Victoria, BC ~ The Victoria Grizzlies get set for their home opener and an early battle for first place in the Coastal West Division with the Alberni Valley Bulldogs tonight from the Q Centre at 7:00 PM.
The Grizzlies started the season strong with two victories over the Powell River Kings on back to back nights from the Hap Parker Arena in Powell River. Victoria first held off a late comeback from the Kings to win 6-5 last Friday night and then picked an overtime come from behind 5-4 win to cap off a perfect weekend.
Alberni Valley did much of the same as the Grizzlies, finding themselves perfect after opening weekend. First they took care of business against the Nanaimo Clippers last Friday night 4-3 in overtime. They would see a fourth period again the following night when they hosted Salmon Arm. They brought home a 3-2 win in that matchup.
Last season the Grizzlies were 3-4 against the Bulldogs and 1-2 at home against Alberni Valley. The Bulldogs fell to the Surrey Eagles in the Coastal Conference final during last year’s campaign. The Grizzlies lost out to the eventual champion Eagles in the second round in six games.
Drew Hockley was a star that shone through for the Grizzlies this past weekend as he leads all BCHL defenseman in goals and points through the first two games. Hockley recorded a goal and an assist in the season opener before picking up an assist in the second period of last Saturday’s win. He added a late game tying goal and overtime winner for good measure. Following that performance he was named BCHL second star of the week. Alberni Valley’s Brady McIsaac was awarded an honorable mention with two goals and five points over the weekend.
Tonight’s home opener is a special one for the Grizzlies who start a new era of hockey under the reign of Keycorp Sports & Entertainment, who took over the ownership of the franchise during this past summer. It is also the 30th anniversary of the club who first began under the name “Victoria Salsa” during the 1994-95 campaign.
Tonight’s game is sponsored by “Chilly Ones” which is Tyson Barrie and Mike Smith’s new beer company that claims fame to the “most crushable beer on the planet”. Chilly Ones will be $5.00 all evening long. Make sure to head down to the rink early as their is a tailgate party kicking off at 5:00 PM in partnership with the Sooke Rotary Club.
Click here for tickets.
