What was great to see about this year’s Grizzlies trade deadline was,
is that they traded squad players for real impact players. Bill
Bestwick, addressed the need for experience and scoring as he added two
players who should make an impact as the Grizzlies go for glory.
Here is a Grizz Roar look at the trades so far:
Arrivals –
Pearce Eviston to the Grizzlies as part of the futures for Sean Robertson.
The
signing of Pearce Eviston is a big boost for the forwards ranks as he
is certainly a bona-fide top two line player. Eviston, who last wore a
Grizzlies jersey as an 18 yr old during the 2010/11 season was one of
the key players on that roster. During that season Pearce spent a great
deal of time on the top line with the likes of Morley, Dias and Joel
Lowry, so that experience should benefit the team.
After an
up and down season with the WHL’s, Portland Winterhawks last year, his
Jnr A rights where traded to Vernon from Victoria some time ago. Eviston,
was putting up some decent numbers on an underachieving Vipers team and
with things not going to plan, Pearce finds himself back on the Island
for his second stint with the Grizzlies.
While his work ethic has
been called into question on occasion, there is no doubting Eviston’s
ability which was attracting scout’s from the pro ranks at one point.
With this being Pearce’s last hoorah in the Junior ranks as a 20 year
old, this opportunity with the Grizzlies is one he should not take
likely. With numerous NHL scouts around Bear Mountain this season
checking on some of the emerging Victoria talent, (more than in recent
years) Eviston has the chance to show what he can do and maybe catch the
eye. With an NCAA scholarship out of the question due to his WHL stint,
an opportunity to make a CIS team could be on the cards depending on
Eviston’s plans.
Whatever the case, this trade has allowed the
Grizzlies to add a proven BCHL goal scorer which will be key in the next
few months.
Welcome back Pearce.
Keyler Bruce to the Grizzlies while Garret Skrbich heads to Cowichan.
Grizzlies
Social Media team member and roving reporter Mike Mellings, mentioned
about a month ago that the Grizzlies would do well to pick up Keyler
Bruce at the deadline. How right he was, as the Grizzlies bring in the
Caps, Captain for Skrbich. Bruce, is a tough customer as well
as a fierce competitor. Keyler, will add energy and a physical presence
into the line-up and teams who want to win championships, need players
like a Keyler Bruce.
In the last three years, Bruce’s offensive
production as increased nicely and he has a decent points tally of
21 points this season. Keyler, should certainly help the Grizzlies in a
scoring capacity as well.
Grizzlies fans should be quite familiar
with Keyler after his three years in the Valley, for the one’s that
aren’t, you’re in for a treat.
Going the other way is forward
Garret Skrbich, who put in a good effort, but, never really got going in
Grizzlies colours. Garrett, didn’t really have a big role with the team
at times and found himself on the third/fourth line quite often. A good
skater, who can take and throw a hit, was effective on special teams,
but, with a team like the Caps should find himself in a much bigger role
with a lot more ice time. Acquired in the Bilious/Rockafellow trade
from the Warriors at the start of the season; Skrbich amassed 10 points
in 37 games this season. Good luck in the Valley, Garrett.
