VIJHL expansion on the Westshore and Nanaimo

Westshore (name to be announced soon)

So official announcements from the VIJHL  regarding expansion for the 2012/13 season will be finalized and confirmed in the coming weeks.
Four Westshore businessmen will be putting into play a Jnr B team, to play out of Bear Mtn Arena (not the new Westhills Arena it was rumoured to be) where the determination to forge proper working relationships with the Juan de Fuca minor hockey, other minor hockey groups around the area and also the Victoria Grizzlies, should have a very stable and successful team on there hands. The new team rumoured to be called the Westshore Wolves should have a good selection of a number of promising young players coming out of the Juan de Fuca Grizzlies ranks, which should bode well for this fledgling Westshore team.
The new Westshore team, looks like there trying for Weds night home games which shouldn't conflict to much with other Jnr B and Jnr A teams in the area.
To be sure, this team has in no way any affliction to the last Westshore team the Stingers, which folded half way through the 2010/11 season. The Stingers demise, was brought on by poor management, a lack of ice time and a player revolt.

Nanaimo Buccaneers (rumoured name)

Also hoping to ice a team for the VIJHL 2012/13 season, which will play out of the Nanaimo Ice Centre (potentially Frank Crane Arena)is a new Nanaimo jnr B team, which is being brought to life by former Kerry Park Islanders owners Phil and Brenda Levesque.
Nanaimo, which should be a good fit for the league and is a city well known as a solid hockey town. A Jnr B team should thrive in the Harbour City and at this time are looking to play their home games on Thursday nights.
The Jnr B, should excite the managment team/fans of the Nanaimo Clippers and should make a for a very promising affiliate between the two clubs for developing local players of the 16-20 yr old age group, in the Nanaimo area.
The name Buccaneers, was originally the name of a former Nanaimo Jnr B team, which played out of the old Nanaimo Civic Arena in the 1970's.
Although reported by the Times Colonist's, Mario Annicchiarico that the new Nanaimo franchise is a go the for 2012/13, however, this may not be the case due to ice time for practices and a few other loose ends that need to be addressed first.

With two new teams added to the frey for 2012/13, this expands the VIJHL from 7 to 9 teams.
I am speculating, but, the most likely realignment for the North and South Divisions for the league should look something like this:

North Division                                                              South Division

Oceanside Generals                                                      Victoria Cougars
Comox Valley Glacier Kings                                       Saanich Braves
Campbell River Storm                                                  Pennisula Panthers
Nanaimo (Buccaneers)                                                 Kerry Park Islanders
                                                                                      Westshore


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Grizzlies Fan Appreciation Night - Saturday, March 10th (Powell River Game)

 

Fan Appreciation Day starts with the Grizzlies team at McDonalds restaurant on the old Island Highway from 11am. to 12am. The entire team will be there for this hour. Bring your kids and YOUR CAMERA and come and chat with the players, get their autographs and enter the draw for a cool prize! There will also be a draw done there for the kids only for an autographed KIDS Jersey. We will be handing out to everyone a team picture that can be autographed by all the players. Come on out and tell our team how much we appreciate their great efforts to entertain us!

A REMINDER!
Grizzlies host fan appreciation night Saturday March 10th.

Special post-game presentation featuring Jerseys Off Our Backs



The Victoria Grizzlies are proud to announce that they will host Fan Appreciation Night featuring Jerseys Off Our Backs Saturday March 10th Grizzlies Vs Powell River Kings   

Fan Appreciation Night is an annual in-game event held to celebrate the passion and support of Victoria Grizzlies fans. The post-game Jerseys Off Our Backs presentation by Victoria Grizzlies players will see 20 lucky fans (including Injured players and those who don’t dress for the game) receive game-worn autographed jerseys from each players as a thank you for their support. Fans are chosen by random draw and escorted on-ice at the conclusion of the game.

Fan Appreciation Night also offers Grizzlies fans attending the game the chance to win a number of great prizes throughout the course of the game.

There will be a great deals on merchandise which are limited to this game only. All men's replica jerseys, all adult or kids t-shirts will be on sale. Don't miss out!

Grizzlies fans are the best in junior hockey and we are excited to recognize them at this special night during our 18th Anniversary Season, We have made a long commitment to giving hockey fans a great sports entertainment experience at a family friendly price. Our Fan Appreciation Night is just one more way we can say thank you for their support.

 

 

Myron catches the attention of the Canucks

Sources in and around Bear Mountain have commented on, that the Vancouver Canucks have been watching Wes Myron with great interest. And with good reason, not only did Wes have an outstanding 2011/12 season before it was cut shot with a shoulder injury, he possess nearly all the tools to make that jump to the pro ranks in the near future. Skill, speed, intelligence, his passing ability is out of this world and a nose for goal has made Myron one of the most feared forwards in the BCHL in recent seasons. Perhaps the only part of Wes's game that may need a little work is his hitting and getting a bit more physical in the corners.

Wes in Action

Myron's hard work and play, quite rightly had him selected for the World Junior A challenge in Langley, BC where he become a key component of Team Canada West' gold medal tournament victory.
As Wes is on his way to one of the best hockey NCAA programs in the U.S, Boston University next season. Catching the attention of the Vancouver Canucks will only give this talented Victoria native, some exciting options in his upcoming hockey career.

Wes, it has been a pleasure watching you play and seeing your progress over the last three seasons.


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Victoria Grizzlies 1 - 2 Nanaimo Clippers @Bear Mtn Arena, Feb 25, 2012

 

 

Game Report by Tony Burrows

 

Once again our shorthanded team gave their fans a thrilling game! These guys just never seem to give up! The hockey is fast paced and very exciting. Taylor Pears, who was named First Star for the second time in a row was truly amazing to watch. The team in front of him was very strong and all the boys played their hearts out. It was very unfortunate that they did not have a little 'puck luck' in this game as the outcome could easily have been the other way around! Special mention to Kevin Smith who was named the game's Third Star! Kevin---Thanks for sticking with the team and helping so much. You can really notice the difference in the way the team plays now you are back after your injury! And Cam Lawson! Congrats on an awesome game. You are so much fun to watch on the ice! Stefan Gonzales, your play is sure getting strong. You are a huge asset to your team. Jaden Schmeisser, Braxton Bilois, Alex Holland, Myles Powell, Mike Sandor, Nolan De Jong , CJ Lillies, I hereby declare you all First Stars of the game! Considering that every one of you is actually playing for 2 players you guys are amazing! I have got no idea how so few players can keep up that pace for an entire 60 minutes of hockey. It truly amazes me how some of you guys can switch from defense to forward and then when the goalie is down you can become an extra goaltender! You guys are getting a chance to become something that not very many other BCHL players can do and that is be a good ALL AROUND player! Necessity breeds innovation! Great game guys! The experience you guys are getting right now through the 'school of hard knocks' will be invaluable to you as your career in hockey continues!

 

3 stars of the game:

 

1* Taylor Pears (quite right too)   2* Clayton Chessa      3* Kevin Smith

 

Attendence: 882                     Shots on Goal : Grizzlies 27 and Clippers 38

Powerplays: Grizzlies 1 for 6 and Clippers 0 for 1

 

 

Victoria Grizzlies 4 - 3 Langley Rivermen @ Bear Mountain Arena, Feb 24, 2012

A deserved home win, the first in quite some time saw a confident Grizzlies team complete hard for 3 periods against a determined Langley squad in a basement tussle at the 'Bear' on Friday night. The Grizzles who were able to ice 3 forward lines and 6 defenders, which also saw Kevin Smith playing a fair amount of time as a forward, having 15 skaters(we have been icing 13 recently) sure makes a difference and with good effect tonight. The Grizzlies welcomed back Mark McLellan and Mitchell Smith back into the lineup tonight after missing last weekend's Powell River trip. No AP's where available due to the VIJHL having a full playoff schedule at this time.

1st Period: The Grizzlies and Rivermen both came out of the gates with lots of energy, with the Grizzlies forward lines looking in the mood to give Langley goaltender James Barr a tough time of it. Chase Kaiser, who has been a standout during this tough run of games for the franchise, would give the home team the lead on the 2 minute mark, from a power play goal as he would place his shot coolly passed R'men goalie James Barr; with assists from Hansen and Holland(it looked like Kevin Smith may have had the assist though).With both teams laying some good hits and not giving an inch, the crowd was certainly entertained in this high tempo first period. Hansen, Powell, Holland, Kaiser and Kevin Smith would keep the pressure on the Langley defenced while the Rivermen forwards, Puskarich and former Grizz power-forward Mike Tebbutt would keep Grizzles goalie Taylor Pears busy.

However, Langley would tie it up, after Jackson Playfair would beat Pears towards the end of the first. Langley could have taken the courtesy of Mike Tebbutt as he must be kicking himself, after a beauty of a pass from Puskarich across the face of the Grizzlies goal, was mishit by Tebbutt on an open Grizzlies net, after Pears had been left stranded from the initial pass.  A 1-1 scoreline at the end of the first.

2nd Period: Saw Langley star and playmaker, Austin Plevy give Langley a 2-1 lead after a nice pass from Sutcliffe. With both teams keeping up a torrid pace, the crowd felt goals would be on the menu tonight and the Grizzlies who were full of confidence, would level the game after a great shot from the skilled/nimble Myles Powell to make it 2-2. Kevin Smith, would also ring a powerful slap shot off of the Langley post and was unlucky not to score. In the last 10 minutes of the 2nd, neither side would back down, as Ben Grenier would score give Langley a 3-2 lead; only for the inform Coltyn Hansen to tie it up with his 18th goal of the season. 3-3 at the end of the 2nd.

However, on a sour note, Mark McLellan and Mitchell Smith would both leave the game in the first two periods with injuries.

3rd Period: Both teams would pepper each others net in the third, but it would be Cam Lawson to the rescue as he would send the Grizzlies faithful into ecstasy, scoring the game winning goal on the power play to make it a 4-3 scoreline. Lawson, who has been a real treat to watch all season, has shown he can be a real difference maker at this level and has stepped it up in key situations on multiple occasions in the 2011/12 season. 

After the goal, things would boil over and Jaden Schmeisser who is never one to back down from a challenge, would duke it out with a couple of Rivermen; which during the fisticuffs would see Cam Lawson get jumped by a Langley player as well. Taylor Pears, would keep Langley at bay in the last few minutes as the Grizzlies would earn a character victory, to jump up to sixth place, ahead of both Alberni and Langley. The Grizzlies have played a few extra games, in what is looking like a three team battle to avoid the wooden spoon in the last 8 or so games left in the season.

Afterwards Lawson commented on centering the top line between Hansen and Kaiser, “It’s been good we have some good chemistry and it’s pretty easy for me to play with them and find them busting down the wing with their great speed. Hopefully we can keep it going. Lawson also talked about how nice it was to get a win at home, “It was great we have some very loyal fans and it was nice to win one for them here at home. The guys have all been staying positive and every single guy here is committed to getting better.

Game Thought Grizzlies: What a difference a couple of extra players make, as the Grizzlies competed all night against a Langley team who came to the Westshore looking for both points.

Kasier, Hansen and Lawson again showed what an asset they have been to the team this season and what they can and will be capable of next season.

Taylor Pears did everything necessary to ensure he stopped Langley and pulled off a number of key saves.

Solid on special teams tonight.

The boys themselves haven't been disheartened despite some of the scorelines in recent weeks and showed that they won't be intimidated or back down to any opponent; even if they are undermanned.

Game Thoughts Langley: Good effort from Langley tonight as they where given everything they could handle from a hardworking Grizzlies team. Langley is a young team and should be better equipped and stronger for next season. Players like Pellah, Chickin, Puskarich and Vlanich should make the Rivermen a force in the BCHL next season. From watching Langley a few times this season, the talent has been there, but, it looks like the coaching hasn't gotten it done.

Victoria leads the season series v's Langley 4 - 2 with one game left to play at Bear mtn, two weeks from now.

3 Stars of the game:

1st * Chase Kasier    2nd *Austin Plevy   3rd * Taylor Pears

Attendence: 907 (why not)   Shots on Goal : Grizzlies 36   Langley 38  

Power plays: Grizzlies 2 for 7 and Langley 0 for 1

Chase Kaiser

Dylan Nowakowski to the NCAA University of Alaska Anchorage

Three seasons of hard work and dedication has paid off for Dylan Nowakowski as the former Grizzlies favourite, who is now applying his trade with the AJHL's Brooks Bandits; has received a scholarship from the NCAA's University of Alaska Anchorage Seawolves starting for the 2012/13 season.
Nowakowski, who has become well known in Junior A hockey circles as a hard working, skilled forward with good hands and a player who doesn't back down from a challenge.
Nowakowski, was traded from the Alberni Bulldgos to the Brooks Bandits at the Jnr A trade deadline has become a major part of the Bandits push to win the AJHL title.
As an established NCAA hockey program with a solid reputation, the Seawolves have seen former Victoria players Blair Tassone, Tommy Grant and Andrew Pickering attend their program with great success.

Well done Dylan and well deserved!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Interview with Grizzlies rookie CJ Lillies

The Grizz Roar caught up with CJ Lillies of the Victoria Grizzlies. The 6”2’ 185lbs 17 year old rookie forward recently scored his first BCHL goal. CJ has 1 goal, 3 assists and 16 PIM in 24 games with the Grizzlies this year.

GR: What’s your favorite road arena?
CJ: I like playing in Cowichan. It’s a pretty good rivalry and I like listening to all the fans.

GR: Who’s your road roommate?
CJ: Mike Sandor

GR: What’s your favorite professional team?
CJ: Vancouver Canucks

GR Who’s your favorite NHL player?
CJ: Joe Sakic

GR: Which former or current NHL player do you try and model your game after?
CJ: That would also be Joe Sakic

GR: What’s been the favorite hockey moment of your career so far?
CJ: When I was in grade seven, I went to a tournament in New Zealand, so that was pretty cool.

GR: What are your plans if pro hockey doesn’t work out?
CJ: I like to get into sports management

GR: What’s your pre-game meal?
CJ: Any type of pasta.

GR: What do you feel is the biggest strength of your game?
CJ: Probably my size.

GR: Do you have any superstitions?
CJ: Not really, I don’t really believe in superstitions

GR: What age were you when you first started skating and playing hockey?
CJ: At about six years old

GR: What’s the best piece of advice you would give a young player?
CJ: Stay dedicated and stick with it, there’s always tough times in hockey just don’t let it get to you.

GR: What’s your favorite movie?
CJ: Stepbrothers

GR: Who’s had the most influence on your career so far?
CJ: That would be my Dad.