Above Photo: Sophiesphotographys
Victoria, BC ~ As the summer begins and the 2025-26 BCHL campaign begins to loom large, the Victoria Grizzlies will be without a familiar face this fall in between the pipes for the first time in three years.
Oliver Auyeung-Ashton, a Coquitlam born netminder, came to the Grizzlies before the 2022-23 season after being signed out of Grizzlies Spring Camp. Little did the Grizzlies franchise and fanbase know, but the baby faced and undersized 17 year old in front of them would go on to set franchise records in; game played for a goaltender, wins and shutouts when all was said and done after the 2024-25 season.
Oli made 96 appearances for the Grizzlies while posting a record of 50-29-12 over three years. He also snagged 8 shutouts over that time to hold the franchise record. Perhaps more impressive was his 14-10-1 record in 26 post season games between the Grizzlies pipes. His career save percentage finished at .916, good enough for third all time.
With the Grizzlies biding farewell, it is only fair for Oliver to say his goodbyes as well.
Oliver Auyeung-Ashton
June 13th, 2025
Farewell Victoria
3 years ago I was fortunate enough to have the offer to play junior hockey in Victoria.
The idea of moving away from home, finishing high school online, and walking into a dressing
room full of unfamiliar faces was intimidating. I was nervous but quickly realized I had no
reason to be. Victoria, as an organization, welcomed me into the program with open arms and
made me feel at home right from the start.
During these past 3 seasons, the word “culture” was emphasized regularly. Everyday we
put our best foot forward to build an honest culture in Victoria and earn a team identity. After 3
years, I can confidently say that we have laid the foundation for years to come, and have found
our brand. Victoria is a professionally run organization that doesn’t cut corners, and will provide
all the tools you need to be successful on and off the ice. All that is asked of you as a player is
that you wear the logo with pride, and when you’re a part of a program as distinguished as the
Grizzlies’, it is easy to do so.
I loved my time here on the island and there are a lot of people to thank for that. Firstly,
I’d like to give a huge thanks to the fans. Being able to step out onto the Q Centre ice, hearing
the passionate roar of the Grizzlies’ faithful was truly a surreal experience that is going to be hard
to replicate. Secondly, I’d like to give a massive thanks to the entire staff of the organization as
well as the volunteers. From David, and the coaching staff, to John, Donny, Declan and Mike in
the equipment room, our athletic therapists Jake and Colin, Tom in the broadcast booth, Adam
and Chris at Transform, both of my incredible billet families, all the way to the “team mom”
Sheryl, thank you for always taking the load off of our shoulders, to the point where we could
just show up and play hockey. Last but not least, I’d like to thank all of the boys that I have been
so blessed and fortunate enough to meet these past 3 seasons. As much fun as it was winning the
real games and laying it all out on the line, it’s going to be the little things that I miss so dearly;
the cream soda battles, long road trips, movie nights, ocean dips, and simply just grabbing food
and sharing laughs with the fellas. Its moments like these that will come to mind when I think
back on my time on the island.
I came to Victoria as a 17 year old kid 3 years ago not knowing what to expect, and am
grateful to be leaving with memories that will last a lifetime. Thank you Victoria.
The Grizzlies franchise would like to wish Oliver all the best moving forward at Northern Michigan University, where he will continue his hockey career in the NCAA. OAA has etched his name into the Grizzlies record books where it seems it may stay for many years to come.
