Above photo: Grizzlies forward Landon Mackie meets former Alberni Valley defenseman Jax Wismer in action from the Q Centre in October 2023 (Photo: Kyle Robinson)
Port Alberni, BC ~ The Victoria Grizzlies get set to begin their exhibition schedule tonight at 7:00 pm from the Weyerhaeuser Arena at the Alberni Valley Multiplex.
The Grizzlies kicked off their training camp on September 1st when they held fitness testing, before hitting the ice Monday through Thursday to lay the groundwork for this 30th anniversary 2024-25 season.
“We are still trying to evaluate some guys. For some players it will be their first games in the BCHL, whether it be some veterans from other leagues or some young guys while in a tough building to play in,” said Grizzlies Head Coach Rylan Ferster when asked about the importance of these exhibition games.
Last season Victoria was 3-4 against the Bulldogs, however impressively were 2-2 from the Multiplex, which is known as one of the toughest rinks in the BCHL to play in as a visitor.
After a strong season in 2023-24 which saw the Grizzlies fall in the second round in 6 games to the eventual BCHL Champion Surrey Eagles, Victoria looks poised to put another strong showing together this season.
A strength for them will certainly be up front with; talent, experience and depth all being in excess. Notable returnees include; Jacksenn Hungle, Reegan Hiscock and Chase Pirtle while some impressive new faces include; Tom Molson, Stone Rolston and Finn Kallay.
An area where Victoria is rebuilding will be the D core. Drew Hockley will be the only returning Grizzlies defensemen with names like; Nathan King and Tim Busconi heading to the NCAA and veterans like; Tyler Waram and Devon Nagra finishing up as 20 year olds and also going to school.
“Again we are trying to see where guys are. We have some certain expectations about where we think some guys will slot in,” said Ferster on the subject of the new D core. “For whatever reason it never usually goes that way. Some will exceed expectations and some others we may have to start over. It’s an ongoing evaluation process.”
The Grizzlies play on the road again on Saturday from the Cowichan Community Centre before finishing up their exhibition schedule at home on the 14th at 6:00 pm and 15th at 1:00 pm.
You can catch all the exhibition and regular season action by following along with voice of the Grizzlies; Tom Wilke both on the Grizzlies Radio Network on MixLR and floHockey as well.
Victoria will begin the season on the road in Powell River on the 20th and 21st. Victoria’s home opener is on September 27th from the Q Centre at 7:00 pm presented by Chill Ones against these same Alberni Valley Bulldogs. Secure your seats here.
