A look at the Potential Grizzlies Coaching Staff(Joining Bill)

So things are looking promising and the pieces are coming together as the organization heads deeper into the summer months before the Grizzlies camps start to get going.

The new Grizzlies ownership spearheaded by Ron Walchuk, the Vancouver Island Sports and Entertainment Ltd have already put into place GM and Head Coach Bill Bestwick in turn giving the Grizzlies one of the most experienced and successful coaches at this level.

As Bill looks to put his coaching team in place two names being mentioend in local media are former Grizzlies Asst Coach, Craig Didmon and current Victoria Cougars Heach Coach, Mark Van Helvoirt.

As rumoured in local media, the Grizzlies could look to be adding former Asst Coach Craig Didmon as Asst GM and Asst Coach.

Craig Didmon

Craig Didmon: Grizzlies fans who are familiar with Craig Didmon, know they are getting a Coach with a winning mentality who has had success, with the VIJHL's Victoria Cougars as Head Coach including a VIJHL Championship and a Cyclone Taylor Cup win to his credit. Craig has also coached the Major Midget Leagues, South Island Thunderbirds and more recently was one of the Victoria Royals Assistants to GM/Head Coach Marc Habscheid.
Didmon a highly respected hockey man throughout Vancouver Island, is well known for the quality of coaching he gives to Junior hockey players at this stage of their careers and is a real student of the game. If recent reports are to be believed, Craig Didmon's experience would be a huge asset to a quick Grizzlies reversal in fortunes.

The other name being rumoured at this time to round off the Grizzlies coaching staff as an Asst Coach, is the current Victoria Cougars Head Coach Mark Van Helvoirt.

Mark Van Helvoirt

Mark Van Helvoirt: Van Helvoirt was an Asst Coach to Craig Didmon during the 2006/07 and took over the reins as Head Coach of the Cougs when Craig Dimon moved on. In Mark's 5 year tenure as Cougars Head Coach, the Cougars have won two South Divison titles, two VIJHL titles and have made two Cyclone Cup appearences. Impressives to be sure, but, what add's to Van Helvoirt resume is how well coached his teams are especially in the special teams dept.
Van Helvoirt, who is his playing days was a clincial goal scorer in the VIJHL breaking numerous league and Cougar records along the way.
As a young coach who has seen success at the Jnr B level, if Mark joins the Grizzlies he will round off a coaching staff with a winning mentality and culture.

Looking forward to the upcoming anncouncments!!!

Justin Courtnall To Attend Boston Bruins Prospects Camp

Former Grizzlie Justin Courtnell and local Victoria boy, has been invited to the 2012 Boston Bruins prospect camp.
Orginally drafted in the 2007 NHL in the 7th round by the Tampa Bay Lightening(although released two seasons later), has really come into his own in his third season with the NCAA's, Boston University Terriers this season, becoming an Assitant Captain and putting up 7pts in 39 games for the Terriers this season.
Courrtnell, who had played two full seasons with the Grizzlies including being a key component in the Grizzlies 2008 RBC Cup season. Courtnell, as we all now comes from a well known hockey back gorund and has the speed, size and hockey sense to hopefully turn a few heads among the Bruins brass, to show he can still make it to the show.

Justin Courtnell

Wade Murphy invited to Calgary Flames Prospect Camp

Although not selected in the NHL 2012 draft, Wade Murphy has been invited to the Calgary Flames 2012 prospect camp.

Murphy will join the likes of former Cowichan Caps goalie Laurent Brossoit and the Flames 2012 first round draft pick centreman and 21st overall, Mark Jankowski at the prospect camp.

Murphy, who's status with the Grizzlies is still up in the air for the 2012 season(Although in an interview, Vees Head Coach, Fred Harbinson, has said Wade will be back in a Vees uniform for the upcoming season) was surprisingly passed over in the draft in Pittsburgh last week.

Wade, will have the chance to catch on with a Flames team, that looks to be moving towards a youth movement at this time under new Head Coach, Bob Hartley.

Wade Murphy

Grizzlies 2012/13 Home Schedule (plus the two showcase games)

Grizzlies Home Schedule, as taken from the Grizzlies website.
Nice work from our Social Media Facebook/Researcher Roy, who has worked out that there will be 5 homes cross over dates with the Royals for the 2012/13 season

Date	Time	Opponent	Location	Broadcast
Sep 07, 2012	4:00	Coquitlam Express	Prospera Centre	Y
Sep 08, 2012	11:30	Alberni Valley Bulldogs	Prospera Centre	Y
Sep 14, 2012	7:15	Powell River Kings	Bear Mountain Arena	N
Sep 29, 2012	7:15	Coquitlam Express	Bear Mountain Arena	N
Oct 05, 2012	7:15	Salmon Arm Silverbacks	Bear Mountain Arena	N
Oct 12, 2012	7:15	Penticton Vees	Bear Mountain Arena	N
Oct 14, 2012	1:30	Alberni Valley Bulldogs	Bear Mountain Arena	N
Oct 19, 2012	7:15	Trail Smoke Eaters	Bear Mountain Arena	N
Nov 02, 2012	7:15	Cowichan Valley Capitals	Bear Mountain Arena	N
Nov 16, 2012	7:15	Alberni Valley Bulldogs	Bear Mountain Arena	N
Nov 30, 2012	7:15	Nanaimo Clippers	Bear Mountain Arena	N
Dec 02, 2012	1:30	Langley Rivermen	Bear Mountain Arena	N
Dec 08, 2012	7:15	Surrey Eagles	Bear Mountain Arena	N
Dec 14, 2012	7:15	Prince George Spruce Kings	Bear Mountain Arena	N
Dec 21, 2012	7:15	Cowichan Valley Capitals	Bear Mountain Arena	N
Dec 29, 2012	7:15	Nanaimo Clippers	Bear Mountain Arena	N
Jan 04, 2013	7:15	Nanaimo Clippers	Bear Mountain Arena	N
Jan 06, 2013	7:15	Powell River Kings	Bear Mountain Arena	N
Jan 12, 2013	7:15	Chilliwack Chiefs	Bear Mountain Arena	N
Jan 18, 2013	7:15	Cowichan Valley Capitals	Bear Mountain Arena	N
Jan 20, 2013	1:30	Vernon Vipers	Bear Mountain Arena	N
Jan 25, 2013	7:15	Merritt Centennials	Bear Mountain Arena	N
Jan 26, 2013	7:15	Powell River Kings	Bear Mountain Arena	N
Feb 05, 2013	7:15	Powell River Kings	Bear Mountain Arena	N
Feb 16, 2013	7:15	Alberni Valley Bulldogs	Bear Mountain Arena	N
Feb 22, 2013	7:15	Cowichan Valley Capitals	Bear Mountain Arena	N
Mar 02, 2013	7:15	Nanaimo Clippers	Bear Mountain Arena	N
Mar 08, 2013	7:15	West Kelowna Warriors	Bear Mountain Arena	N
Mar 09, 2013	7:15	Alberni Valley Bulldogs	Bear Mountain Arena

Wes Myron drafted by the Vancouver Canucks

Huge congratulations to former Grizzlies superstar, Wes Myron on being drafted today in the 6th round and 177th overall in the 2012 NHL draft; to none other than the Vancouver Canucks.
Myron, who was a standout for the Grizzlies last season and a major part of the roster for the last 3 seasons, really showed the talent he has to offer, from his on ice vision, passing, skill and scoring prowess.
Although missing close to half the 2011/12 season due to a shoulder injury, Wes really lit it up being teamed with Murphy, Ten Vaanholt/Moran on the topline which aligned itself to be one of the most potent lines in Grizzlies history, as well as a force in the BCHL last season.
Myron's form last season, caught the attention of Team Canada Wests, World Junior A Head Coach, Kent Lewis, who picked Myron and became a key component of his Gold Medal winning team, at the Junior A World Championships in Langley last year.

Myron, who had been scouted by a number of NHL teams throughout season is off to the NCAA's Boston University next season. Depending on Wes and the Canucks pro plans, playing at Boston Uni next season should only further develop Myron's dynamic hockey skills.

The Grizzlies fans are proud of you Wes and look forward to following your career in the NCAA and as a future Canuck.

Mitch Meek joins the Grizzlies

One Grizzlies item to catch up on to add to the recent excitement is, the recent signing of 15 year old standout from the Major Midget League, South Island Thunderbirds is Victoria native, Mitch Meek.
Local boy Meek, is 5'10'' defender and really turned some heads in his first season with the T'birds which included a couple of games as an AP with the Cowichan Valley Capitals.
The transition of a 15 year old player(16 by the time the season starts), can be done in the BCHL despite the leap in competing against older, bigger players and  just the overall standard of Junior A. Nolan DeJong for example, has just come off an impressive rookie season as a 16 year old who is also a former T'bird.
To wet the appetite of Grizzlies fans, Meek represented B.C at the WCCC U16 tournament, a terrific accomplishment for Mitch and a clear indication of the talent this young defender has.

Here are Meek's stats from his 2011/12 season with the South Island Thunderbirds.

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GP	Points	Goals	Assists	PIM
26	6	2	4	69

Welcome to the Grizzlies Mitch!!!!

Bill Bestwick to Coach the Grizzlies!!!!

(As reported on A-Channel and Check)
There are few things in life, that truly surprise you in the sports world(I'm not just talking about Scotland ever making the World Cup of soccer). The announcement of who the Victoria Grizzlies new Head Coach is one of them. None other than....................Mr. Bill Bestwick.
You remember Billy B, the Head Coach of the Nanaimo Clippers for over ten years who was the scourge of the Grizzlies/Salsa franchise, the Coach the Grizzlies fans loved to hate, the Darth Vader to our Luke Skywalker, the man BCHL refs would think twice to cross(he throws a mean water bottle) and the man opponents feared and respected.

Now all kidding aside, if you wanted confirmation that the new owners of the Grizzlies are serious about turning the Grizzlies into a successful entity, they have answered you loud and clear...YES they have.
In Mr. Bill Bestwick, you have a man who knows the BCHL inside and out, has had success in almost every season with the Nanaimo Clippers which included a trip to the RBC Cup, BCHL Championships, Coastal Conference Championships...the man is a winner.
Mr. Bestwick's record of helping his playing get scholarships is almost unmatched and he does get the best out of his roster. I spoke to Bill's sister a few years ago and she told me, Bill would also suggest to NCAA scout,s players on other BCHL teams they should keep an eye out for.
Now, seeing Bill behind a Victoria bench is going to take some getting used too. But, the returning quality of players on our roster and pending trades of players coming to the team, suggests this marriage could be well matched quickly.
Any Grizzlies fans(yes I'm talking to you sections A,B and X) who may have booed Bill out of Bear Mountain Arena in the past, should have a pretty good understanding, that Bill is a proven winner.

I don't know about any of you, but, this is the most excited I've been for a Grizzlies season in a good few years.

Mr Bestwick, welcome to the Westshore.

Big Announcment Tomorrow!!!!!

Huge news from the Grizzlies to be announced tomorrow, the Grizz Roar blog will have an in depth look at the latest exciting news tomorrow!!!!!!!!

Tune in tomorrow!!!!!!!!!!!

BCHL Showcase

The BCHL showcase schedule has been announced. The Grizzlies open the season on Friday Sept. 7th at 4pm against the Coquitlam Express. The second Grizzlies game in the showcase is against Alberni Valley on Saturday Sept 8th at 1130am. The first annual showcase is being hosted by the Chilliwack Chiefs. Below is a list of the complete schedule.

Date	Time	Home	Away	Rink
Fri. Sept. 7	3:30 p.m.	Alberni Valley	Langley	Secondary
	4 p.m.	Victoria	Coquitlam	Main
	7 p.m.	Powell River	Surrey	Secondary
	7:30 p.m.	Chilliwack	Penticton	Main
Sat. Sept. 8	11:30 a.m.	Victoria	Alberni Valley	Secondary
	NOON	Merritt	Prince George	Main
	3 p.m.	Westside	Salmon Arm	Secondary
	3:30 p.m.	Vernon	Penticton	Main
	6:30 p.m.	Cowichan Valley	Trail	Secondary
	7 p.m.	Chilliwack	Nanaimo	Main
Sun. Sept 9	10:30 a.m.	Vernon	Powell River	Secondary
	11 a.m.	Salmon Arm	Nanaimo	Main
	2 p.m.	Coquitlam	Cowichan Valley	Secondary
	2:30 p.m.	Trail	Merritt	Main
	5:30 p.m.	Surrey	Westside	Secondary

Alex Holland commits to Merrimack University

Congratulations to Grizzlies forward Alex Holland, on his scholarship commitment to Merrimack University for the 2013/14 season. The Woburn, Mass native arrived at the Grizzlies just after the start of last season and after taking a little time to settle in, Alex found himself playing on the 2nd line for the better part of last season and plenty of PP playing time to boot.
Alex, will certainly be one of those guys expected to build on his respectable points total, of 17 goals and 17 assists for 34 points in 60 games last season, for this upcoming season.
If Alex is down in the dumps about how badly the Red Sox are playing right now, he can be proud of his achievement in securing a scholarship to one of the stand out NCAA Div 1, hockey programs in the U.S.

Expected to join Alex at Merrimack in 2013 is none other than Wade Murphy.

Congrats Alex, the Grizzlies fans are proud of you!!!!

New Era for the Victoria Grizzlies coming soon

A new and exciting dawn for the Victoria Grizzlies will be coming very soon, stay tuned folks!!!

Surrey Eagles announce Peter Schaefer as a Asst Coach

As the Grizzlies are in the process of organising their Coaching staff for the upcoming season, former NHLer and Canuck Peter Schaefer has been announced as an Asst Coach, to Surrey Eagles Head Coach, Matt Erhart.
This native of Yellow Grass, SK has had stints with Vancouver(twice), Ottawa including playing time in Germany and Finland showing flashes of being a quality NHL forward at times,but, couldn't quite keep up the consistency.
Schaefer, who had success in Junior in the WHL with the Brandon Wheatkings, will have his first foray into coaching via the BCHL and one of the more stable/successful franchises in the league in the Surrey Eagles.
With current Eagles coach Matt Erhart earning rave reviews and being touted for big things in the future, Schaefer looks like he'll be part of a Surrey team eager to build on recent success.

Peter Schaefer