Follow Up - Training Camp Rosters for Team Canada West

CANADA WEST TRAINING CAMP ROSTER

Team Blue

# Name         S/C     Ht.       Wt.        Born       Hometown             Team

Goaltenders

1 Jonah Imoo R/D 6'1" 170 04/06/94 Surrey, B.C./C.-B. Powell River (BCHL)

30 Tyler Steel L/G 6'2" 175 02/25/93 Vernon, B.C./C.-B. Merritt (BCHL)

Defence

2 Troy Stecher R/D 5'11" 180 04/07/94 Richmond, B.C./C.-B. Penticton (BCHL)

3 Mike Williamson L/G 6'3" 210 09/05/93 Leduc, Alta./Alb. Spruce Grove (AJHL)

4 Luke Ripley L/G 6'3" 195 04/16/94 Kitimat, B.C./C.-B. Powell River (BCHL)

5 Tyler Kauk L/G 6'0" 210 09/04/93 Winnipeg, Man. Estevan (SJHL)

6 Jon Carlson L/G 6'1" 195 06/28/94 Fort Frances, Ont. Fort Frances (SIJHL)

7 Robert Hamilton L/G 5'11" 165 01/01/94 Calgary, Alta./Alb. Okotoks (AJHL)

Forwards

8 Michael Stenerson L/G 5'10" 165 01/20/93 Surrey, B.C./C.-B. Surrey (BCHL)

9 Josh Betinol R/D 5'7" 150 03/12/94 Chestermere, Alta./Alb. Battlefords (SJHL)

10 Denis Bosc L/G 5'10" 170 04/30/95 Dufresne, Man. Steinbach (MJHL)

12 T.J. Reeve R/D 6'0" 190 01/29/94 Grenfell, Sask. Melville (SJHL)

14 Zach Pryzbek L/G 6'4" 205 04/25/94 Niagara on the Lake, Ont. Coquitlam (BCHL)

15 Adam Tambellini L/G 6'4" 177 11/01/94 Edmonton, Alta./Alb. Vernon (BCHL)

16 Wade Murphy R/D 6'0" 180 10/22/93 Victoria, B.C./C.-B. Penticton (BCHL)

17 Dylan Mascarin L/G 6'0" 160 08/25/95 Thunder Bay, Ont. Thunder Bay (SIJHL)

18 Evan Tironese L/G 5'9" 163 08/02/95 Qualicum Beach, B.C./C.-B. Alberni Valley (BCHL)

19 Seb Lloyd L/G 5'10" 185 04/25/94 Prince George, B.C./C.-B. West Kelowna (BCHL)

20 Andrew Taverner L/G 5'11" 182 05/07/95 Edmonton, Alta./Alb. Sherwood Park (AJHL)

21 Anthony Paskaruk R/D 5'10" 175 01/18/94 Airdrie, Alta./Alb. Brooks (AJHL)

 

Team Red

# Name           S/C           Ht.            Wt.  Born Hometown                    Team

 

Goaltenders

1 Chad Katunar L/G 6'4" 215 08/14/93 Victoria, B.C./C.-B. Penticton (BCHL)

30 Curtis Skip L/G 5'11" 172 08/23/94 Grande Prairie, Alta./Alb. Grande Prairie (AJHL)

Defence

2 Maddison Smiley R/D 6'0" 180 02/20/94 Airdrie, Alta./Alb. Brooks (AJHL)

3 James de Haas L/G 6'4" 210 05/05/94 Mississauga, Ont. Penticton (BCHL)

4 Tanner Jago L/G 6'0" 190 05/19/94 Brandon, Man. Winkler (MJHL)

5 Marshall Donald L/G 5'11" 180 06/10/95 Edmonton, Alta./Alb. Sherwood Park (AJHL)

6 Kevin Guiltinan L/G 6'3" 204 04/25/95 London, Ont. Vernon (BCHL)

7 Corey Chorneyko L/G 5'8" 165 10/14/93 Jasper, Alta./Alb. Spruce Grove (AJHL)

Forwards

8 Alex Kerfoot L/G 5'10" 165 08/11/94 West Vancouver, B.C./C.-B. Coquitlam (BCHL)

9 Evan Richardson R/D 5'8" 170 05/30/94 Nanaimo, B.C./C.-B. Powell River (BCHL)

10 Brandon Morley L/G 5'9" 160 04/17/94 Burnaby, B.C./C.-B. Surrey (BCHL)

11 Russell Trudeau L/G 5'9" 175 08/07/93 Landmark, Man. Melville (SJHL)

12 Rhyse Dieno R/D 5'11" 170 07/03/93 Davidson, Sask. La Ronge (SJHL)

14 Nelson Gadoury L/G 6'1" 186 03/30/95 Calahoo, Alta./Alb. Camrose (AJHL)

15 Dante Hahn R/D 6'1" 190 04/15/95 Victoria, B.C./C.-B. Victoria (BCHL)

16 Dexter Dancs L/G 6'2" 190 02/01/95 Vancouver, B.C./C.-B. Penticton (BCHL)

17 Colton Spicer L/G 6'1" 185 02/14/95 Fort Frances, Ont. Fort Frances (SIJHL)

18 Austin Plevy L/G 5'10" 175 11/14/94 Langley, B.C./C.-B. Chilliwack (BCHL)

19 Tanner MacMaster L/G 5'9" 146 01/08/96 Calgary, Alta./Alb. Camrose (AJHL)

20 Brett Boehm R/D 6'0" 160 09/19/94 Martensville, Sask. Flin Flon (SJHL)

 

Team White

# Name                S/C   Ht.  Wt. Born              Hometown      Team

 

Goaltenders

1 Michael Stiliadis L/G 6'0" 160 01/28/94 Woodridge, Ont. Victoria (BCHL)

30 Marc-Olivier Daigle L/G 6'1" 180 09/18/94 Delson, Que./Qc Drayton Valley (AJHL)

Defence

3 Paul Stoykewych L/G 6'0" 200 03/09/95 Winnipeg, Man. Winnipeg (MJHL)

4 Grant Baker L/G 6'1" 215 06/05/93 Calgary, Alta./Alb. Lloydminster (AJHL)

5 Nolan De Jong L/G 6'2" 180 04/25/95 Victoria, B.C./C.-B. Victoria (BCHL)

6 Josh Healey L/G 6'0" 185 07/12/94 Edmonton, Alta./Alb. Sherwood Park (AJHL)

7 Shane Pilling L/G 5'10" 175 01/21/93 Lethbridge, Alta./Alb. Brooks (AJHL)

8 Devon Toews L/G 5'11" 165 02/21/94 Abbotsford, B.C./C.-B. Surrey (BCHL)

Forwards

9 Dillan McCombie R/D 5'8" 172 12/29/94 Flin Flon, Man. Flin Flon (SJHL)

10 Ryan Berlin L/G 6'0" 181 02/10/94 Edmonton, Alta./Alb. Whitecourt (AJHL)

11 Kurt Keats L/G 5'8" 160 08/16/95 Winnipeg, Man. Winnipeg (MJHL)

12 Parker Thomas R/D 6'1" 180 03/12/93 Winnipeg, Man. Selkirk (MJHL)

14 Michael Rebry L/G 6'1" 190 10/15/93 Clear Creek, Ont. Penticton (BCHL)

15 Hudson Friesen L/G 6'2" 185 05/15/93 East St. Paul, Man. Selkirk (MJHL)

16 David Pope L/G 6'2" 193 09/27/94 Edmonton, Alta./Alb. West Kelowna (BCHL)

17 Aaron Hadley R/D 6'3" 200 07/22/93 Castlegar, B.C./C.-B. Vernon(BCHL)

18 Dylan Richard L/G 6'0" 185 02/05/93 Sherwood Park, Alta./Alb. Spruce Grove (AJHL)

19 Connor Hoekstra R/D 5'11" 196 01/21/93 St. Albert, Alta./Alb. Canmore (AJHL)

20 Patrick Lee L/G 5'9" 155 10/08/94 Calgary, Alta./Alb. Brooks (AJHL)

21 Tayler Balog L/G 6'1" 191 04/21/94 Weyburn, Sask. Nipawin (SJHL)

 

 

 

Update from Team Canada West Camp Michael, Dante and Nolan

Big thanks to Nick Stiliadis for the updates from the camp on the progress on the boys.

Michael and Nolan are on team white and Dante is on team Red.

First game Monday, White vs Red

Team white took a early 2-0 lead and thats how the first period ended.
In the second Team Red would get 2 quick ones back to tie the game at 2.
At the half way mark of the game Michael Stiliadis would take over in net tied at 2.
All three boys played very well and the two teams remained tied at the end of two.
The two teams would exchange chances and a big save on a 3 on 1 by Stilly kept it tied. Off to 4 on 4 OT, some things remain the same.
At the 3 minute mark Team Red capitalized on a turnover and won 3-2. They also allowed the shooters to participate in a shootout.
Both goalies shut-out the first 6 rounds of shooters. Team Red would win it in the 7^th round. Don’t know who scored it, but Dante knows Michael better than anyone.

DeJong, Stiliadis and Team White will practice only Tuesday while Dante and team Red plays team Blue. To end the camp, Team White will play Blue Wednesday.





            Michael                                Dante                                                                    Nolan

Grizz Tid-bits

• Good news on the Mitch Meek front, as he has been released from Hospital after taking a nasty head injury in the game against Merritt. He is expected to be back in Victoria tomorrow. I know I speak for all Grizzlies fans, as we are all looking forward to Mitch making a full recovery and back on the ice soon.

• Myles Fitzgerald is on an impressive 10 game points streak at this time.

• The Grizzlies are averaging  around 1,207 fans a game from six home games this season. This is up significantly from last season, where it was closer to 800(announced) around the same time last year. Nice job Scott McWilliam and company.

• Zach McPhee, a power forward from the Everett Silvertips of the WHL was released by the 'Tips' this week. His current Junior A rights are held by the Grizzlies after the Sean Robertson trade with the Vipers. Unless his rights have been traded already or he isn't picked up by another WHL team, he could be a Grizzlie.

CJHL Weekly Rankings

CJHL Weekly Top 10:

The Grizzlies continue to be a fixture in the national CJHL rankings as this week we are up to number 10.
I personally, don't put a lot of stock in these rankings to be honest as the leagues in the West of the country are widely regarded to be a better standard than the leagues east of Manitoba.
The Grizzlies are 10th on this list, but, I'd put them closer to third behind Brooks and Penticton. A little arrogant on my part being a BCHL and a Grizzlies fan,but, those have been my observations over the years.
However, that's to take nothing away from the teams who have made this list and an idea of the inform clubs and ones to watch so far in the 2012/13 season.

Information from the BCHL website:
The Canadian Junior Hockey League (CJHL) in conjunction with NHL Central Scouting announced today its Weekly Top 20 rankings for the week of October 29th. Last week’s rankings and the leagues in which the teams belong to are in parenthesis.
The CJHL Weekly Top 20 as of Monday, October 29th

1. (1) Brooks Bandits(AJHL)
2. (2) Truro Bearcats(MHL)
3. (3) Trenton Golden Hawks(OJHL)
4. (7) Melville Millionaires (SJHL)
5. (4) OCN Blizzard(MJHL)
6. (5) Penticton Vees (BCHL)
7. (10) Flin Flon Bombers(SJHL)
8. (6) Yorkton Terriers(SJHL)
9. (9) Minnesota Wilderness(SIJHL)
10. (12) Victoria Grizzlies(BCHL)
11. (13) Soo Thunderbirds(NOJHL)
12. (15) Winnipeg Blues(MJHL)
13. (14) Newmarket Hurricanes(OJHL)
14. (NR) Whitecourt Wolverines(AJHL)
15. (HM) Summerside Western Capitals(MHL)
16. (11) Spruce Grove Saints(AJHL)
17. (19) St. Michael’s Buzzers(OJHL)
18. (17) Saint Jerome Pantheres(LHJAAAQ)
19. (18) Smiths Falls Bears(CCHL)
20. (NR) Prince George Spruce Kings(BCHL)

Honourable Mention goes to the Chilliwack Chiefs (BCHL), Bonnyville Pontiacs (AJHL), Swan Valley Stampeders (MJHL), Nepean Raiders (CCHL), Yarmouth Jr. ‘A’ Mariners (MHL).

The weekly rankings are based upon a variety of factors, including the league in which the teams play, winning percentage, win-loss record, total points accumulated, goals-for versus goals-against ratio, etc.

The CJHL is an amalgamation of ten Junior A hockey leagues from across Canada. More information on the CJHL can be found by clicking on the league website. www.cjhlhockey.com

Merritt Centennials 4 - 7 Victoria Grizzlies@Nicola Valley Arena, Oc 28th

Article by Tony Burrows(nice job Tony):

                                                                                
After 2 hard road games against the Smokeeaters and the league leading Penticton Vees Our plucky Grizzlies limped into Merritt for the third game in the roadtrip. This game was against the second place team in the interior conference, with a 10 win and 4 loss to the start of the season,who always play tough, choking hockey in their own small Nicola Valley Arena.As you already know we were down three players, goalie Mike Stiliadis, and Nolan De Jong and Dante Hahn who had left after the Penticton game to go to the selection camp for Team West in Calgary. Also Myles Fitzgerald who had received a hard hit in Penticton and was not feeling 100% so Bill Bestwick game him the night off to recuperate!
Well, our Grizzlies who had just beaten the #1 team in the BCHL were definitely not planning to be intimidated by a little second place team! They came out with a Roar and dominated the first period. At 3.04 of the first Myles Powell scored his first goal from Zach Urban. Then at 10.12 Myles Powell picked up an assist when Mark McLellan beat Merritt's netminder Hill. At 17.42 DJ Jones from Mitch Meek and Mark McLellan again beat Hill. And at 18.46 of the first Jaden Schmeisser with Justin Polischuk's help beat Hill again. (Notice here again that the other teams are not allowing the Fitzgeralds any room to play! But again, this is giving some of the other lines a chance to really shine! Goes to show you what great depth the Grizzlies really have!
After Merritt's goalie Phoenix Hill's rough start he was replaced by their backup goalie Jack Burgaart who did an admirable job in goal for the rest of the game.
Just 43 seconds into the second period Turner Lawson scored our fifth goal from Dave Mazurek. But, hold on – things can change really quick in this little arena. And things did start changing!
57 seconds into the second Brendan Lamont from the Cents scored putting Merritt on the map. Then Myles Powell scored at 8.33 from Chase Kaiser and Mark McLellan. This was Myles's second goal of the game.
At 10.10 of the second a newly rejuvenated Merritt team scored again when Regan Soquila beat our netminder Brady Rouleau. And at 15.01 Merritt, now buzzing against an obviously tired Victoria team,
scored against Brady Roleau when Richard Sabourin scored.
I'm not sure if Justin Coachman decided that the worn out Grizzlies needed something to pump up their adrenaline a little, or whether he had just had enough of Sean Maktaak of Merritt, but Justin laid a severe whipping on him coming at him with both lefts and rights. Absolutely no contest! And the winner is Justin!!
After the intermission a really tired Grizz team hit the ice and at 2.57 of the third Sebastien Pare beat Brady Roleau for the Cent's 4th goal. This was starting to look way too much like what Scotty had said earlier—Grizz having a 6 to 4 lead could change in a second!
Luckily at 7.51 the MAN OF THE HOUR Myles Powell scored what was to be winning goal of the game and gave him his first Hat Trick. Congratulations Myles- that's awesome! That goal was scored with assists from Mark McLellan and DJ Jones.
It goes without saying that Merritt tried everything from that point on but our Big Bad Beat Up Grizzlies defended their turf and won the game 7 to 4.
On a serious note, during the game our 16 year old Rookie player Mitch Meek (who had scored a big one the night before in Penticton) somehow lost his helmet in a fall when he apparently stepped on the puck in front of our goal and slammed onto the ice on his back and the back of his head. The entire crowd in the Nicola Valley arena were totally silent, and Scotty Didmon quietly told us that it had been a very ugly fall. Mitch lay on the ice not moving and they brought in the ambulance crew and took him on a stretcher to the hospital. We were all very worried about him, but today's report is nothing but good! Mitch has a huge bump on his head but is OK and on his way back to Victoria. Luckily they make REAL tough kids nowadays!

Penticont Vees 2 - 3OT Victoria Grizzlies @ South Okanagan Events Centre, Oct 27th

Sorry folks, little late on the report and a big thanks to Tony Burrows really stepping up to write this one out.

Article by Tony Burrows:
On Saturday, Oct. 27 our Victoria Grizzlies sent a resounding message to the entire BCHL. Heads up you guys, there is another Big Dog (or in this case a Grizzlie!) on the block.
The Grizzlies defeated last year's RBC championship team the Penticton Vees in a 3 to 2 double overtime loss. That by itself could be a coincidence, but when you consider that the Vees this season have 13 wins, only 2 regular time losses and 2 overtime losses (BOTH OF WHICH ARE TO OUR GRIZZLIES) the chance of that being an anomaly is reduced drastically!
Only 21 seconds into the first period ever dangerous Wade Murphy, who used to play for our Victoria Grizzlies early last season, put one past our netminder Michael Stiliadis with help for the Vee's Sam Mellor. This set up the game for lively, hard hitting hockey by both teams as the grizz scrambled to even the game! It was interesting to note that our Awesome Threesome, the Fitzie triplets were unable do much as the Vees always had a man draped all over them for most of the game until the second overtime when things opened up a bit and the Vees could not contain the Fitzies as easily! However it was great in a way! This gave some of our other players who did not have a Penticton Vee growing out of his left ear a chance to prove themselves! And so they did BIG TIME!
At 8.22 Mitch Meek, a 16 year old rookie who had been a healthy scratch in Salmon Arm, surprised us all with a great goal past Vees goalie Chad Katunar with an assist by Myles Powell! The first period ended in a 1 to 1 tie between these two great teams!
6.39 into the second period Penticton scored against us and took the lead agiain. This held throughout that period and into the third, and at 8.36 of the third regulation period our man Brett Hartskamp beat Katunar with the help of Mazurek and Lawson! It was a credit to the Grizzlies that they managed to hold off the buzzing Penticton Vees for the rest of that period as you could see that our Grizzlies had stuck their nose into the Vees beehive and the Vees were NOT happy about that!
During the first 4 on 4 overtime both teams had enough players to drape all over the top scorers and it was interesting to note that in both overtime periods the Vees only managed 3 shots on net, and the Grizz 4. But as I said earlier, when the second overtime with 3 on 3 came the Vees could not contain those deadly Fitzgeralds, and Leo scored the game winner from Myles!
Great things happen when those kids get room to play!! But it was also great to see some of the other players getting a chance to shine also!
Huge congratulations to DJ Jones from the Grizzlies for being picked as first star and to Chris Albertini, also from Victoria for being the second Star. And good luck to Michael Stiliadis who now heads to Alberta for the Canada West selection camp!

Vees v Grizz and Cents V Grizz plus weekend thoughts!

Write ups coming soon on the last two games and also a few thoughts and tid-bits. Sorry little behind due to family/work commitment.

Great weekend effort from the boys!!

Michael Stiliadis invited to the Canada West Jnr A selection camp

Congratulations to goaltender Michael Stiliadis, who's solid start to the season has earned a place at the Canada West Jnr A camp, for the World Jnr A championships in Yarmouth, NS from Nov 5th - 11th.
Ontario native Stiliadis, has formed an excellent tandem with Brady Rouleau this season which has been a major factor in the Grizzlies early season success.
Michael, has 6 wins and 4 losses to go along with a miserly 2.73 GAA average in 10 games in the 2012/13 campaign.
Stilidis joins fellow Grizzlies, Nolan De Jong and Dante Hahn at camp.

Penticton Vees v's Victoria Grizzlies @ South Okanagan Events Centre, Oct 27th, 2012

In what a number of Grizzlie fans have called the best Jnr A game they've seen in two or three years when the Vees came into Bear Mountain arena on Oct 12th, should provide another mouth watering contest at the South Okanagan Events Centre tonight.
An undefeated Vees team at home, will be looking to keep their 100% home record going and make up for the 3-2 OT loss they suffered in Victoria a couple of weeks ago.

This will be a huge task for the black and gold on the road and despite the strength and depth of the Vees line up, Victoria are capable of beating any team in the league on any given night.

Just to pass on:

Here is a great article from the Province newpaper recently on former Vee and current Grizzlies defenceman DJ Jones:

http://www.theprovince.com/entertainment/movie-guide/BCHL+Jones+making+history/7436069/story.html

DJ Jones # 24 jersey

Trail Smoke Eaters 4 - 2 Victoria Grizzlies @Cominco Arena, Oct 26th, 2012

Not the start the Grizzlies where looking for to kick of this 3 game road trip in what looked on paper, as the more winnable of the 3 games.
Trial, got a measure of revenge and Smokies goalie Lyndon Stanwood stood on his head to stop 39 of 41 shots to make up for Trail's defeat on the Westshore last Friday night.
Although the Grizzlies dominated large portions of the game, they simply couldn't capitalize on the number of chances.
Trail, who scored 3 goals on the PP and one short handed goal, got things going after 12 minutes of the 1st period, with former Grizzlie Braden Pears scoring Trails first.
Trail, would score two more PP goals in the second period, sandwiched by a Grizzlies reply from Myles Fitzgerald, making it 3-1 Smokies going at the end of two.
The Grizzlies would pile the pressure on Trails goal, as Lyndon Stanwood would put the blockers up despite being barraged with 18 shots.
Trail, would rub salt in wound 6 minutes into the third with a Jake Lucchini shorthanded goal.
Victoria, would score a consolation with Brett Hartskamp scoring a PP goal and his second of the season, as Trail would run out 4-2 winners.

Victoria will be ruing those missed chances and this road trip won't get any easier with a tough test in Penticton tomorrow night and another very tricky game in Merritt on Sunday.
Victoria will soon have to  compensate for the loss of Hahn, DeJong and Stilidis who will depart for Canada West camp soon, however, I believe(might be wrong) all three should be in the line up for the Grizzlies against the Vees tomorrow night.

Nolan De Jong commits to the University of Michigan

After passing up on Cornell, Nolan has chosen to commit to the very impressive school/hockey program at the University of Michigan, based in Ann Arbour, MI.
A highly sort after 17 year old, defenceman, who has not only attracted NCAA, but, from NHL teams as well. De Jong, is an excellent two way defenceman, who makes smarts decisions on the puck and is playing like a 20 yr old Junior A veteran already. De Jong is also a draft pick of the WHL's Regina Pats.
Nolan, closes down opponents well, is great positionally and is force going forward and has really improved his game on special teams this season. Nolan's play and development has been a treat to watch in his time with the Grizzlies so far

The Michigan Hockey net seems to indicate he is ready to commit to being a Wolverine for the 2013 season.

Here is a great article on Nolan from the Michigan Hockey Net: http://michiganhockey.net/

A look at the Grizzlies AP's (Reserve Roster) this season

From the BCHL website, the Grizzlies look like they have a great crop of AP's to call upon, should injuries or a change up in the roster become necessary. The 2012/13 AP's listed so far are.

Justin Polischuk (Saanich Braves) -  The 19 year oldd forward has already suited up 5 times for the Grizzlies this season and has a goal to his credit. A hardworking forward who has fitted in nicely on the 4th line and has shown his enthusiasm each game/shift he's played in so far.







Shawn McBride (Saanich Braves) -  At 17, has impressed at both Grizzlies preseason camps over the last two years and in some ways has been unlucky not to crack the roster yet. After a great rookie year with the Braves last season, Shawn has exploded out of the gate collecting 4 goals and 16 assists in 13 games, in the VIJHL this season. Look for Shawn to pick up a number of games in a Grizzlies uniform this season, as the big creative forward should have a lot to offer the Jnr A level. One for the future I'm sure.

Brody Coulter (Victoria Cougars) -  Possibly one of the best '92' year forwards playing in Jnr B this season in the province. Coulter, in three seasons with the Victoria Cougars has but up some huge numbers, including a very impressive 40 points(really) in 13 games with the Cougs this seaosn alone. Brody, wears the 'C' for the Cougars this year who look almost unstoppable this season in the VIJHL.
A player Bill Bestwick is certainly familiar with after he APed with the Clippers a couple of seasons ago.

Graham Zagrodney (Victoria Cougars) - Is a defenceman in his 2nd year with the Victoria Cougars. The 19 yr old native of Summerland BC, is certainly adding to a stacked Victoria Cougars with some impressive offensive number this season. Graham, is no stranger to Jnr A , having played in 25 games for the AJHL's Drumheller Dragons two years ago.

Nick Guiney (South Island Royals) - The 16 year native of Victoria is playing in his second year in the BCMML. A forward who plays on the topline of the Royals along with fellow Grizzlie AP, Cole Pickup is a player Royals Head Coach, Geoff Grimwood is very high on. A small forward, but, with 9 points in 8 games in Major Midget this season,
 could add to the Grizzlies forward pack if called up.

Cole Pickup (South Island Royals) - A 16 year old who almost cracked the line up out of Grizzlies camp with some impressive displays. A smart young hockey player with a nose for goal who sees the ice well, could be an impact player at the the Junior A level even at this young age.

Spencer Loverock (Pennisula Panthers) - A 17 year old defenceman entering his first full year in Jnr B. I spoke to a couple of Panther fans a few weeks ago, who commented that Loverock was arguably the best D-man on this Panthers roster this year. A good two way defenceman who likes to throw a hit, could find himself in the Grizzlies line up this season.

Riley Ostoforoff (Castlegar Rebels) - The Castlegar native, playing for his hometown team had a very solid first year in the KIJHL. Ostoforoff, impressed at Grizzlies camp as good mobile puck moving defenceman who isn't that far off from playing Jnr A hockey. An insider in the Rebels organization had said, that Riley is set for a big things, however, another year in the KIJHL should help his development and in Rebels Head Coach, Steve Junker, they have one of the best.

Alec Dillon (Westshore Wolves) - In my mind, a Grizzlies goalie of the future should the stars align. Dillion, had a great camp and is an agile, quick goalie who at 6'5" should have a big future in Junior hockey ahead of him. He has impressed in a Wolves jersey this year and has looked good in 10 games so far with a 5 win, 4 loss record with a 3.20 GAA and 2 shut outs.

DeJong and Hahn invited to the 2012 World Junior A Camp

The Victoria Grizzlies are pleased and proud to announce that

defenseman Nolan De Jong, and forward Dante Hahn have been invited to

the Selection Camp of Canada West for the upcoming World Junior 'A'

Challenge that will be played in Yarmouth, Nova Scotia, November 2 - 13.

 

The Canada West selection camp will be held in Calgary at Hockey

Canada's new headquarters from October 28 - October 31st.

Congratulations and best of luck Nolan and Dante!

 

Here is the TSN link for the WJAC: http://www.hockeycanada.ca/wjac#

 

                         

Nanaimo Clippers 2 - 3 Victoria Grizzlies @ Frank Crane Arena, Oct 20th, 2012

The Grizzlies came armed with a squad ready to match Mike Vandekamp's physical Clippers line up on Saturday night. The Black and Gold made it 4 wins in a row and Turner Lawson's first Grizzlie goal was worth the wait, as Victoria went 4 points clear at the top of the Island division and second overall in the BCHL.

I've have decided to add  Social Media's Team Leader, Tony Burrows game comments and fan experience from his post at home. It's genuine and shows how a real fans thinks when he's listening/following his team on the road.

Here are Tony's Burrows comments:

GRIZZLIES 3, NANAIMO 2 (IN REGULATION TIME NO LESS!)

Hi to all you Grizzlies fans, parents, players, Facebook likers and haters! Nothing I would have liked better than to have been in Nanaimo for another of our great Grizzlies games. But falling and breaking my hip a week ago probably was not such a good idea and my wife, not wanting to make me suffer a 3 hour car ride, tied me to the couch and...

made me listen to our broadcaster Scotty Didmon calling the game. I am going to try to make this a lighthearted, tongue in cheek report as I bet the “BIG” media boys are going to be all over this one with practically a play by play of the whole game!
But before I get ranting I want to say something very seriously. Huge congratulations are in order to the entire Grizz organization. After the dismal end to last season we had a new media director in Scott McWilliam, and a new head coach and GM in Bill Bestwick come on board. I remember at the press conferences that were held at that time that both Bill and Scotty said that it was going to take a couple of things thing to start rebuilding our fan base to where it should be—treating the Grizzlies fans with huge respect for their wishes, and having a winning team playing competitive, exciting hockey. Yes, I know that it is the Team that is most in our faces and it is adored or growled at (whichever is right at that moment!) by the fans. That is why it is so exciting – but let us never forget that Mr. Bestwick and Mr. McWilliam have come through with flying colors and made good on those commitments to us fans! When I say CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR GRIZZLIES FOR A HUGE WIN IN NANAIMO TONIGHT let us remember that our Grizzlies players need to have a huge organization behind them to be so successful, from ticket sellers and door men to billets and office and coaching staff and on an on! And what you are seeing this season is all the hard work that was done this summer behind the scene to make the team what it is now! Currently we are in first overall in the Island division with 21 points, ahead of the Mainland division where Chilliwak and Prince George are tied at 20 points each, and only 2 points behind the formidable Pentiction Vees in overall for the BCHL! So Fans,lets get loud and supportive! It's been a long time since we had this caliber of Junior hockey in this City with BOTH the Victoria Grizzlies and our Royals doing so well this season. Please pass the word along to all your friends, You can't get a better bang for your buck, and there are still lots of seats in the Bear Mountain arena to fill!

But now down to the wet and dirty business! Any of you that have listened to Scotty Didmon's radio broadcasts know that you can't walk away from the monotone play by play to go get another beer or scotch (yes, that is my favorite) and not even have to hear what he is saying until the puck gets anywhere near to a goal. (Unfortunately this can be either goal) and I suddenly heard Scotty voice go up 17.3 octaves and he was shouting “he scored!” and I shouted Yessssssss! At the top of my voice till I found out it was Kyle Cramer from Nanaimo who had scored at 3.46 of the first! Damn near spilled my scotch! By the way, after the game Scotty announced that Cramer had been awarded the Nanaimo 'pest of the game' by a local pest control sponsor. So that made me feel a little better!!!!
Just 33 seconds into period 2 as I was settling down nicely, Scotty's crechendo voice jarred my consciousness and I jumped up spilling some of my drink down my shirt. But it was worth it as Leo Fitz had scored from Myles Fitz and that De Jong kid!
At 7.53 of the second Scotty's 97 octave voice again starts screaming “Fitzgerald scores!” and the entire content of my glass goes down my shirt this time! Then Scotty gets his voice under control and explains that it was the Fitzerald quadruplet that plays for Nanaimo that had scored! Now I am getting really wet and starting alcohol withdrawal symptoms so I got my wife to unlock the chain so I could go and refill my glass.! Please remember that my glass is full now—And I like to pour decent size drinks! So at 10.11 I try to ignore Scotty's girlish goal screaming until he shouts it's Myles Fitzgerald from Schmeiss and Justin Coachman! I tossed my drink into the air so I could clap and it lands square between my legs. (remember full??) This soaks my pants from my belt to my knees. (Both sides!) Oh by the way, remember that pest of the game Kyle Kramer that I was telling you about ? At 16.29 he tried beating up on our poor Jaden Schmeisser! But I did not spill any Scotch because I had put it on the side table and Jaden did not need any help from me! And at 12.38 of the third when Scotty was screaming like a baby again about Turner Lawson scoring a great top shelfer (his first goal as a Grizzlie—Way to go Turner!) with help from Leo Fitz and Dante Hahn which was the eventual game winner, I did not spill a drop of my booze! I was too busy trying to fish out the ice cube that had gone down my inside my shirt a few seconds earlier when I lean my head too far back! I have to tell you I learned 2 things this evening listening to Scotty's tonight broadcast.
1. Never, Never underestimate a ferocious Grizzlie.
2. Don't jump up every time Scotty screams like a little girl!
Now that I am shivering like an Eskimo on steroids, would you please excuse me while I go put on some dry, warm clothes??
GO GRIZZLIES GO, AND BEST LUCK ON THE 3 GAME ROAD TRIP COMING.
Tony Burrows.

Victoria Grizzlies 4 - 3 Trail Smoke Eaters @ Bear Mountain Arena, Oct 20th, 2012

 

 

On Friday night, Trail made Victoria work for it as the Grizzlies for the duration of this game would see another team effort extend their unbeaten run to 3 games. With this win, the Grizzlies cemented there lead in the Island Division and continue to Bear Mountain Arena a difficult place for BCHL teams to come in and take points.
Although, tonight wasn't a vinatge Grizzlies performance, the boys still managed to capture the two points.

A special guest would drop the puck tonight and a nice gesture from the Grizzlies organization, as former Trail Smoke Eater and hall of famer Harry Smith did the honors tonight. Harry, was part of the senior Smokies team that won gold as the Canadian representatives at the world championships in Geneva in 1961. Harry, would follow that up with numerous appearances for Canada at the World Championship in the 50’s and 60’s.

Defenseman, Chris Albertini from Ontario would make his debut tonight.

 1^st Period – The Grizzlies would have the early pressure against the Smokies which would force Lyndon Stanwood in a number of good saves. In a penalty filled first period, neither team could make the man advantage count and against the run of play, the Grizz would get caught on a shift change as Trail led by Brent Baltus, would make in-roads into the Grizzlies zone and beat Michael Stilidias for a 1-0 Trial lead on the 15 minute mark.

The Grizzlies would make their shots on goal and pressure count, as David Muzarek would carry the puck over the blue line followed by Leo and Myles as the Trail defence found themselves a little flat footed, as Mazurek would unleash a nice shot to beat Stanwood. 1-1.

Shortly after Victoria leveled things up, Chris Albertini would certainly announce his arrival to the Grizzlies faithful and certainly to Smokies defender Braeden Jones. Albertini, hammered Trails, Knowler with a crunching hit, which had it been a second earlier could have been classed as a fair/clean hit, but, as Knowler had already released the puck, a charging call was fair enough against big Chris. Jones, would take exception to Albertini’s enthusiasm and dropped the gloves. Albertini ,would make short work of Jones as the 6’3’’ Ontario native would land 3 or 4 good haymakers to settle the issue and ignite the crowd .

The Grizzlies can feel a little aggrieved at the Smokies second goal as in the Grizzlies zone, Myles Fitzgerald(I think) was boarded and interfered with on the play, which the refs didn’t call, resulting in a Trail player bringing the puck out of the corner and that man Baltus scoring, to give Trail a 2-1 lead from the set up. 2-1 Smokies at the end of the first.

 2^nd Period – The Grizzlies equalized  two minutes into the second period on a well worked PP goal would see Nolan DeJong thread a beauty of a pass to Gerry Fitzgerald, who was completed missed by the Trail defence giving him time to coolly slot it home. Leo would also pick up an assist on the play.

Midway through the period, after Trial had really come more into the game, a Lyndon Stanwood error would see him give wrap the puck directly to Gerry Fitzgerald, who would make no mistake in thundering the puck right back into the Trial net for a 3-2 Grizzlies lead. It was a tough one for Stanwood, who had played well so far in the game.

However, one minute later on a Trial breakaway, the Smokies would breach the Grizzlies defence as Berkholtz and Adduono would set up Sandler to score to really make a game of it at 3-3.

 3^rd Period – Would lose a bit of intensity, but , it would be enough as the Grizzlies would hold firm with Zach Urban giving the Grizzlies the two points, with that cannon of a shot he possess which found the corner of the net, giving Stanwood no chance on the PP, on the two minutes from the end. 4 - 3 Grizzlies is the final.

Game Thoughts Victoria – Another team effort and again the Fitzgerald’s providing the bulk of the Grizzlies ammunition.  David Mazurek would also get in the act with a goal and a assist from a great all around effort from him tonight. The Grizzlies weren't stellar tonight,but, sometimes you need a couple of greasy wins every now and then.

Chris Albertini, after being in town for the last few weeks, did not disappoint on his debut. A good positional player, passes the puck well and we all saw the tilt tonight. Albertini certainly adds more size and toughness to this roster and with players like Albertini, Mazurek, Lawson, Coachman and Zach Urban; no one is going to push this team around this season. Take note Mr. Vandekamp!!!

DeJong, was excellent again tonight and Zach Urban continues to show what he can do at both ends of the ice. Although a little quieter tonight,  Jones, Meek and Thompson have shown the consistency to really help the cause.

The Powerplay is coming around for the Grizzlies, but, does seems a little lacklustre at time.
 

 Game thoughts Trail – There’s nothing flashy about Trail and it looks like a team who scores by committee. Bill Birks squad, should be proud of their performance who caught an inform Grizzlies team on a roll, but, the Smokies turned in a good display over three periods. With a core group of veterans like Baltus, Stanwood and McMullan along with some good young players like Shane Poulsen and Marley Keca , Trail might not be a contender for the Interior crown, but, they are no push overs.

 

Attendance – 1445       Powerplay – Victoria 2 for 3 and Trail 0 for 3

Three stars of the game –  * Gerry Fitzgerald     ** Nolan DeJong    *** Brent Baltus(well deserved)

 

 

Victoria Grizzlies v's Trail Smoke Eaters @ Bear Mountain Arena, Friday, 7:15pm, Oct 19th

With two hard fought victories last weekend, the Grizzlies have reasserted themselves as the top team on the Island. The Grizzlies, battled hard for 6 periods plus 3 OT periods in wins against the reigning RBC Cup Champions the Penticton Vees and a hard working Bulldog team. In doing so, this Grizzlies team has shown they will fight tooth and nail to get a victory. Those results have really made the rest of the league sit up and take notice.

Bill Bestwick’s brand of hockey it being translated very nicely on the ice, as a team that plays all three periods of hockey and combines skill and hard work with a high tempo approach to most games. This is a bigger, tougher Grizzlies team than we’ve seen in the past which is working to good effect.

Turner Lawson for example. Lawson is pointless so far this season, but, when he’s on the ice he hits, wins the battles against the boards and in the corners and does the little things for the team that produces wins at this level.

Overall, scoring is an issue, but, some hard work and everyone battling for each other has seen the Grizzlies take top spot for most of the first ten games.

With the Grizzlies welcoming back Chase Kaiser and Justin Coachman last weekend, it showed the depth this team has and that will be a key factor as the season progresses.

Which brings us to this weekend, where the Grizzlies who have only lost once on home ice this season, entertain the Trail Smoke Eaters. The Smokies have struggle at times this season and are on a 4 games losing streak at the moment. Head Coach, Bill Birks does have some talent on his team and this is by no means a victory in the bag for the Grizzlies. No games are at this level.

Trail, will be counting on former Oceanside General and Island boy Brent Baltus, who is the team leader with 10 points so far this season. With former Bulldog, Tyler Berkholtz and experienced defensemen in Djordje Leposavic, Marley Keca and former Grizz, Braden Pears a Victoria born player, Trail should make a decent game of it.

The Smoke Eaters have sadly been victims of players not reporting, in Max Mowat and guys looking for a trade and leaving the team, in Tanner Clarkson. Both, are good forwards who could have really made a difference for Trail this season

As we only get to see the Interior teams once at Bear Mountain this season, watching a team like the Smoke Eaters who have years of history and tradition in Canadian hockey is always a treat.

With fans coming back, the atmosphere fun and alive and with this brand of Grizzlies hockey as fast paced, hard-nosed and entertaining as it has been, we’ll see you Friday night v’s Trail.