Mike Mellings Interview with #20 Mike Sandor

Roving Reporter Mike Mellings for the Grizz Roar, caught up with Mike Sandor of the Victoria Grizzlies. The 6”0’ 175lbs 19 year old forward from North Vancouver has 2 goals, 5 assists and 10 PIM in 25 games with the Grizzlies this year.

GR: What’s your favorite road arena?
MS: Langley has a really nice new arena with a good ice surface.

GR: Who’s your road roommate?
MS: It’s usually Cameron Lawson and CJ Lillies

GR: Who’s the biggest prankster on the team?
MS: Woodyatt and Pernerowski

GR: What’s your favorite professional team?
MS: Definitely the Canucks

GR Who’s your favorite NHL player?
MS: Ryan Kesler

GR: Which former or current NHL player do you try and model your game after?
MS: Ryan Kesler for his defense first approach.

GR: What’s been the favorite hockey moment of your career so far?
MS: Making the Grizzlies and playing in the BCHL for the first time.

GR: What are your plans if pro hockey doesn’t work out?
MS: I’ll go back to school and get into business

GR: What’s your pre-game meal?
MS: My uncle’s chicken parmesan

GR: What do you feel is the biggest strength of your game?
MS: My vision and playmaking

GR: Do you have any superstitions?
MS: I try and stay away from them so I don’t get to wrapped up with them in my head.

GR: What age were you when you first started skating and playing hockey?
MS: I started playing hockey when I was ten years old.

GR: Who has the best and worst Movember mustache on the Grizzlies?

MS: The best is Jamie Tucker and the worst is Dante Godinho.

GR: What’s the best piece of advice you would give a young player?
MS: Always remember that hard work is the most important thing, talent will only take you so far.

GR: What’s your favorite movie?
MS: Miracle

GR: Who’s your favorite musician/band?
MS: Tim McGraw

GR: Who has had the most influence on your hockey career so far?
MS: Definitely my dad

GR: As a former professional player himself, what has Coach Len Barrie taught you?
MS: I’ve learned a lot, he knows every aspect of the game and he knows how to win.

Victoria Grizzlies 0-4 Powell River Kings @ Bear Mountain Arena, December 3rd

A 4-0 loss to the Powell River Kings tonight on teddy bear toss night, was not without it's effort from the Grizzlies players. They came up against a big Powell River squad who where defensively sound and throw in the solid goaltending of last years RBC cup winner, Jamie Phillips it was always going to be a tough calling tonight for the boys in black and gold.

1st Period: Saw both teams battling back and forth with the Grizzlies trying to find a way through the stingy Powell River defence. Kings D-men Jutzi, Williams and Dalrymple are three of the better D-man you'll see in the league this season. Victoria, had a few chances in the first, but, didn't really trouble Phillips to much.The Grizzlies defence led by Stefan Gonzales would close down the likes of ex Grizz Evan Richardson, Teagan Waugh and Schuler for most of the first period. However, Powell River would make the break through on a Tanner Cochrane goal which beat Jamie Tucker on the 11 minute mark. The Grizzlies would go in at the end of the first down 1-0.

2nd Period: Was a lot of hard work and grind by both teams, with goalies Tucker and Phillips making a few nice stops to keep there respected teams in the contest. The Grizzlies had a couple of chances on the powerplay,however, couldn't capitalise. Myles Powell, has shown why the Grizzlies have snapped him up, as Powell is a player that sees the ice very well and with his speed and skill should adapt to the Junior A level nicely. The Grizzlies had to be sharp at times with two of the better offensive D-men in the league in Dalrymple and Jutzi, making themselves known at both ends of the ice in the second.
The teddy bears still wouldn't hit the ice, as neither team could find the net.

3rd Period: By now the teddy bear I brought with me, was starting to stare at me.
The Grizzlies started to get going at the start of the third and the 3 M's line of Myron, Murphy and Moran, started to give the Kings a few things to think about as they where buzzing around Jamie Phillips's net. Victoria, couldn't find a way to beat the big tender who is one of the best goalies we've seen come through Victoria this season. Phillips was solid,but, the Grizzlies didn't test him as much as they should have, as even on the powerplay they struggled to get the rubber on net.
After some sustained pressure from Victoria through the first eight minutes of the third; the tide would turn as Powell River would score on the pp via Willams and Scarth setting up Waugh to beat Tucker for that key second goal. Powell River's third, would come from a nicely worked goal by that man Evan Richardson, who would place a well worked goal passed Tucker, with assists from Beaton and Waugh to make it 3-0 Kings. Jamie Tucker, had come up with a number of good saves,but, was powerless to keep Richardson's shot out. With time ticking away and the Grizzlies pulling Tucker for an extra attacker for a 6 on 4 powerplay in the dying seconds, Kings forward Colin Adair would scoop up the puck in his own zone and score the empty netter for a 4-0 Powell River victory.

Classy Kings
Now you ask, what about the teddy bears. As the Grizzlies didn't score during the course of the game, the plan usually is to throw the bears out when the third period buzzer sounds. Things didn't go according to plan and with only the Powell River Kings players on the ice, the Kings players collected all the teddy bears thrown on the ice and put them into the buggy. This was a class act on the part of Kent Lewis and the Powell River Kings players, which received a great reception from the Grizzlies fans. Thank you to the Powell River Kings for that, simply class on your part!!!

Games Thoughts Victoria: Not a bad performance from the Grizzlies tonight who competed against a strong, physical Powell River line up. They simply couldn't solve Phillips or the Kings defence. One concern for the Grizzlies was the ineffective powerplay tonight and a lack of shots against Powell River. The Grizz battled hard,but, couldn't get the points going tonight. Nice performances from Myles Powell, Tucker and Gonzales throughout the game

Grizzlies Stand Outs:
 Jamie Tucker - Played hard tonight and did his best to keep the Grizzlies in it. Seems to be regaining some confidence and sharpness as the season goes on. Jamie faced 30 shots tonight and played well.
Stefan Gonzales -  Confident at the back and looks to be forming a good understanding with defensive partner Nolan Dejong. Fore checks well!!!

Kings Stand Outs:
Jamie Phillips - Not overly tested tonight, but, really looked the part and made the saves when needed. The big 6'3'' goalie, forms one of the best BCHL tandems with Sean Maguire and will be expected to carry the Kings deep into the playoffs.
Craig Dalrymple -  A threat at both ends of the ice tonight as the big bodied defencemen didn't give the Victoria forwards an easy time of things.
Teagan Waugh - The Nanaimo native was quick, skillful and was always looking to create going forward.

Attendance - 870     Shots On Goal - Victoria 24 and Powell Rover 30 
 Powerplay - Victoria 0 for 6 and Powell River 1 for 2

Myles Powell

Annual Victoria Grizzlies Teddy Bear Toss - Saturday Dec 3rd, 2011

The annual Victoria Grizzlies teddy bear toss is tomorrow night v's the Powell River Kings at Bear Mountain Arena, Dec 3rd at 7:15pm. This event is for a worthy cause as always, with the bears going to the children at the Queen Alexandria Hospital.
Every year this game has a great atmosphere and there are always hundreds of teddy bears donated by the Grizzlies fans. If you can and are able to, please bring a teddy bear with you to the game. The children at the Queen Alexandria Hospital are always thrilled to receive them from the Grizzlies players when they visit them to deliver the bears.
When the Grizzlies score their first goal, the bears hit the ice(you have to throw them of course).

Victoria Grizzlies 7-2 Salmon Arm Silverbacks @ Bear Mtn Arena, Dec 2nd, 2011

A convincing victory on Friday night and from a Grizzlies point of view, a vital one.
Aside from a sluggish first period the Grizzlies oozed confidence and really took it to the Silverbacks in the last two periods. Credit to Rob Doyle and Len Barrie Senior, who where behind the black and gold bench tonight. Mike Collins would make his debut tonight. Two points doesn't propel the Grizzlies up into first place,but, it does allow them to keep pace with the top 4 teams.

1st Period: The Silverbacks get the nod in the first period, as they came out of the gate flying. The Grizzlies had some issue's keep up in the first 15 minutes and would be punished when ex Langley Chief, Kody Dhaliwal netted a goal from dangermen Knowles and Muller. Salmon Arm, wouldn't allow the Grizzlies to catch there breath, when recent pick up from the Vees, Myles MacCauley would catch Rockafellow flatfooted, to make it 2-0 unassisted. Despite that 2-0 early lead, Rockafellow, would settle down a bit and make a couple of nice saves in the first to keep the Backs from doing anymore damage. Gonzales and De Jong looked good at the back when together and the Victoria defence had their hands full with Muller, Knowles and the high energy 17 year old Morgan Zulinick.
The Grizzlies first line of the three M's (trademark by Mike Mellings) ,Myron, Murphy and Moran would start to get going. In the last minute of the first Murphy would get the Grizzlies on the board after some hard work from Moran and Pernerowski

2nd Period: The team talk must have worked a treat and the Grizzlies forwards, the top two lines especially, would show the Silverbacks little mercy when they stepped it up a gear. In the first minute, Wes Myron would fire a laser of a shot passed the helpless S'backs goalie Kurt Williams to tie it up at two a piece. The top line would really take flight and had Salmon Arm chasing them for the rest of the 2nd. Moran and Pernerowski, would again become the helpers as Wes Myron who skated hard and positioned himself superbly tonight, would grab his 2nd and the Grizzlies 3rd to make it a 3-2 lead. Murphy, would add his 2nd of the night and at times was skating rings around the S'backs defence. His goal would come from a rush up ice and Murph would score from some nice work via Myron and Gonzales.
Rockafellow, would stand firm pulling off a few nice gloves saves. It would be 4-2 Grizzlies at the end of the 2nd.

3rd Period: Saw special teams seal the deal tonight as the Silverbacks started to get into some penalty trouble. On the five minute mark, the nicest of the three powerplay goals came courtesy of newcomer Myles Powell; who after a beauty of a pass from Jarryd Ten Vaanholt, would make it 5-2 after a perfectly placed shot would beat Williams. Ten Vaanholt, although not on the topline tonight was as impressive as he has been since his arrival on the Westshore and formed a nice 2nd line tonight along with Kaiser and Powell/Holland at times. Ten Vaanholt, would score a nice backhanded goal on the PP from Bilious and Robertson, putting the contest to rest at a 6-2 scoreline. To pad the lead a little in the last minute, Ursic would score his first of the season as a Grizzlie, after a slight deflection from a S'backs defender to finish the scoring at 7-2 Grizzlies. Rockafellow, would stand on his head in the 3rd with some stellar goaltending.

* Player Quotes of the Game* - Mike Mellings chatting with two of the players after the game

 Garrett Rockafellow - "My start was a little shaky, I hadn't played in a while but once I settled down I started making the saves I should make" "It's tough getting in a rhythm as a backup but Tucker has stood on his head the last few games. As long as he's playing well it means we're winning and that's all I could ask for."

Wade Murphy - "Mike Moran was good tonight, a big power forward who can get the puck to me and Wes, it was good tonight". " Wes and I played together growing up, we have really good chemistry and think the same way on the ice"


Game Thoughts Victoria: The Grizzlies got back to wining ways and with Myron, Murphy, Moran and Ten Vaanholt keeping there dominating season form going, has to give this team confidence.
Rockafellow, looked good tonight and made some tough saves. Pernerowski, has continued his good form as of late and always chip in with a few points. Lawson was gritty and his usually hard working self tonight.

Game Thoughts Salmon Arm: Looked lively and outplayed the Grizzlies in the first period. Muller, Knowles and young 17 yr old Zulinick looked like one of the better toplines we've seen at Bear Mtn this year. However, the S'backs couldn't keep up with the potent Victoria attack and where well beaten in the end. With a team that has seen so many comings and goings, Salmon Arm maybe hard pressed to  make the playoffs in the Interior this year.



Attendance: 985     Shots on Goal: Victoria 38 and Salmon Arm 26 (Inside joke for Silverbacks fans, there was no fudging of the shots on goal tally tonight)    Powerplays: Victoria 3 for 2 (nice) and Salmon Arm 0 for 2

Davis not to make his debut yet!!

New signing Mark Davis hasn't arrived in Victoria yet. following his trade from the Lindsay Muskies.
Further to this, the player he was traded for Brad Gehl, has picked up an injury and isn't in Lindsay, Ont at this time. The trade as it stands may not go through at this point!!!

*This Post was Edited on Dec 3rd*

Grizzlies acquire forward Mike Collins(Report only so far)

Reports indicate that the Grizzlies have acquired local boy Mike Collins from the MJHL's OCN Blizzard for futures.
As the Grizzlies had a 20 yr old roster spot available, Collins looks like he will finish his last year in Junior with his home town. Mike, who has mainly played his hockey in Manitoba's MJHL.
It's interesting the Grizzlies keep adding forwards at this stage. I could be wrong, but, I believe Mike is an ex-Sooke Stinger as well.

From OCN Blizzard official site.

Welcome to the Grizzlies Mike.

Here are Mike's stats. Taken for Eliteprospects.com

Mike Collins

Birthyear: 1991-10-21 Birthplace: Victoria, BC, CAN Age: 20 Nation: Canada Position: F Shoots: L Height: 191 cm / 6'3" Weight: 79 kg / 174 lbs

Use/Embed statistics

Season	Team	League	GP	G	A	TP	PIM		Postseason	GP	G	A	TP	PIM
2008-2009	Salmon Arm Silverbacks	BCHL	0	0	0	0	0	|
2009-2010	Humboldt Broncos	SJHL	0	0	0	0	0	|
	Steinbach Pistons	MJHL	40	15	13	28	38	|
2010-2011	Steinbach Pistons	MJHL	15	3	7	10	6	|
	OCN Blizzard	MJHL	45	12	24	36	14	|	Playoffs	7	2	4	6	4
2011-2012	OCN Blizzard	MJHL	30	13	15	28	38	|

Upcoming games this weekend at Bear Mountain Arena

Two Big homes games coming up for the Grizzlies this weekend and after an up and down few weeks, this could very well be a tricky,but, much needed 4 points on home ice.
The Grizzlies need to bounce back after losing back to back games v's the Conference leading Cowichan Valley Capitals. Look for 19 yr old forward Mark Davis to make his debut this weekend as he comes to the Grizz in the recent trade for Brad Gehl


Friday, Dec 2nd @ 7:15pm Victoria Grizzlies V's Salmon Arm Silverbacks

The Grizzlies play their one and only game v's the S'backs this season. The Silverbacks who are usually BCHL powerhouse, find themselves struggling this season in 6th place in the Interior Conference and only 8 wins on the season. Behind the scenes issues involving ownership, three coaches in three season and lot of player comings and goings, haven't really allowed the Apes to get going this season.
However, there is talent on this team and Grizz fans will get to see ex-Grizz, Braden Pears who was traded to the Silverbacks earlier on this season. Watch out for the S'backs topline of Knowles, Zulinick and  Devin Muller should give the Grizzlies some issues. Also added to their roster, is the son of former Cowichan, Head Coach Scott Robinson. as his son Brad wears the silver and black of Salmon Arm.
Jarryd Ten Vaanholt comes up against his old team for the first time.

Saturday, Dec 3rd @ 7:15pm Victoria Grizzlies v's Powell River Kings

Victorious Team Canada West, Head Coach, Kent Lewis brings his ever dangerous Powell River side into the Westshore for surprisingly their first visit of the season. The Coastal team to beat for the last 3 season, the Kings have played well this season thus far, but, sit five points off the pace and are in 4th place in the Coastal at this time. A little below their usual standards. Powell River's roster, doesn't quite have the scoring touch it's had in the past. They do have former Grizzlie Evan Richardson and an outstanding goaltending tandem in Sean Maguire and Jamie Phillips.
This should be a great game and the Grizzlies will be looking for a measure of revenge, as Powell River has had Victoria's number in recent seasons!!!!