Grizzlies to play international game, host Red Bull Salzburg
VICTORIA, B.C. – For the first time in many years, the Victoria
Grizzlies will face an overseas opponent, playing the famed Red Bull
Salzburg (Austria) on Wednesday, January 27, 2016 (7pm) at The Q Centre.
The headline sponsor for this game is The Westin Bear Mountain Golf
Resort & Spa, Victoria. “We are thrilled to support the Grizzlies on
this unique opportunity as we continue to invest in our community and
local sport partners,” said James Fry, Director of Sales and Marketing.
Red Bull Salzburg is one of the storied hockey programs, ranging from
pro to academy offerings, in all of Europe, and the U18 team is touring
the BCHL with stops in Penticton, West Kelowna and Vernon. The Victoria game will be the final matchup of their BC tour, sanctioned by BC Hockey and Hockey Canada.
The leader of the Red Bull Salzburg program is former NHL head coach Pierre Page. “This is a unique opportunity for our franchise, from our players and coaches to our staff, to see one of the great European programs on our ice in Colwood,” said John Wilson, President of the Grizzlies. “This is an additional game for Grizzlies fans as well, and one that will provide a different feel.” The Grizzlies wish to thank Westshore Parks and Rec and the VIJHL’s Westshore Wolves (Ken Carson) and Campbell River Storm (Linda Spooner) for shifting a VIJHL game to allow this additional Grizzlies game to go
ahead.
Game tickets ($20) are available as of Tuesday, 5pm, through the
team office at The Q Centre, and as a bonus those tickets will be on for $15 ($10 child) for anyone who purchases the tickets during the team’s upcoming home games, Tuesday, Dec. 8 (Alberni Valley), Dec. 12 (vs. Wenatchee Wild, Teddy Bear Toss) and Dec. 13 (vs. West Kelowna Warriors). Season ticket and suite holders can secure their seats for this game by Sunday at 5pm.
The Wenatchee visit will mark the first USA team to play BCHL hockey here in more than 20 years. Attracting Red Bull Salzburg to Victoria also provides an opportunity for an additional event – a celebrity luncheon on gameday at Bear Mountain. Details on that event, and tickets, will be announced shortly.
The last time the Grizzlies played an oversees opponent was a Swedish club more than 10 years ago.
