Victoria Grizzlies add veteran netminder Schwebius

New Grizzlies goaltender Cole Schwebius has 48 games of WHL experience. DARREN STONE, TIMES COLONIST New Victoria Grizzlies goaltender Cole Schwebius has 48 games of WHL experience. DARREN STONE, TIMES COLONIST

about 7 hours ago By: The Times Colonist

The Victoria Grizzlies lost one veteran goaltender this week, and added another.

With 20-year-old netminder Carter Woodside returning home to Saskatchewan with a lingering injury, Grizzlies GM and head coach Craig Didmon was forced to work the phones to find a new partner for impressive rookie goalie Kyle Kelsey.

Mission accomplished.

The Grizzlies acquired the rights to veteran Western Hockey League goaltender Cole Schwebius from the Salmon Arm Silverbacks for future considerations. Schwebius spent the past two seasons with the WHL’s Kelowna Rockets but was a victim of the WHL allowing just three 20-year-olds per team and was released by the Rockets after just one game. The Kelowna native jumped over to the BCHL’s Silverbacks but didn’t dress for any games as he weighed his options.

And then the Grizzlies came calling.

“I’m excited about this opportunity with Victoria,” said Schwebius, who has played 48 WHL games split between Seattle and Kelowna, posting a 3.80 goals-against average.

“I’ve heard nothing but great things about the franchise so I hope to come in and help them make the playoffs and have a great run.”

Schwebius took park in his first practice in two weeks on Thursday so Didmon says he likely won’t start in tonight’s game against the Cowichan Valley Capitals at The Q Centre.

“Kyle’s coming off a little layoff so we’ll let him get a few more practices under his belt, I think,” said Didmon, whose club takes its 7-3 record into tonight’s contest against the 2-8 Caps.

“But Kyle brings a lot of experience and should be a big addition to our club on the ice and in the dressing room.”

Schwebius, who grew up in Kelowna but played his last two years of minor hockey at the Okanagan Hockey Academy in Penticton, says he’s up for the challenge of playing in a new league.

“Both leagues have their great players so I’ll approach the games the same as always,” he added.

“And from seeing practice today, I know this league will be fast and skilled so it’s going to be a challenge.”

Having played several seasons of major-junior hockey, an NCAA scholarship is out of the question for Schwebius, but he still has school on his mind.

“I want to play really well this year and attract some bigger U Sports schools and continue playing in Canadian university,” he said.

“But if a pro opportunity came along, I would certainly look at it. But that’s down the road, right now I want to focus on helping the Grizzlies win hockey games.”

After tonight’s game, the Grizzlies will welcome the Surrey Eagles to The Q Centre on Saturday night.

LOOSE PUCKS: The Grizzlies will again be without the services of 20-year-old defenceman Isaack Bandu and 16-year-old high-scoring winger Matthew Wood as the two serve the third and second games, respectively, of five-game suspensions for checks to the head.

bdrewry@timescolonist.com