefully be worked out and soon. Allowing the Caps to much time and space wouldn't help the Grizzlies cause as a third caps goal of the period and forth of the games courtesy of a shorthanded marker by that fomer Penticton Vee, Iacobellis(again), would really make it an uphill battle . Wes Myron, who was Victoria best player on the night would bring the Grizzlies back into towards the end of the period with Victoria's second ,but, still trailing by two.

3rd period: Started much the way the second did, with the Caps looked determined and aggresive going forward with Gannon adding a fifth for the Caps with his second goal. Tucker, would make a few good stops to keep the score down,but, again not a great game by his standards. Goal number six was a gem from the Caps, seeing Muto move the puck from his own zone weave in and out of a couple of Grizz players and pin point a pass to Matt Brown, who beat Tucker on the odd man rush for the Caps sixth of the night. The Grizzlies did have some sustained pressure towards the end of the third ,however, couldn't seem to get anything in the way of production going.

Game thoughts - Game one of the season means, lets keep our finger of the panic switch for the moment. However, the Grizzlies had trouble in all areas tonight from the PP/PK, game plan going forward, being able to string more than three of four passes together a time and simply giving the Caps to much time/space on the puck. The Grizz not for the lack of trying did try and stay in the game,but, had problems competing against a more experianced Caps line up. The Caps have a number of  quality BCHL forwards, like Brown, Gannon, Mistral, Iacobellis, Charles and Macdonald. Along with Dmen who like to jump up into forward frey such as Muto, Paterson, Robak and Monk should make for a Caps team, who look like they have thier strongest squad for a couple of seasons

Stand outs for Victoria -
Wes Myron - Looked at times to inject spark into the Grizzlies when he was on the ice and took his goal well. Myron's skill set and nose for goal will hopefully inspire a bit more offence for the Grizzlies tomorrow night.

Stand outs for Cowichan-
David Gannon - scored two and linked up well with his line mates tonight. Looks good on the PP and was a thorn in the Grizz side all night.
Steve Iacobellis -  Looks like a slick pick up from the Vees and with his quickness and eye for goal looks like putting to rest at least a little, the Travis St.Denis no show in Duncan
Vinny Muto - Strong, quick aggresive D-man who likes to get forward and chipped in with three assists.

Line Ups -----------------------------Victoria----------------------------------

Line 1. Kasier - Myron - Murphy
Line 2. Colantone - Lawson - Gehl
Line 3. Holland - Godinho - Hansen
Line 4. Renner - Fares - Walchuk

Dmen 1. Bilous - Robertson
           2. Pears - Buchanen
          3. Dejong - Pernowski

Goal - Tucker-Starter    -     Rockafellow -Backup



Line Ups----------------------------Caps-----------------------

Line 1. Gannon - Brown - Charles
Line 2. Stephens - Iacobellis - Mistral
Line 3. Grant - Cooper - Pope
Line 4. Rota - MacDonald - Bruce

Dmen 1. Robak-Paterson
           2. Monk-Everson
           3.Muto-Cordier

Goal - Dun-Starter        - Doan-Back up

Three Stars of the Game 1- Gannon
                                        2- Myron
                                        3- Iacobellis

Attendence - 1148

Roster Run Down!!!!!!

Victoria Grizzlies Roster 2011-12 (From what we can tell so far)
A Summary from a fans standpoint:

Goaltenders:
Jamie Tucker  - A lot will be expected of the 20 yr old and will more than likely carry the bulk of the load this season. His experiance in Major Junior against that caliber of player, should translate into some solid numbers at the Junior A level. Tucker, plays with an edge and won't take any guff from opposing players getting close to his crease.With Tucker playing in his home town and familier with the current coaching staff, should hopefully turn into a solid season for both Jamie and the Grizzlies.

Garret Rockafellow(rookie) - Good numbers on a well coached Revelstoke Grizzlies(yes Grizzlies), looks to have prepared Garrett for the learning curve that is Junior A hockey. Worked hard in training camp and looked sharp in the preseason. Rockafellow looks like he deserves his shot.The 18 yr old, should push Tucker for a number of starts this season.

Defence:
Sean Robertson - The Captain on this team and leading player in appearences for this franchise.
Will have some added pressure to keep his play improving after bouncing back last season from a bad injury picked up in the 09/10 season. Robertson, can do a little of everything at the back and has improved his game in the offensive department last season. Sean, has always been a class act on and off the ice as with his teamates and has a great attitude towards the fans.
In his final year of junior, a fair expectation would be nice to see him put all the assets of his game together and having a career year in junior.

Nick Buchannen - Enter's his third season with the Grizzlies and the local Victoria product will be expected to be a leader on this team who is also in his last year of junior. Nick controls the puck from the back end well and was a lot sharper with his passing and checking last season. The one knock on Buchannen, has probably been not using his 6'4'' size to his potential. If Nick incoperates his hitting and toughness into his game a little more, he should really step it up this season.

Taylor Perernowski - Another 20 yr old on the team and was very impressive after the Grizzlies picked him up mid way through last season. Although a smaller D-man, he uses his size well and is a solid offensive D-man scoring some key goals in the regular season and in the playoffs.
Should be a key contributor at both ends of the ice this season.

Braxton Bilous - The 2nd year Grizzlie, came to the team lasts season with quite a lot hype after a great year at the midget level and a sholorship already secured. With a little experiance under his belt  and high expectations from the coaching staff, Bilous, is a tall D-man who's quick and moves the puck well. All the tools look to be there and with more ice time and experiance, it should be fun seeing him put it all together. Braxton should be a big piece of the Grizzlies Defensive core this season.

Nolan de Jong(rookie) - As mentioned in the the Times Colonist today, De Jong maybe the best
 16 yr old Dman playing outside of Major Junior. Quite the write up for the former South Island T-Bird standout. But, from what we saw in training camp/preseason, looks very confident on the puck and an excellent skater. Reminds me of a young Jordie Benn. It should be a treat to watch Nolan develop in his first year in a Grizz uniform.

Braden Pears - Pears, was a key part of the Evan Richardson trade with Powell River and his experinace from a good playoff run with the Kings should come in handy for the Grizzlies this season.
Pears is a very good at getting forward with his skill and excellent puck control. Lacks a little size and weight for a D-man at this level, but, his expertise on the powerplay should lead to a lot of ice-time and a real increase in his point production.

Forwards -
Wes Myron - The 19 year old vet, looks on the verge of a having a break out season and should be one of the leading point getters on the team. Size, skill, puck control has improved for Wes in each year he's worn the black and gold. His point production should improve significantly and will be expected to be on the top two lines and should be a significant contributor on the PP and PK. Myron, should be a potential MVP for the 2011-12 season.

Michael Colantone - Had a solid rookie year last season and the 20 yr old will be expected to do more this season. Look sharped in training camp/preseason and despite being a bit of a streaky scorer last season, should find himself on the topline/top two lines. Battles in the corners well and works hard every game, should see a big year for the kid from Arizona.

Wade Murphy -  Much like Colantone, handled the jump to Junior A well last season. Wade, should see a lot more responsabilty on his shoulders this season and with his speed and quick hands, should see big strides in his point production from last season. Murphy, had 3 game winning goals last season included in his overall 16 point tally. Another local product on the team this year.

Jaaryd Ten Vannholt - The Ex Silverback had a great year in Salmon Arm last season with 22 goals and 28 assists. This big bodied forward should be key on the powerplay this season and add some much needed scoring punch to the Grizzlise forward ranks. Having a power forward of Ten Vaanholt experiance and goal scoring ability should give the team a potential top ten scoring leader in the league this year.

Scott Renner -This 19 yr old is described as a good character guy and a player that will compete and close down opponents. Not an out and out goal scorer, but, players who work hard and play every shift are worth there weigth in gold. A gritty tough forward should play a lot of minutes for the Grizz this season. Also acquired in the Richardson trade from Powell River.

Adam Fares(rookie)-Onatrio born power-foward moves the puck and skates well from indications on display during the preseason. Not afried to mix it up with opponents, this Thunder Bay native should add some size, power and chip in with the points here and there.

Dante Godinho - The 19 yr old was acquired in a trade with the Caps a few weeks ago and is a another forward with good size on the team this year. Looks confident on the puck and if given the oppotunity should see his goals and assists go up this season. Some good performances in a Caps uniform v the Grizzlies last season and should be a good squad player.

Coltyn Hansen(rookie) - After playing last season with PIJHL North Delta Devils, really stood out in preseason and looks to have a real nose for goal and isn't afried to throw or a hit or check. His quickness and work ethic looks like it will translate well to the BCHL. Worked hard and has earned his spot on the roster!!!!

Ryan Francis(rookie)- Bulldog type forward who should add a fair bit of grit to the team. A smaller forward, but, didnt look out of place against some of the more established vets on the team. Another Arizona product.

Cam Lawson - Interesting pick for the roster who has jumped around the league a little bit in recent seasons in the league playing for Langley, Coquitlum and Surrey.The 18 yr old looks like he could be a solid centre and has peaked the interest of the coaching staff.

Brad Gehl -  Gehl, comes with some real credentials. He was the Trenton Goldenhawks captain last season in the OJHL and standing at 6'1'' he is an experianced big bodied forward who put up 46 points in 34 games for the G-Hawks. With his experiance,scoring and presence the Grizzlies should have a good veteren on the ice.

Mike Sandor -  Workhorse 3rd/4th liner, who will should have a shut down role and see some time on the PK this season. Experiance and also seeing some time up with the club last season should be an asset to Sandor. Should be a valuble addition to the roster.

Chase Kasier - Duncan product who mainly saw time on the Caps third/forth line last year. Refused to report in an earlier trade to Trail in the summer. The Grizzlies picked up his rights for futures and should be another fiesty forward to add to the mix.

David Walchuk(rookie) -  Tough 17 yr old player, who looks to like he should develop into a well rounded Junior A player. Impressive in recent seasons at the Major Midget level, Walchuk should be an important piece of the Grizzlies roster over the next couple of years. Grizzlies fans should be excited to see David in Victoria colours this season.

Anthoney Bonner (assigned to Victoria Cougars) 20 yr old Bonner, looks like he should still be in the fold. After a great training camp and moving up from Junior C in St.Louis lasts season. Bonner, is with one of the best Jnr B clubs in the province and picked up an assist in his Cougs debut tonight.

This roster run down is  from the fans point of view and is accurate as far as the listed Grizzlies Roster available on the BCHL website as of September 21, 2011.

Coming up on Grizz Roar tomorrow!!!

We'll have a run down on the Grizzlies roster for the upcoming season, as well as a look at what to expect from the other BCHL squads for the 2011/12 season on the blog tomorrow night.

Roster Moves

Along with Jarryd Ten Vaanholt, the Grizzlies also pick up 19 yr old Massachusetts native Alex Holland.
With an impressive high school hockey resume Holland, at 5'11" and a 175lbs will soon make his debut in the BCHL, when the Grizzlies play Cowichan at home on Friday night.

Grizzlies - 20 year old Roster Situation

As the BCHL roster regulations stand for this season, each BCHLteam can carry six 20 yr olds on there roster only. With the addition of Ten Vaanholt the Grizzlies are now at seven:

Brad Gehl - Forward
Jarryd Ten Vaanholt - Forward
Michael Colantone -Forward
Taylor Pernerowski - Defence
Nick Buchannen - Defence
Sean Robertson - Defence
Jamie Tucker - Goaltender

We may see some more roster moves very soon.

What is a little strange, is that the AJHL/SJHL/MJHL can carry up to eight or nine 20 yr olds.
Weather the BCHL does this for the sake of development of bringing younger players into the league, you can't help think it should be the same amount of 20yr olds for the whole CJHL.

Jarryd Ten Vaanholt Trade - Update****

According to the BCHL website team rosters, Jarryd Ten Vaanholt has been added to the Grizzlies roster for the upcoming season. Ten Vaanholt, has been traded from Vernon for the rights to 19 yr Pearce Eviston. Eviston, left the Grizzlies at the end of last season and signed with the WHL powerhouse Portland Winterhawks. Eviston, featured heavily for the W'hawks at the end of last season and in the playoffs, so unless something drastic happens, I'd be suprised to see him in a Vipers uniform anytime soon.
Then again, anyone remember the Evan Pighin saga!!!!!

Ten Vaanholt, was with the Silverbacks last season and had spent the preseason with the Vernon Vipers.

Jerryd's, stats for Salmon Arm the last couple seasons are:

2010 - 2011 Season	Salmon Arm Silverbacks	58	22	28	50	0.9	0	13	0	2	0	46
2008 - 2009 Season	Salmon Arm Silverbacks	1	0	0	0	0.0	0	0	0	0	0	0
CAREER TOTALS		59	22	28	50	0.8	0	13	0	2	0	46

Stats taken from BCHL website

Sam Grist attending NHL's Philadelphia Flyers Camp

                                                           

Local Island product and former Grizzlies D-man, Sam Grist is currently rubbing shoulders with the likes of Chris Pronger, Jaromir Jagr, Danny Briere and Scott Hartnell at Philadelphia's NHL camp running from Sept 17th - Oct 1st, in Voorhess, New Jersey.
Although not taken in the 2011 draft, a week after the draft itself, the Flyers came calling on Sam to invite him to Flyers camp.

The 6'4'', 210lbs defencemen spent the 2009/10 with the Grizzlies as a 16 year old, playing in 45 games, adding 2 goals and 4 assists. In his Rookie year with the Grizz, Sam did spend some time in the stands due to the numbers game in the Grizzlies rearguard that season, but, there was now denying the potential and raw talent.

Last season, Grist has been applying his trade with the WHL's, Tri City Amercians where that raw talent and potential is being turned into a very solid Major Junior Defenseman, with a very good chance of making the pro-ranks. Under the guidence of former Alberni Valley Bulldogs, Head Coach Jim Hillier, the future is looking very bright for Grist.

Congrats to Sam and family on a great accomplishment and good luck at Flyers camp.

Grizzlies 4-0 Clippers @ Sooke

A solid/gritty performance in this at times, ill-tempered preseason affair saw the Grizzlies run out comfortable 4-0 winners. A little hardwork, consistancy from the Vets, add a good amount of high energy from the players looking make this team and a Chase Paylor haircut where enough to see off a Clippers team, that never really got going tonight.

1st Period: Saw a well worked goal by Colantone (may have been tipped in by Gehl), saw the Grizzlies take a 1-0 lead. The Grizzlies kept Clips goalie Faust going, with Pears and Robertson feeding the forwards making for some nifty play that kept the Clippers D men on there toes
.Colantone, would certainly ensure he was on the score sheet this time beating the goalie for the Grizzlies 2nd goal of the game. David Walchuk, had an effective all be it, short night adding a nice hard shot that beat Faust making it 3-0. Walchuk, would give Clippers vet and top scorer from last season Andrew Gladiuk, a shock taking down the Clipper with some hard/quick punches and winning the bout.

2nd Period: Garrett Rockafellow although not tested to often would keep the Clippers blanked through the 2nd, with good postioning and a few confident saves. Gehl, would add a nice goal mid-way through the 2nd with a shot from a tight angle that banked in off Faust. The Grizzlies looked good on both the PP and PK quite often in the 2nd and most of the night.
16 yr old Brandon Taylor for the Clippers, skated hard whenver on shift,but, just couldn't seem to spark any life into Nanaimo. Ex Grizzlies defenceman Josh Bryan, was his usual calm under presssure self, making some nice checks on the Grizzlies forwards.

3rd Period: Was a scrappy affair with Rockafellow, making some nice saves and getting the shut out. The closest anyone came to scoring was a Taylor Pernerowski's shot that came off the pipes.
The gloves where dropped on a few occasions with  Panichelli vs Woodyatt, De Jong vs Kramer and Pappas vs Neher having some good tilts towards the end.
All in all, a good display from the Grizzlies which will surely make the final cuts a little tougher on the coaching staff. A big improvement on last Saturday's hammering at the hands of Cowichan.
Not the night the Clippers where looking for,but, expect the Clippers to be a tough, organized outfit as the Mike Vandekamp era begins in the Harbour city.

Stand outs for the Grizzlies:
Garrett Rockafellow -  Continued his fine preseason/training camp with the 18 yr old making the saves when needed, good postioning and confident play saw a well deserved shut out for Garrett tonight.
Brad Gehl - A steady influence on the ice who makes few mistakes and looks to have a knack of scoring goals. Not the fastest player you'll see, but, really sees the ice well and with his experinace and goalscoring touch at this level will be a big asset to the team this year.
Kevin Woodyatt - From training camp and throughout the preseason, Woodyatt has worked hard, stuck up for his teamates, been a steady influence at the back and has shown Grizzlies management he wants to wear a Victoria uniform. Theres nothing flashy about Kevin, but, if he makes the cut, should be a reliable hard-nosed Dman for the Grizz rearguard.
Nolan DeJong, Pears and Colantone played well tonight showing the depth this team may have for the start of the season.

Stand out for the Clippers:
Josh Bryan - Skilled Dman who controled the puck well all night and threw some nice checks.
Josh Phillips - Experinaced 20 yr former AJHL/OJHL Dman who stood his ground well tonight and should add experinaced to the Clippers defensive corp.

Line Ups--------Grizzlies------------                ---------------------Clippers----------------------

3. Pears                                                           3. Bryan
4. Kemmler                                                    4. Phillips
5. Woodyatt                                                   7. Dahlen
6. Dejong                                                       9. Gladiuk
8. Robertson                                                  11. Cyr
11. Francis                                                     14. Chinn
12. Colantone                                                15. Taylor
14. Paylor                                                      17.Clarkson
15. Mitchell                                                   18. McCormack
16. Gehl                                                         19. Jaw
18. Pappas                                                     20. Hunter
19. Godinho                                                   21. Grabowski
20. Sandor                                                     22. Kramer
21. Renner                                                     23. Jamieson
22. Gordon                                                    24. Neher
25. Fares                                                       25. Holliday
26. Pernerowski                                            27. Panichelli
27. Walchuk                                                 30. Faust
31. Tucker                                                    41. Eiserman
1. Rockafellow                                           

Great to be back in Sooke for this annual preseason games and as always an excellent event put on by the Rotary Club of Sooke.

Game Pics: Big Thanks to Tony for his usually batch of great pics: