Two-thirds of the way through the B.C. Hockey League season, the Victoria Grizzlies continue to write the most surprising tale of the year.
At 22-8-0-2 there hasn’t been much about the campaign that could get under general manager and head coach Bill Bestwick’s skin.
And if report cards were handed out today — prior to the Christmas break, with 24 regular-season games remaining — there would be a steady stream of As and high-Bs handed out across the team’s roster.
“We’ve certainly shown signs of improvement from week-to-week to month-to-month in all the statistical categories. It’s been a work in progress and obviously we’re happy with where the numbers have come in,” said Bestwick of the start.
Here’s a look at the club:
OFFENCE
Scoring 3.34 goals per game, the Grizzlies are behind just four teams in lighting the lamp.
“We were struggling to score — two or three goals a game at the beginning was a big night,” said Bestwick. “We were getting lots of chances and having lots of territorial success and puck possession time.
“I think the team just wasn’t sure about itself the first couple of months. Now we’re more sure and we’re more confident and instead of just going out there to play, we’re going out there to win and that’s a big difference.”
Obviously, the Fitzgerald triplets — Myles, Gerry and Leo — have played an integral role in that, having scored 46 of the team’s 107 goals — 43 per cent.
“We forecasted they would be a point-a-game player, times three, and they’re certainly living up to that expectation and billing,” said Bestwick. “For us to continue to be successful we absolutely need secondary contributions, whether it’s from defence or another line.
“Myles Powell has stepped up his game and David Mazurek is coming into his game a bit better. But, we will absolutely need scoring from other places.”
Powell has 13 goals, tied with Leo for third on the team. But then there is a big dip down to Mazurek, Brett Hartskamp and Mark McLellan all with five. Hartskamp has been injured, playing 23 of 32 games.
“McLellan might be the most improved player on our team,” said Bestwick. “Patience, perseverance and willing to do whatever he was asked to do to stay in the lineup. You have to love kids like that.”
DEFENCE
Having allowed just 84 goals against, for a 2.63 average, the Grizzlies have held strong at the back end.
“We’ve gone through a lot on the back end with [Nolan] DeJong being gone for three weeks [World Jr. A Challenge], Mitch Meek for over a month and Blake Thompson for three to four weeks,” said Bestwick. “But that’s a tribute to the D.J. Joneses, Zach Urbans, Chris Albertinis and [to] Jaden Schmeisser, who might be our most improved defenceman.
“It shows how deep we are in that position. Its hard to keep them out of the uniform because most nights they’re responsible for the positive result and when they’re going, they’re as good as any six in the league.”
GOALTENDING
Which brings us to netminding, where Mike Stiliadis (2.59 goals-against average and .910 save percentage) and Brady Rouleau (2.61 GAA and .908) have held strong.
“We said this early, that we thought we had a No. 1 and a 1A and I don’t, literally, don’t think we have a backup,” said Bestwick. “I think we have two very good goalies that the team is very confident playing in front of. I know they would love to have more ice time, but what they’re getting they’re taking full advantage of.”
On special teams, the Grizzlies are No. 2 on the power play at 23.84 per cent, but the penalty kill could use a bit more work at 79.56, behind 11 other teams.
“The penalty kill is getting better,” said Bestwick. “It seems games are won and lost on special teams. It could get better, at least more consistent and five-on-five we’ve been very good.
“Our effort and energy has to be focused on consistency and the rest of it will take care of itself,” he said.
The Grizzlies are off until Dec. 29 when the Island Division leaders, who are also second overall in the BCHL, entertain the Nanaimo Clippers at Bear Mountain Arena.
mannicchiarico@timescolonist.com
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