So we all know that the Grizzlies have a thin roster and have been icing 13-16 players for most games since the trade deadline about a month ago. The players who have remained with the club have been nothing short of outstanding for this team and given a great effort for the coaches and the Victoria fans.
Many players have stepped up and have shown their worth with more ice time, more responsibility and playing in different situations.
The team has quite often played sorely undermanned including playing 3 games in a row at times and despite a couple of blow outs, have come out to play and have given 110% in nearly every game.
A sense of unfortunate irony is that this team may yet finish bottom of the Coastal Conference. Since the trade deadline, in 12 games the Grizzlies have won 1, tied 1 and lost 10.
Reasons to celebrate since the trade deadline:
The win in Coquitlam on Friday, could be classified as one of the best in Grizzlies history. Against an inform Express team with a full line up of skaters in their own barn, the Grizzlies with 13 skaters and goalie Taylor Pears stopping 58 shots on 63 Express shots, was out of the this world. A hell of an effort and praise to all the boys.
On Jan 29th in Surrey, the Grizzlies took the 2nd placed Eagles to a 4-4 tie going into overtime as well as being the third game in three nights. Nick Taylor and the boys where outstanding receiving lots of credit from there opponents and cheered on the by the 7th man, the Grizzlies fans who came out in force and where louder than the Surrey faithful!!!!!!
Tougher moments since the trade deadline:
Although the effort has never been in question, seeing the team come out and play so short handed has been frustrating not only for the players, but, for the fans at times. As this is the reality of the situation and injuries to Myron, Walchuk, Rockafellow and Smith (maybe DeJong and Mitchell Smith out for a while as well) couldn't be helped, although playing this much ice time has been factor in these injuries.
Although the Grizzlies current situation this season, is all for the greater good of having the ability to bring in a potential powerhouse team, due to all the futures owed to the team around the Jnr A leagues in trades for next season; and also the younger players picking up a lot of experience from this season for next as well.
But, this team should never have been left with such a depleted roster(despite some injuries) for what remained of this season and the sole blame for this must be placed on Owner/Head Coach Len Barrie and GM Victor Gervais. In many junior hockey clubs the latter's head, may have already been on a platter. Again this is an unofficial blog!!!
On a Positive Note:
The feeling around the league, when the BCHL announced that only 4 teams would make the playoffs from each conference this season, was that any teams out of playoff contention by Xmas would just give up on the season and lose interest. This was voiced by many owners and coaches of teams around the league in August.
However, the Grizzlies are out of a playoff spot, but, never once has there heads gone down since the trade deadline and they have put in a effort that they can be proud of for the rest of the hockey careers.
This undermanned Grizzlies team has competed on every shift and every player and stepped up to put in a 110% effort. Thanks guys it means a lot to the fans!!!!
Just to add:
There really should be a collection bowl sent around the arena at the next Grizzlies home game and it should have Taylor Pears name on it.
Facing 123 shots and stopping 108 of them is nothing short of incredible. With the Grizzlies goalies being placed in these game situations.... a little danger pay should be fair enough!!!!!
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| Taylor Pears |
