Christmas is a time for giving, but the Victoria Grizzlies are in that mode throughout the hockey season.
The B.C. Hockey League organization is big on being a part of the community, with players and staff often attending charity events, promoting healthy lifestyles and discussing the importance of schooling, all in the name of providing assistance for others in and around Victoria.
In the last month alone the Grizzlies — whose players are 16 through 20 years old — have attended several minor hockey practices to skate with local teams, joined in Remembrance Day events in Langford, visited schools, bagged groceries at the Markets on Yates and Millstream, and raised funds at Salvation Army kettles.
The organization also held its annual teddy bear toss for C-FAX Santa’s Anonymous, collected donations for the food bank and took part in Movember, growing moustaches to raise money for prostate cancer.
Their annual Christmas skate will be held Sunday afternoon at Bear Mountain Arena following the game against Penticton.
“We’re in a position where we can effect change in our young players, to know that’s a real important part of community,” said Bill Bestwick, Grizzlies former general manager and head coach, of the extracurricular community work.
Though the Grizzlies parted ways with Bestwick this week, the organization is continuing its work in the community.
“We’re building young men here. We’re not really building NHL superstars. We’re building young men to be solid characters, good community citizens and good ambassadors to whatever it is they represent,” Bestwick said.
“We represent a big segment of the youth community and for us to be able to help in this regard is really important.”
It’s certainly not lost on the players, especially those a long way from home.
“For me, it’s vital, just for the fact that it gives me a chance to get in the community,” said defenceman Rory McGuire, of Aurora, Ont.
“We’re always at the rink and our main focus is on hockey. Just to be able to do something else during the day and feeling good about it; knowing you’re doing something else for the people is pretty rewarding.”
And McGuire, a class valedictorian at St. Andrew’s College in Ontario, realizes the importance of education and assisting the younger generation.
“I really enjoy the school visits. Those kids really look up to you and to be able to go and make a positive impact — maybe read to them for a little — it gives them someone to look up to and gives us something to work for,” McGuire said.
“When Bill [Bestwick] first talked to us about coming out here and playing, he said that’s what he was looking for, character guys, guys who wanted to be here and be part of the community.”
This month, the Grizzlies also partnered with Spectrum Community School to hold a Gala for C-FAX’s Santa’s Anonymous where team members served appetizers throughout the evening affair.
They also worked with JACK FM on its annual Bear Wear promotion at the Hotel Grand Pacific, a fundraiser for the Children’s Health Foundation of Vancouver Island. On Thursday, the players visited sick children at Victoria General Hospital.
“[Players] learn more away from the rink than people realize, and [they] help way more away from the rink than people realize. Most people see these kids on Friday night with a number on their back and a helmet on. When you get them all by themselves, they are all unique and special,” Bestwick said.
“They know how blessed and fortunate they are. When they go to a hospital or a shut-in, a childcare centre or an old-age home — they all have younger brothers and sisters and they all have grandparents and they all understand why they’re doing it.”
mannicchiarico@timescolonist.com
Victoria Grizzlies Christmas Skate
Bring your skates and a helmet for a post-game skate with the players and Santa.
When: Sunday about 5 p.m. (after 2 p.m. game ends)
Where: Bear Mountain Arena, 1767 Island Highway
Admission: Free with ticket to game
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