Player Profile with Cameron Lawson

The Grizz Roar caught up with Cameron Lawson of the Victoria Grizzlies. The 5”7’ 170lbs 19 year old forward recently returned from injury after missing a month and has tallied seven points in his last six games. For the season Lawson has 8 goals, 17 assists and 22 PIM in 39 games with the Grizzlies this year.
                                                                                                                                                              GR: What’s your favorite road arena?
CL: I enjoy playing in Prince George
                                                                                                                                                                 GR: Who’s your road roommate?
CL: Coltyn Hansen
                                                                                                                                                               GR: What’s your favorite professional team?
CL: Vancouver Canucks
                                                                                                                                                               GR Who’s your favorite NHL player?
CL: Martin St. Louis
                                                                                                                                                                   GR: Which former or current NHL player do you try and model your game after?
CL: Pavel Bure
                                                                                                                                                               GR: What’s been the favorite hockey moment of your career so far?
CL: Playing in the Macs Midget tournament
                                                                                                                                                                            GR: What’s your pre-game meal?
CL: Pasta and salmon or chicken
                                                                                                                                                              GR: What do you feel is the biggest strength of your game?
CL: Speed and skill
                                                                                                                                                              GR: What age were you when you first started skating and playing hockey?

CL: I started skating almost as soon as I could walk probably around two and I started playing hockey at five.
                                                                                                                                                              GR: What’s the best piece of advice you would give a young player?
CL: Keep working hard and never let someone tell you that you can’t do something.
                                                                                                                                                                     GR: What’s your favorite movie?
CL: Happy Gilmore
                                                                                                                                                               GR: Who’s your favorite musician/band?
CL: I’m a big Jay-Z fan.
                                                                                                                                                              GR: Who has had the most influence on your hockey career so far?
CL: Definitely my Dad, he’s a big hockey guy.

Victoria Grizzlies 4 at Surrey Eagles 4 South Surrey Arena Jan 29, 2012

What a difference a couple extra players can make. With APs Connor Krupa and Matthew Biagioni joining the Grizzlies for their game in Surrey the Grizzlies were able to dress 9 forwards and 6 defenceman. Against Surrey the Grizzlies jumped out to thier first lead since the trade deadline when Chase Kaiser finished off a shorthanded set-up from captain Kevin Smith. It was then Kaiser's turn to be the playmaker on one of the nicest goals of the season as he took an outlet pass from Jaden Schmeisser and then made a nice cross-ice pass to Coltyn Hansen who did the rest using his outstanding speed to go wide on the defenceman and then beat the goaltender with a backhand deke to the fivehole. With Surrey down 2-0 their fourth line tried to spark them with a fight as Colton Mackie who is second on the Surrey team in PIMs jumped Cam Lawson. After Lawson showed discipline and refused to drop the gloves the Grizz were rewarded with a 7 minute powerplay although the Grizzlies could not capitalize on the powerplay they would increase their lead to 3-0 shortly after on a goal by Alex Holland on a nice set-up from youngsters Connor Krupa and Myles Powell. Surrey would have a goal waved off for goalie interference before making it 3-1 but less then 2 minutes later Coltyn Hansen would snipe a wrist shot home top shelf to increase the lead to 4-1. Linderos but score less than a minute after that to make the score 4-2 after 2 periods.
The third period and overtime of this game was Taylor time for the Grizzlies as goaltender Nick Taylor played lights out aside from two quick Surrey strikes 7 seconds apart with 5 minutes to play in the third period. The tired Grizz were outshot 27-6 in the final 30 minutes of the game and Taylor made save after save including a wonderful pokecheck on a breakaway in the second OT period. The Grizz had their own chance to win it on an OT breakaway but Chase Kaiser was denied on a nice pad save by Surrey goalie Andrew Hunt.
The effort that the Grizzlies put in this weekend was undeniable with a short bench for 3 games in 3 days the players could hardly skate at the end of double OT, Kevin Smith and Stefan Gonzales both had opportunities to join an odd-man rush in overtime and both appeared to have run out of gas and have nothing left in their legs. Both players showed why they have letters on their jersey as both must have played close to 40 minutes each in the game.

Nice touch after the game by second star Nick Taylor and the rest of the Grizzlies to salute their many fans, friends and family members who came to the game and turned the South Surrey arena into a Grizzlies den for the evening.

Game thoughts:  What a great effort by the Grizzlies on Sunday on the backend of a 3 games in 3 days roadtrip. Nick Taylor was very good in the Grizzlies net making 51 saves and being named second star, his best save of the net may have been a pokecheck on a breakaway by Morley in double OT. The Grizzlies defence played outstanding keeping the shots mostly to the outside, Kevin Smith and Stefan Gonzales must have played 30-35 minutes each and were very effective at both ends of the ice. Braxton Bilous and Nolan De Jong weren't far behind in minutes played and both also made numerous good defensive plays to thwart Surrey scoring chances. Coltyn Hansen was the best skater on the ice for either team using his great speed to score two goals including a highlight reel goal in the first period. He also could have easily had a hat-trick as he hit the post a few times. Chase Kaiser and Alex Holland both scored goals and also showed some veteran leadership with good two-way efforts and solid defensive zone play.

Attendance: 1025

Shots on Goal: Victoria 24
Surrey 55

Langley Rivermen 13 Victoria Grizzlies 2 at Langley Events Centre Jan 28, 2012

The undermanned Victoria Grizzlies lost 13-2 to the Langley Rivermen at the Langley
The problem for the Grizzlies lately though has not been a lack of talent or a lack of effort it has been a lack of healthy bodies and a growing fatigue factor as it gets later in games. The Grizzlies have been outscored just 11-5 in the last 5 games in first periods while being outscored 30-4 in the second and third periods in those 5 games. The Grizzlies have played playoff-bound teams in Coquitlam, Powell River and Merritt and been close for most of the first two periods. In Coquitlam the score was 4-2 for the first 35 minutes of the game, against Merritt the game was 3-1 until a late empty-net goal, when Coquitlam visited Victoria the game was 4-2 until Coquitlam scored with 2 minutes remaining in the game and against the conference leading Powell River Kings the Grizz trailed 2-1 after 20 minutes until the fatigue factor of 3 games in 3 nights caught up with them.
In the second period against Langley the Grizzlies ran out of gas and the Rivermen took full advantage scoring 5 goals in the first 6 minutes and 7 goals in the period, the Rivermen added 3 more in the third period for 13 in total. Derek Sutliffe played an excellent game for the Rivermen with 4 goals and 3 assists and Mario Pushkarich also scored a hat trick. Events Centre on Saturday night. The Grizzlies again got off to a tough start giving up a goal just 17 seconds into the game and a second goal just 1:37 later. Once again though the Grizzlies fought back with CJ Lillies getting his first career BCHL goal and Chase Kaiser tying the game just 2 minutes later both goals coming off set-ups from Cameron Lawson. A hit from behind by Ben Greiner on Coltyn Hansen just 8 seconds after the Kaiser goal resulted in a fight between Greiner and Stefan Gonzales with Gonzales landing a few good rights to score the unanimous decision. The Rivermen took the lead back on a power play with 1:22 to play in the first period and the Grizzlies ended the period trailing 3-2 on the scoreboard.

Coquitlam Express 9 Victoria Grizzlies 2 in Coquitlam Jan 28, 2012

The Grizzlies went into Coquitlam and despite a depleted line-up and a terrible start competed extremely hard. The Grizzlies gave up a goal just 17 seconds into the game and were down 2-0 just 4:36 into the game as goaltender Nick Taylor made his first start as a Grizz replacing the injured Garrett Rockafellow. The Grizz competed hard and were rewarded with a goal on the power play by Chase Kaiser. The first unit power play for the Grizzlies has really been rolling since the addition of Kevin Smith. With Smith and Cam Lawson manning the points and Kaiser, Coltyn Hansen and Alex Holland up front the unit moves the puck well and appears to be getting some good chemistry going.

 However the theme of the game was anytime the Grizzlies scored the Express answered right back as Zach Hodder scored on an Express power play. The Grizzlies scored with 6 minutes to play in the first period as the red-hot Coltyn Hansen extended his goal scoring streak to 4 games and his point scoring streak to 8 games with a goal set-up by Myles Powell. The Express answered back again on a goal by Mitch Nardi to make it 4-2 after the first period. The game remained 4-2 for most of the second until the Express scored twice in the last 5 minutes of the period. The period ended with Jaden Schmeisser and Brady Shaw engaging in a scrap, Shaw started it and Schmeisser finished it. After battling in front of the net the 6’1” 200 pound Shaw gave the 6’2” 175 pound Schmeisser a couple of gloved punches in the face and then they dropped the gloves, despite being outweighed by 25 pounds Schmeisser controlled the fight and scored the decisive win. After a questionable call on Braxton Bilous for a check to the head the Grizzlies were forced to play the first part of the third with just 3 defencemen and the Express took advantage with a couple more goals by Alex Kerfoot and skilled captain Alex Petan. Taylor Pears made his Grizz debut and played the third period in place of Nick Taylor.





Powerplays: Victoria 1 for 3 and Coquitlam 2 for 5
Shots on goal: Coquitlam 45 and Victoria 18
Attendance: 1321
Game Thoughts Victoria: The Grizzlies never stopped competing and there are some positives to take out of this game, the first power play unit keeps rolling along, the chemistry developing between Hansen and Lawson bodes well for a strong line next year. Braxton Bilous was impressive in his first game back from an injury, looking confident with the puck and skating well. Jaden Schmeisser played his usual physical, abrasive style hitting anything moving in an Express uniform. Myles Powell played with good jump and was more physical then previous games, he also used his speed and skill to set up Hansen’s goal.

Coquitlam Express 9 - 2 Victoria Grizzlies @ Poirier Arena, Jan 27, 2012

Game report to follow soon!!!

Rockafellow gone for the season, Taylor Pears in!!!!!

Garrett Rockafellow

A bit of a shocker to add to the Westshore clubs growing disabled list for the short handed Grizzlies. Starting goalie, Garrett Rockafellow has been sidelined for the reminder of the season with a torn meniscus. This is far from ideal timing for both the Grizzlies and Rockafellow who had started to put a consistent run of games and performances together.
Rockafellow, who has done his best to adjust to the Junior A game, after a stellar 2010/11 season with the KIJHL's, Revelstoke Grizzlies. The 18 yr old, should be proud of what he's accomplished in a difficult season for this team and I'm sure he will build on this season and be in contention for a starting job with Victoria for 2012/13 season.
Great effort this season Garrett and we look forward to seeing you next season. Thank you.

Now enter Taylor Pears. Pears, should be familiar to most Island BCHL fans with stops in Cowichan, Powell River and Quesnel. After leaving the BCHL, Pears went to play for the Junior B, Cyclone Taylor Cup host for last season, the Fernie Ghostriders.
This season and in his last year of Junior eligibility, Pears has been attending UVIC and has played 10 games for UVIC Vikes of the BCIHL
20 yr old Pears, who is from Cobble Hill will be sharing the duties with recently carded Nick Taylor.
As Pears has some BCHL experinace, I'm he'll be thrown in at the deepend for this upcoming 3 games road swing this weekend. Welcome to the Grizzlies Taylor.

Taylor Pears

Here are Taylor's stats from eliteprospects.com

Season	Team	League	GP	GAA	SVS%		Postseason	GP	GAA	SVS%
2006-2007	South Island Thunderbirds	BCMML	38	-	-	|
2007-2008	South Island Thunderbirds	BCMML	39	-	-	|
2008-2009	Cowichan Valley Capitals	BCHL	7	3.78	.898	|
	Powell River Kings	BCHL	5	3.02	.896	|
2009-2010	Cowichan Valley Capitals	BCHL	4	4.53	.836	|
	Quesnel Millionaires	BCHL	2	5.16	.833	|
2010-2011	Fernie Ghostriders	KIJHL	7	2.98	.889	|
2011-2012	Univ. of Victoria	BCIHL	10	3.84	.886	|
	Victoria Grizzlies	BCHL	-	-

Great article on the advantages of taking the NCAA Hockey route

A big thanks to Grizzlies Owner/Business Manager Reza Binab for passing on this article regarding Junior players taking the NCAA route and then to the professional ranks.

Good insight and a good read.

Education/ Why College Hockey

College hockey offers players the unique opportunity to pursue a professional hockey career at the highest levels while earning a college degree from some of the world's most prestigious institutions of higher learning.

More than 85 percent of college hockey players grauate with a college degree, setting themselves up for success after their hockey career. Each year Division I hockey programs award more than $30 million in scholarships, unquestionably the most significant education program in the sport.

"Best of both worlds. Ivy was not a prerequisite, but it seemed to make the most sense in terms of those two worlds (education and hockey). My family stressed being well-rounded (and) that included a passion for hockey and sports and our upbringing about school." - Dominic Moore, Harvard/Tampa Bay Lightning.

"What you learn off the ice is very valuable as far as developing you as a person. It helps you deal with adult life, and when you get to the NHL that's what this is, a adult life." - Michael Cammalleri, Michigan/Montreal Canadians

"My family did a lot of work researching; education was always a big thing in our family. At the time the whole process was a bit overwhelming, but I couldn't have made a better decision." - Brendan Morrison, Michigan/Calgary Flames

College hockey is played primarily on weekends to maximize class and study time, allowing student-athletes to enjoy a full college experience while becoming part of the campus community.

Every U.S. college boasts thousands of alumni in every professional field: business, law, engineering, government, medicine, sports and entertainment. Alumni networks, combined with a degree, put graduates in an ideal position to transition into their post-hockey careers.

Even for those players who reach the highest level, very few play in the NHL past their mid-30s. That leaves decades of life ahead - and college hockey prepares its athletes for both the NHL and what lies beyond.

Brendan Morrison:  BCHL  TO  NCAA  TO  NHL

NHL Opportunities

College hockey is a proven route to the NHL, and the influence of the college game is only growing. In fact, a hockey player taking the college hockey route to the NHL is just as likely to be selected in the NHL Draft as a player in Canadian major junior.

In 2010-11, 30% of all NHL players were former college hockey players. That number represented a jump of 34% from 10 years earlier.

Zach Parise, Chris Drury and Tim Thomas are just three of the elite NHLers who played college hockey. Thirteen former college players took part in the 2011 NHL All-Star Game and the top players at each position in the 2010 Olympic Games - Jonathan Toews, Brian Rafalski and Ryan Miller - were all former college players.

The growth in college players at the NHL level shows no signs of slowing. Since the end of the 2010-11 college season, 41 players have already signed NHL contracts. The Central Scouting Service lists 94 current or future NHLers in its final rankings for the 2011 NHL Entry Draft.

Quite simply, there is ample evidence to show that playing college hockey is a proven path to the NHL.

"I definitely matured my two years there. It was definitely the best two years I could have spent in college. I met a lot of great people there and with a great coaching staff, it was phenomenal. I give all that credit to them to making me a better player." - Chris Higgins, Yale/Vancouver Canucks

294 Former college players in the NHL in 2010-11, 30% of the league and up 34% from 10 years earlier

"For me, college hockey was obviously the best step I could have taken to get to the next level." - Jonathan Toews, North Dakota/Chicago Blackhawks

"It's a reflection of college hockey in general being so much stronger and Ivy teams being a part of that. The quality of players has gotten better and the powers that be are not afraid to give these players a chance. We have 11 college guys on our team right now; 10 years ago you'd never see that happen." - Dominic Moore, Harvard/Tampa Bay Lightning.

The Return of Braxton Bilious

Article by Mike Mellings on the return from injury of 17 year old Grizzlies phenom defender Braxton Bilious in his home town of Langley.

This weekend’s road trip to Vancouver is a homecoming for many of the Victoria Grizzlies players. The Grizzlies game on Sunday in Surrey will be played close to home for Surrey natives Stefan Gonzales, Nick Taylor and the pneumonia-stricken Mark McLellan and also for streaking Delta native Coltyn Hansen who has goals in his last 3 games and a 7 game point streak. The 19 year old Hansen has really stepped up his offensive game since the departures of the Grizzlies leading scorers at the trade deadline and is using his blazing speed to generate offense and now has 11 goals in 42 games on the year. With Vancouver natives Cam Lawson, Kevin Smith and Michael Sandor also on the team the Grizzlies have about half of their roster from the Vancouver area. 

Braxton Bilious and Mike Mellings

For 17 year old Grizzlies assistant captain Braxton Bilous this weekend’s road trip is not only a return home but a return to the ice from injury. The 6’1” 192 pound defenceman is looking forward to playing in his hometown of Langley, “It’s always fun with all my friends and family coming out and getting to see them after the game, it’s always fun playing at home.” The Langley product expects to have a good support section at the Saturday night game in Langley, “ I’ll probably have about 20 people there in total with friends and family,” says Bilous.
The Merrimack commit brings an effective two-way game and a solid physical presence to the Grizzlies backend as evidenced by his 10 points and 41 PIM in 37 games this year. Bilous also knows as an assistant captain on the suddenly young and undermanned Grizzlies team he needs to step up and be a leader, “ I definitely have to step up in the leadership department and be more of a leader, I try to lead by example on the ice and hopefully that helps out the team.” The Grizzlies who only played with four defenceman on Saturday against Merritt will welcome Bilous back with open arms for the 3 games in 3 days road trip, “ The extra ice-time gets a little tiring but it’s great for opportunities, the people watching get to see you in many different roles on the ice and you’re not going to sit on the bench much throughout the game, you’re going to play a lot. It’s a good thing to get the extra ice time but it can also get a little tiring by the end of the night too,” explains Bilous

San Fransisco Bulls to start play in the ECHL

Not BCHL related, but, San Fransisco will have an expansion team in the ECHL for the 2012/13 season.
Where the bay area has had the NHL's Sharks to service it's hockey needs, the San Fransisco Bulls will now play in Daly City, just outside of San Fransisco. The Bulls will play out of the the aptly named Cow Palace Arena.
San Fransisco, did have an IHL team called the San Fransisco Spiders, who where at one point rumoured to be coming to Victoria in the early 2000's. Heck, Spiders would have been a better name and logo than the Salmon Kings.

On the topic of the IHL, also joining the ECHL for next season, will be the Orlando Solar Bears. Formally a team in the old IHL, the new ECHL's Solar Bears will use the same logo and colours of there predecessor.

Victoria Grizzlies 1 - 4 Merritt Centennials @Bear Mtn Arena, Jan 21, 2012

Luke Pierce's Merritt Centennials came as advertised. Hard working, high energy and a good puck moving hockey club. Merritt, currently sitting second in in the Interior Division and also claim the second best record in the entire league, came up against a feisty Grizzlies team.
With a crowd on over a 1000 on hand and the Grizzlies Ice for Water Charity foundation night coming across as a big success again this season, both clubs would keep the fans entertained.

The new look Grizzlies are starting to get some respect around the league and rightly so, as they took the game to Merritt and competed again for three periods of hockey. Although Merritt at times where camped out in the Grizzlies zone, Rockafellow who was solid on the night would keep the Grizzlies in it and the competitive spirit on display from guys like Smith, Lawson, Powell, Holland, Schmeisser, Kaiser and the rest of the squad, made the Centennials look up and take notice.
Credit to the Grizz, as going into the end of the first they had worked Merritt hard and where winning the battles in the neutral zone.
However, Victoria would go behind to a Ross Manuco goal, his first in the BCHL with a nice pass from the impressive Regan Soquila right at the end of the first.
The second period would see the Grizzlies tie it up against the run of play, after some nice puck movement from Smith and Kaiser would set up  Coltyn Hansen for the equaliser.
Both teams would battle in the middle frame,but, it would be the Cents that would score the go-ahead goal, as Chad Brears would give the visitors a 2-1 lead.
The third period would see the Grizzles start off brightly and put some sustained pressure on the Cents. Stefan Gonzales, who was excellent all night was getting forward in some good positions and also closing down Merritt's forward battery. The Grizzlies would come unravelled on there own powerplay, as a breakaway from Regan Soquila when of the best '93' players in the league, would beat Rockafellow for a 3-1 Cents lead, shorthanded.
Tyler Steel, the Merritt goalie would stand firm after stopping a few good opportunities from the Grizz.
With both teams battling hard until the end, the Cents would kill off the game when Chad Brears would score his 2nd of the night with an empty netter to make it a 4-1 final for the visitors.

Game Thoughts Victoria: The team is gelling and seems to be pumped for every game. The guys are making the most of their opportunities they have, despite being undermanned and winless in the last
7. The effort is there and there should be a few wins in this team before the seasons out.
Gonzales, Smith and Kaiser are really taking on the roles as leaders on this club well and Hansen, , Holland, Powell and Lawson are playing well on the first two lines.
Rockafellow, has played well and has looked confident in his last few starts. Schmeisser, has been a welcomed addition to the line up and has looked like a solid Jnr A defencemen who's not afraid to stick up for his teammates.
Kevin Smith, since his arrival has shown the leadership, style of play and has been an on ice part of the coaching staff (Vic Gervais quote).
Again, it's tough to see the team on a losing streak, but, it's fun and rewarding to see the Grizzlies line up put in the effort and determination, which has been on display in the last couple of weeks.

Attendence: 1115         Shots on Goal: Victoria 28 and Merritt 30
Powerplays :Victoria 0 for 4 and Merritt 1 for 3

Stefan Gonzales

BCHL Board of Governers Meeting

The Governor's of each BCHL team have announced a number of changes coming up for the 2012/13 season.
At the meeting in Richmond, some of the changes announced are the number of games for each team being decreased from 60 to 56. This is to try and eliminate some of the midweek games to encourage more fans to come out to the weekend game.
Divisional realignment is on the cards with Chilliwack and Prince George moving to an all new Mainland Coastal Conference.
For me the most exciting will be a BCHL showcase(finally), which will see all 16 teams play two games at a location/city to be named from Sept 7-9 . This showcase will count as regular season games for all 16 BCHL teams involved. Wow, games galore and a few beers....count me in!!!!

Here is the article from the BCHL website, for the full details of the Board of Governor's meeting.

The British Columbia Hockey League passed a number of significant motions Thursday at the league’s semi-annual governors meeting in Richmond. The changes will take effect in the 2012-13 season.

To allow more fans to attend games, governors voted to lower the number of regular season games from 60 to 56. This will decrease the number of mid-week games when fans are less able to attend. Now, a greater percentage of home dates can be held on the prime nights of Friday and Saturday.

Also, a showcase event will be held Sept. 7 to 9 at a site yet to be determined. The showcase is similar to events held in the Alberta and Saskatchewan Junior Hockey leagues where college and professional scouts are invited. Showcase results will count in the regular season standings. Each BCHL team will play two games at the event meaning all teams, except the host of the showcase, will then have 27 home dates in the 2012-13 season. Any revenues from the showcase will be split up amongst the league’s 16 clubs. Teams are being asked to submit by Feb. 1 their bids to host the event.

Another motion that passed was the decision to move the start of the regular season to Sept. 14, 2012. This will mark the date that the standard BCHL regular-season format shall commence though by that point, two regular season games will have been played at the showcase event by each team.

The season will end March 10, 2013 which means the coming season is two weeks longer than normal. This also will allow more games to be scheduled on prime nights rather than mid week.

With respect to the alignment of the conferences, there will be now be 10 teams in the Coastal Conference and it will be split into two groups called the Island Division and Mainland Division. The Island Division will include Victoria, Cowichan Valley, Nanaimo, Alberni Valley and Powell River. The Mainland Division will include Coquitlam, Surrey, Langley, Chilliwack and Prince George.

Prince George will be given the option to return to the Interior Conference after the conclusion of the 2013 playoffs. With Prince George and Chilliwack set to join the Coastal Conference, the new Interior Conference will include the remaining teams: Merritt, Trail, Penticton, Vernon, Salmon Arm and Westside.

“These decisions were not made in haste and came only after lengthy debate by our governors,” said BCHL commissioner John Grisdale. “The BCHL considers itself an innovator and model for Junior A hockey in Canada and these decisions, not all of them unanimous, have been made with the intention of ensuring the long-term viability of our league.”

Each club has been asked to submit new playoff format ideas to the BCHL office by Feb. 1, 2012. After that, a decision will be made and announced.

Victoria Grizzlies 2 - 5 Coquitlam Express @Bear Mtn Arean, Jan 20th,2012

Game report from Tony Burrows:

IT WAS ONE HELL OF A GAME! If we were talking about guts then every one of the 13 Grizzlies who played against that very strong Coquitlam team would have weighed 450 pounds! It was a truly amazing effort by a badly depleted team with David Walchuck, Wes Myron, and Braxton Bilois out hurt, and one of our new players ...Mark McLellan down with pneumonia! Fortunately we had three amazing AP's helping out the team! You guys were absolutely terrific! Thanks to #91 CJ Lillies, #25 Dayne Ellison, and #5 Trevor Chown. Our entire team truly lived up to the Grizzlies motto “Respect all, fear no one” . Despite our loss I left the arena proud to be a Grizzlies fan! We cannot ask for anything more from our team except to give 100% effort and never give up! And what an effort they gave their fans Friday night! The few fans that came out on this miserable night definitely saw what a determined bunch of Grizzlies can do against Goliath! And Garrett Rockafellow-- you were also amazing tonight! Save after save you turned yourself inside out and kept the puck out. You are fast becoming a terrific goalie my friend. Keep up the good work! Jaden Schmeisser, way to go sticking up for your teammate like you did. I did not know you were a fighter, but after the number you did on that Surrey player remind me never to get on your wrong side! Kevin Smith, thanks for coming and helping the Grizzlies finish out the season. You are an awesome player and I really enjoyed watching you as you led the team. You are a natural leader—that is obvious even from up in the stands! And Cam Lawson- great goal and also an assist! And you were picked as Second star of the game! Congratulations! I could easily go on and on mentioning every player. I have never seen 2 lines play so hard for so long! It was a super game to watch! And the salute you gave to your fans after the game was greatly appreciated! You guys deserved the cheers that you got for that!

 

 

 

Upcoming Home Games At Bear Mountain Arena

Victoria Grizzlies v's the Coquitlam Express  at 7:15pm, Friday, Jan 20th at the Bear Mtn Arena.
The Grizzlies play the Express for the first time at home this season and will be in for a battle, as the Express have been the inform team in the Coastal Conference winning 8 of their last 10 games. Express Head Coach, John Calvano has his team focused on the playoffs and are looking to tie up one of the last spots. The Grizzlies will need to contain the double edge sword that Coquitlam has in Alex Petan and Alex Kerfoot on the first line.
With a weeks worth of practice, the Grizzlies should be a little more organised and used to some of the line changes and defensive pairings. After the last two performances, it's important the fans to back the team and hopefully we'll see a few less goals in the back of the Grizzlies net. However, the Express shouldn't underestimate the Grizzlies despite last weekends scorelines. If the Goaltending and the defence can hold tight, the likes of Holland, Hansen, Lawson, McLellan, Kasier and Kevin Smith should give the Express d-core a busy night.

Victoria Grizzlies v's the Merritt Centennials  at 7:15pm, Saturday, Jan 21st at the Bear Mtn Arena.

So, when Merritt came to town in recent seasons, it was generally regarded as two points in the bag for the Grizzlies. That's not the case this season, as the Cents are having there best season in 8 years, under 2nd year coach Luke Pierce. Pierce, has recruited well and had his players buy into his system and to good effect. Merritt sits 2nd in the Interior Conference and has taken numerous scalps of the some the perennial BCHL contenders such as Vernon, Chilliwack and the mighty Penticton Vees. With one of the best goaltending tandems in Tyler Steel and Lino Chimenti(both with GAA under 3.00), combined with forwards Regan Soquila and the impressive Evan Stack this team has been consistent all year.
I am quite looking forward to this match up, as all thought Merritt doesn't have any of the so called" big hitter" type players in their line up, they have a squad of players who work hard and put opponents into a dog fight.

Grizzlies Ice to Water Event - Fund Raiser

ICE TO WATER! JAN. 21.
Hi everyone, once again your Victoria Grizzlies are supporting the efforts of local churches in raising money for drilling wells to get clean water for the desperate people in Etheopia. All the churches are asking members of their congregation to pledge the sale of 100 tickets for $10 each. Your Grizz organization will donate back $5 for each ticket sold. With cooperation ...of Food For The Hungry, every dollar raised will turn into $3 toward these wells. Last year they raised $5000 which translated into $15000 after the Government donation.
This year our Grizzlies will again sponsor this event called "Ice to Water" and try to raise as much money for this event as possible.
Hopefully there will be lots of first time fans out for this event so lets show them what our hockey organization is all about!
This Saturday, January 21 will be "Ice to Water" night. Come out and enjoy the fun!

Check out the facebook link:
http://www.facebook.com/#!/events/255239827881101/






____________________________________________________________________

Western Championships Announced For 2013

So, it's official, there will be a Western Canadian Championships starting in 2013. Not replacing the RBC as first thought, it allows a host team, the BCHL champ, AJHL champ, SJHL Champ and MJHL to compete in a Western Championship tournament. The winner and the runner up of the Westerns, both go on to the RBC cup at that point, to compete against the Jnr A teams from back east.
With this new format, it quite rightly gives two Western teamsthe right to enter the RBC cup. The four Western leagues, have been classified as a slightly higher standard compared to the Jnr A leagues out east.
Personally, I think this Western Championship will be a better tournament than the RBC.
Nanaimo, will be the first host which co insides with there 40th anniversary. With the host city close by, Victoria shouldn't need any motivation for next season!!!

Here is the official announcement from the BCHL website:

Calgary, AB, January 16^th, 2012 – The Canadian Junior Hockey League is pleased to announce a new regional playoff format for its four western provinces beginning in 2013. The British Columbia Hockey League, Alberta Junior Hockey League, Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League and Manitoba Junior Hockey League will move to a five-team tournament and crown the first-ever Western Canadian Champion.
The Western Canadian Championship will include a host team and the champion from each of the four western leagues. The 13-game tournament will include a round-robin schedule followed by two semifinal games and a championship game. The Western Canadian Champion and the runner-up will both represent Western Canada at the RBC Cup National Junior A Championship.
“Congratulations to the four western leagues on this significant step in the growth of Junior A hockey in Western Canada and across the country,” said CJHL Chairman Kirk Lamb. “The new championship format will create a tremendous opportunity to showcase our players, teams and communities and is yet another example of the strengthening relationship among Junior A leagues in Canada. I commend the four western leagues on partnering together in the development of this initiative.”
CJHL Chairman Kirk Lamb and the four western provinces are honoured to announce the hosting rights for the inaugural Western Canadian Championship in 2013 have been awarded to the BCHL community of Nanaimo, BC. The 2013 Western Canadian Championship will be held from April 26 to May 5.
“I want to congratulate Nanaimo on being selected to host the first Western Canadian Championship in 2013,” said BCHL commissioner John Grisdale. “I am extremely confident the host committee, the Clipper ownership group, their fans, the City of Nanaimo and the volunteers will work cohesively towards ensuring the championship is not only successful in Nanaimo, but the legacy left will provide a blueprint for the other Junior A leagues to follow.”
Nanaimo Clippers owner Ken Wagner is proud to bring the inaugural Western Canadian Championship to Nanaimo during a milestone season for the franchise
“Hosting the Western Canadian Championship in conjunction with our 40^th anniversary is a great way for the team and community to celebrate. I believe the Nanaimo Clippers are a flagship franchise in the CJHL and it is a true honour to be selected as the host city for the first-time event. Nanaimo offers the ultimate in hospitality, beautiful scenery and a strong volunteer base, which will result in a successful experience for everyone involved.”

The Western Canadian Championship will be hosted by the BCHL in 2013, followed by the MJHL (2014), AJHL (2015), and SJHL (2016). A Site Selection Committee will be responsible for selecting a host team annually, upon the recommendation of the host league.
About the Canadian Junior Hockey League: There are currently 10 leagues and over 130 teams competing in the Canadian Junior Hockey League. The goal of the CJHL is to enhance and expand development and exposure for its players in order to increase the number of opportunities to further their academic and hockey careers. The annual champion of the Canadian Junior Hockey League wins the RBC Cup.
About the RBC Cup: Since 1971, teams from across Canada have fought for the National Junior A Championship. The RBC Cup National Junior A Championship is currently an annual tournament between the Champions of the four regions within the CJHL and the Host Club in a quest to become the National Champion.